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.
By reading these summaries, you will gain quick insights into critical issues, allowing you to make more informed decisions and stay on top of what is happening in the immigrant community.
IMMIGRATION NEWS IN THE UNITED STATES
EOIR To Open New Immigration Court In Concord, California
Immigration Today - January 27, 2024
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) will open a new immigration court in Concord, California, on February 12, 2024, with 21 judges. Cases transferred to this court will receive official notices of change of location. The San Francisco Immigration Court will answer questions until February 9. The opening of this court seeks to meet the high demand for immigration cases and EOIR will continually evaluate the need to open additional courts nationwide.
USCIS Changes Fee Payment Process for In-Person Filing of Applications
USCIS - January 26, 2024
USCIS has initiated a new process for payment of certain benefit application forms, allowing payment by mail or remotely instead of in person. Applicants may use checks or Form G-1450 for credit card transactions. Attorneys and accredited representatives can process payments for EOIR-29 through email links or text messages. Emergency Advance Parole (EAP) applications still require in-person appointments.
Using the 'Edison method', Latinos made low-calorie tortillas that crossed borders
Los Angeles Times en Espanol - January 29, 2024
Mr. Tortilla, an Alcazar family business in the San Fernando Valley, achieved success with its innovative low-calorie, low-carb tortilla, launched in 2020. The tortilla, which contains only 15 calories and one carbohydrate, propelled the company to another level, especially after it began selling on Amazon. Now, they produce 1.5 million tortillas daily in two factories, distributing 30 million tortillas a month internationally. The key to success, according to Tony Alcazar, has been perseverance, following the "Edison method" of never giving up. The company, which started in 2012, has diversified its business with flavored chips and organic corn flour for homemade tortillas.
Entrepreneur seduces the palate of Angelenos with a mix of Central American flavors
Los Angeles Times en Espanol - January 18, 2024
An entrepreneur is conquering palates in Los Angeles with a fusion of Central American flavors. Her gastronomic proposal combines culinary traditions from different Central American countries, offering a unique and delicious experience. The initiative stands out for its creativity and ability to blend ingredients and cooking techniques from diverse cultures, creating dishes that are both authentic and innovative. This entrepreneur has managed to capture the attention of Angelenos, demonstrating how food can be a bridge between cultures and a way to celebrate diversity.
This is how this mother found the cure for her baby even though she was given zero chance of life.
Univision News - January 28, 2024
Luciana, born in Peru, was diagnosed at 4 months old with bubble boy syndrome, a disease that deteriorated her health. Although doctors indicated there was no cure, her mother Gina discovered a treatment at the University of California, San Francisco that saved her daughter's life.
The migrant who entered U.S. politics and became corrupt: the fall of José Huízar
Univision News - January 28, 2024
Former Los Angeles City Councilman José Huízar was sentenced to 13 years in prison for corruption and tax evasion. Huízar, the first Mexican immigrant on the Los Angeles City Council, received bribes of more than $1.5 million from developers during his tenure. The FBI revealed his involvement in these illicit acts, marking a critical point in his political career.
Former Los Angeles City Councilman sentenced for corruption asks for pardon
Telemundo News - January 28th, 2024
José Huízar, a former Los Angeles City Councilman convicted of corruption, apologized after being found guilty of receiving nearly $$2 million in bribes from real estate investors. His case highlights the seriousness of corruption in local politics and the impact of his actions on the community.
They make love to girls in Mexico to prostitute them in the U.S.: this is how the 'padrotes' of Tenancingo operate
Univision News - January 27, 2024
Authorities have dismantled sex trafficking gangs in Tenancingo, Mexico. These criminals lured their victims with promises of love, then transported them to New York to turn them into sex slaves. This method of operation reveals a human trafficking network that severely affects the communities involved.
Biden says he is ready to close border with Mexico "right now" if Congress sends him a deal
Los Angeles Times en Español - January 28, 2024
President Biden expressed his willingness to close the border with Mexico if Congress approves a bipartisan agreement. The proposed agreement would allow the border to be closed if more than 5,000 immigrants cross illegally in a day. Biden seeks to unlock funding for Ukraine and address immigration, a key issue for the 2024 elections. Arrests for illegal crossings reached an all-time high in December, with 249,785 arrests. The deal faces resistance from Republicans and criticism from Trump, who is pushing to halt negotiations.
Biden is willing to close the border
Telemundo News - January 28th, 2024
Senator Chris Murphy revealed to CNN that the bill under discussion includes a reform to the asylum system and is linked to the authorization of aid for Ukraine and Israel. The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of criticism of Alexander Mayorkas and his handling of the border crisis.
Biden reaffirms pledge to close border with Mexico if given authority to do so
La Opinión - January 27, 2024
President Biden reaffirmed his intention to close the border with Mexico if Congress passes a bill granting him that authority. During an event in South Carolina, Biden endorsed the bipartisan initiative in the Senate, describing it as "the toughest and smartest border security bill in history." The proposal would allow immigrants to be removed when border apprehensions exceed 5,000 over five days. This change marks a significant shift in the Democratic Party's immigration policy and reflects the importance of the issue to Biden's re-election campaign.
