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
Supreme Court decision will help certain immigrants stop their deportation
La Opinión - April 2, 2024
The U.S. Supreme Court has taken a decision on the decision which will allow thousands of immigrants in deportation proceedings to argue in court that their departure from the country would cause serious problems for their family. By a 6-3 vote, Wilkinson v. Garland opens up the possibility of considering family impact in deportation proceedings. Situ Kamu Wilkinson, an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, argued that his deportation would severely affect his U.S. son. The decision criticizes lower courts for failing to consider the immigrant's situation "as a whole," setting a precedent for future cases.
The first part of the H-1B visa lottery for fiscal year 2025 is finalized.
Univision - April 2, 2024
The U.S. government concluded the first part of the fiscal year 2025 H-1B visa lottery for foreign professional workers. Under new regulations, only one application per entrant is allowed, eliminating duplicate applications. Those selected advance to a second stage of electronic screening. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) notified petitioners with beneficiaries selected to file an H-1B petition. A maximum of 85,000 H-1B visas are granted annually, including 20,000 for professionals with master's degrees from U.S. universities.
CBP Announces Changes to Trusted Traveler Program Fees
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - April 2, 2024
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced changes to the fees for some of its most popular Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs). Effective October 1, 2024, fees for the NEXUS, Global Entry and SENTRI programs will be harmonized, better reflecting program costs. Children under the age of 18 will be exempt from the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is a member or concurrently applying for NEXUS, SENTRI or Global Entry. The SENTRI program, intended for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S. through southern land ports, will have a uniform fee of $120. NEXUS and Global Entry fees will increase to $120. These changes are being made to continue and effectively manage the programs, which had not updated their fees in more than 15 years.
Brazil postpones visa requirements for U.S. travelers to 2025
El Nuevo Herald - April 3, 2024
The Brazilian government has decided to extend the visa exemption for U.S. travelers until April 10, 2025, thus allowing visa-free entry for U.S., Canadian and Australian citizens. This measure, which had been suspended in 2019, seeks to resume based on diplomatic reciprocity, considering that the U.S. requires visas for Brazilian tourists. The visa policy facilitates the stay of American tourists in Brazil for up to 180 days for various activities without the need for a visa.
Florida's 'Mayan school' where children learn while preserving their roots
Telemundo News - April 2nd, 2024
In Lake Worth, Florida, a unique school known as "la escuelita maya" offers an educational space where the majority of its students, of Guatemalan origin, can learn while preserving their cultural roots. Under the direction of Karymn Salcedo, this institution emphasizes the importance of keeping traditions and the Mayan language alive among the new generations as they adapt to life in the United States. The dedication of the parents, willing to make great sacrifices for their children's education, is a testament to the value they place on preserving their cultural identity.
Convicted missionaries in Nicaragua seek support from the United States
Voice of America - April 2, 2024
The US evangelical church Puerta de la Montaña has requested the support of the US State Department and Congress to obtain the release of 11 missionaries from their congregation, convicted in Nicaragua for alleged money laundering. This case highlights the growing tensions between Nicaragua and the United States, as well as the challenges faced by religious organizations in complex political contexts. The international community is closely watching the U.S. response and the possible diplomatic repercussions of this incident.
Company assisting migrants detained in the U.S. must pay million-dollar fine for deceptive practices
Los Angeles Times - April 2, 2024
Nexus Services, along with its subsidiary Libre by Nexus and three executives, have been ordered to pay more than $811 million in damages and penalties for deceptive and abusive practices towards migrants detained in the U.S. The judgment, issued in Virginia, details that the company misrepresented the nature and costs of its services, including the mandatory use of tracking anklets, and overcharged for them. The company is neither a licensed bail bond agent nor a certified surety company, acting more as an intermediary. The company has announced its intention to appeal the judgment.
Judge fines company for defrauding migrants with unnecessary electronic shackles
La Opinión - April 2, 2024
Libre by Nexus must pay more than $800 million for deceiving migrants by making them pay for unnecessary electronic shackles while awaiting trial. The company faced allegations of fraudulent practices, including making them sign contracts they did not understand and threatening them with deportation if they did not pay a monthly fee. The judgment includes more than $231 million in restitution to those affected and penalties in excess of $555 million. In addition, it prohibits requiring migrants to wear GPS monitors.
