Current Immigration Bills to Track in U.S. Congress
Several key immigration-related bills are currently being discussed in Congress, with potential implications for the practice of immigration law. Below is a summary of the most relevant bills:
Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (H.R.8061/S.4514): This bipartisan bill aims to address funding shortfalls for victim assistance programs by redirecting surplus funds from the False Claims Act into the Crime Victims Fund.
Destination Reception Assistance Act: Introduced by Senator Markey, this bill would expand the federal government's role in receiving asylum seekers and new arrivals, establishing a national board and authorizing grant programs for medium-term services.
Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act Amendment: This amendment, included in the Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), would provide a path to lawful permanent residency for Afghan humanitarian parolees and make changes to Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) eligibility.
Rohingya Genocide, Accountability, and Protection (GAP) Act (H.R.8936): This bill would provide protection, support, and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons.
Additionally, the following bills are worth monitoring:
UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024: Restores funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Uyghur Policy Act of 2023 (H.R. 2766): Addresses human rights issues concerning Uyghurs and other minority groups in China.
Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act (H.R.4840): Requires publicly traded companies to disclose ties to Uyghur forced labor.
Report Highlights Tech Challenges and Safety Risks in U.S. Immigration Policies
In the ongoing U.S. presidential race, immigration has once again taken center stage, with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump pledging to tighten border security. However, a new report reveals that decades of restrictive U.S. migration policies have failed to curb the flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. Instead, these policies have forced migrants to take more dangerous routes, leading to a significant increase in border deaths, particularly in Arizona's deserts. Efforts to streamline the asylum process with mobile apps like CBP One have been hampered by technical issues, leaving many asylum-seekers stranded and vulnerable on the Mexican side of the border. The report underscores that these policies have had deadly consequences, with migrant deaths at the border continuing to rise.
Catholic Church sues US government over visa process changes that could force priests to leave
The Catholic Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, has sued the US government over a change in green card processing that may force thousands of foreign-born priests to leave the country. The issue affects clergy who hold R-1 temporary visas, which allow them to work in the US for five years, and are seeking permanent residency through the EB-4 category. A recent change by the State Department has added neglected or abused minors from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador to the general EB-4 queue, creating a backlog of over 3.5 years that could increase to 10-15 years. The lawsuit seeks to address this backlog and advocates for simpler administrative changes, such as allowing applicants to change ministry jobs without losing their place in the green card line or reducing the required time spent outside the US after their visa expires.
US seeks to have lawsuit over agents accused of ‘whipping’ Haitian migrants dismissed
A lawsuit filed by 16 Haitians against the US federal government claims they were mistreated by Border Patrol agents on horseback in 2021 while seeking asylum in Del Rio, Texas. The lawsuit alleges agents used reins as whips and subjected the migrants to inhumane conditions under an international bridge. The federal government has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the claims are moot since Title 42, the policy that prevented asylum-seekers from entering the country, was lifted in May 2023. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for Thursday in US District Court in Washington, D.C.
Anti-Immigrant Activists Push Bill Requiring Proof of U.S. Citizenship to Vote
A coalition of anti-immigrant activists, in partnership with the American Legislative Exchange Council (Alec), has drafted a model bill requiring US citizenship proof to vote in all public elections. Non-US citizens are already barred from voting in federal elections, and evidence suggests they rarely attempt to do so. Critics argue the bill would create unnecessary barriers, disenfranchise eligible voters, and stoke doubts about the US electoral process.
California Bill Would Allow Undocumented College Students to Work on Campus
California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring public universities to hire undocumented students without work permits, sending the proposal to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration. The legislation aims to support students who are ineligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and struggle financially. If signed, universities would need to begin hiring these students by January 2025, potentially testing federal law. Newsom has until the end of September to act on the bill.
Kamala Harris's Immigration Pivot: Why Progressives Are Holding Fire
Vice President Kamala Harris is shifting her stance on immigration to the right, embracing a bipartisan border security bill and tougher talk on border control. Despite this, progressive activists and advocates are holding back their criticism, prioritizing electoral victory over policy disagreements. They recognize the need to defeat Trump and secure Democratic majorities before pushing for reforms. This calculated truce reflects the party's unity and pragmatism ahead of the 2024 election.
California Lawmakers Pass Bill to Extend Home Mortgage Aid to Undocumented Immigrants
The California Assembly has approved a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loans program, which offers no-interest loans of up to $150,000 for down payments and fees. The bill, which now goes to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, aims to help all eligible first-time home buyers, including immigrants "in good standing." Republicans opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly take away loans from U.S. citizens and encourage illegal immigration.
Austin City Council Takes Stance on Texas Senate Bill 4
The Austin City Council has approved a resolution regarding Texas Senate Bill 4, a law that enables law enforcement to arrest individuals suspected of entering Texas illegally. The resolution instructs the city manager to deprioritize enforcement and provide additional resources for immigrants. The law is currently facing a federal court challenge and is not being enforced.
Oklahoma Task Force Recommends Driving Privilege Cards for Undocumented Immigrants
An Oklahoma task force has recommended that undocumented immigrants be allowed to obtain "driving privilege cards." The proposal, which awaits review by lawmakers and the governor, is one of five recommendations approved by the State Work Permit and Visa Task Force. Notably, the task force also suggests establishing an agency or office focused on immigration issues. This development comes as House Bill 4156, which aims to allow local law enforcement to check immigration status, remains tied up in federal court. House Bill 4156 is currently stayed pending appeal before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. The Oklahoma AG has filed an appeal against the federal judge's halt of the controversial immigration bill. The proposed driving privilege cards would be similar to those already implemented in 18 other states, including Utah.
Aurora Seeks Court Order to Shut Down Apartments Amid Alleged Gang Activity
The city of Aurora is seeking an emergency court order to shut down apartment buildings allegedly overrun by Venezuelan gang members. Mayor Mike Coffman stated that the city will request a "criminal nuisance" declaration to regain control of the properties. However, interim Police Chief Heather Morris countered claims of widespread gang activity, and city officials emphasized that any action will address building code violations and public safety concerns, not solely gang activity. The city's move may displace hundreds of renters, including Venezuelan migrants.
New Hospital Requirements in Florida and Texas Raise Concerns for Immigrant Care and State Economies
Florida and Texas have introduced requirements for hospitals to request patient immigration status, aiming to assess care costs for undocumented immigrants. While hospitals must inform patients that their response won't affect care, these actions may increase fears among immigrant families, potentially impacting their health and daily lives. The requirements may also have economic implications, affecting worker productivity and industries reliant on immigrant labor.
The Legal Challenges of Mass Deportation Under Trump
Former President Trump's plan for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants faces significant legal hurdles. Experts argue that removing over 11 million people would require immense resources and likely violate constitutional protections. Past deportation efforts, such as under the Eisenhower and Obama administrations, have faced backlash and negative economic consequences. A second Trump administration would likely encounter a flurry of lawsuits challenging its use of executive authority and attempts to coerce state and local cooperation in enforcement.