Biden willing to close border if there is a bipartisan agreement
Telemundo News - January 27, 2024
President Biden expressed his willingness to use new emergency authority to close the border in the event of an overwhelming influx of immigrants, if a bipartisan agreement is reached. This approach could be key to his re-election, highlighting the complexity of immigration policy.
Army of God' advances toward Texas border
Telemundo News - January 28th, 2024
A group led by retired Lt. Col. Pete Chambers, known as the 'Army of God,' is headed for the Texas border. Their goal is to warn about the alleged negative consequences of the open borders policy, which they say is harming the entire country.
ICE Conducts Single Adult and Family Unit Removal Flights on January 26th
ICE - January 26, 2024
On January 26, 2024, ICE conducted removal flights of single adults and family units to Central America, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Venezuela. Since May 2023, more than 500,000 individuals have been removed or returned, including more than 84,000 family members. The removals and returns exceed the numbers of previous fiscal years and are conducted in compliance with U.S. laws and international obligations, ensuring the orderly and humane processing and removal of individuals.
Border Patrol apprehended more than 302,000 immigrants at southern border in December
La Opinión - January 26, 2024
In December, the U.S. Border Patrol apprehended more than 302,000 immigrants at the southern border, a monthly record and a 20% increase over November. More than 249,785 crossed irregularly, while others were turned over at ports of entry. CBP reported a 50% decrease in border encounters in January. Since May 2023, DHS has removed or returned more than 472,000 individuals, surpassing annual totals since 2015. In December, 45,770 immigrants were lawfully processed through CBP One at ports of entry.
Arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico to the U.S. reached record high in December
Los Angeles Times en Español - January 27, 2024
In December, arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico into the U.S. reached a record 249,785, up 31% from November. Most were Mexicans and Venezuelans, with a notable increase in Guatemalans. Tucson, Arizona, was the busiest corridor, followed by Del Rio, Texas. Including legally admitted migrants, total encounters were 302,034. Since the implementation of CBP One a year ago, more than 413,000 people have been processed at land border crossings.
Trump criticized Senate deal that would give Biden authority to close Mexican border
La Opinión - January 27, 2024
Donald Trump criticized a bipartisan agreement in the Senate that would grant President Biden the authority to close the border with Mexico. Trump, who has made immigration a central issue in his 2024 campaign, called the deal worse than no deal at all. Biden, for his part, has described the deal as the toughest and fairest set of border reforms. The deal would allow Biden to close the border if certain thresholds of daily border crossings are exceeded. Trump's consolidation as the Republican front-runner has created uncertainty in the Senate negotiations.
Mexicans living in the United States demand better protection of their rights
La Opinión - January 27, 2024
Mexicans living in the U.S. are demanding greater protection of their constitutional rights from their government. During an event in Tijuana, academics and community leaders discussed the need for adequate consular advice and attention for the approximately 11 million Mexicans in the U.S. and their 20 million descendants. Many of these Mexicans work without permits and face rights violations. Proposals include training dreamers to work in Mexican consulates in the U.S. and consular representation for indigenous communities. The lack of reintegration programs for the 4.5 million deported Mexicans was also a prominent issue.
Dreamers make a difference: new report highlights their contribution to the economy
La Opinión - January 26, 2024
A report by the Center for American Progress reveals that DACA recipients (Dreamers) contribute nearly $2.1 billion annually to Social Security and Medicare. In 2022, they generated revenues of nearly $27.9 billion, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy. 91% of Dreamers over the age of 25 are employed, and 47% improved their employment after receiving immigration protection. DACA, initiated in 2012, protects young people brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. The report underscores the importance of immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients.
California universities will not employ undocumented students
Telemundo News - January 28th, 2024
California universities have implemented a two-year measure that prevents the employment of undocumented students in faculties to pay for their studies. This decision has caused disappointment among many students, who even went on a hunger strike to reverse it.
What are the charges Republicans will use to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas?
El Diario NY - January 28, 2024
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have announced an impeachment attempt against Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, accusing him of failing to comply with immigration laws and compromising national security. The 20-page resolution focuses on his handling of the border situation. Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee see impeachment as the only remaining option. Democrats and the Department of Homeland Security criticize the initiative as politically motivated. Impeachment requires a simple majority in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
Republicans seek to impeach Homeland Security Secretary
Telemundo News - January 28th, 2024
Republicans are attempting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his handling of the immigration crisis and his alleged "deliberate and systemic refusal" to comply with immigration law. This political move highlights the tensions and challenges in U.S. immigration policy.
Wife of Venezuelan man who drowned in Rio Bravo speaks: asks for help so that he does not end up in a mass grave in Mexico
El Diario NY - January 27, 2024
Dayana Graterol, wife of Carlos Luis Leon, who drowned in the Rio Bravo, is looking for financial help to prevent her husband from ending up in a mass grave in Mexico. She needs $4,500 for funeral services, of which she has $1,500. The funeral home in Matamoros will keep the body for a month and a half. The family, including two children and a nephew, had left Venezuela and crossed the dangerous Darien jungle, seeking asylum in the U.S. Dayana is asking for support from the Venezuelan community and anyone able to help.
