Here are some recent U.S. immigration news, an essential source for keeping up to date with changes and opportunities that may affect your life.
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IMMIGRATION NEWS IN THE UNITED STATES
USCIS Simplifies the Refugee Employment Authorization Document Process
USCIS - March 12, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a streamlined Form I-765 process, providing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) more efficiently to eligible refugees. This new system significantly reduces the wait time to obtain an EAD from several months to approximately 30 days. Refugees now do not need to apply for an EAD, as USCIS digitally creates and adjudicates the Form I-765 automatically upon admission to the country. EADs are sent via priority mail service to the address of record, usually within one to two weeks after approval. In addition, USCIS coordinates with the Social Security Administration to assign Social Security numbers to refugees and send them the appropriate card. This process, launched on December 10, 2023, seeks to improve the integration of refugees in the United States, although it does not apply to family reunification refugees or those seeking EAD replacement or renewal.
USCIS streamlines employment authorization process for qualifying refugees
La Opinión - March 12, 2024
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a streamlined Form I-765 process that allows eligible refugees to obtain employment authorization (EAD) in approximately 30 days after admission to the country. This new procedure, which applies to refugees admitted as of December 10, 2023, digitizes and automates the EAD application process, eliminating the need for refugees to apply for this document individually. USCIS will also facilitate the assignment of Social Security numbers to refugees, improving their ability to integrate into the U.S. This process does not apply to family reunification refugees or those seeking to renew or replace their EAD.
Latinos in Miami: how 'las ventanitas' show their influence
Telemundo News - March 12, 2024
Miami's 'ventanitas', especially in Cuban restaurants, have become cultural and political centers, evidencing the Latino influence in Florida. These small windows, where coffee is served and ideas are discussed, are frequented daily by a diversity of people, including politicians on the campaign trail. The Hispanic presence has been crucial in Florida's political landscape, influencing presidential and state elections. The 'ventanitas', more than social gathering points, reflect how immigrants have shaped Miami, offering a space to interact with cultural and political elements. These sites have been the sites of historic events and continue to be central to the immigrant community and community building in Miami.
How do I find out if I have a deportation order? We answer your immigration questions
Univision - March 12, 2024
To find out if you have a deportation order in the United States, it is essential to look up your alien number (A-Number) and then enter this number into the phone system (1-800-898-7180) or on the Immigration Court's website. Alex Galvez, an immigration attorney, explains that it is common for immigrants processed at the border to fail to provide a correct address and have their cases sent to Immigration Court without receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA), which leads to a deportation order in absentia if they do not show up for their appointment with the judge. It is the immigrant's responsibility to notify address changes using Form AR-11 for USCIS and Form EOIR/IC for EOIR within specific deadlines to avoid serious immigration consequences.
These are the penalties you are exposed to if you buy a fake green card
Univision News - March 12, 2024
In Queens, New York, they uncover the sale of false documents, including green cards and Social Security numbers, for $80. Immigration attorney Angel Leal warns about the serious consequences of these practices for the legalization of immigration status.
Congressional Democrats Launch Task Force Focused on Border Security
La Opinión - March 12, 2024
A task force led by Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar and comprised of 26 Democratic members of Congress was launched to address border security and seek legislative solutions for the border region with Mexico. This group, called the Democratic Border Security Task Force, focuses on countering the increase in illicit narcotics and managing the influx of irregular migration along the southern border. They seek to advance bipartisan legislation that had been introduced in the Senate, but failed due to Republican opposition. The initiative seeks to balance border security with respect for the rights of immigrants to seek asylum.
Democratic initiative for a new U.S. southern border plan.
CNN in English - March 12, 2024
Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, is pushing a new initiative to address the southern border issue in Congress. He is forming a group of legislators to support this new plan, seeking effective solutions for managing U.S. immigration.
The sea, rivers and canals: the other border barriers that are claiming more migrants' lives
Univision News - March 12, 2024
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are studying the deaths of migrants crossing the maritime border between Tijuana and San Diego. The construction of the wall under the Donald Trump administration could be linked to the increase in migrant deaths at these crossings.
