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
New court order on temporary stay of the implementation of the "parole in place" rule in Texas et al. v. DHS et al.
Judge J. Campbell Barker - September 4, 2024
U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, issued a new order extending the temporary suspension The KFT program allows certain undocumented spouses or stepchildren of U.S. citizens to obtain a parole in place rule under the Keeping Families Together (KFT) program until September 23, 2024. The KFT program allows certain undocumented spouses or stepchildren of U.S. citizens to obtain parole without leaving the country. The current order maintains the ban on issuing these permits, but allows applications to be received and reviewed.
The order was issued to preserve the current status while the actions of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are reviewed. Judge Campbell set an expedited schedule for the filing of grounds and a consolidated hearing on September 18, 2024. The decision found that the issuance of "parole" permits could cause irreversible harm and that the burden to the government of a temporary stay is minimal. USCIS is allowed to continue capturing biometrics and processing applications even though they cannot be approved for the duration of the temporary suspension.
Announcement of the Creation of a Lightering Visa Classification
Department of State - September 5, 2024
The Department of State has implemented two new visa classifications: C-4 for transit and D-3 for crewmembers, intended for non-citizens engaged in lightering activities (transfer of liquid cargo between vessels) for up to 180 days. A combined C-4/D-3 visa is also available. Unlike the C-1 and C-1/D visas, which limit stays to 29 days, these new visas allow stays of up to 180 days in the United States for lightering-related activities in international maritime trade.
New category of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for non-immigrant T-applicants
USCIS - August 29, 2024
Effective August 28, DHS has established a new category C40 on Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), intended for individuals with a pending Form I-914 for T nonimmigrant status. This category is for applicants whose application has been found to be genuine and meets the prima facie standard and who are approved for employment authorization. T status is designed for certain noncitizens who have been victims of a severe form of human trafficking. Now, both the principal applicant and his or her family members can receive an EAD under the C40 category. Previously, the C14 (deferred action) category was used for employment authorization for T-1 applicants. If T-1 status is granted, an EAD will be granted under category A16; and for T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5 or T-6 status, an EAD will be granted under category C25. The initial SAVE check will provide a response of "Temporary Employment Authorized" if the applicant has no other status.
Mexico Travel Alert
Department of State - September 6, 2024
Caution is advised when traveling to Mexico due to widespread crime. Some states such as Colima, Guerrero and Tamaulipas have a "Do Not Travel" alert. Others such as Baja California and Chihuahua recommend reconsidering travel. Extreme caution is advised in tourist areas such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen. U.S. government employees have travel restrictions in several states. It is recommended to sign up for STEP, stay alert and follow official social media for security updates.
Countries benefiting most from humanitarian parole
Univision News - September 9, 2024
Humanitarian parole grants inadmissible aliens temporary permission to enter the U.S., allowing them to adjust their status to permanent in two years. According to a Syracuse University TRAC ReportOnly 37.7% of applicants were admitted in 2023, a figure that dropped to 37.2% in 2024. Countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela have benefited significantly. After fraud was detected in the process, the program was paused in August 2024 and reinstated with security measures. Since 2023, more than 520,000 people have entered under this category, facing rigorous background and security checks.
California Governor vetoes bill that sought to help undocumented immigrants buy homes
Univision News - September 8, 2024
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to access the 'Dream For All' program, which offers homeownership assistance in the state. This decision has generated unease among immigrant advocates, who see the measure as an obstacle to the inclusion of the undocumented community in the housing market. Newsom argued that the program's limited resources cannot be extended to all groups without compromising its sustainability.
Biden administration reviews Mexico border situation, prepares "new policy
Univision News - September 5, 2024
The Biden administration is reviewing immigration policy at the border with Mexico after implementing temporary restrictions in June 2024. These measures, which include closing the border and limiting asylum applications, have significantly reduced illegal crossings. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are processing public comments on the Interim Final Rule, which grants discretion to border agents for expedited deportations. While consideration is being given to making these restrictions permanent, humanitarian exceptions for unaccompanied minors and victims of trafficking remain in place. The administration seeks to balance border security with respect for human rights.
"He was left under the wagon": father of boy who died after 'La Bestia' derailment speaks out
Univision News - September 6, 2024
Josué Castro Mercado, his wife and two children were traveling aboard the train known as 'The Beast' to Ciudad Juárez in search of the American dream. Tragedy struck when the train derailed, resulting in the death of their youngest child, a 4-year-old boy. The boy's mother was seriously injured and remains hospitalized. This unfortunate accident highlights the risks faced by migrants in their attempt to reach the United States.
New York offers financial assistance to immigrants to move out of shelters: who qualifies?
Univision News - September 5, 2024
New York City is providing financial support to immigrants living in municipal shelters, offering them a $4,000 grant for expenses such as moving, security deposit, and first and last month's rent. In addition, beneficiaries will receive gift cards to cover other additional expenses, helping to ease their transition to permanent housing. This measure aims to ease the burden on shelters and provide stability to migrant families.
CBP Appoints Miguel A. Garza as Charlotte Port Director
CBP - September 5, 2024
Miguel A. Garza Jr. took over as the new Charlotte Port Area Director, overseeing five ports of entry in North Carolina. With 17 years of border security experience, Garza will manage international passenger, air cargo and agricultural compliance operations. The Port of Charlotte processed more than 1.8 million international travelers in 2023, a 40% increase over the previous year. The changeover ceremony was held at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, symbolizing the transfer of authority.