Chicago aldermen ask Mayor Brandon Johnson to extend eviction deadline for migrant shelters
La Raza - January 27, 2024
Chicago aldermen are asking Mayor Brandon Johnson to extend the February 1 deadline for evicting asylum seekers from shelters. About 1,900 immigrants will be affected by this measure. Mutual Aid groups and 17 aldermen, led by Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward, have sent a letter to the mayor asking him to scrap or delay the 60-day eviction policy. They argue that it is crucial to obtain work authorization for immigrants, which would allow them to find housing on their own.
Councilmembers sign letter urging Johnson to scrap 60-day immigrant reception policy
Chicago Tribune - January 26, 2024
More than a dozen Chicago aldermen have called on Mayor Brandon Johnson to eliminate the 60-day limit policy for immigrant intake. The request comes amid the humanitarian crisis and lack of shelter beds in the city. The aldermen, along with mutual aid groups, are demanding that the limit be rescinded by Feb. 1, citing concerns for the welfare of asylum seekers during the winter. The letter also calls for improving conditions in shelters and building more housing. The mayor's office has responded that it is improving the medical screening process and food distribution at the shelters.
Mayor Johnson asks state to build immigrant shelters outside Chicago
Chicago Tribune - January 26, 2024
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has asked Governor J.B. Pritzker to build more immigrant shelters outside the city, including with state funding. Johnson did not specify the fate of immigrants whose 60-day term in city shelters expires Feb. 1. Instead, he emphasized the need for the state to build more shelters elsewhere. The Pritzker administration had promised 2,200 additional beds, but the process has not moved as quickly as Johnson's 60-day policy. The Pritzker administration is focused on the city, where all the investments for the immigrant mission have been made.
ICE allowed hysterectomies to immigrants who did not need them
El Tiempo Latino - January 26, 2024
A report by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General revealed that some hysterectomies performed on immigrants in ICE custody were not always properly approved. Between 2019 and 2021, two of six hysterectomy surgeries were found to lack documentation supporting the medical necessity of the operation. The report also noted that 32% of 227 major surgical procedures reviewed were approved by unauthorized personnel, such as nurses or nurse interns. ICE agreed with the recommendations that clinical directors should document their approval of major surgeries in the electronic medical record system.
Steps forward in the Senate for a stricter immigration deal
Telemundo News - January 28th, 2024
President Biden showed a willingness to close the border in the face of the immigration crisis, reflecting negotiations in Congress for a stricter immigration agreement. Activist Oscar Chacón criticized this stance as a concession to "the toughest wing" of the Republicans.
Governors show their support to Greg Abbott on border control
Telemundo News - January 27, 2024
Twenty-five governors expressed their support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's control of the border. The deadline for the Abbott administration to turn over control of Shelby Park to federal agents expired, highlighting the debate over state autonomy and immigration policy.
Concern over the absence of Border Patrol rescue teams in Texas
Telemundo News - January 27, 2024
The conflict between the federal government and Texas over control of the border has impacted the immigrant community, evidencing the absence of Border Patrol rescue groups. The drowning death of a Nicaraguan and the rescue of two other migrants were reported, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Republicans reject Trump's alleged pressure against border deal
Telemundo News - January 27, 2024
Senator Mitt Romney and other Republicans rejected Donald Trump's alleged pressure against a border agreement. Trump tried to blame Joe Biden for the immigration crisis, evidencing political tensions and challenges in managing immigration policy at the border.
Traveling with the U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas
Voice of America - January 27, 2024
In El Paso, Texas, and Sunland Park, New Mexico, border patrol agents face challenges monitoring the border fence. The video shows the difficult conditions of migrants attempting to cross undetected, highlighting the humanitarian and security challenges.
How do migrants experience their first minutes after being detained in the U.S.?
Voice of America - January 27, 2024
Salvadoran and Guatemalan migrants tell Voice of America about their experiences immediately after being apprehended by the Border Patrol in Sunland Park, New Mexico. The video offers an intimate perspective of their thoughts and emotions during these critical first moments.
U.S. Border Patrol denies "gates" for migrants, warns of dangers
Voice of America - January 27, 2024
In El Paso, Texas, the Border Patrol clarifies that the international markers, used as reference points for the delivery of migrants, do not represent "open doors" for entry. The video underscores the importance of debunking myths and warning about the dangers of irregular migration.
Meet "Mami Nena" the 81 year old "warrior and gamer" granny of "Free Fire".
CNN en Español - January 28, 2024
"Mami Nena", an 81-year-old granny, has become an influencer and expert in the video game "Free Fire". She found in video games a refuge for her depression, proving that the passion for games has no age and can have a positive impact on mental health.
Why has violence increased in Costa Rica?
CNN en Español - January 28, 2024
Costa Rica is facing a gradual increase in violence, with a steady rise in annual homicides. This change marks a decline in security in a country once known for its peace in the region. The video analyzes the factors behind this worrying increase.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Although these summaries are intended to be accurate, it is essential 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.