Immigrants sent from Texas to Martha's Vineyard can sue the company that moved them
La Opinión - April 2, 2024
Immigrants transported from Texas to Martha's Vineyard in September 2022 have the green light to sue Vertol Systems Company, the company responsible for their transportation. They were brought under false promises of opportunity and then abandoned. The lawsuit includes allegations of civil rights violations, discrimination, and more. Judge Allison D. Burroughs allowed the case against Vertol to proceed, excluding state actors from the lawsuit for lack of jurisdiction. This ruling is considered a significant advance in the defense of the rights of affected immigrants.
Eight migrants arrested for squatting in basement of New York home
Telemundo News - April 2nd, 2024
Eight migrants were arrested in New York after illegally occupying the basement of a home. During the arrest, firearms, one without registration, and narcotics were found. This incident occurs in a context where Donald Trump, in an act in Michigan, intensifies his rhetoric against irregular immigration and criticizes Joe Biden's policy on this issue. Telemundo News reports this event, reflecting the current tensions surrounding immigration in the United States.
Eric Adams says he did not provoke the massive influx of undocumented immigrants to New York
Univision News - April 2, 2024
New York Mayor Eric Adams defends himself from criticism in a recent interview, assuring that he was not responsible for inviting undocumented immigrants to the city, despite declaring New York a sanctuary city. This statement comes in the midst of a debate on the immigration crisis facing the city with the massive arrival of migrants. Univision Noticias offers an in-depth analysis of Adams' role in this situation, including perspectives from experts and panelists who discuss the implications of the city's immigration policies and the challenge it represents for the current administration.
Alderman Byron Sigcho retains leadership of Housing Committee by decision of Chicago City Council
La Raza - April 2, 2024
Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez retained his position as leader of the Chicago City Council's Housing Committee after a 29-16 vote against his recall. The attempted punishment came after his participation in a demonstration in which the American flag was burned, although Sigcho Lopez denied being present during the event. Despite the criticism, he assured his commitment to First Amendment rights and refused to denounce the veteran who burned the flag.
Chicago organizations offer group therapy to immigrants
La Raza - April 2, 2024
In Chicago, the nonprofit Southwest Collective and CPS Parent University have launched a free group therapy program for immigrants, recognizing the traumas faced both in their home countries and during their migration to the U.S. The sessions, which begin April 22 in Pilsen, aim to help immigrants adjust and heal, while also offering them hot meals. This effort comes in response to the approximately 38,441 immigrants who have arrived in Chicago since June 2023, many of whom have experienced traumatic experiences on their journey to a new life.
Businesses and organizations urge Biden to grant work permits to immigrants
La Opinión - April 3, 2024
After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and the possible application of SB4 in Texas, civil organizations, businessmen and congressmen are urging President Biden to grant work permits to undocumented immigrants. They argue that these essential workers have contributed to the U.S. economy for years without legal status. In Texas, the petition seeks to protect non-DACA dreamers and undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, highlighting their economic importance and the urgency of comprehensive immigration reform.
ERO Salt Lake City arrests 9 non-citizens with drug-related convictions during nationwide enforcement effort
ICE - April 2, 2024
In a nationwide enforcement effort conducted March 11-26, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers in Salt Lake City, spanning Utah, Nevada, Montana and Idaho, arrested nine non-citizens unlawfully present with drug trafficking or multiple possession convictions related to methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin or synthetic drugs. This announcement follows an enforcement effort in February where 275 individuals presenting threats to public safety were arrested. In FY 2023, ERO arrested 73,822 non-citizens with criminal histories, reflecting ICE's commitment to public safety and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.
ERO Boston arrests fentanyl trafficker accused of murder in Dominican Republic
ICE - April 2, 2024
ERO Boston arrested a 27-year-old Dominican national, charged with fentanyl trafficking and wanted for murder in the Dominican Republic, near his Saugus residence on March 21. The individual, illegally present in the U.S., faces local charges of fentanyl trafficking and was previously arrested for strangulation and assault. He illegally entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location and is wanted for murder by a court in the city of Bani, Dominican Republic. He will remain in ICE custody pending his removal from the country, demonstrating ERO's commitment to the safety of New England communities and enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
Two women arrested for human smuggling in Texas: they were transporting six undocumented migrants
El Diario NY - April 3, 2024
In Texas, two women were arrested for transporting six undocumented immigrants, acting as coyotes. During a smuggling operation in Zavala County, an officer stopped their vehicle and discovered the people hiding, including two in the trunk. The women, identified as Jocelyn Victoria Aguirre and Maria del Carmen Saravia, were arrested and face human smuggling charges. The migrants were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol for possible deportation.
