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 to Open International Office in Quito, Ecuador
USCIS - August 30, 2024
USCIS will open an international office in Quito, Ecuador, on September 10, 2024, to increase refugee processing under USRAP and facilitate family reunification. It will support resettlement efforts in the Americas, aligned with the Los Angeles Declaration, and collaborate with the Offices of Secure Mobility. The office will process Form I-730, perform fingerprinting, oversee the collection of DNA samples, and conduct fraud detection activities, making it the twelfth USCIS international office.
Online Tool Interruptions
USCIS - August 29, 2024
USCIS will be performing maintenance on the CRIS system from September 4 through September 5, from 11:50 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). During this time, users may experience technical difficulties with various online tools, including my case status, online query, change of address, processing times, physician locator, office locator, online filing, my USCIS online account, and Service Request Management Tool. It is recommended to plan online activities considering these temporary interruptions.
Biden Administration reactivates 'humanitarian parole' program for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela
Univision News - August 29, 2024
DHS reactivates the humanitarian parole program for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, after a pause due to security breaches. New measures are implemented, including rigorous screening of sponsors and beneficiaries, and fingerprinting requirements. More than 520,000 immigrants have arrived legally under this program. Fraud cases will be referred for possible prosecution. DHS warns of expedited deportation for illegal border crossers, emphasizing the use of legal and secure immigration channels.
What changes after reactivation of humanitarian parole for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela
Univision News - August 30, 2024
Joe Biden's administration reactivated the "humanitarian parole" program for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, allowing them to enter the United States by air if they have an approved sponsor. Immigration attorney José Guerrero explains that measures will be implemented to avoid fraud, and details the requirements that interested parties must comply with. This change seeks to facilitate the controlled migration of these groups and prevent abuse of the system.
Do you want to take in a migrant child? Here's what you need to know
Univision News - August 29, 2024
Unaccompanied migrant children are particularly vulnerable and need safe environments. Foster homes play a crucial role in providing them with a safe space and tools for independence. This video explains the necessary requirements for those who wish to host a migrant child, underlining the importance of proper guidance to support their development in a new country.
Administrative Suspension of Keeping Families United
USCIS - August 28, 2024
On August 26, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas will issued an administrative suspension which prevents granting temporary stay permits under "Keeping Families Together" for 14 days. USCIS will not grant pending petitions for temporary permission to stay, but will continue to accept Form I-131F and schedule biometrics appointments. The suspension does not affect petitions approved before August 26, 2024. Individuals with temporary permission to stay may apply for other immigration benefits, such as employment authorization and adjustment of status. USCIS will deny employment authorization applications filed prior to the approval of Form I-131F.
USCIS Updates F/M Nonimmigrant Student Classification Guidelines
USCIS - August 27, 2024
USCIS has updated the guidance in the Policy Manual regarding student eligibility for extensions of optional practical training (OPT) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The update clarifies several issues: students may count one class or three credits toward a full course of study if they take the class online without requiring physical attendance; they may transfer between SEVP-certified schools at the same or different educational level; during the 60 days following an authorized period of OPT, they may change educational levels, transfer to another school, or submit an application to change status; may be eligible for OPT after completing an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program; and a student enrolled in a SEVP-certified school during a study abroad program may remain active in the SEVIS system if the program lasts less than five months; otherwise, he or she will need a new Form I-20. This guidance is effective immediately and applies to applications pending or filed as of the date of publication.
Meet SEVP Field Representatives
SEVP - August 28, 2024
The SEVP field representativesThe SEVP program, with extensive experience in education, is critical to the homeland security and regulatory compliance of certified schools. They conduct an average of 256 school visits annually, providing training on SEVP policies and regulations. They value face-to-face interactions to build relationships, provide guidance on complex regulations, and assist in the certification process. Their role is crucial as a liaison between SEVP and educational institutions, ensuring compliance and supporting school officials in their important work.
