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
Second Random Selection Completed Among Previously Submitted Registrations for Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Visas
USCIS - August 5, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed a second random selection of previously submitted entries for FY 2025 H-1B visas. The selection seeks to reach the necessary numerical allocations for single beneficiaries. Selected petitioners will be notified and may file their H-1B petitions. A second selection for the advanced degree waiver was not conducted, as sufficient petitions were received to meet the allocation. Petitions must be filed within 90 days and include the new fees and updated form.
DHS Statement on Security and Enforcement During Hurricane Debby
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - August 5, 2024
During emergency events such as Hurricane Debby, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, and local partners to support affected individuals. ICE and CBP remind the public that emergency response sites are protected areas and no immigration enforcement activities are conducted at these locations. ICE and CBP may engage in search and rescue missions and provide assistance regardless of immigration status. DHS ensures that anyone seeking refuge or assistance can do so regardless of immigration status and without discrimination.
Project 2025 proposes to cancel 'administrative shutdown' of immigration cases as Trump already did in 2018
Univision News - August 3, 2024
Project 2025, pushed by the Heritage Foundation, suggests eliminating the 'administrative closure' of immigration cases, a tool reinstated by Biden in 2021 that allows non-dangerous undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. Trump eliminated this practice in 2018, reopening thousands of deportation cases. The Project 2025 plan seeks to restore the rule of law by ordering ICE not to close pending cases and enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act as written. If implemented, it will affect many immigrants in deportation proceedings.
Government temporarily suspends humanitarian parole after fraud detection
Univision News - August 2, 2024
The Biden administration temporarily suspended the humanitarian parole program for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela due to fraud detected in the process. DHS will review applications for support and will resume processing with appropriate safeguards. Humanitarian parole allows entry into the country and grants work authorization for two years. Those found guilty of fraud could face criminal charges and revocation of parole. DHS ensures that all beneficiaries have been thoroughly vetted to maintain the integrity of the program.
Notice to Emami Litigation Class Members
U.S. Department of State - August 2, 2024
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has certified a class in Farangis Emami and Pars Equality Center v. Government Officials. It allows certain visa applicants denied under Presidential Proclamation 9645 to receive a non-transferable fee credit for a new application and to qualify for a priority appointment. The beneficiaries are nationals of Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Texas immigration controls receive judicial backing
Voice of America - August 2, 2024
Two immigration control measures implemented by Texas under Operation Lone Star were upheld by the courts in decisions on lawsuits filed against the state. The measures seek to strengthen border security and have been the subject of controversy. These court decisions represent a significant triumph for the policies of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has defended the need for these measures in the face of increased irregular migration. The judicial response focuses on the legality and effectiveness of these policies, generating a broad debate on the management of migration at the southern border of the United States.
Venezuelan migrants in Mexico worried about the relatives they left behind in their country
Voice of America - August 2, 2024
Venezuelan migrants in Mexico express their concern for the relatives they left behind in Venezuela, facing economic and social hardship. Voz de América's journalist reports on the precarious conditions that many Venezuelans live in their country of origin, while migrants in Mexico struggle to settle and send aid. The political and economic situation in Venezuela remains critical, forcing many to seek better opportunities in other countries. Migrants stress the importance of maintaining communication and support for their loved ones.
International human trafficking gangs dismantled in Tijuana
Voice of America - August 2, 2024
US authorities dismantled two international human smuggling rings operating along the Tijuana-San Diego border in July. One of the gangs specialized in moving migrants from Africa and Central Asia to the U.S. border. This operation is part of an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and secure the border. Vicente Calderon of Voice of America reports on the importance of these actions to dismantle criminal networks and protect migrants from the dangers associated with human smuggling.
U.S. Department of Labor recovers $268K in back wages, compensation for 76 onion processing plant workers
U.S. Department of Labor - August 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $268,417 in back wages and compensation for 76 workers at an onion processing plant in Idaho. The investigation revealed that Ontario Partners LLC violated regulations by failing to pay overtime and housing workers in substandard conditions. The company was fined $44,152. H-2A employers must comply with labor regulations to protect the rights of agricultural workers.
