Immigration news today April 9, 2024

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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Table of Contents

IMMIGRATION NEWS IN THE UNITED STATES

Immigration Service announces change to Form I-693 for obtaining residency

Univision News - April 4, 2024

USCIS states that as of November 1, 2023, Form I-693, signed by civilian physicians, does not expire, simplifying the process for permanent residence applicants by eliminating concerns about expiration related to health requirements.

Hispanic farm shooting survivor sues employers for lack of protection

Univision News - January 23, 2023

Mexican national Pedro Romero Perez survives a shooting at California Terra Garden, where his brother and other workers are killed. Romero Perez sues employers for negligent safety measures, noting a history of violence at the site.

Presidential debate in Mexico: this is what the candidates said about immigrants in the U.S.

Univision News - April 8, 2024

In Mexico's recent presidential debate, candidate Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized combating the causes of immigration, pointing to poverty as a key factor. Xóchitl Gálvez saw immigration as an opportunity for Mexico's economic growth, while Jorge Álvarez Máynez stressed the importance of having the moral authority to defend the immigrant community in the United States.

ERO Houston eliminates MS-13 member wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide

ICE - April 8, 2024

Moises Antonio Chavez Figueroa, a 32-year-old Salvadoran fugitive illegally present in the United States, was removed by the Houston Office of Removal and Enforcement Operations (ERO), with the assistance of ERO El Salvador and the Security Alliance Enforcement Task Force (SAFE), on April 5. Chavez, wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide, was transferred to San Salvador, where he was turned over to the Salvadoran National Civil Police. He entered the United States illegally on June 28, 2023, near Eagle Pass, and was immediately apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol. After being transferred to the custody of ERO Houston on July 1, 2023, and placed in immigration proceedings, an immigration judge ordered his removal to El Salvador on Dec. 1, 2023, following confirmation of an active warrant for his arrest for aggravated homicide.

ERO Philadelphia removes Brazilian national wanted for murder

ICE - April 8, 2024

Stanford Jahmaal Omar Bastian, a Bahamian national with a final warrant of removal, was removed to the Bahamas on March 26 by the Enforcement and Removal Operations Office (ERO) in Philadelphia. Bastian is a foreign fugitive wanted by Bahamian law enforcement authorities for murder. Admitted to the United States on March 13, 2009, Bastian remained in the country beyond the authorized date without authorization. In January 2024, it was determined that he was wanted in the Bahamas for murder. After being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 or more kilograms of cocaine and sentenced to 50 months in prison in March 2021, ERO Philadelphia detained him for removal proceedings.

HSI Baltimore investigation sentences MS-13 member in Maryland to 25 years in federal prison for racketeering, murder

ICE - April 8, 2024

Oscar Efrain Zavala-Urrea, a 23-year-old Salvadoran national residing in Silver Spring and a member of the MS-13 street gang, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on March 19 for his role in a racketeering conspiracy that included a murder related to his activities as part of MS-13. The investigation, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore, the Baltimore FBI and the Montgomery County Police Department, revealed that Zavala-Urrea and other MS-13 members planned and executed the murder of an alleged rival gang member in Silver Spring. In addition to the prison sentence, Zavala-Urrea will receive five years of supervised release.

ICE - April 8, 2024

Newark's Office of Removal and Enforcement Operations (ERO) arrested eight non-citizens unlawfully present in the United States with convictions for drug trafficking or multiple drug possession-related offenses, including fentanyl, cocaine, heroin or synthetic drugs, as part of a nationwide enforcement effort from March 11-26. This operation underscores ERO Newark's efforts to apprehend criminal non-citizens who pose a danger to communities while remaining steadfast in public safety and immigration enforcement.

ICE - April 8, 2024

San Diego's Enforcement and Removal Operations Office (ERO) arrested four unlawfully present non-citizens with drug trafficking convictions or multiple drug possession-related offenses, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin or synthetic drugs, during a nationwide enforcement effort from March 11-26. These arrests are part of an intelligence-driven law enforcement model that uses limited resources efficiently to promote public safety in communities across the United States.

Venezuelan military sentenced to more than 21 years in prison in the U.S.

El Nuevo Herald - April 8, 2024

Venezuelan General Cliver Alcala was sentenced to 21 years and eight months in prison in the United States after pleading guilty to supplying weapons and protection to Colombian guerrillas. Despite a plea bargain with the prosecution, which had hoped for a more favorable deal, the recommendation was for a 30-year sentence due to his links to drug trafficking. Alcala, accused of receiving payments for allowing the transit of drugs through Venezuela, played a crucial role in the Cartel de Los Soles, facilitating drug trafficking operations in collaboration with the FARC. This sentence highlights the complicity of high-level Venezuelan officials in transnational criminal activities.

Former Venezuelan Army general sentenced to 21 years in prison

DW English

Cliver Alcalá, former Venezuelan general and collaborator of Hugo Chávez, receives a 21-year sentence in the U.S. for links to the FARC and drug trafficking.

