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.
By reading these summaries, you will gain quick insights into critical issues, allowing you to make more informed decisions and stay abreast of what is happening in the immigrant community.
Sharing knowledge is key to strengthening our communities. If you find this information useful, I encourage you to share it with your family and friends.
Also, if you are not already subscribed to our email distribution list, I invite you to do so to receive regular updates on immigration issues.
The subscription form can be found at the end of this article. Your privacy is important and we will not sell or disclose your information to third parties.
Thank you for your support!
IMMIGRATION NEWS IN THE UNITED STATES
USCIS Reaches Regulatory Maximum Number of H-2B Visas for the First Half of FY2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - September 19, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that it has reached the statutory cap of 33,000 H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2025. Beginning September 18, 2024, it will reject new H-2B petitions requesting start dates before April 1, 2025. However, USCIS will continue to accept cap-exempt petitions, including current H-2B workers in the U.S. who extend their stay, fish roe processors, and workers in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.
USCIS Extends Validity of Green Cards to 36 Months for Permanent Resident Card Renewals
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - September 19, 2024
USCIS has automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards for 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 to renew their cards. This change, effective September 10, 2024, helps applicants affected by extended processing times by allowing them to use the notice of receipt along with their expired card as evidence of status and employment authorization. Those who have lost their card may request an appointment at a local USCIS office to obtain an ADIT stamp after filing Form I-90.
Travel Warning for Panama
U.S. Department of State - September 23, 2024
The State Department recommends exercising increased caution when traveling to Panama due to high crime and the risk of civil unrest. Travel to parts of the Gulf of Mosquito and the Darien Region is discouraged due to illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. In tourist areas, robberies and home invasions are common, especially during the Christmas season. Travelers should avoid demonstrations, crowds and keep informed through local media. It is suggested to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and follow CDC health guidelines to ensure safety during your visit.
Announcing Passport Renewal Online
U.S. Department of State - September 18, 2024
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced that the State Department has made its new online passport renewal system available to the public. U.S. citizens can now renew their passports through a secure online process, without the need to submit paper applications. This initiative modernizes government services and fulfills President Biden's executive order to transform the customer experience and improve efficiency and accessibility in federal services. Thanks to technological improvements and increased staffing, passport processing has been significantly streamlined. The service is available at Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.
Planning to apply for U.S. citizenship? This program offers you free counseling
Univision News - September 20, 2024
Several organizations have launched a free counseling program for immigrants planning to apply for U.S. citizenship. This service offers both virtual and in-person assistance to help complete the forms and ensure that the necessary requirements are met. The initiative seeks to facilitate the process for thousands of immigrants seeking citizenship.
Argentina - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
U.S. Department of State - September 20, 2024
The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Argentina, urging travelers to exercise normal precautions. Increased caution is advised in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe province, due to increased crime and drug trafficking activities. U.S. Embassy personnel should provide advance notice of any travel to Rosario.
He attacked the fruit stand of two Hispanics with an axe and will now have to pay them more than $$2 million.
Univision News - September 20, 2024
In 2022, Daniel J. McGuire destroyed the fruit stand of two Hispanic street vendors with an ax. Two years later, he was found guilty and must pay more than $2 million in restitution. Tomas Escamilla, one of the victims, expressed relief and plans to use the money to grow his business.
Department of Labor recovers $31K in wages for 23 farmworkers after Sonoma County grower violated H-2A program
U.S. Department of Labor - September 18, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $31,102 in wages for 23 farmworkers after Humberto Castaneda Produce violated multiple H-2A program requirements. The violations included paying unequal wages, failing to provide tools and meals, housing workers in dilapidated trailers, and failing to reimburse transportation costs. In addition, the company was fined $18,154 for these violations.
Labor Department recovers $550,000 in wages for 614 Las Vegas construction workers
U.S. Department of Labor - September 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $550,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 614 employees of Colvin Construction Inc. a Las Vegas construction company. The investigation revealed that the company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to pay overtime to workers who worked an average of 55 hours per week. In addition, Colvin Construction must pay $10,000 in fines and comply with requirements such as properly recording hours worked and maintaining records for at least three years. Officials Gene Ramos and Marc Pilotin emphasized the department's commitment to protecting workers' rights.
Haitian immigrants claim to have brought life to this Pennsylvania community
Univision News - September 21, 2024
Donald Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants were causing problems in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. However, local authorities and residents such as a Haitian businesswoman claim that the immigrants are revitalizing the community. Haitians have contributed to the economic development of the area, boosting new businesses and bringing life to the city.
Romanian Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Identity Theft to Fraudulently Obtain Public Assistance Funds
U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California - September 20, 2024
Florin Duduianu, 39, one of Romania's most notorious criminals and a former resident of Mission Viejo, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for stealing identities and withdrawing money from public assistance accounts without authorization. Leader of the violent "Duduianu Clan," Duduianu was convicted of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and must pay $1,850 in restitution.
CBP officers in Dulles arrest Honduran man on child sex abuse charges in Maryland
U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection - September 19, 2024
Customs and Border Protection officers arrested Milton Ovidio Martinez Hernandez, 43, a Honduran national wanted in Maryland on child sex abuse charges, at Washington Dulles International Airport. Martinez Hernandez was attempting to board a flight to Panama when he was detained. Port Director Marc Calixte said this apprehension reflects CBP's commitment to protecting communities by preventing suspected criminals from evading justice.