Supreme Court extends stay of Texas SB4 anti-immigrant law to March 18
La Opinión - March 12, 2024
The Supreme Court extended the suspension of SB4 in Texas until March 18, a measure that had been requested by President Joe Biden's administration. This law, which allows state and local authorities to detain immigrants, was initially blocked on March 4. Judge Samuel Alito's decision seeks to allow time for a new consideration of this controversial law. Federal Judge David Ezra had blocked its implementation, noting that deportation touches on sensitive aspects of federal immigration policy. The law, pushed by Republicans and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, has generated a broad debate on the ability of states to act on immigration matters, a traditionally federal area.
Biden requests funds for 2,300 more agents at the border
La Opinión - March 11, 2024
President Joe Biden has asked Congress for a $7.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2025, which includes funds to add 2,300 more border agents. These agents would be dedicated to border security and combating fentanyl. In addition, 1,600 additional asylum officers and 375 new immigration judge teams are called for to reduce the backlog of cases. This effort seeks to strengthen responsiveness to challenges at the border and enhance national security, while respecting legal immigration processes.
The controversy behind the Republican response to the State of the Union address.
Univision News - March 12, 2024
Republican Senator Katie Britt faces criticism for citing the case of Karla Jacinta Romero, a victim of human trafficking between 2004 and 2008 in Puebla, Mexico, as an example of the current immigration situation under the Biden administration. This misunderstanding has generated controversy about the veracity and context of the examples used in U.S. policy.
Thousands of immigrant children disappear from sponsors' homes, what has happened to them (podcast)?
El Diario NY - March 12, 2024
An investigation has revealed that thousands of migrant children and adolescents have disappeared from the homes of their sponsors in the United States, confronting authorities with the challenge of finding them. The report states that, in 2022, 2,724 minors went missing, six times more than in 2020. There is no federal agency responsible for these disappearances, complicating investigation and tracking. Journalists Karen Rodriguez and Kristian Hernandez detail in the podcast "El Diario Sin Limites" how the investigation unfolded and the main obstacles faced by local and state authorities in addressing this problem.
Outrage over police subduing migrant in New York. This is what Adams says
Telemundo News - March 12, 2024
Venezuelan Yanny Cordero recounts how he was subdued by police officers in New York City while holding his 1-year-old son, a situation that has generated outrage. Mayor Adams justifies the police action by claiming that Cordero was drunk, increasing the debate about the treatment of migrants and policing in the city.
Annunciation House will be able to continue operating after judge's ruling | Telemundo News
Telemundo News - March 12, 2024
A judge rules in favor of Annunciation House, a migrant shelter in Texas, allowing it to continue operating in the face of the Attorney General's lawsuit alleging facilitation of irregular entry into the U.S. The ruling also protects the privacy of those housed, reinforcing the rights of migrants and support organizations.
FBI: human trafficking network connected to the Islamic State
Las Américas Newspaper - March 11, 2024
FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concern before the US Senate about a human trafficking network linked to the Islamic State. During a session on global threats, concerns were highlighted in areas such as China, Russia, and artificial intelligence, but also about border security with Mexico, highlighting the entry of "dangerous individuals" into the country. Wray confirmed the existence of facilitators with connections to ISIS, involved in trafficking to the United States, without detailing in open session. The immigration crisis at the border was a recurring theme, highlighted as a national security challenge, including drug trafficking and the entry of fentanyl into the country, contributing to the drug epidemic affecting the US.
Hispanic woman accused of causing traffic accident that killed child in Missouri
La Opinión - March 12, 2024
Endrina Bracho, a Venezuelan migrant, is facing charges for causing a fatal accident in Missouri, resulting in the death of Travis Wolfe, a 12-year-old boy. The accident, which occurred in December 2023, involved Bracho driving the wrong way at high speed, striking the Wolfe family's vehicle. Travis died on March 6 after being taken off life support. Bracho, who is illegal in the U.S., is being held on a $500,000 bond, facing several charges, including involuntary manslaughter. This case reignites debates about immigration and highway safety.