DHS Blue Campaign Launches National Tutorial with Lyft to Educate Rideshare Drivers on Detecting and Preventing Human Trafficking
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - August 1, 2024
DHS Campaign Blue and Lyft announced a tutorial program accessible to more than one million drivers in the U.S. and Canada to help them detect and prevent human trafficking. The tutorial, available on the Lyft driver app, educates on indicators of human trafficking and how to report it. This effort builds on previous initiatives during Super Bowl 2024 in Las Vegas. DHS and Lyft thus seek to increase awareness and combat this crime.
Summary of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas' Meeting with Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - July 31, 2024
On July 26, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas met with Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina to address irregular migration and combat transnational organized crime. They discussed improving reintegration programs and efforts to promote legal avenues for migration, such as the H-2A and H-2B visa programs. Honduras also agreed to expedite coordination with the U.S. for the repatriation of Honduran nationals without a legal basis to remain in the U.S.
Jesse D. Muñoz Appointed Laredo Sector Patrol Chief
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - August 1, 2024
Jesse D. Muñoz has been appointed Chief of Patrol for the Border Patrol's Laredo Sector. With a 23-year career with the Border Patrol and extensive experience in various leadership roles, Munoz has previously served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic. He holds a bachelor's degree in History and a master's degree in Strategic Studies, in addition to being a graduate of the Customs and Border Protection Leadership Institute.
Former Green Beret and Venezuelan Citizen Accused of Violating Arms and Export Laws
U.S. Department of Justice - August 2, 2024
Jordan Guy MacDonald Goudreau and Yacsy Alexandra Alvarez were arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate export laws, smuggling of goods and violation of the Arms Export Control Act. Since November 2019, they exported weapons and military equipment to Colombia without licenses in order to conduct business in Venezuela. If convicted, they face sentences of up to 20 years in prison and confiscation of the exported equipment.
ERO Boston Arrests Brazilian Fugitive Wanted for Rape
ICE - August 2, 2024
Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested a Brazilian fugitive wanted for an October 2023 rape conviction. The individual, 55, was arrested near his residence in Fall River. He entered the U.S. legally in April 2023, but violated the terms of his admission. He will now be turned over to Brazilian authorities to serve a sentence of 10 years and six months in prison.
ERO Boston Arrests Guatemalan Citizen Convicted of Child Endangerment and Drug Offenses
ICE - August 2, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Edilzar Morales-Barillas, a 35-year-old Guatemalan national convicted of child endangerment and drug distribution. Morales had previously been deported in 2021, but illegally re-entered the U.S. He was re-arrested in Chelsea for DUI and drug possession. He now faces a reinstated removal order and remains in ERO custody.
ICE Houston Removes Guatemalan Fugitive Wanted for Child Abuse
ICE - August 1, 2024
Lina Elizabeth Chilel Baíl, a Guatemalan wanted for child abuse, was deported from the U.S. to Guatemala on July 31. She was arrested by the Border Patrol in Texas in 2022 and subsequently detained on aggravated assault charges. After being convicted of assaulting a family member, she was turned over to Guatemalan authorities upon arrival at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
ICE Removes Fugitive Alien Wanted for Sex Crimes
ICE - August 1, 2024
Elvis Jose Cabera Martinez, a Honduran national wanted for sex crimes, was deported from the US on July 15. Upon arrival at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, he was arrested by local authorities. ICE Atlanta facilitated his deportation following a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge.
ICE Houston Removals Salvadoran Fugitive
ICE - July 31, 2024
Francisco Ernesto Salinas-Chavez, a Salvadoran national wanted for aggravated terrorist organizations (18th Street gang), was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador on July 31. He was arrested in Houston and placed in immigration proceedings. Once at the Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport in San Salvador, he was turned over to Salvadoran authorities.
