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
USCIS Announces Citizenship and Integration Grants Program Application Period Opening
USCIS - April 24, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has opened the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, aimed at funding naturalization preparation and promoting civic integration in U.S. communities. For 16 years, this program has supported lawful permanent residents by providing up to $10 million in grants. This year, up to 40 organizations will be eligible to receive up to $300,000 each over two years. Applications are open until June 21, 2024, and winners will be announced in September.
U.S. Citizenship: Top 10 Countries with the Most Naturalizations
El Nuevo Herald - April 23, 2024
A recent report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service reveals that in 2022, 969,380 people were naturalized as U.S. citizens, with Mexico leading the list with 128,878 naturalizations. The report also highlights that 24.5 million of the 46 million foreign-born people in the U.S. are naturalized citizens. Among lawful permanent residents, nine million are still eligible for naturalization. The list of countries with the most naturalizations includes India, the Philippines, Cuba, and more, reflecting the diversity and global reach of the U.S. citizenship process.
The future of immigrants in the U.S. labor market.
Migration Policy Institute - April 24, 2024
A study by the Migration Policy Institute analyzes the crucial role of immigrants in the U.S. labor market, projecting that they will be essential to economic growth due to their contribution in key sectors and their role in mitigating the aging of the labor force. The study emphasizes the need for policies that facilitate the effective labor market integration of immigrants to maximize these economic benefits.
Offensive launched to get Biden to approve TPS to benefit 700,000 undocumented Guatemalans in the U.S.
Los Angeles Times - April 24, 2024
Guatemalan organizations in Los Angeles have initiated a campaign for President Joe Biden to approve Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 700,000 undocumented Guatemalans in the U.S. They argue that TPS would improve economic conditions in Guatemala through increased remittances. Activities include lobbying the White House and Congress from April 26 to May 1. Guatemala's new government, headed by Bernardo Arevalo, sees this as a critical time to strengthen the relationship with the U.S. and alleviate problems caused by corruption and insecurity.
OSHA proposes penalty following heat-related death of farm worker in Florida
El Nuevo Herald - April 23, 2024
A seasonal visa farm worker died from heat stroke on his first day of work in a Florida sugar field. McNeill Labor Management is contesting OSHA's proposed $27,655 penalty. The organization was cited for failing to provide adequate heat protection and for failing to timely report the worker's hospitalization and death. The case has been brought before a Safety and Health Review Commission and awaits a court hearing.
More than 600,000 migrants deported or ordered deported in first half of 2024
Univision News - April 24, 2024
In the first six months of FY2024, more than 600,000 immigrants were deported or received deportation orders in the U.S., a pace 50% higher than the peak reached in 2019. A total of 500,000 were deported and 137,000 more received deportation orders following court proceedings. Many of these immigrants lacked legal representation, highlighting a troubling drop in attorney representation in deportation proceedings.
Amnesty International criticizes new U.S. asylum rules.
El Diario NY - April 23, 2024
Amnesty International has expressed strong criticism of new restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on access to asylum at the border with Mexico as a violation of human rights and international law. These measures disqualify migrants who cross the border irregularly without having sought protection in a third country. Now, asylum applications must be made through the CBP One application, limiting daily appointments to 1,000, which has been the subject of concern among various NGOs and international observers.
Concerns about new immigration regulations in Florida
El Nuevo Herald - April 23, 2024
New immigration regulations in Florida are generating concern due to their rigidity and potential impact on immigrant communities. These measures include tighter restrictions on the documentation required for state IDs and greater difficulties in accessing public services for migrants without legal documents.
Texas: More than 140 migrants charged for attempted mass entry across Mexico border
Voice of America - April 24, 2024
In Texas, more than 140 migrants were charged with attempted mass entry into the U.S. after cutting a wire fence. Although a judge initially dismissed the charges, an investigating jury reinstated them, allowing the county to hold them in jail for up to 180 days and impose fines of up to $2,000. This case highlights Texas' tensions and strict policies on immigration at the southern border, especially in an election context.
