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
How immigrant origins in the United States have changed since 1850
Pew Research Center - July 22, 2024
In 2022, the number of immigrants in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 46.1 million, representing 13.8% of the total population. This article details changes in the countries of origin of immigrants since 1850. Initially, most immigrants came from Europe, especially Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Over the years, the composition has changed significantly, with an increase in immigrants from Asia and Latin America. In 2022, Mexico, India, China, the Philippines and El Salvador were the main countries of origin.
What we know about undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.
Pew Research Center - July 22, 2024
The undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. grew to 11 million in 2022, reversing a downward trend that had been observed since 2007. The methods used for these estimates include census data and government surveys. Most undocumented immigrants come from Mexico, although there have been significant increases in immigrants from Central America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. The states with the largest undocumented immigrant populations are California, Texas and Florida.
Key findings on immigrants in the U.S.
Pew Research Center - July 22, 2024
Immigrants accounted for 14.3% of the U.S. population in 2022, up slightly from previous years but down from an all-time high of 14.8% in 1890. The undocumented immigrant population reached 11 million, while legal immigrants grew steadily, driven by an increase in the number of naturalized citizens. Undocumented immigrants represent 3.3% of the total population and 23% of the U.S. foreign-born population.
How Latino Voters View the 2024 Presidential Elections
Pew Research Center - July 19, 2024
Since 2016, the number of Latinos eligible to vote has grown from 27 million to a projected 36 million by 2024. While they have historically favored Democratic candidates, the margin of support has varied. In 2020, 61% voted for Biden and 36% for Trump. For 2024, support is evenly split between Biden and Trump, with 36% for each. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a third party candidate, draws 24% support from Latino voters. Top issues include the economy, inflation and immigration, with more Latinos trusting Trump to handle economic policy and Biden for decisions on the Supreme Court and abortion.
Project 2025 proposes to change the face of U.S. immigration with no exceptions
Univision - July 27, 2024
Project 2025, a 900-page document promoted by the Heritage Foundation, proposes a radical restructuring of the U.S. federal bureaucracy and stricter immigration policies. Measures include militarizing the border with Mexico, increasing penalties for immigration violations, and prioritizing merit-based immigration over family reunification. The document also suggests ending programs such as DACA, TPS and humanitarian parole, and promotes close cooperation between local, state and federal agencies to enforce immigration laws.
USCIS to begin triennial updates to investment and income thresholds for the rule
USCIS - July 26, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the implementation of triennial updates to the investment and income thresholds for certain immigration regulations. These changes seek to reflect inflation and economic changes, ensuring that the financial requirements remain relevant. The adjusted thresholds affect programs such as EB-5 for investors and certain income requirements for immigrant sponsors. Updates will be made every three years in accordance with the updated regulations.
Immigration backlog continues unabated: almost 10 million cases still backlogged
Univision News - July 24, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) faces a backlog of nearly 10 million cases, including applications for asylum, permanent residency, and work permits. Despite efforts to reduce processing times, the backlog has increased due to high demand and lack of resources. The situation affects thousands of immigrants awaiting responses to their applications, prolonging uncertainty about their legal status in the country.
Appeal hearing date set for hearing on DACA ruling declaring DACA program illegal
Univision News - July 23, 2024
The appeal hearing to review the ruling that declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program illegal has been scheduled for October. The program, which protects thousands of young immigrants from deportation, has been the subject of multiple legal challenges. The appeals court decision will be crucial in determining the future of DACA and the beneficiaries who rely on it to work and live legally in the United States.
Department of Labor recovers $129K in tips, compensation for Vancouver pizzeria employees denied full wages
U.S. Department of Labor - July 29, 2024
The Department of Labor recovered $129,362 in tips and compensation for 52 employees of a pizza restaurant in Vancouver, WA. The investigation revealed that the owner allowed managers to participate in the tips in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. In addition, the restaurant was fined $28,548 for the willful nature of the violations.
Department of Labor recovers $475K for 32 employees who were not paid overtime by the owner of Juan's Flaming Fajitas & Cantina in Las Vegas.
U.S. Department of Labor - July 29, 2024
The Department of Labor recovered $475,385 in unpaid wages and compensation for 32 employees at three Juan's Flaming Fajitas & Cantina restaurants in Las Vegas and Henderson. The owner failed to pay overtime due and wrongfully exempted some employees from receiving these payments in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. In addition, a fine of $12,050 was assessed for the willful nature of the violations.
Memorandum on Forced Deferred Departure for Certain Lebanese Nationals
The White House - July 26, 2024
President Joe Biden has ordered a suspension of deportation of certain Lebanese nationals present in the U.S. for 18 months due to deteriorating humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon caused by tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. This measure excludes Lebanese who have voluntarily returned to Lebanon, those who have not continuously resided in the U.S. since the date of the memorandum, and those inadmissible under certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Employment is also authorized for non-citizens whose deportation has been deferred.