ERO Salt Lake City Arrests and Removes South Korean Citizen Wanted for Embezzlement
ICE - July 31, 2024
Intae Yang, a South Korean national wanted for embezzlement, was arrested by ERO Salt Lake City on May 6 and removed to South Korea on July 31. Yang entered the U.S. through Los Angeles and did not leave under the terms of his visa. He was transferred to the Southern Nevada Detention Center prior to his deportation, where he was turned over to South Korean authorities without incident.
ERO Philadelphia Removes Honduran Citizen Wanted for Homicide in his Country
ICE - July 31, 2024
ERO Philadelphia removed Denilson Orlinten Avila Gutierrez, a Honduran national wanted for murder, to Honduras on July 29. Avila entered the U.S. without inspection and was arrested in Amityville, N.Y., on May 8, 2024. He was transferred to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania and an immigration judge ordered his removal on June 24.
ICE Removes Honduran Fugitive Wanted for Homicide
ICE - July 30, 2024
ICE removed Fredy Funes-Gomez, a 45-year-old Honduran national wanted in Honduras for murder. He was deported from Miami and turned over to Honduran authorities upon arrival at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula. Funes-Gomez had a final order of removal from the U.S. and was arrested in collaboration with the Honduran Fugitive Enforcement Security Alliance.
ICE Houston Removes Salvadoran Fugitive Wanted for Street Gang Ties
ICE - July 30, 2024
Maria Idalia Aguilera-De Menjivar, a 53-year-old Salvadoran fugitive, was deported from Houston to El Salvador on July 26. Aguilera is wanted for her links to the Calle 18 gang, considered a terrorist organization. She was arrested in Houston and transferred to El Salvador, where she was handed over to local authorities upon arrival at the Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport in San Salvador.
ERO Boston Arrests Peruvian Fugitive Convicted of Drug Trafficking in Argentina
ICE - July 30, 2024
ERO Boston arrested a Peruvian national, convicted in Argentina for drug trafficking, on July 29. He was arrested at his residence in Massachusetts. This operation reinforces ERO Boston's commitment to apprehend non-citizen criminals attempting to evade justice in their home countries.
ERO Boston Arrests Dominican Citizen Convicted Locally on Drug Charges
ICE - July 29, 2024
ERO Boston arrested a Dominican national convicted of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine distribution. He illegally entered the U.S. in 2016 and was deported in 2019. Illegally re-entered and was re-arrested in 2024 in Brentwood, New Hampshire. He faces federal charges of illegal re-entry and violation of supervised release.
ERO New York Arrests Uzbek National Wanted in Uzbekistan for Fraud
ICE - July 29, 2024
ERO New York arrested an Uzbek national wanted in Uzbekistan on fraud charges. He was arrested by Border Patrol after illegally entering the U.S. near St. Louis, Arizona, in February 2023. Uzbek authorities are seeking his arrest, facing a possible sentence of up to eight years in prison.
ERO Boston Arrests Colombian Citizen Convicted for Drug Distribution
ICE - July 29, 2024
ERO Boston arrested a 31-year-old Colombian national convicted of drug distribution in Massachusetts. He illegally entered the U.S. in 2011 and was deported in 2019. He illegally re-entered and was arrested again in 2024 in Shirley. He faces federal charges of illegal reentry and drug distribution.
ERO Washington DC Removes Salvadoran Fugitive Wanted in his Country for Multiple Crimes
ICE - July 29, 2024
ERO Washington DC removed a Salvadoran national wanted in his home country for multiple crimes, including murder and robbery. He was arrested in Washington DC and deported to El Salvador, where he was turned over to local authorities to face pending charges.
ERO Newark Arrests Mexican National Wanted for Homicide in Mexico
ICE - July 29, 2024
ERO Newark arrested a Mexican national wanted in Mexico for murder. He was detained in New Jersey and faces deportation proceedings to be sent back to Mexico, where he will face the charges against him.
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.