Mexican sentenced to 42 months in prison for drug trafficking scheme after HSI investigation Washington, D.C.
ICE - March 12, 2024
Gerardo Ignacio Castillo-Lopez, a 32-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for his role in a complex cocaine trafficking scheme in the Washington, D.C. area following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Residing in Tucson, Arizona, in April 2022, Castillo-Lopez coordinated the delivery of 22 kilograms of cocaine to Dwight Garvey in Maryland, concealing the drugs in secret compartments of a 2018 Honda Pilot. New Mexico State Police intercepted the transport, discovering the cocaine during a traffic stop. Less than 24 hours after Garvey's arrest, Castillo-Lopez fled to Mexico, where he remained a fugitive for more than a year until his arrest in August 2023 while attempting to re-enter the United States.
ERO Boston arrests Brazilian fugitive wanted for rape of a minor
ICE - March 12, 2024
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston arrested a 40-year-old Brazilian national, unlawfully present in the United States and wanted by Brazilian authorities for statutory rape of a minor. The individual was arrested on February 14 near his residence in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He entered the U.S. as a tourist in March 2022 and stayed more than a year beyond the legally authorized period. Under Brazilian law, he faces charges of consensual sexual contact with a person under the age of 14 and is wanted by a criminal court in the province of Parana, Brazil. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
OTHER NEWS
US starts pilot program for self-service security checks
Voice of America - March 12, 2024
The United States implements a pilot program at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, introducing self-service security checks to improve efficiency and passenger experience.
IRS offers free online tax filing tool in Spanish
Telemundo News - March 12, 2024
The IRS launches 'Direct File', a pilot program that allows taxpayers with simple returns to file their taxes online and free of charge through the IRS website, seeking to facilitate this process and make it more accessible, especially for the Hispanic community.
Many Latina women earn 43% less than men
Telemundo News - March 12, 2024
On National Equal Pay Day, we highlight the wage gap affecting Latina women in the U.S., who earn 43% less than men. This data highlights the need to continue working for gender equality in the workplace.
She learned to play piano as a child in secret and is now one of Colombia's greatest concert pianists.
Univision News - March 12, 2024
Teresita Gómez, who was adopted by the porters of a music school, learned to play the piano by stealth in her childhood. At the age of 12, she gave her first recital. Now 80 years old, she shares how her passion and determination led her to become a leading concert pianist in Colombia.
New league will allow women to hit professional home runs in Mexico
Telemundo News - March 12, 2024
For the first time in 100 years, Mexico will have a women's professional softball league, allowing 120 women to compete locally. Previously, those interested in professional softball had to move to the U.S. or Japan. This milestone marks a significant advance for women's sports in the country.
How is Mexico's economy doing?
CNN in English - March 12, 2024
José Antonio Montenegro and Francisco Abundis, director of Parametría, analyze the Mexican economy on the eve of the June presidential elections. They discuss economic expectations and the potential impact of the elections on the future direction of the country.
Gabriel García Márquez's posthumous novel celebrated
Voice of America - March 12, 2024
Gabriel García Márquez's posthumous novel "En agosto nos vemos" is published. The work arrives in Mexican bookstores, offering fans of the award-winning author a new literary piece that enriches his legacy.
Colombia: Women attend practical aikido seminar in Bogota
Voice of America - March 12, 2024
In Bogota, women participate in an aikido seminar, seeking empowerment and physical well-being through this Japanese discipline that promotes the "philosophy of peace".
The mothers of Catuche
DW English - March 12, 2024
Doris Barreto, who lost her son in conflicts between rival sides in Catuche, leads a movement of mothers towards peace. Her effort culminates in an agreement that ends the violence in 2007, demonstrating the strength of the community united against violence.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
I have used an artificial intelligence tool, programmed with specific instructions, to summarize each article or video. These summaries provide a quick overview of the most important topics.
While these summaries are intended 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 be informed, but the final interpretation of each article or video is up to you.
As the distributor of this information, I assume no responsibility for the details or interpretations of the summaries. My goal is to provide you with quick and efficient access to the most important immigration news, helping you stay informed and connected to your community.
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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