Here are some recent U.S. immigration news, an essential source to keep you up to date with changes and opportunities that may affect your life.
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IMMIGRATION NEWS IN THE UNITED STATES
Allowable Charges for Meals and Daily Subsistence Reimbursements
U.S. Department of Labor - February 13, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has updated the allowable rates for meal charges and daily subsistence reimbursements for temporary workers. Effective February 13, 2024, H-2A employers may charge up to $15.88 per day for providing three meals to workers. In addition, minimum and maximum amounts for reimbursement of travel-related living expenses were established, with the minimum being $15.88 and the maximum being $59.00 per day with documentation of actual expenses. Employers must also cover reasonable accommodation and transportation costs.
Labor Certification Process for Temporary Employment of H-2A and H-2B Foreign Workers in the United States: Annual Update of Allowable Monetary Charges for Farmworker Meals and Travel Subsistence Reimbursement, Including Accommodations
Federal Register - February 13, 2024
The Training and Employment Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor announced annual updates to the allowable monetary charges that employers of H-2A workers may charge for meals and the maximum travel subsistence reimbursement for workers with receipts under the H-2A and H-2B programs. Effective February 13, 2024, the maximum meal charge is $15.88 per day, and the maximum travel subsistence reimbursement with receipts is equal to the standard CONUS daily rate of $59.00. In addition, employers were reminded of their obligations regarding overnight lodging costs as part of the required subsistence.
Motion to impeach Homeland Security Secretary moves forward
Telemundo News - February 13, 2024
Alejandro Mayorkas, the Cuban-born Secretary of Homeland Security, will face impeachment after a narrow 214-213 vote. His critics accuse him of mismanagement of the immigration issue, leading to this unprecedented action in recent history.
Republicans approve impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas in line
Telemundo News - February 13, 2024
In a historic turn of events, the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, was approved by a razor-thin margin by the Republican caucus. This is the first time in 148 years that a cabinet member has been impeached, reflecting acute political tensions over immigration management.
Statement by President Joe Biden on the House GOP's Unfounded Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas
The White House - February 13, 2024
President Joe Biden condemns the impeachment attempt against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by House Republicans as unconstitutional partisanship. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant and public servant for more than two decades, has been baselessly indicted for border mismanagement. Biden highlights the previous failure of impeachment on a bipartisan vote and criticizes Republicans for rejecting bipartisan plans to strengthen border security, urging Congress to pass additional resources and the Senate homeland security supplemental.
Denver is the city with the highest density of migrants. "A big problem."
Telemundo News - February 13, 2024
Denver faces significant challenges due to the high density of migrants in the city, which has led to a saturation of social services and the need to redistribute the municipal budget. This situation has raised concerns about the housing and welfare of migrant families.
More than 40 mayors call for automatic extension of immigrant work permits
Univision News - February 13, 2024
Mayors of different U.S. cities are requesting the automatic extension of immigrant work permits from 180 to 540 days. This measure seeks to alleviate job uncertainty for those with immigration proceedings in progress. The proposed extension would facilitate the stability and economic contribution of immigrants in their communities.
Georgia Governor Announces He Will Send More Soldiers to the Border to Help Texas Curb Irregular Immigration
El Diario NY - February 14, 2024
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the dispatch of 15 to 20 National Guard troops to Texas to build an advanced command post and provide support on the southern border. This move follows criticism of the Biden administration for border problems. Democrats call the action an electioneering strategy. Montana and other Republican-led states are also coordinating efforts to support Texas in dealing with irregular migration.
CBP Publishes January 2024 Monthly Update
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - February 13, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports a 50% decrease in immigration encounters at the Southwest border in January 2024 compared to December 2023. Troy A. Miller, officer in charge, attributes the reduction to seasonal trends and enforcement efforts. He highlights the increase in fentanyl and cocaine seizures. CBP continues to collaborate with ICE and USCIS to process and remove individuals without legal basis in the U.S., and emphasizes continued commitment to border security and combating drug and human trafficking.
ICE Faces Border Security Budget Shortfall
El Tiempo Latino - February 14, 2024
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faces a budget shortfall of more than $$500 million, affecting border security. The failure of a bipartisan agreement in the Senate on border security has left ICE and other agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) underfunded. The lack of budget could increase the flow of immigrants at the southern border and affect cities that receive immigrants, exacerbating the immigration situation in the country.
Father and Daughter Died after Found Floating in the Rio Grande River
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - February 13, 2024
A Colombian father and daughter die in an attempt to cross the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas. They were discovered floating by the U.S. Border Patrol on October 24, 2023. Despite resuscitation efforts, both died. This incident highlights the dangers of irregular crossing and is under investigation by CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility and the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office. The DHS Office of Inspector General has been notified, underscoring the ongoing issue of dangerous migration and law enforcement efforts to prevent tragedies.
