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
DHS releases 2023 Equity Action Plan update, outlining new commitments
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - February 14, 2024
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched the 2023 update to its Equity Action Planwhich reinforces the department's commitment to equity in its policies, programs and operations. The plan focuses on nine key areas, including improving accessibility and eligibility for post-disaster support, reducing barriers to citizenship and naturalization, and equitable use of AI technology. Other areas include countering domestic violent extremism, improving language access for limited-English proficient individuals, and equitable screening activities at airports and ports of entry. DHS also seeks to advance equity for the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations, for individuals seeking humanitarian protection during immigration processing, and through Community Disaster Resiliency Zones.
ICE considers mass releases of immigrants to reduce costs
La Opinión - February 14, 2024
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering the mass release of detained immigrants to mitigate its $700 million budget shortfall. The failure of a border bill in the Senate, which would have provided $6 billion in additional funding, has led to this move. It contemplates reducing detention capacity from 38,000 to 22,000 beds, highlighting the financial and logistical difficulties ICE faces in managing the immigration crisis.
ICE plans to release undocumented immigrants due to budget constraints
Univision - February 14, 2024
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to release thousands of detained undocumented immigrants in response to a lack of resources and failed immigration negotiations in the Senate. This move is due to ICE's inability to handle the growing number of immigrants referred to immigration court, evidencing the current challenges in managing the immigration crisis and the budget constraints facing the agency.
ICE considers releasing 16,000 detained migrants due to lack of funds
Noticiero Telemundo - February 14, 2024
ICE considers releasing 16,000 detained migrants due to a budget shortfall. This decision comes after Republicans rejected legislation that would have provided additional funding to address the border crisis. This development highlights the political tensions and budgetary challenges facing the government in managing immigration.
The GEO Group reports fourth quarter and full year 2023 results
Business Wire - February 14, 2024
The GEO Group, Inc. a leading provider of support services for secure facilities, processing centers and halfway houses, reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2023. It recorded total revenue of 1TP4Q2.41 billion and full-year net income of 1TP4Q113.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $507.2 million. During 2023, they reduced their total net debt by approximately $197.0 million to $1.78 billion. For the fourth quarter, they reported net income of $31.8 million and total revenues of $608.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $129.0 million. The company also issued its initial financial guidance for 2024, expecting net income in the range of $110 million to $125 million and adjusted EBITDA between $485 million and $515 million.
Biden rejects impeachment of his Homeland Security Secretary
Voice of America - February 14, 2024
For the first time in almost 150 years, the U.S. House of Representatives brings a cabinet member, specifically the Secretary of Homeland Security, to impeachment. This historic event is rejected by President Biden and has been analyzed by Voice of America journalist Paula Diaz, highlighting an unprecedented moment in U.S. politics.
Abbott's anti-immigrant rhetoric may incite violence
Telemundo News - February 14, 2024
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) warns of the dangers of Governor Greg Abbott's anti-immigrant rhetoric. Telemundo News reports on concerns that these words incite violence against the Hispanic community, highlighting growing tension and the risk of extremist acts.
Migrants sue New York National Guardsmen. They accuse them of sexual abuse of adults and children.
Noticiero Telemundo - February 14, 2024
Migrants have filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court against New York National Guardsmen and private staff at a migrant shelter, accusing them of sexual abuse. The lawsuit, highlighted by Noticias Telemundo, reflects the seriousness of human rights violations and the vulnerability of migrants in the United States.
Juan G. Bernal appointed Patrol Chief in Maine
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - February 14, 2024
Juan G. Bernal has been selected as the new Chief Patrol Agent (CPA) for the U.S. Border Patrol's Houlton Sector, assuming the position on February 12, 2024. Previously, Bernal served as acting CPA in the Del Rio Sector, overseeing more than 2,000 agents and support personnel along 242 miles of the U.S./Mexico border. With a 26-year career with the Border Patrol, he has held several leadership positions and has experience on both the northern and southern borders, as well as serving as a CBP attaché in the Dominican Republic.