Resource Summary: Student Transfer Reminders
SEVP - August 22, 2024
SEVP reminds students of the importance of keeping SEVIS records up to date during international student transfers. F and M students must maintain their status and follow the correct procedures when transferring. DSOs may electronically transfer records between certified schools while maintaining the same SEVIS ID. SEVP-certified schools must comply with federal regulations and cannot terminate a student's status solely by requesting a transfer. Resources are provided for students and school officials to ensure compliance with these processes.
Department of Homeland Security Announces $$380 Million in Additional Funding for Migrant Receiving Communities
DHS - August 28, 2024
DHS allocates an additional $380 million through the SSP to support migrant-receiving communities, supplementing $259.13 million from April 2024 and $780 million from FY 2023. The funds, administered by FEMA and CBP, will go toward food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and transportation. CBP reports a 32% decrease in migrant encounters in July 2024, the lowest monthly total since September 2020, attributed to a presidential proclamation temporarily suspending entry of certain non-citizens at the southern border.
Joint Statement: Tripartite Mechanism on Irregular Migration
DHS - August 26, 2024
Colombia, the United States and Panama, at the Third Meeting of the Tripartite Mechanism, reaffirm their commitment to address irregular migration. They highlight achievements such as the regularization of 2.5 million Venezuelan migrants and the establishment of Secure Mobility Offices. They commit to dismantle criminal networks, improve information sharing and protect border ecosystems. They agreed to implement a work plan to strengthen state presence, improve control and cooperation mechanisms to dismantle trafficking networks, and improve humanitarian assistance to migrants.
Guatemala Enforcement Operation Secures Arrest of Human Trafficker Indicted by Joint Task Force Alpha for Links to 2022 Mass Casualty Event in Texas
DHS - August 22, 2024
A joint U.S.-Guatemala JTFA operation results in the arrest of Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, accused of human smuggling linked to the deaths of 53 migrants in San Antonio in 2022. Miranda-Orozco faces charges for facilitating the travel of four Guatemalan migrants, charging up to $15,000 per person. With 14 total arrests related to this tragedy, authorities reaffirm their commitment to dismantle smuggling networks in Central America through international collaboration.
Annual EB-4 Annual Limit Reached
U.S. Department of State - August 29, 2024
The Department of State announces that the annual EB-4 visa cap has been reached for fiscal year 2024, which benefits religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, and certain government employees. The Immigration and Nationality Act sets this cap at 7.1% of the worldwide employment cap. Embassies and consulates will suspend issuance of these visas until October 1, 2024, when fiscal year 2025 begins.
Annual Limit Reached in the EB-1 Category
U.S. Department of State - August 27, 2024
The Department of State announces that the annual EB-1 visa cap has been reached for fiscal year 2024, which benefits individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, and multinational executives. The Immigration and Nationality Act sets this cap at 28.6% of the worldwide employment cap. Embassies and consulates will suspend issuance of these visas until October 1, 2024, when fiscal year 2025 begins.
Emami Litigation - Notice to Class Members
U.S. Department of State - August 27, 2024
Emami litigation allows visa applicants rejected under Presidential Proclamation 9645 from countries such as Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen to receive a one-time fee credit and priority appointment option for a new application. The process, which begins August 12, 2024, requires completion of Form DS-160, verification of eligibility, and scheduling an appointment. Certain embassies will be prioritized for one year and there is a 21-day process to resolve class membership disputes.
Dominican Republic National Pleads Guilty for Role in Human Trafficking Event Resulting in the Death of a Child
U.S. Department of Justice - August 28, 2024
Alcibades De Paz, a 34-year-old Dominican, pleaded guilty to human trafficking after captaining a boat from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. During the evasion of authorities, the boat was shipwrecked, causing the death of a three-year-old boy. De Paz faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The case, investigated by Homeland Security, highlights the dangers of human trafficking.
Pardon Attorney's Office Publishes Spanish-language Application for Commutation of Sentence
U.S. Department of Justice - August 26, 2024
The Office of the Pardon Attorney publishes the application for commutation of sentence in Spanish, improving accessibility and simplifying forms. Elizabeth Oyer, Pardon Attorney, notes that this initiative, in collaboration with the Office of Access to Justice, will increase the transparency of the clemency process and language access for Spanish-speaking applicants at Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities.