11 migrants rescued at risk of hypothermia due to cold and freezing water in the Bravo River
Univision News - February 13, 2024
In Coahuila, Mexico, 11 migrants from Guatemala and Honduras were rescued in danger of hypothermia due to the low temperatures and freezing water of the Bravo River. Rescuers provided thermal blankets and medical attention, transferring them to a shelter for their recovery and safety.
HSI Phoenix Sends Human Smuggling Driver to Jail
ICE - February 13, 2024
Money Devon Washington, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for human trafficking. Investigated by HSI, Washington pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport non-citizens. He was stopped at a border checkpoint in Ajo, carrying five undocumented passengers. Analysis of his phone revealed detailed evidence of the smuggling scheme.
ERO Boston Arrests Brazilian Illegally Present on Multiple Assault Charges
ICE - February 13, 2024
ERO Boston arrested a Brazilian national, unlawfully present in the U.S., on six counts of assault and battery with a weapon in Massachusetts and a similar charge in Connecticut. The 22-year-old individual illegally entered the U.S. in 2019 and was arrested in 2021. ERO Boston arrested him in Clinton, remaining in custody pending removal proceedings.
HSI San Diego Sends Guatemalan Cocaine Trafficking Leader to Prison for Nearly 22 Years
ICE - February 13, 2024
Josue Adan Lemus-Lara, Guatemalan leader of a drug trafficking organization, was sentenced to 260 months in prison. Investigated by HSI with multi-agency support, he was captured in a wiretap operation. Lemus-Lara ran operations in South America, transporting tons of cocaine to Guatemala and then to the U.S. He was extradited from Colombia in 2020.
ICE Detainee Apprehended, Remanded to Detention
ICE - February 13, 2024
Irgüin Joel Padilla Castro, a 26-year-old Honduran national, escaped from the Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana and was recaptured the same day. Local and federal authorities, including the Louisiana State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service, assisted in his capture. Padilla Castro faces misdemeanor charges and is pending removal proceedings by ICE.
Honduran Man Escaped from Immigration Jail in Louisiana Captured
La Opinión - February 13, 2024
Irguin Joel Padilla Castro, a 26-year-old Honduran immigrant, escaped from the Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana and was recaptured the same day. The Grant Parish Sheriff's Office and other authorities assisted in the search and capture. Padilla Castro, who has a pending charge in Arkansas, is in deportation proceedings.
Immigrant Children and Women Sexually Exploited by National Guard Agents, Lawsuit Says
El Tiempo Latino - February 14, 2024
A federal lawsuit revealed that members of the New York National Guard and aid workers are accused of sexually exploiting immigrant children and women. The incidents include violent assaults on immigrants and mistreatment at the Quality Inn shelter in Cheektowaga, New York. An immigrant woman and her child were taken to a rural property where an agent demanded sexual favors. The lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages and a jury trial.
Man Killed During Shooting at New York's Mount Eden Station Was of Mexican Origin
La Opinión - February 13, 2024
A 34-year-old Mexican man from Puebla was killed in a shooting at Mount Eden Station in New York City. Six people were injured and taken to St. Barnabas Hospital. Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena confirmed his origin and announced consular support for the family. The NYPD is investigating the incident, which is related to a fight between groups.
The photos of the suspects in the killing of a Mexican immigrant in New York | Telemundo News
Telemundo News - February 13, 2024
A 35-year-old Mexican immigrant was killed in a subway station in the Bronx, New York, in the midst of a shooting. Police indicate that the victim was not involved in the dispute that led to the tragic event. Authorities have released photos of the suspects for identification.
Aragua Train Could Be in New York, FBI Alerts: Warns of Possible Alliance with MS-13
Univision News - February 13, 2024
The FBI warns of the possible presence of the Venezuelan criminal group 'Tren de Aragua' in New York, suspecting its involvement in cell phone robberies and possible alliance with MS-13. This group is reportedly recruiting immigrants in shelters, expanding its criminal network in the city.
Member of Cuban Transnational Criminal Group Sentenced for Migrant Smuggling and Robbery
El Nuevo Herald - February 13, 2024
Javier Hernandez, of Miami Beach, was sentenced to 95 months in prison for his role in the Cuban Mafia in Quintana Roo, a transnational organized crime group active since 2009 in Cuba, Mexico, Spain and South Florida. Hernandez was convicted of conspiracy to promote illegal immigration, transporting stolen boats and bribing officials. The organization extorted money from Cuban migrants in Mexico and used stolen boats for its illegal activities.
