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
Permanent residency approval rate reaches historic lows, study shows
Univision - February 20, 2024
The CATO Institute reports that the U.S. has reached historic lows in permanent residency approvals, with only 3% of applicants projected to receive permanent status in 2024. Facing a backlog of 34.7 million pending applications, up from 10 million in 1996, the study criticizes the restriction on legal immigration established since the 1920s. It stresses the need for Congress to act to increase legal immigration nearly fivefold, facilitating the harnessing of immigrants' economic potential and mitigating demographic decline as well as illegal immigration.
Are you a DACA dreamer? Keep this important point in mind on 'spring break'.
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
Dreamers should consider a crucial point during spring break: they can obtain a travel permit, but not for a vacation. An attorney clarifies this and other aspects of DACA renewals, emphasizing the importance of complying with the conditions established to receive the permit.
U.S. citizenship fee increases, how much will it cost now?
El Tiempo Latino - February 20, 2024
The fee to apply for U.S. citizenship will experience an increase, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced. Effective April 1, the cost of the naturalization application form, N-400, will increase from $640 to $760, marking a significant increase in the citizenship process. This fee adjustment will also affect green card applicants, whose total cost will increase from $1,760 to $3,005. USCIS justifies the increase as necessary to recover the total cost of providing adjudication and naturalization services. In addition, eligibility for reduced fees will be expanded for those with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty line by adjusting the cost of Form N-400 to $380 for these cases. In FY 2023, USCIS granted U.S. citizenship to 878,500 individuals, while about 9 million lawful permanent residents were eligible but had not yet applied for citizenship as of early 2023.
USCIS 2024 Final Fee Rule: FAQ
Immigration Today® - February 1, 2024
Effective April 1, 2024, USCIS will implement a new fee structure, representing the first adjustment since 2016. This measure seeks to balance the agency's operating costs with the revenue generated by application fees. Funded at 96% by these fees, USCIS projects an increase in revenue to $4.42 billion annually with the final rule. Limiting increases to a maximum of 26% for most applications, the rule also expands fee waivers for humanitarian groups and reduces costs in certain areas such as naturalization and adoption, promoting accessibility. The adjustments reflect USCIS' need to maintain operational efficiency and processing capacity, based on a detailed review and public comments collected in 2023.
In "USCIS 2024 Final Fee Rule: FAQ," we address frequently asked questions and offer a clear view of what these changes mean for USCIS customers. From reduced costs on naturalization to expanded waivers, this article is an essential guide to understanding the new fees.
Massachusetts allocates $$10 million to give food to immigrants for six months
La Opinión - February 20, 2024
In response to the growing influx of immigrants, Massachusetts allocates $$10 million out of a total fund of $$116 million to ensure food for those staying in shelters for six months. This measure aligns with the state's right-to-housing law, obligating the state to provide emergency shelter. Spinelli Ravioli Manufacturing Company has been selected to supply the food, highlighting the state's responsiveness to increased immigrant arrivals, despite the recent decline due to the winter season.
Debit card program for migrants investigated
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
New York City is facing investigations for awarding a $53 million no-bid contract to Mobility Capital Finance for a debit card program for migrants. Despite criticism for lack of transparency, the mayor argues that the program has generated significant savings for the city.
Attack on police officers at migrant shelter in New York unveiled
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
At a migrant shelter on Randall's Island, New York, a violent confrontation occurred between migrants and police officers during an attempted arrest. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and treatment of migrants at these facilities.
Border Patrol deputy chief opts for retirement amid sexual misconduct allegations
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
Joel Martinez, acting deputy chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, is retiring following allegations of sexual misconduct toward female employees in the Laredo, Texas sector. CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the allegations, which include sexually aggressive comments and pressure for sex. This case follows similar allegations within the agency, highlighting conduct problems and the possibility of evading punishment through retirement. The situation underscores challenges in addressing misconduct within federal agencies and the need for more effective mechanisms to protect employees and ensure accountability.
Tightening criteria for asylum seekers to be evaluated
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
U.S. authorities are considering tightening criteria for asylum seekers, with a focus on raising standards in credible fear interviews. This move seeks to streamline the deportation process for those who do not meet the requirements, sparking debates about the balance between process efficiency and fair access to asylum.
Texas spent $148 million on immigrant relocation
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
The state of Texas, under the administration of Greg Abbott, has invested $148 million in the last two years to relocate more than 102,000 people to different states in the country. This spending reflects Texas' immigration policy and its efforts to manage the influx of immigrants.
Texas prosecutor to sue migrant aid organization
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office announced its intention to sue Annunciation House, an organization that assists migrants, alleging that it facilitates illegal entries and harbors aliens. The institution has called the attorney general's position "immoral".
AMLO calls Texas military camp that intends to detain migrants at the border "politicking".
La Opinión - February 20, 2024
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticizes Texas Governor Greg Abbott's strategy of installing a military camp on the border to stop migration as "politicking". This camp, located in Eagle Pass, will house 1,800 elements of the Texas National Guard, with space for 500 additional soldiers if necessary. This measure is in addition to other restrictive actions by Abbott, such as the placement of barbed wire and a barrier of buoys on the Rio Grande River. These policies are being implemented in a context of high migration flows, with up to 16,000 migrants arriving daily at Mexican borders at peak times, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Eight migrants who were trapped in the Rio Bravo were rescued: two of them minors.