Convicted child molester pleads guilty to naturalization fraud after ERO Miami investigation
ICE - September 6, 2024
Dorian Velasquez, a 43-year-old Guatemalan, pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship by concealing child abuse crimes. He committed the crimes between 2011 and 2015, before naturalizing in 2015. He faces up to 10 years in prison and automatic revocation of his citizenship. The investigation was part of ERO Miami's Operation False Haven, which seeks offenders who conceal serious crimes during the naturalization process. Velasquez will be sentenced on November 19.
Four Suspected Aragua Train Members Arrested in Colorado: Here's What We Know
Univision News - September 6, 2024
Colorado authorities confirmed the arrest of four alleged members of the Tren de Aragua, among them Jhonardy José Pacheco Chirino, alias "Galleta. The detainees are linked to an armed confrontation on July 28. The mayor of Aurora, Mike Coffman, expressed concern about the presence of this dangerous criminal gang in the region, which has generated fear in the community. El Tren de Aragua is known for its criminal activities in several countries, and its presence in the United States alarms local authorities.
ICE conducts deportation flights for single adults and family units on Sept. 6
ICE - September 6, 2024
ICE continued to conduct deportation flights of single adults and family units between September 2 and September 6 to countries in Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, and Mexico. From May 2023 through May 2024, DHS deported or returned more than 742,000 individuals, including 111,000 family members. In the last 13 weeks, more than 121,000 individuals have been deported to more than 140 countries. ICE Air Operations facilitates these removals and deportations, conducting 142,580 deportations and 62,545 Title 42 removals in FY 2023.
ERO Baltimore arrests Honduran man convicted of rape in Maryland
ICE - September 6, 2024
ERO Baltimore arrested Madai Gamaliel Amaya, a 36-year-old Honduran national convicted of rape in Maryland. Amaya, previously deported, illegally re-entered the U.S. multiple times. He was convicted of rape in 2009 and served a prison sentence. After his deportation in 2013, he illegally re-entered and was again convicted of illegal entry in 2017. Deported in 2018, he re-entered illegally and was arrested on August 29, 2024. This is the 153rd arrest of non-citizen sex offenders made by ERO Baltimore this fiscal year, setting a record for the office.
ERO Boston arrests Guatemalan man accused of raping Massachusetts resident
ICE - September 6, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Jorge Luis Castro-Alvarado, a 28-year-old Guatemalan national, on charges of raping a Massachusetts resident. Castro-Alvarado entered the U.S. illegally and was previously arrested for assault. Despite an ICE detainer, he was released on bond by a local court. ERO Boston arrested him on August 1 in Lynn. The case highlights the importance of ICE detainers to public safety and cooperation between local and federal agencies on immigration issues.
ERO Boston arrests Haitian man accused of sexually assaulting minor in Massachusetts
ICE - September 4, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Akim Marc Desire, an 18-year-old Haitian national, on charges of sexually assaulting a minor in Massachusetts. Desire entered the U.S. legally in June 2023, but violated the terms of his entry. He was arrested on August 28 by Mansfield police and charged with indecent assault on a 14-year-old minor. ERO Boston issued a bench warrant and arrested him on August 30 in Attleboro District Court. Desire remains in ERO custody and will face an immigration judge.
Uzbek national sentenced for immigration and passport fraud conspiracy
ICE - September 4, 2024
Dilrabo Obidova, a 36-year-old Uzbek national, was convicted of immigration conspiracy and passport fraud. Since 2007, Obidova and her husband, Abduvosit Razikov (fugitive), conspired to illegally bring her to the U.S. and obtain fraudulent immigration benefits. Obidova falsely married a U.S. citizen while married to Razikov. She filed false immigration and passport applications. She was arrested during her final naturalization interview. Obidova pleaded guilty in May 2024 and was deported to Uzbekistan on August 30, 2024, with no option to apply for asylum or other immigration benefits.
Dominican offender arrested by ERO Boston gets 30 months in federal prison for illegal re-entry into U.S.
ICE - September 3, 2024
Felix Reinardo Nunez-Guerrero, a 50-year-old Dominican, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for illegal re-entry into the U.S. after multiple deportations. Since 1999, Nunez-Guerrero entered the country illegally at least five times and was deported four times. He has convictions for various crimes, including weapons possession and assault. ERO Boston arrested him in November 2023 following a domestic violence charge. He pleaded guilty to illegal reentry in March 2024. The case highlights ERO's efforts to prioritize public safety by arresting repeat offenders.
ICE Houston deports Salvadoran fugitive wanted for aggravated femicide, aggravated homicide and gang membership
ICE - September 3, 2024
ERO Houston deported Alexis Bladimir Canizales Romero, a 27-year-old Salvadoran MS-13 member wanted in El Salvador for aggravated femicide, aggravated homicide and conspiracy. Canizales entered the U.S. illegally several times, being removed in 2020 under Title 42. He was arrested in March 2024 for drunk driving in Texas. Following a deportation order in July, he was turned over to Salvadoran authorities on August 30. The operation highlights the collaboration between ERO Houston, ERO El Salvador and the SAFE Task Force in the repatriation of international fugitives.
ERO Boston arrests Brazilian accused of sex crimes against minor in Massachusetts
ICE - September 3, 2024
ERO Boston arrested Warley Neto, a 24-year-old Brazilian, on five counts of rape of a minor in Massachusetts. Neto entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 and has a history of domestic violence. He was arrested in January 2024 on charges of rape and enticement of a minor. The Dukes County Sheriff's Office honored the ICE detainer and turned him over to ERO Boston on Aug. 23. The case underscores the importance of cooperation between local and federal agencies for public safety, especially in sex offender cases.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
These summaries provide a quick overview of the most important topics. 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.