CBP Officers Seize More Than $$5.3 Million in Narcotics at Colombia-Solidaridad Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - February 14, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Colombia-Solidaridad Bridge, Laredo, Texas, seized narcotics valued at more than $5.3 million. The first seizure was 2,327.77 pounds of marijuana, valued at $5,207,501, found in a trailer. The second seizure, that same night, included 22.82 pounds of cocaine, valued at $112,548, in a Volvo tractor-trailer. These seizures underscore CBP officers' commitment to intercepting illicit narcotics and disrupting cross-border smuggling attempts.
Mexican citizen sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping after HSI Laredo investigation
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - February 13, 2024
Edgardo Hernandez-Zamora, a 27-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping several men for ransom following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Border Patrol and the Webb County Precinct 2 Office. Hernandez-Zamora and his accomplices, Adrian Ramirez and Adrian Ramirez-Vasquez, operated a safe house in Laredo, Texas, where they held the men and contacted their families to demand ransom payments. The sentencing highlights the dangers of human trafficking and HSI's determination to bring criminals to justice.
Mexican sentenced to life imprisonment for migrant kidnapping in Texas
La Opinión - February 13, 2024
Edgardo Hernández Zamora, a 27-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping migrants in Texas and demanding ransom. On February 13, 2023, authorities discovered the kidnapping during a raid in Laredo, Texas. The accomplices, Adrian Ramirez and Adrian Ramirez-Vasquez, also from Mexico, were sentenced to 48 and 60 months in prison respectively. These events underscore the serious risks associated with human trafficking and the commitment of U.S. authorities to combat these criminal activities.
Aragua Train Expands in New York and May Ally with MS-13
La Opinión - February 14, 2024
The FBI is warning of the expansion of Venezuelan criminal gang 'El Tren de Aragua' in New York, recruiting migrants and possibly forming alliances with the MS-13 gang. Originating in Venezuela's Tocorón prison, this organization is taking advantage of the border crisis to grow in the U.S. It is feared that this expansion will lead to territorial conflicts and an increase in criminal violence, including robberies and human trafficking.
Migrant arrested for attacking police officers in New York City and robbing Macy's
La Opinión - February 14, 2024
Darwin Andres Gomez Izquiel, a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant, was arrested again after being released for a previous attack on police officers in Times Square. This time, he was arrested for stealing clothing valued at $608 from a Macy's store in Queens, New York. Gomez Izquiel and three other suspects, still at large, committed the robbery and assaulted a security employee, evidencing a recurring pattern of criminal behavior.
A Hispanic woman's plight after her husband's murder on the New York subway
Univision News - February 14, 2024
Samantha Arellano, originally from Puebla, Mexico, is dealing with the tragic loss of her husband Obed Beltran, killed in a gang shooting in the New York City subway. The story, covered by Univision Noticias, reflects the devastating consequences of violence on the lives of immigrants seeking a better future for their families.
Denver schools, hospitals, shelters "no room" for migrants
Telemundo News - February 14, 2024
Denver faces a crisis in the care of migrants, with schools, hospitals and shelters at the limit of their capacity. Telemundo News highlights the unsustainability of the situation, evidenced by the lack of space and resources, which poses serious challenges for the city and its authorities.
Immigrants enter the informal trade in Chicago
Voice of America - February 14, 2024
The number of street vendors in Chicago has increased significantly due to the continuous arrival of immigrants seeking asylum. Enrique García Fuentes, reporter for Voice of America, tells us how these immigrants are taking advantage of the day of love and friendship to make a living in the informal trade, adapting to the new circumstances in the city.