Eight states pass new immigration laws; border crisis continues
Las Américas Newspaper - April 24, 2024
Eight states, primarily governed by Republicans, have passed new immigration laws that expand local police powers and impose criminal penalties for undocumented immigration. These measures respond to the continuing crisis at the southern border, with a particular focus on states such as Oklahoma and Texas, where the laws have generated controversy and will likely face legal challenges due to the federal nature of immigration policy.
Counties sue Colorado government over two laws prohibiting cooperation with immigration authorities
La Opinión - April 24, 2024
Douglas and El Paso counties in Colorado have filed a lawsuit against the state government, seeking the repeal of two laws that prohibit local police from working with federal immigration agents. They argue that these laws compromise local security and violate the state constitution by preventing intergovernmental cooperation. The lawsuit underscores a growing conflict between state mandates and federal immigration policy, and is expected to escalate all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Why was a mistrial declared against the rancher accused of killing an immigrant in Arizona?
Univision News - April 24, 2024
A judge in Arizona declared a mistrial against George Alan Kelly, the rancher accused of killing an immigrant on his property. The decision was based on the jury's inability to reach a consensus on Kelly's guilt or innocence. The prosecution has yet to decide whether a new trial will be held.
Violence and extortion by 'narcocoyotes' faced by migrants who want to reach the U.S. alive.
La Opinión - April 24, 2024
Migrants crossing Mexico to the U.S. face significant risks of violence and extortion by "narcocoyotes," criminal groups that control migration routes and demand payments in exchange for passage. These cartels not only traffic drugs but also engage in kidnapping and extortion of migrants, increasing the dangers of the already arduous journey. Abuses range from theft of belongings to direct death threats, further complicating the situation for those seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.
In the footsteps of the coyote | No one touches the river without paying
Voice of America - April 24, 2024
In the third installment of "In the Footsteps of the Coyote," reporter Laura Sepúlveda narrates the plight of migrants attempting to cross into the U.S. through Texas. Faced with the presence of cartels on the border, migrants are forced to choose between turning themselves in to the authorities or risk crossing rivers and dangerous terrain, paying high costs to the smugglers.
She had to give her son to a migrant in the jungle and they have just been reunited.
Telemundo News - April 24, 2024
Venezuelan Keyla Angarita, faced with the impossibility of crossing the Darien jungle with two babies, decided to give her oldest son to an Ecuadorian to take him to Mexico. The exciting reunion between mother and son, made possible by the authorities, highlights the difficult reality of migrants who cross dangerous routes in search of a better life.
ERO Boston arrests Ecuadorian national convicted of assault and sex crimes against a minor in Connecticut
ICE - April 24, 2024
ERO Boston arrested an Ecuadorian national who was residing illegally in the U.S. and had been convicted of second-degree assault and indecent assault on a minor in Connecticut. Despite an immigration detainer, he was released by local authorities without notification to ICE, but was recaptured in Hartford. This case highlights the challenging collaboration between local and federal authorities in handling convicted felons.
ERO Boston arrests non-U.S. citizen wanted for rape in Ecuador
ICE - April 24, 2024
ERO Boston arrested an Ecuadorian national wanted for rape in his home country. He was taken into custody without incident at his residence in Worcester, Massachusetts. This individual entered the United States on a visa, but overstayed his permit and was evading justice in Ecuador. His capture underscores ICE's commitment to public safety and focus on individuals who pose significant threats.
ERO Washington, D.C. arrests Honduran national accused of sex crimes against a minor in Virginia
ICE - April 24, 2024
ERO Washington, D.C. arrested a Honduran national accused of sex crimes against a minor in Virginia. Despite an immigration detainer, he was released on bond by local authorities, but was subsequently recaptured. This case highlights the challenges and importance of immigration detention in protecting the community, especially minors at risk.