OTHER NEWS

The new Latin South

Word - April 3, 2024

The growing number of Latinos is reshaping North Carolina and other southern states, transforming them into crucial places for America's political future. In Charlotte, North Carolina, Gabe Esparza, candidate for state treasurer and potentially the first Latino in statewide office in North Carolina, symbolizes the new South. The region, traditionally a Republican stronghold, is being shaped culturally, economically and politically by its rapidly growing Latino population. This transformation highlights the South's crucial role in the country's political future, with Latino political participation at the forefront. With more than 388,000 eligible Latino voters in 2022 in North Carolina, their number is expected to represent 14% of the state's population by 2050, marking a significant shift from the North Carolina of the past.

Voting in English and Spanish

Word - March 30, 2024

In Gwinnett County, Georgia, the growing population of primary Spanish speakers surpassed 10,000 voters, triggering a federal mandate to translate ballots and other election materials into Spanish under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This change reflects an effort to include linguistic minorities historically excluded from the political process in the United States. The implementation of this mandate in states such as California, Texas and Florida, and now parts of North Carolina and Arkansas, highlights the importance of inclusion in U.S. democracy, especially in areas with large and long-standing Latino populations.

There is no dignity in life

Word - April 5, 2024

The bridge collapse in Baltimore that resulted in the deaths of six immigrant workers highlights the dangerous working conditions faced by many migrant workers in the United States. These workers, some undocumented, join hundreds of others who have died in unsafe conditions. The article criticizes anti-immigrant policies and labor laws that limit the rights and protections of migrant workers, exposing them to dangerous work without adequate compensation or safety. It also highlights the economic contribution of these workers to their families and countries of origin, often in roles that are essential to the U.S. economy but dangerous and poorly paid.

"Salvadoran culture has been my belief because of everything my mom taught me": astronaut Frank Rubio returns to El Salvador after 25 years

La Prensa Grafica - April 8, 2024

Frank Rubio, NASA astronaut of Salvadoran descent, returned to El Salvador after 25 years to share his space experience with the country's youth. At a press conference organized by the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, Rubio expressed his excitement to return to the country of his family and recalled his childhood and the lessons of Salvadoran culture taught by his mother. During his stay, he will participate in events to promote science and technology development in El Salvador. Although he is not currently scheduled to travel to space due to the time between missions, Rubio expressed his desire to participate in future missions to Mars or the Moon, and is dedicated to preparing for other trips from NASA. Rubio, who holds the U.S. record for most days in space for a single flight, recently received a special award from the U.S. Armed Forces.

Astronaut of Salvadoran origin visits El Salvador

Voice of America - April 8, 2024

Frank Rubio, U.S. astronaut of Salvadoran origin, visits El Salvador to share his experience at NASA, marking his first visit to the country in a long time.

Frank Rubio in El Salvador

La Prensa Grafica - April 8, 2024

Frank Rubio, an astronaut of Salvadoran origin, shares his experience after spending 371 days on the International Space Station with the community of Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad, El Salvador.

In pre-Hispanic Mexico they had rituals for when the moon eats the sun.

Telemundo News - April 8th, 2024

Telemundo News presents a special report on Mexico's pre-Hispanic rituals performed during solar eclipses. These traditions, passed down from generation to generation by indigenous communities, take on special cultural relevance in the context of astronomical phenomena, highlighting their historical and spiritual importance.

Events at the Embassy of Mexico in Ecuador

U.S. Department of State - April 6, 2024

The United States condemns any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and emphasizes the importance of respecting the inviolability of diplomatic missions under international law. This statement comes in light of recent events at the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador, recalling the obligation of host countries to protect diplomatic headquarters. Mexico and Ecuador, as crucial partners of the United States, are encouraged to resolve their differences in accordance with international norms.

Ecuadorian Foreign Minister says President Noboa ordered raid on Mexican Embassy

Voice of America - April 8, 2024

Gabriela Sommerfeld, Chancellor of Ecuador, reveals that President Daniel Noboa ordered the raid of the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who was seeking refuge in the embassy.

Who is Jorge Glas, the former vice-president that Ecuador detained in the Mexican embassy?

Univision News - April 8, 2024

Jorge Glas, former vice-president of Ecuador implicated in corruption cases with Odebrecht, is at the center of the diplomatic conflict between Mexico and Ecuador after his detention in the Mexican embassy.

Ecuador defends its operation at the Mexican embassy

CNN in English - April 8, 2024

Mexico will file a complaint before the International Court of Justice for the Ecuadorian raid on its embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge Glas. This action is seen as a violation of international treaties and the Vienna Convention.

Interview with Javier Milei: his project to build Bukele-style mega-prisons in Argentina

CNN in English - April 7, 2024

Javier Milei, President of Argentina, outlines his plan to build mega-prisons inspired by Nayib Bukele's model in El Salvador, with one peculiarity: they will be financed by the private sector. In the interview, Milei also touches on possible military assistance to Ukraine and projects a promising economic future for Argentina, anticipating a "strong economic take-off".

Artificial intelligence to save coffee

DW English - April 6, 2024

Researchers in Italy develop artificial intelligence that "communicates" with coffee plants to improve their aroma in Tanzania, highlighting the impact of climate change on coffee quality.

 

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.

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