U.S. Department of Labor recovers $198K for 20 bartenders from Dallas bar owner who illegally shared tips and violated minimum wage and overtime pay laws
U.S. Department of Labor - August 28, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor recovers $$198 thousand for 20 bartenders at The Peak Inn and Adair's Saloon in Dallas, owned by Joe Morales, for illegal tip pooling and violations of minimum wage, overtime and recordkeeping laws. The investigation, conducted by the Wage and Hour Division, is part of a broader initiative in the food service industry to identify and correct labor violations.
CBP seizes 663 pounds of cocaine, arrests two Dominican Republic nationals near Ponce, Puerto Rico
CBP - August 29, 2024
CBP agents seize 663 pounds of cocaine valued at $6 million and arrest two Dominicans near Ponce, Puerto Rico. A P3 aircraft detected the vessel 43 miles south, which was intercepted by CBP's Marine Unit. A Border Patrol K9 confirmed the presence of narcotics. The drugs, vessel and suspects were turned over to the DEA for investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexican Government counterparts in Chihuahua continue law enforcement partnership in the Se Busca Información initiative to find wanted criminals.
CBP - August 29, 2024
CBP and Mexican authorities in Chihuahua announce five new criminal targets in the Se Busca Información initiative. This collaboration seeks information from the public on TCO members involved in human trafficking, drug trafficking, sex crimes and murder. Posters and billboards are used in El Paso and Chihuahua, and the public can report anonymously by phone or WhatsApp. Since 2019, the initiative has led to the arrest of nine wanted targets and four additional criminals.
ICE conducts deportation flights for single adults and family units on Aug. 30
ICE - August 30, 2024
ICE continues to conduct deportation flights of single adults and family units to various countries, including Brazil, Cameroon, and nations in Central America and the Caribbean. Since the end of Title 42, DHS has deported more than 742,000 individuals, surpassing figures from previous fiscal years. Following the recent presidential proclamation, more than 92,000 individuals have been deported to more than 130 countries in 12 weeks, operating more than 300 international repatriation flights.
Philadelphia Enforcement and Removal Operations arrests Brazilian national wanted for homicide in Brazil
ICE - August 30, 2024
ERO Philadelphia arrested Ramon Campidelis-Correia, a 28-year-old Brazilian national, at his Philadelphia residence on August 28. Wanted in Brazil for homicide, drug trafficking and criminal organization, he will remain in ICE custody during removal proceedings. This arrest exemplifies ERO's mission to protect national security by apprehending and removing criminal noncitizens who pose a threat to U.S. communities.
ICE Houston arrests a convicted Mexican murderer previously deported four times
ICE - August 29, 2024
ICE Houston arrested Maribel Martinez Garcia, a 40-year-old Mexican national, convicted murderer and four-time deportee. Convicted of murder in Alabama in 2008, she has illegally re-entered the U.S. multiple times since 2000. She was arrested with forged documents in Houston, thanks to collaboration between ERO Houston and New Orleans. ICE is seeking to prosecute her for illegal re-entry and is considering additional charges, underscoring ERO's role in public safety and immigration enforcement.
Alleged members of Tren de Aragua enter an apartment complex with weapons
Univision News - August 29, 2024
A security camera captured alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang entering an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, with guns drawn. Although local authorities have linked the gang to crime in the area, they have not confirmed a strategic operation by the gang in the area. This incident reflects growing concern over the activity of international criminal groups in US communities.
ERO Boston arrests Ecuadorian national accused of sex crimes against a minor in Massachusetts
ICE - August 27, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Bryam Saraguro Ramon, a 29-year-old Ecuadorian national who illegally entered the U.S. in 2017, on charges of multiple sex offenses against a minor in Massachusetts. Following his arrest by the State Police and prosecution in Fall River District Court, ERO issued an immigration detainer. Saraguro was subsequently arrested at the Bristol County House of Corrections and remains in ERO custody, emphasizing the agency's commitment to public safety and immigration enforcement.