23 Suspected Members of Jalisco Cartel - New Generation arrested in Texas
Univision News - April 2, 2024
An extensive five-year operation culminated in the arrest of 23 alleged members of the Jalisco Cartel - New Generation in Texas, as part of a group of 41 suspects accused of trafficking illegal substances such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in various US cities, including Houston, Galveston, Atlanta, Nashville and Chicago. Those arrested also face conspiracy and money laundering charges, highlighting the cartel's extensive network of operations and the impact of its activity in various U.S. communities.
As Europe and the United States face similar migration challenges, Spain can act as a bridge between the two countries.
Migration Policy Institute - April 2, 2024
Spain and the United States, both receiving large numbers of immigrants from Latin America, collaborate on managing displacement crises and other migration issues. In the face of shared migration challenges, Spain can be a vital bridge in the transatlantic policy conversation, according to a commentary by the Migration Policy Institute. With an active legal immigration system and experience in circular migration programs, Spain has increased its cooperation with the U.S., participating in Secure Mobility Offices in Latin America to explore resettlement or labor mobility options closer to migrants' places of origin.
70% increase in consultations for sexual violence in border cities
Telemundo News - April 2nd, 2024
Telemundo News reports an alarming 70% increase in consultations for sexual violence in the border cities of Matamoros and Reynosa, according to Doctors Without Borders. Maria, a Guatemalan migrant, shares her harrowing experience of being extorted and subsequently sexually assaulted by more than 20 people. This report underscores the extreme vulnerability of migrants on their journey, facing not only physical dangers but also serious human rights violations.
Migrants suffer harassment by criminal groups in Mexico
Telemundo News - April 2nd, 2024
A Guatemalan migrant shares her moving story of fleeing gang threats in her country, only to face violence and harassment from criminal groups in Mexico on her way to the United States. This Telemundo News report highlights the dangerous conditions and risks faced by migrants, showing the urgent need to address violence and provide protection to these vulnerable populations.
Honduras repatriates thousands of child migrants
Voice of America - April 2, 2024
Honduras has begun the process of repatriating hundreds of minors who attempted to cross the border into the United States without the necessary documentation and without accompanying adults. This movement reflects the continuing challenges and tragic realities of child migration in the region. The situation highlights the urgent need to address the root causes of migration and to protect vulnerable children in their journey.
Migrants warned of dangers of crossing the southern U.S. border
Voice of America - April 2, 2024
Border authorities and consuls from Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador are urgently appealing to migrants, warning them of the extreme dangers of attempting to cross the southern border of the United States during the summer months. Risks include severe weather conditions, dangerous terrain, and the threat of human trafficking, highlighting the critical need to seek safe and legal routes for migration.
Guatemala alerts to migratory flows
Voice of America - April 2, 2024
Guatemala intensifies its efforts to manage the increasing migration flows through its territory, with operations aimed at locating irregular migrants seeking to reach the United States. These actions underscore the complexity of migration management in the region, facing both humanitarian and security challenges, and highlight the importance of effective international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and ensure safe and legal pathways for those seeking a better life.
Mairín Reyes, the woman who empties the houses left behind by Venezuelan migrants
La Opinión - April 2, 2024
Mairín Reyes is dedicated to emptying and organizing the homes of Venezuelan migrants who have left their country, becoming a custodian of their memories and belongings. Her work in "Soluciono por ti" reflects the personal dimension of Venezuelan migration, where more than seven million people have emigrated. Reyes works with families who thought they were returning to Venezuela but have not, offering a service that goes beyond the material, touching deeply on the emotional and testimonial.
More than 100,000 migrants have crossed the Darien so far in 2024
Voice of America - April 2, 2024
So far in 2024, more than 100,000 migrants have crossed the dangerous jungle of the Darien Gap, a figure that equals the total number of people who took this route in the first four months of 2023. This dramatic increase underscores the desperation and risks many are willing to face to reach better living conditions. The transit through the Darien, known for its extremely dangerous conditions, poses serious humanitarian and security challenges for both the migrants and the countries involved.
OTHER NEWS
This is how much you need to earn to be able to buy an average U.S. home
Univision News - April 2, 2024
A Bankrate.com study reveals that to purchase an average home in 22 U.S. states, it is necessary to earn a higher-than-average income. This report highlights the growing economic hardship for homebuyers, evidencing the disparity between wages and housing market costs. Univision Noticias emphasizes the importance of this study to better understand the challenges facing American families in the current economic context.
