Keeping Families Together
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new process to promote family unity in the immigration system. Starting August 19, 2024, certain non-citizen spouses of US citizens who have been in the US for 10+ years without admission or parole can request parole in place. If paroled, they can apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the US. Approximately 500,000 non-citizen spouses and 50,000 non-citizen children may be eligible for this process.
Cap Count for H-2B Nonimmigrants
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through USCIS, has issued a temporary final rule allowing an additional 64,716 H-2B non-agricultural worker visas for FY 2024, supplementing the standard cap of 66,000 visas. The H-2B program enables U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary non-agricultural jobs. The visa cap is split between the first and second halves of the fiscal year, with specific exemptions for certain workers. USCIS is accepting petitions for FY 2025 H-2B visas, with ongoing updates on the cap count.
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Houston immigrants’ rights org over political speech
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the Houston immigrant rights organization FIEL, alleging it violated federal rules on nonprofits’ political involvement by criticizing political figures and legislation. The lawsuit seeks to dissolve FIEL, which provides education, social, and legal services to immigrant families. This is the first lawsuit from Paxton’s office targeting political speech rather than human smuggling. FIEL’s lawyers argue the lawsuit is retaliatory and unconstitutional, as FIEL is involved in federal lawsuits against Texas election laws. Paxton’s office has previously targeted other migrant aid groups with similar legal actions.
Another Indiana City Repeals Sanctuary City Ordinance Following Legal Threat from Indiana Attorney General
The Gary Common Council unanimously repealed its “welcoming city” ordinance on August 5, 2024, after Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita threatened legal action. This ordinance, initially passed in 2017, limited local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement but faced challenges under state law. Rokita's recent efforts, bolstered by Senate Bill 181, have led several Indiana cities to repeal similar ordinances to avoid lawsuits. State Senator Rodney Pol criticized the legislation, arguing that it unfairly targets cities like Gary.
July saw the lowest border crossings in four years, highlighting persistent difficulties
Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border dropped in July to the lowest level in nearly four years, with 56,408 crossings reported, marking a 32% decline from June and the fifth consecutive monthly decrease. This trend follows the Biden administration's asylum restrictions and increased enforcement by the Mexican government. The administration credits its policies for the decline, while critics argue that the administration is manipulating border crossing numbers through expanded parole programs. The issue remains central to the ongoing presidential election debate.
The US wants to use facial recognition to identify migrant children as they age
The US Department of Homeland Security is exploring the use of facial recognition technology to track migrant children's identities as they age, potentially from infancy. This initiative aims to improve facial recognition algorithms for children, addressing challenges like changing bone structure. The project raises concerns about privacy, consent, and potential surveillance implications, especially given the vulnerable population involved. Critics worry about the lack of transparency and oversight in biometric data collection policies. The technology's development in border contexts could have broader implications for its use in other areas.
Op-Ed: Do Politicians Realize How Difficult and Rare Immigrating to the U.S. Legally Actually Is?
In an opinion piece, Miriam Jordan argues the US legal immigration system is complex and difficult to navigate, with long wait times and limited options. Only a tiny fraction of people who want to immigrate are able to do so, with favors given to those with family ties. Employment visas are limited and often require specialized education. Expanding legal pathways and improving processing times could benefit the economy and address labor needs.
U.S. to speed up asylum processing at northern border to deter migrant crossings
The Biden administration is planning to speed up asylum processing at the US-Canada border in response to an unprecedented increase in migrant crossings. Two changes will be implemented: migrants will be required to have their documents ready for screenings, and the time to consult with lawyers before screenings will be reduced from 24 hours to 4 hours. The changes aim to quickly process and deport migrants who request asylum along the northern border, where apprehensions have spiked to a record 16,500 so far in fiscal year 2024. The new policies are set to take effect on August 14, according to internal Department of Homeland Security documents.
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