Arizona Wants to Implement Law to Make Irregular Immigration a State Crime
El Tiempo Latino - February 13, 2024
Arizona Republicans, led by Janae Shamp and Joseph Chaplik, introduced the Arizona Trespass Act or SB 1231. This bill would classify the crossing of undocumented immigrants outside of legal ports of entry as a state crime. Similar to Texas SB4, it seeks to empower Arizona state authorities to enforce federal immigration law. The law would allow local judges to rule on immigration cases and provide civil immunity to local agents.
CBP Clarifies Why Exorbitant 64 Million Alleged Asylum Seekers Are Being Discussed
Univision - February 13, 2024
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified that the more than 64 million asylum claims recorded in the CBP One application do not represent unique individuals. Many applications were filed repeatedly by the same individuals until they were selected. The application, activated in January of last year, allows for scheduling appointments for legal programs such as asylum. CBP stated that CBP One enhances border security by providing an orderly process and eliminating the intermediation of smugglers.
Third U.S.-Mexico international border crossing to be built in Tijuana
Voice of America - February 13, 2024
In Tijuana, a third international gateway is being built on the border with California, U.S.A. This new structure is in addition to the existing one, the busiest in the hemisphere, and aims to facilitate the flow of people and goods between the two countries, reinforcing the border infrastructure.
Hondurans Criticize U.S. Consulate Services. Many Travel from Other States to L.A. for a Passport
Los Angeles Times en Espanol - February 14, 2024
Hondurans in the U.S. face difficulties obtaining passports at consulates, leading them to travel long distances to Los Angeles to complete paperwork. With appointments delayed in other cities, the consulate in L.A. has become a key point for processing documents. The closure of consular offices and inefficient appointments have impacted the community, which travels from states such as Texas, Colorado and Arizona. The situation reflects the need to improve consular services and expand capacity to meet the growing Honduran demand in the US.
OTHER NEWS
Professional migrants who today are street vendors in Mexico
Telemundo News - February 13, 2024
Professional migrants, such as Venezuelan lawyer Tamy Jurado, are forced to sell products on the streets of Mexico. This phenomenon reflects the difficult reality of many skilled migrants who, on their way to the U.S., must resort to informal commerce to make ends meet.
Images of giant clandestine drug laboratory discovered in Mexico
Univision News - February 13, 2024
The Mexican Army uncovered a massive methamphetamine laboratory in Sonora, Mexico, valued at $700 million. This discovery represents a significant blow against drug trafficking operations in the region, highlighting the ongoing fight against illegal drug production.
The Andes and the countries in South America have special characteristics to celebrate carnival.
Voice of America - February 13, 2024
Carnival in the Andes and other South American countries is celebrated with unique characteristics, including rites, traditions and folkloric dances. Cultural differences between regions, even within the same nation, enrich the celebration, showing the diversity and colorfulness of the Andean carnival.
Massive trials begin in El Salvador
Voice of America - February 13, 2024
El Salvador has begun to conduct mass trials, primarily against hundreds of alleged gang members. This massive focus on the judicial system represents a significant effort by the country in its fight against gangs and criminality, seeking to strengthen security and the rule of law.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
I have used an artificial intelligence tool, programmed with specific instructions, to summarize each article or video. These summaries provide a quick overview of the most important topics.
Although these summaries are intended to be accurate, it is essential to read the articles or watch the full videos for a complete understanding. I share this information to help you stay informed, but the final interpretation of each article or video is up to you.
As the distributor of this information, I assume no responsibility for the details or interpretations of the summaries. My goal is to provide you with quick and efficient access to the most important immigration news, helping you stay informed and connected to your community.
IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION
News and information found on the Internet is of a general nature and should not be construed as specific legal advice for any individual, case or situation.
Anyone who has questions about U.S. immigration law, including whether or not a particular immigration law applies to his or her situation, should immediately seek advice from a licensed and experienced U.S. immigration attorney to determine his or her immigration legal options.
Avoid being victim of immigration fraud and never consult with notaries, immigration consultants, paper-fillers, multi-services and others. unlicensed persons to obtain immigration legal advice.
Nelson A. Castillo is an immigration attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience and author of La Tarjeta Verde: Cómo Obtener la Residencia Permanente en los Estados Unidos (Green Card: How to Obtain Permanent Residence in the United States). He is a former President of the Hispanic National Bar Association and the Westlake South Neighborhood Council of Los Angeles.
For information on how to schedule an immigration consultation with Dr. Castillo, click here. click here.
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