Statement by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on Arrests of Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Leaders
U.S. Department of Justice - July 26, 2024
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has confirmed the arrests of Ismael Zambada García and his son, leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The detainees face charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, as well as involvement in a violent criminal organization. Garland highlighted the collaboration between U.S. and Mexican agencies in making these arrests, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Statement by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on Arrests of Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Leaders
U.S. Department of Justice - July 22, 2024
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland confirmed the arrests of Ismael Zambada García and Joaquín Guzmán López, leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between U.S. and Mexican agencies in capturing these leaders, who face drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Garland thanked the agents who risked their lives to dismantle the cartel's operations.
Statement by President Joe Biden on the Arrest of Two Sinaloa Cartel Drug Trafficking Leaders
The White House - July 26, 2024
President Joe Biden praised the work of the Justice Department for the arrest of Ismael Zambada García and Joaquín Guzmán López, leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. Biden highlighted the devastating impact of fentanyl on American communities and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fighting drug trafficking to save lives. He thanked law enforcement officers for their dedication and bravery.
Statement by Secretary Mayorkas on the arrest of alleged Sinaloa Cartel Leaders
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - July 25, 2024
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas confirmed the arrest of Ismael Zambada García and Joaquín Guzmán López, leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, responsible for the production and trafficking of fentanyl that has caused numerous deaths in the U.S. Mayorkas highlighted the tireless work and personal sacrifice of Homeland Security Investigations and FBI agents in the fight against drug trafficking.
Statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Kimberly Cheatle's departure.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - July 23, 2024
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas expressed his gratitude to Kimberly Cheatle for her leadership as Director of the U.S. Secret Service for more than 29 years of service. Cheatle oversaw the protection of several presidents and vice presidents, and returned from retirement to lead the agency. Mayorkas noted her integrity and dedication, and praised the daily sacrifice of Secret Service agents in protecting the country.
Nineteen alleged members of human smuggling organization charged with smuggling migrants
U.S. Department of Justice - July 25, 2024
Nineteen alleged members of a human smuggling organization were charged with coordinating the smuggling of dozens of unauthorized migrants into the United States from Mexico, primarily using personal watercraft across the Pacific Ocean. Nine of the defendants are in custody. The defendants face charges of conspiracy to smuggle people for profit and, if convicted, face sentences of up to 15 years in prison.
Two Dominican nationals extradited in connection with grandparents' scam
U.S. Department of Justice - July 25, 2024
Rafael Ambiorix Rodriguez Guzman and Felix Samuel Reynoso Ventura, residents of Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, were extradited to the U.S. and face charges for their involvement in a grandparent scam that defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars. The defendants operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic, tricking victims into handing over money. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison on each count.
Twelfth defendant pleads guilty in transnational scheme to defraud Spanish-speaking consumers in the U.S.
U.S. Department of Justice - July 26, 2024
Jose Alejandro Zuñiga Cano, a call center operator in Peru, pleaded guilty to participating in a fraud scheme that extorted Spanish-speaking U.S. residents with false threats of arrest and immigration consequences. This scheme defrauded more than 30,000 people, primarily recent immigrants. Zuñiga is the twelfth person convicted in this $15 million scheme. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Sixth Nigerian national sentenced for international scheme that defrauded elderly in the U.S.
U.S. Department of Justice - July 26, 2024
Amos Prince Okey Ezemma, a Nigerian national, was sentenced to 85 months in prison for his role in an inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded seniors in the U.S. Ezemma and his accomplices sent letters to victims claiming they were beneficiaries of an inheritance and soliciting payments to receive it. All six involved in the case have been sentenced and must pay more than $6 million in restitution to more than 400 victims.
CBP Announces Expanded Operations Targeting Transnational Criminal Organizations
CBP - July 24, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the expansion of Operation Spike Plaza and the new Operation Apollo X to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs along the southwest border. These operations aim to dismantle criminal networks that facilitate smuggling and cross-border violence. CBP will use intelligence and collaboration with federal, state and local agencies to address these threats and protect border communities.
Treasury Department takes action against Guatemalan human smuggling organization for illegally transporting migrants to the U.S.
U.S. Department of the Treasury - July 25, 2024
The Treasury Department sanctioned the Guatemalan organization HSO Lopez for smuggling people illegally into the U.S. The organization, led by Ronaldo Galindo Lopez Escobar, his son and others, has smuggled thousands of migrants since 2017. The sanctions seek to dismantle their operations, which include the purchase of false documents and the use of buses to transport migrants. The action is part of a series of measures to combat human smuggling.
Virtual press conference with Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor on Immigration and Southern Border Coordination at the White House, Blas Nuñez-Neto, on measures against transnational criminal organizations.
U.S. Department of State - July 25, 2024
Blas Nuñez-Neto, Vice Assistant to the President, discussed measures against human smuggling organizations and irregular migration. He announced sanctions against the Lopez organization in Guatemala and other actions to stop human and fentanyl trafficking. He also highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to expand legal migration channels and improve border security through investment and international cooperation.
ERO Newark arrests Mexican national wanted for murder in Mexico
ICE - July 29, 2024
ERO Newark and the U.S. Marshals Service New York-New Jersey Regional Task Force arrested a Mexican national wanted for homicide in Mexico. Mexican authorities issued a warrant for his arrest in 2013, and the detainee had entered the U.S. illegally several times since then. He will remain in ICE custody while legal proceedings are resolved.