ERO Houston deports Guatemalan fugitive with extensive criminal history, deported three times
ICE - August 27, 2024
ERO Houston deported Jiuver Alexander Esquivel Florian, a 42-year-old Guatemalan with three prior deportations and an extensive criminal history in the U.S., including assault, driving under the influence and human smuggling. Wanted in Guatemala for non-payment of child support, Esquivel was deported on a charter flight from Louisiana to Guatemala, where he was turned over to local authorities. This operation, the result of collaboration between ERO Houston, ERO Guatemala and the SAFE Task Force, underscores ICE's efforts to remove criminal aliens and protect public safety.
ERO New York arrests fugitive wanted for murder in Dominican Republic
ICE - August 26, 2024
ERO New York arrested a Dominican national on Long Island wanted for murder in the Dominican Republic. The subject, who entered the U.S. illegally, is charged with a fatal stabbing in his home country, facing a maximum sentence of 30 years. In addition, he has charges pending in Nassau County for assault and weapons possession, with a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear. He is currently in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings.
ERO Boston arrests non-citizen wanted by Mexican authorities for aggravated homicide
ICE - August 23, 2024
ERO Boston arrested a 42-year-old Mexican national wanted for aggravated murder in his home country in Seymour, Connecticut. The subject, who illegally entered the U.S. in 2005 and re-entered after being deported, was previously arrested by ERO Newark in 2010 and released on bond. Following an arrest warrant issued by Mexico in 2024, he was arrested on August 20 in Hartford and remains in ICE custody, facing removal proceedings.
ICE conducts removal flights of single adults, family units on August 23rd
ICE - August 23, 2024
ICE continues to conduct removal flights of single adults and family units to various countries, including Albania, Cuba, Mexico, and nations in Central America and Eastern Europe. Since the end of Title 42, DHS has removed or returned more than 742,000 individuals, surpassing figures from previous fiscal years. Following the recent presidential proclamation, more than 92,000 individuals have been removed to more than 130 countries in 11 weeks, operating more than 300 international repatriation flights.
ERO Washington, D.C. arrests Bolivian national convicted of sex crimes against minor in Virginia
ICE - August 23, 2024
ERO Washington D.C. arrested Jose Fabricio Veizaga-Vargas, a 36-year-old Bolivian national, on Aug. 19 in Annandale. Convicted of sexual assault of a minor and charged with DWI and possession of child pornography, Veizaga-Vargas was released multiple times by local authorities who ignored three ICE detainers. This series of events underscores the challenges in cooperation between local and federal agencies in immigration and public safety matters.
ERO New York deports 2 Irish nationals with alleged links to international fraud ring
ICE - August 23, 2024
ERO New York deported Oliver and Kathleen Boswell, Irish nationals, to Ireland on August 20, 2024. The Boswells, allegedly linked to the Traveling Conmen Fraud Group, entered the U.S. legally in 2023 but violated their terms of admission. They were arrested in Newburgh on July 18 and are wanted in the U.K. on 19 counts of money laundering, related to frauds of more than £3 million. Following their deportation, they were handed over to Irish authorities, demonstrating international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime.
ERO Baltimore arrests Guatemalan national convicted of assault in Maryland
ICE - August 22, 2024
ERO Baltimore arrested 28-year-old Guatemalan national Walter Romeo Saloj-Pecher on August 14, 2024 in Hyattsville. Saloj-Pecher, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2013, has had a warrant of removal since 2014 and multiple arrests. He was convicted of assault in December 2023 and has pending charges of robbery and assault. A local jurisdiction previously refused to honor an ICE detainer, releasing him. This case underscores the challenges in cooperation between local and federal authorities in immigration and public safety matters.
ICE issues criminal warrants in San Antonio
ICE - August 21, 2024
ICE executed four criminal arrest warrants in San Antonio and Austin against previously removed Mexican nationals for offenses including drug possession, assault and driving while intoxicated. The arrestees were transferred to the U.S. Marshals Service on immigration detainers and will return to ICE custody upon completion of their criminal cases. This operation is part of ICE's efforts to protect public safety by targeting non-citizens with criminal records and immigration violations.
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.
To program a immigration consultation with Dr. Castillo, click on the link.