CBP releases August 2024 monthly update
U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection - September 16, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that in August 2024, border enforcement operations recorded historically low levels of illegal encounters between ports of entry, according to official Troy A. Miller. Since June, the Department of Homeland Security has returned more than 131,000 individuals to more than 140 countries. Permit processing for nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela has reduced irregular encounters by 99% for these groups. In addition, CBP seized more than 19,600 pounds of fentanyl in FY2024 and reported a 31% increase in dangerous drug seizures over the previous month.
Migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border decrease: White House
Voice of America - September 20, 2024
The White House announced a significant reduction in migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border. This decrease is attributed to an executive order from President Joe Biden that strengthens immigration enforcement. Officials emphasize that the measures seek to better control the flow of migrants and improve border security.
ICE conducts deportation flights for single adults and family units on Sept. 20
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 20, 2024
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, facilitated deportation flights for single adults and family units between September 16 and 20. These flights included destinations such as Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Since the end of the Title 42 public health order in May 2023, the Department has deported or returned more than 742,000 individuals, surpassing previous fiscal years' numbers since 2010.
ERO Washington, D.C. arrests convicted Ethiopian felon charged with kidnapping, poisoning, sex crimes
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 20, 2024
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Washington, D.C. arrested Besam Semirali Bashwie, a 24-year-old Ethiopian national, charged in Northern Virginia with felony counts of kidnapping with intent to abuse, poisoning and sexual assault. Bashwie, previously convicted of conspiracy to violate racketeering provisions, was arrested on September 6 in Alexandria. Despite detainers issued by ICE, local authorities had previously released Bashwie without notifying ERO.
ERO New York arrests three-time Ecuadorian deportee convicted of sexual assault and robbery
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 20, 2024
New York's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested on September 19 a 30-year-old Ecuadorian national convicted of third-degree robbery and second-degree sexual abuse. The individual had been deported from the United States on three previous occasions and re-entered the country illegally. He was detained at the Otisville Federal Correctional Center and will remain in custody pending deportation to Ecuador.
ERO Boston arrests Salvadoran national accused of multiple sex crimes against a minor in Nantucket
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 20, 2024
Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Elmer Sola, a 49-year-old Salvadoran national who was in the United States illegally and charged with 11 counts of sex offenses against a minor in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Sola faces three counts of aggravated rape of a child and eight counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14. He was arrested on September 10 and remains in ERO custody.
ERO Boston arrests Haitian national accused of sex offense against Massachusetts resident
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 20, 2024
Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) apprehended Jefferson Jerome, a 30-year-old Haitian national who illegally entered the United States and is accused of sexually assaulting a Massachusetts resident. Jerome was arrested on September 11 in Dorchester after being charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14. He had previously attempted to enter the country in 2021 and 2022. Jerome remains in ERO custody.
ERO Baltimore arrests Mexican national convicted of sex crimes against a minor in Maryland
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 18, 2024
Baltimore's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Ruben Guzman-Martinez, a 41-year-old Mexican national who was in the United States illegally and convicted of sex crimes against a minor in Maryland. Guzman-Martinez was arrested on September 5 in Gaithersburg. He had previously been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and two counts of attempted fourth-degree sexual offense with sexual contact. He currently remains in ERO custody.
ERO New York arrests undocumented Honduran national convicted of sex crimes against a minor
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 18, 2024
New York Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested a 40-year-old Honduran national convicted of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person under the age of 13 in Philadelphia. The individual, previously removed from the country four times, was detained on September 12 at the Otisville Federal Correctional Center and will remain in custody pending deportation to Honduras.
ERO Newark removes a Saudi national following an investigation by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 17, 2024
Newark Enforcement and Removal Operations deported Bader Alzahrani, a 24-year-old Saudi national, after admitting to transporting a stolen school bus interstate. Alzahrani, arrested on Jan. 30, 2023, was sentenced for transportation of stolen vehicle and removed on Sept. 9, 2024, to Saudi Arabia, where he will be turned over to local authorities.
ERO Baltimore arrests previously deported Honduran non-citizen convicted of sex offense against Maryland minor
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 17, 2024
Baltimore Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested Henry Danilo Hernandez-Lazo, a 36-year-old Honduran national previously removed for sex offenses against a minor in Maryland. Hernandez-Lazo, arrested on September 5 in Glen Burnie, was convicted in October 2023 of a sex offense and remains in ERO custody.
ERO Boston arrests Brazilian national accused of sex crimes against Massachusetts resident
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 17, 2024
Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested Gean Do Amaral Belafronte, a 40-year-old Brazilian national who illegally entered the United States and was charged with sexual assault of a Nantucket, Massachusetts resident. Belafronte was arrested on September 11 on Nantucket Island and remains in ERO custody pending deportation.
ERO Houston deports Honduran fugitive wanted for rape and aggravated robbery
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 17, 2024
ERO Houston deported Nery Otoniel Chavez Puerto, a 40-year-old Honduran national wanted in Honduras for rape and aggravated robbery. Chavez, who entered the United States illegally, was removed on September 13 and turned over to Honduran authorities in San Pedro Sula after being transported from Louisiana.
ERO Boston arrests Salvadoran national accused of raping a minor in Nantucket
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - September 16, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Bryan Daniel Aldana-Arevalo, a 28-year-old Salvadoran national who entered the United States illegally and was charged with multiple sex offenses against a minor in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Aldana-Arevalo was arrested on September 10 and remains in ERO custody pending deportation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
These summaries provide a quick overview of the most important topics. These summaries provide a quick overview of the most important topics. While these summaries aim to be accurate, it is critical 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.
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.
To program a immigration consultation with Dr. Castillo, click on the link.