Memorandum on Deferred Forced Departure for Certain Palestinians
The White House - February 14, 2024
President Biden has signed a memorandum granting Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for 18 months to certain Palestinians in the United States in response to deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza, following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel in October 2023 and the ensuing Israeli military response. This measure excludes those convicted of serious crimes or who pose a threat to public security, and those who voluntarily return to the Palestinian territories. The memorandum also instructs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take steps to authorize the employment of non-citizens whose removal has been deferred.
Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Deferred Forced Departure for Palestinians
The White House - February 14, 2024
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that, in light of deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, President Biden has signed a memorandum granting Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for 18 months to certain Palestinians in the United States. This measure provides a temporary safe haven for Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian needs. Individuals convicted of serious crimes or who pose a threat to public safety are not eligible for this protection.
Biden temporarily blocks Palestinian deportations, citing Gaza crisis
La Opinión - February 14, 2024
President Joe Biden has signed an order protecting Palestinians in the United States from deportation for the next 18 months in response to deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. The measure grants "deferred forcible departure" to some 6,000 Palestinians, allowing them to remain in the country without the threat of deportation. Beneficiaries are also eligible for work permits. This policy is in addition to the Temporary Protected Status previously used by the Biden administration to offer protections from deportation to migrants from crisis-affected countries.
OTHER NEWS
Miami celebrates Valentine's Day with a group wedding
Voice of America - February 14, 2024
In Miami, Valentine's Day was celebrated in a special way with a group wedding in which twenty couples participated. This event, covered by José Pernalete, symbolizes the strengthening of ties in the community and provides a joyful and unifying image of love and commitment in the city.
"She's an astronaut", the program that takes girls to NASA to become future scientists
Voice of America - February 14, 2024
"She's an Astronaut" is a program launched in Colombia in 2019, aimed at inspiring and empowering underprivileged girls, ages 11 to 16, to achieve opportunities in NASA and scientific fields. The success of the program has allowed its expansion to other Latin American countries, fostering the inclusion and empowerment of young girls in science.
The emotional reunion of Hispanic twins after more than 80 years of separation
Univision News - February 14, 2024
Two twin sisters, separated since the age of 5 after the death of their parents, star in an emotional reunion after more than 80 years. This touching event, covered by Univision Noticias, symbolizes the strength of family ties and hope, even after decades of separation.
The drama of a Hispanic grandmother who fell in love through social networks and ended up being scammed
Univision News - February 14, 2024
Helena, an 80-year-old Hispanic grandmother, was the victim of a love scam on social networks, losing close to $10,000. Univision Noticias highlights this case as part of an alarming trend in the United States, where thousands of people, especially the elderly, are tricked and robbed of millions of dollars.
This region of Spain offers up to 6,000 euros to returnees. This is how Cubans and other Latinos can obtain them.
El Nuevo Herald - February 14, 2024
The Xunta de Galicia offers a grant of up to 6,000 euros to promote the return of emigrants and their descendants, including Cubans and other Latin Americans with Spanish nationality. The aid is intended for those born in Galicia, their spouses, and direct descendants. Applicants must have resided legally abroad for at least two years before returning to Galicia and must not have significant real estate assets. The initiative, endowed with 2 million euros, seeks to stimulate the return in the face of population decline and is open until September 30, 2024. Most of the beneficiaries so far come from Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and other countries.
Why is Latin America's economy not growing enough?
CNN in English - February 14, 2024
José Antonio Montenegro, in his interview with José Gonzales, Managing Partner of GCG Advisors, analyzes the challenges and opportunities in Latin America's economy. The central theme is the impact of corruption on economic growth in the region, a critical aspect that affects development and progress in these countries.
Prices in Argentina are almost equal to those in Spain, but salaries are 9 times lower
CNN in English - February 14, 2024
Argentina is facing a significant economic crisis, characterized by supermarket prices comparable to those in Spain, but with wages almost nine times lower. Iván Pérez Sarmenti and Pau Mosquera, in their report, highlight the alarming year-on-year inflation that severely affects purchasing power and quality of life in the country.
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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