OTHER NEWS
President Biden names 48th round of judicial nominees
The White House - April 24, 2024
President Biden has announced his intention to nominate seven individuals, including Judge Cynthia Valenzuela Dixon, to the federal district courts, all highly qualified and dedicated to the rule of law and the Constitution. This nomination reflects the President's promise that the nation's courts reflect diversity, which is one of the nation's greatest strengths. These nominations constitute the President's forty-eighth round, bringing the total number of nominees to 236.
Judge Valenzuela Dixon's nomination information is as follows:
Judge Cynthia Valenzuela Dixon: Candidate for U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Judge Cynthia Valenzuela has been a judge of the California State Bar Court in Los Angeles since her appointment by the California Supreme Court in 2016. Previously, Judge Valenzuela served as supervising attorney for the Criminal Justice Act for the Central District of California in Los Angeles from 2011 to 2016 and as head of national litigation at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Los Angeles from 2006 to 2011. Prior to that, Judge Valenzuela served as an assistant federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California from 2000 to 2006; as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. from 1998 to 2000; and as a special assistant at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in Los Angeles from 1995 to 1998. He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1995 and his B.A. from the University of Arizona in 1991.
Labor Dept. recovers nearly $85K for 32 transportation drivers misclassified as independent contractors
U.S. Department of Labor - April 24, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $84,740 in wages for 32 mobile home transportation drivers in Texas who were misclassified as independent contractors by Paredes Inc. operating as Superior Service. This action follows a January 2024 final rule revising guidance on the classification of employees and independent contractors. The company was cited for failing to provide adequate protection from heat hazards and for failures to properly report the hospitalization and death of a worker.
More workers will be paid overtime due to regulation. Merchants complain
Telemundo News - April 24, 2024
A new Department of Labor regulation will progressively increase the salary threshold for overtime entitlement from $35,568 to nearly $60,000 annually. This measure seeks to improve working conditions for more workers, although it has raised concerns among retailers about the financial impact.
A school for teenage mothers: they receive their lessons away from finger-pointing and prejudices
Univision News - April 24, 2024
At Lincoln Park High School in Brownsville, Texas, teenage mothers like Yerezy Alvarado continue their education in a non-judgmental environment. This special program allows young women who are pregnant or have young children to complete their studies while learning to be responsible and empowered mothers.
They must now compensate you for delayed or cancelled flights and more.
Telemundo News - April 24, 2024
A new U.S. federal regulation will establish how airlines must compensate passengers for delayed or cancelled flights. It will take effect in six months, and will mark a significant change in how airlines handle these situations, ensuring fairer compensation for those affected.
State Department report reveals troubling human rights situation in Mexico
Univision News - April 24, 2024
The US State Department's annual report highlights an increase in violence against activists and journalists in Mexico, as well as allegations of extrajudicial executions. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has commented on the concerns expressed in the report.
El Salvador and the impact of El Niño on the Dry Corridor
Voice of America - April 24, 2024
The drought in Central America's Dry Corridor, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, has intensified the food crisis in El Salvador. Communities are facing alarming food shortages, mainly affecting rural families struggling with the consequences of climate change.
Energy Observer: the first self-sufficient and emission-free vessel
Voice of America - April 24, 2024
The "Energy Observer" is the first ship to operate exclusively on renewable energy, marking a milestone in the shipping industry. This innovative ship has arrived in New York after starting its voyage in 2017, demonstrating the potential of sustainable technologies in maritime shipping.
Massive protests are held in Argentina against Milei for the adjustment to public universities
CNN in English - April 24, 2024
In Argentina, students, teachers and civil organizations are marching against budget cuts in public universities proposed by the government of Javier Milei. The protests, which have taken place in Buenos Aires and other cities, are a response to the maintenance of the previous year's budget despite an annual inflation rate higher than 200%.
Argentina experiences one of the largest student protests in 20 years: we explain why
Univision News - April 24, 2024
Demonstrators in several cities in Argentina have protested against drastic budget cuts in public universities, promoted by the government of Javier Milei. These demonstrations, which are the largest in two decades, denounce the lack of investment in education in a context of galloping inflation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
For information on how to schedule an immigration consultation with Dr. Castillo, click here. click here.