New York delivery drivers will earn almost $20 per hour
Telemundo News - April 2nd, 2024
In New York, delivery drivers on apps like Doordash or Grubhub will see a wage increase that will allow them to earn nearly $20 per hour, adjusted for inflation. This increase will also include the tips they receive through digital platforms, marking a significant advance in compensation for gig economy workers in the city. This adjustment responds to demands for wage improvements and fairer working conditions for delivery drivers, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure equitable pay in a high-cost living environment.
What data was stolen from AT&T from more than 70 million users and what could they do with it?
Univision News - April 2, 2024
AT&T revealed that more than 70 million of its users, both current and former, were victims of a personal data breach. Hackers accessed sensitive information, including full names, social security numbers and account numbers. Cybersecurity experts warn of the potential malicious use of this data, ranging from fraud and identity theft to possible financial attacks. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of personal information in the digital age and the need for more robust security measures.
Latino patient dies in U.S. on medical assistance after suffering terminal disease
Al Rojo Vivo - April 2, 2024
Jose Alejandro Lemuz, a Honduran patient with terminal prostate cancer, has died under California's End of Life Option Act, in effect since 2016. This law allows terminal patients to choose to end their lives in a dignified and controlled manner. Lemuz's publicly announced decision highlights the debate over the right to die with dignity, as well as laws regulating euthanasia and assisted suicide in different U.S. states.
Everything you need to know about the Copa Libertadores kick-off
CNN in English - April 2, 2024
The Copa Libertadores, South America's most prestigious club tournament, kicks off its group stage, promising strong emotions and unforgettable matches. Sports analyst Jaime Macias highlights the teams favored to take the title this year, as well as those that could surprise during the tournament. This analysis offers a complete overview of what fans can expect from this continental competition, which brings together the best teams in South American soccer.
Gisela Gaytán, Morena Party candidate for mayor of Celaya, Mexico, murdered
Univision News - April 2, 2024
Gisela Gaytán, candidate for mayor of Celaya for the Morena party, was assassinated during her first campaign event in Guanajuato, Mexico. The attack not only cost Gaytán her life, but also left three other attendees injured. This event underscores the dangerous intersection between politics and violence in Mexico, and highlights the growing concern for the safety of candidates in the electoral process. The community and authorities are demanding immediate action to guarantee security and justice in the political context of the country.
Candidate shot to death while at her first campaign rally in Mexico
Telemundo News - April 2nd, 2024
Gisela Gaytán, candidate for mayor of San Miguel Octopan, Guanajuato, for the Morena party, was shot and killed during her first campaign event. Shortly before the attack, Gaytán had requested protection from the authorities due to the political violence in the country, especially in the run-up to the elections. This tragic event underscores the security challenges facing politicians in Mexico and the urgent need to ensure their protection.
Sex tourism has become very common in Colombia, warns expert
CNN in English - April 2, 2024
Luz Stella Cardenas Ovalle, director of Fundación Renacer, warns about the growing problem of sex tourism in Colombia, especially after the recent incident in Medellin that led to a temporary ban on sexual services. This phenomenon not only puts adults at risk, but also increases the vulnerability of minors to sexual exploitation. The case highlights the need to implement stricter measures to combat this type of tourism and protect potential victims.
Colombia: Medellin mayor's office to ban sex work in tourist areas for six months
DW English - April 2, 2024
In an unprecedented move, the mayor's office of Medellin announces a temporary, six-month ban on sex work in tourist areas of the city. This decision comes in response to a disturbing incident involving a U.S. citizen and two minors at a local hotel. The measure seeks to protect the vulnerable and address the problems associated with sex tourism, reflecting the city's commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors.
How does Bukele maintain popularity after 2 years of the emergency regime?
CNN in English - April 2, 2024
Two years after having established the emergency regime in El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele maintains a high popularity among the Salvadoran population. Specialist Eduardo Escobar analyzes the reasons behind the continuity of this measure and its acceptance by citizens. Despite concerns about human rights and freedom, security management and the fight against gangs appear to be key factors in the sustained support for President Bukele.
Ecuadorian government redefines strategies in response to onslaught of criminal gangs
Voice of America - April 2, 2024
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has acknowledged a new wave of violence concentrated mainly in four of the country's provinces, attributed to the growing activity of criminal gangs. In response, the government is redefining its security strategies. However, one organized crime expert criticizes this approach, suggesting that it is not adequately addressing the root of the problem. This report underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to combat rising violence and guarantee the security of Ecuador's citizens.
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.