El Diario NY - February 20, 2024
Mexico's National Migration Institute announced the rescue of eight migrants, including two minors, trapped in the Río Bravo near Piedras Negras, Coahuila. The migrants, originally from Mexico, Brazil, Honduras and El Salvador, were rescued in three separate operations. Among them, a 9-year-old Brazilian girl was saved in a nighttime mission and reunited with her mother in the United States. Another rescue involved a 15-year-old boy and three adults, who were later transferred to the Central Camionera de Piedras Negras. The rescues take place against a backdrop of increased migration and political tensions in both countries, highlighting the ongoing migration crisis in the region.
Makeshift camp on California border receives hundreds of migrants daily
La Opinión - February 20, 2024
Hundreds of migrants arrive daily at a makeshift camp in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, near Mexico, facilitated by coyotes and met by humanitarian workers. Border Patrol transports them to San Diego to process their asylum applications, with a notable increase in migrants from India and China, the latter paying up to $35,000 for their journey. The increase reflects the complex migration routes and challenges associated with asylum, highlighting the need for coordinated and humanitarian responses to migration.
Anti-climbing spikes on border fence in San Diego could be implemented nationwide
El Tiempo Latino - February 20, 2024
In San Diego, California, new anti-escalation spikes have been installed on the border fence to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the United States. This measure, which could be expanded nationwide, seeks to prevent dangerous escalations that have resulted in immigrant deaths and serious injuries. Located in Friendship Park, these spikes face Mexico, reflecting an effort to strengthen border security. This approach has raised concerns about the safety of immigrants, with reports of severe injuries including spinal fractures. The strategy highlights the tensions and challenges of current immigration policy, amidst debates about the efficacy and humanity of such measures.
How undocumented immigrants became criminals and what needs to happen for that to end (podcast)
El Diario NY - February 20, 2024
Since the 1980s, U.S. legislation has transformed the perception and treatment of undocumented immigrants, branding them as criminals, mainly those of Latino origin. César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández, author of "Welcome the Wretched," discusses in a podcast how this criminalization differs by origin, noting that immigrants from Europe and Canada face less persecution. The book and podcast explore the impact of immigration policies, harmful stereotypes, and the need for legislative change to improve the lives of immigrants. This discussion highlights the discrimination and challenges faced by Latino immigrants compared to their counterparts in other regions.
"I was able to escape, but not save my sister": survivor of attack on migrants in Mexico
Univision News - February 20, 2024
Angelo Giraldo, survivor of an attack against a group of migrants in Sonora, Mexico, narrates how he managed to escape but could not save his sister, who lost her life in the incident. This Peruvian immigrant fulfilled the dream of reaching the U.S. border in search of asylum, marked by tragedy and loss.
Three migrants killed in Sonora-Arizona border gun attack
Voice of America - February 20, 2024
The Sonora District Attorney's Office confirmed the tragic deaths of three migrants: a 4-year-old Ecuadorian boy, a Peruvian woman and a Honduran woman, in an armed attack while traveling to the Arizona border. This event highlights the dangers faced by migrants on their journey.
The president "bribed by El Chapo": keys to the trial of Juan Orlando Hernández
Univision News - February 20, 2024
The trial in New York of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez highlights allegations of bribes received from drug traffickers, including the Sinaloa Cartel. The case underscores the close relationship between drug trafficking and politics in the region.
Juan Orlando Hernandez claims to be "victim of a vendetta" at the beginning of the trial
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández is facing trial in the US where he could be sentenced to life in prison on charges of conspiracy to traffic drugs and weapons. On the first day of jury selection, Hernandez claimed to be the victim of a retaliation by the Justice Department.
OTHER NEWS
Increased Homeownership Among Minority Groups Despite Challenges
National Association of Realtors® - February 20, 2024
In 2022, the United States saw significant growth in homeownership among racial minority groups, reaching historic rates for Asian Americans (63.3%) and Hispanic Americans (51.1%), a reflection of substantial progress toward housing inclusion. However, the homeownership rate gap widens, especially between African Americans (44.1%) and Whites (72.3%), underscoring persistent inequalities. Despite an overall increase in homeownership over the past decade, with 10.5 million new homeowners, equitable access remains a challenge, exacerbated by affordability and housing availability conditions.
Minorities face significant obstacles, from accumulating savings for down payments to higher loan denial rates, with African Americans and Hispanics experiencing denial rates of 26% and 22%, respectively. In addition, the financial burden of housing disproportionately affects these groups, with a sizable percentage of homeowners in states such as Colorado and New York putting more than 30% of their income toward housing.
Officialism obtains majority in El Salvador's Congress
Voice of America - February 20, 2024
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of El Salvador confirmed the final results of the legislative elections, granting the majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly to the ruling party. This fact marks a significant point in Salvadoran politics, reinforcing the position of the current government.
Latino man could be executed within days. Claims new evidence exonerates him
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
Ivan Cantu, a Latino in Texas, sentenced to death for double murder, insists on his innocence based on new evidence. In an exclusive interview with Telemundo News, Cantu argues that this evidence clearly demonstrates that he did not commit the crime for which he has been held in a maximum security prison.
They say his father was his best friend. They helped capture him for alleged abuse
Telemundo News - February 20th, 2024
Ana and Yaneiri Albarrán carried out an intense campaign to locate their father, accused of abuse, after he fled. Using social media, billboard ads and collaboration with "America's Most Wanted," they achieved their goal. Police have praised her determination and effort to seek justice.
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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