ICE conducts repatriation flights for single adults and family units on July 26th
ICE - July 26, 2024
ICE conducted repatriation flights of single adults and family units to several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Since the end of the Title 42 public health order in May 2023, DHS has removed or returned more than 742,000 individuals. ICE continues to ensure that all noncitizens without lawful basis to remain in the U.S. are prosecuted and removed in accordance with the law.
ERO Boston arrests fugitive accused of raping minor in Brazil
ICE - July 26, 2024
Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested a Brazilian fugitive accused of raping a vulnerable minor in Brazil. The individual, arrested near his residence in Framingham, had illegally entered the U.S. in 2023. Brazilian authorities are seeking his custody to face rape charges. The detainee remains in ERO custody.
ERO New York arrests Irish couple linked to fraud ring
ICE - July 26, 2024
ERO New York arrested an Irish couple with possible links to the Itinerant Fraudsters Fraud Group. The couple, wanted on 19 counts of money laundering in the U.K., are accused of defrauding multiple victims of more than £3 million. Both entered the U.S. legally but violated the terms of their admission. They are now in ERO custody pending removal proceedings.
ERO arrests Mexican national convicted of involuntary manslaughter
ICE - July 25, 2024
ERO Cary arrested Carlos Heriberto Mendoza-Martinez, a Mexican national previously deported and convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Since his deportation in 2013, he was arrested twice for domestic violence and gun possession. Despite requests for his arrest, local authorities did not comply. Mendoza-Martinez, a member of the Norteños gang, is in ICE custody and faces additional charges.
ERO Los Angeles arrests 45 non-citizens for DUI and other criminal convictions
ICE - July 25, 2024
ERO Los Angeles arrested 45 non-citizens for DUI-related offenses and other criminal convictions between July 1 and July 12. Those arrested include individuals with multiple convictions for DUI, vandalism, domestic violence and weapons possession. ERO Los Angeles will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting those who pose a significant risk to the community.
ERO Boston arrests Peruvian national locally charged with assault and threats
ICE - July 24, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Irving Gustavo Escate-Huarancca, a 36-year-old Peruvian national charged with assault, menacing and unlawful detainer in Connecticut. Escate, previously convicted of aggravated robbery in Peru, illegally entered the U.S. in 2023. He was arrested in Hartford after previously being released without notification to ERO. The detainee poses a significant threat to public safety and remains in ERO custody.
ERO Baltimore arrests fugitive convicted of attempted aggravated femicide in El Salvador
ICE - July 24, 2024
ERO Baltimore arrested a 57-year-old Salvadoran fugitive convicted of attempted aggravated femicide and culpable injury in El Salvador. The individual, arrested in Gaithersburg, had illegally entered the U.S. in 2023. Salvadoran authorities issued a warrant for his arrest after he was sentenced to 21 years in prison. The detainee remains in ERO custody pending his removal.
ERO Boston arrests Mexican national with 2 DUI convictions
ICE - July 24, 2024
ERO Boston arrested a 31-year-old Mexican national with two DUI convictions. Despite a warrant for his arrest, he was released without notification to ERO. He had previously been deported in 2008. He was arrested in Sterling and remains in ERO custody.
ERO New York arrests Mexican national charged with assault and previously deported
ICE - July 23, 2024
ERO New York arrested a previously deported Mexican national on second-degree assault charges. He illegally entered the U.S. after being deported in 2009. He was arrested again in 2024 for unauthorized use of a vehicle and assault. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service awaiting trial.
ERO Boston arrests Ecuadorian national locally charged with assault and murder
ICE - July 22, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Daniel Parra, a 30-year-old Ecuadorian national charged in Massachusetts with assault with intent to murder and assault with a weapon. Parra entered the U.S. illegally and had already been deported in 2018. He was arrested again in Fall River and remains in ERO custody. Parra poses a threat to public safety due to his violent crimes.
ERO Miami ATD Program arrests 18 for various crimes
ICE - July 22, 2024
ERO Miami, in collaboration with the Border Patrol, arrested 18 noncitizen criminals during an enforcement operation targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Those arrested are from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, China, Jamaica and Colombia. The offenses include extortion, drug possession, domestic violence and child abuse. All of the detainees remain in ICE custody.
ERO St. Paul expels foreign fugitive wanted in Mexico for rape of a minor
ICE - July 22, 2024
ERO St. Paul expelled Andres Palacios Pizano, a 25-year-old Mexican national wanted in Mexico for the rape of a minor. He has been deported six times since 2017. Palacios Pizano was arrested in North Dakota and transferred to Mexican authorities in Brownsville, Texas.
ERO Baltimore arrests foreign fugitive convicted of aggravated homicide in Colombia
ICE - July 22, 2024
ERO Baltimore arrested a 35-year-old Colombian man convicted of aggravated homicide in his home country. He was arrested in Lanham, Maryland, and is in ERO custody. He attempted to escape justice in Colombia by hiding in Maryland. Colombian authorities are seeking his custody to serve a sentence of 17 years and 8 months.
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.
