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judge-7602999_1280Last week the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a new policy memorandum that requires the agency to initiate removal proceedings after it denies an application for an immigration benefit, if the foreign national is no longer lawfully present in the United States.

Importantly, the memo exempts certain individuals including beneficiaries of employment-based petitions, but it does not exempt dependent family members.

The memorandum also broadens USCIS’s authority to begin removal proceedings for certain foreign nationals with previous criminal charges, arrests, or convictions.

It is effective immediately.

How will USCIS implement this policy?

Under this policy, USCIS will initiate removal proceedings against a foreign national by issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA) after it has denied an application for an immigration benefit, if the foreign national no longer has a lawful basis to remain in the United States.

The issuance of a Notice to Appear (NTA) commences removal (deportation) proceedings in immigration court. Those who are issued an NTA must appear on the scheduled date before a judge who will decide whether the foreign national has a lawful basis to remain in the country or should be removed.

Traditionally, Notices to Appear (NTAs) have been issued by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.

However, USCIS also has the authority to issue NTAs in limited circumstances defined in policy memorandums issued by the agency.

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donald-2911302_1280La administración Trump planea revocar la libertad condicional CHNV dejando a miles sin estatus legal

En un sorprendente giro, CBS News ha publicado nueva información sobre planes inminentes de la administración Trump para revocar el estatus legal de aquellos a quienes se les concedió un permiso de permanencia temporal en el país a base de los programas para los cubanos, haitianos, nicaragüensens, y venezolanos (conocidos como CHNV).

Se estima que más de 530,000 cubanos, haitianos, nicaragüenses y venezolanos se encuentran actualmente en los EE. UU. bajo estos programas.

¿Qué es la permanencia temporal CHNV?

El programa de permanencia temporal CHNV fue promulgado por primera vez en 2023 por la administración Biden. Al igual que el programa de permanencia temporal de “Unidos por Ucrania,” los ciudadanos de los países que calificaban (Cuba, Haití, Nicaragua y Venezuela) debían tener un patrocinador en los EE. UU., pasar verificaciónes de seguridad, y cumplir con otros criterios para obtener la admisión a los EE. UU.

A los admitidos se les concedió la entrada a los EE. UU. por un período temporal de hasta dos años, incluyendo la capacidad de solicitar autorización de empleo temporal con el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los EE. UU. (USCIS).

Después de la orden ejecutiva firmada por el Presidente Trump titulada “Asegurando Nuestras Fronteras,” el dia 28 de enero USCIS dejó de aceptar el Formulario I-134A, solicitud para ser patrocinador para estos programas de permanencia temporal a la espera de revisiones adicionales.

Esta fue la primera señal de problemas para el programa CHNV. También vale la pena destacar que la página web de permanencia temporal CHNV ya no está disponible en el sitio web de USCIS.

Aviso del DHS Para Revocar CHNV

Según documentos internos del gobierno revisados ​​por CBS News, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional pronto publicará un aviso en el Registro Federal poniendo un fin a los programas de permanencia temporal de CHNV y revocando el estado de permanencia temporal de todos a quienes se les concedió la entrada a los Estados Unidos bajo los programas de permanencia temporal de CHNV.

Estas personas serán sometidas a un proceso de deportación si no tienen ningún otro fundamento legal para permanecer en el país.

Qué significa esto:

  • Aquellos cuya clasificación de permanencia temporal sea revocada y que no tengan otro estatus migratorio, serán inmediatamente inelegibles para permanecer en los Estados Unidos y ya no podrán trabajar de manera legal.
  • Deportaciones aceleradas: El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional ha ampliado los procedimientos de deportación acelerada, dirigidos a personas sin estatus legal
  • Vías legales alternativas: aquellos en los EE. UU. bajo permanencia temporal CHNV deben explorar vías legales alternativas para permanecer en los EE. UU. o prepararse para partir.

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donald-2911302_1280Trump Administration Plans Revocation of CHNV Parole Leaving Thousands Without Legal Status

In a shocking turn of events, new information has been released by CBS News about the Trump administration’s imminent plans to revoke the legal status of those who were granted humanitarian parole under the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) humanitarian parole programs.

It is estimated that more than 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans are currently in the U.S. under these programs.

What is CHNV Parole?

The CHNV parole program was first enacted in 2023 by the Biden administration. Much like the Uniting for Ukraine parole program, nationals from qualifying countries (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) were required to have a U.S.-based supporter, pass enhanced security vetting, and meet other criteria to gain admission to the U.S.

Those admitted were granted entry to the U.S. for a temporary period of up to two years, including the ability to apply for temporary employment authorization with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Following President Trump’s day one executive order entitled, “Securing Our Borders,” on January 28th USCIS stopped the acceptance of Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, for these parole programs pending further review. This was the first sign of trouble for the CHNV program. The CHNV parole webpage is no longer available on the USCIS website.

DHS Notice to Revoke CHNV

According to internal government documents reviewed by CBS News, the Department of Homeland Security will soon publish a notice in the Federal Register terminating the CHNV parole programs and revoking the parole status of all who were granted entry to the United States under the CHNV humanitarian parole programs.

Such individuals will be placed in removal proceedings if they do not have any other lawful basis to remain in the country.

What this means: 

  • Those whose parole classification is revoked, and who lack another immigration status, will be immediately ineligible to remain in the United States, and can no longer work on a lawful basis.
  • Accelerated Deportations: The Department of Homeland Security has expanded expedited removal procedures, targeting individuals without permanent legal status
  • Alternative Legal Pathways: those in the U.S. under CHNV parole must explore alternative legal avenues to remain in the U.S. or prepare to depart

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american-flag-2054414_1280This week President Trump unleashed a fresh barrage of executive orders targeting illegal immigration and antisemitism in the United States.

Executive Order Expanding Migration Operations at Guantánamo Bay

Among these orders, on January 29th the President signed, “Expanding Migration Operations Center at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay,” unveiling his administration’s plans to use a migrant holding facility at the U.S. naval base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to house more than 30,000 migrants deported from the United States.

The White House has said the naval station will soon be operating at its full capacity to detain “high priority” criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States, and to “address attendant immigration enforcement needs,” identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

Immigration advocates have questioned the optics of this decision due to Guantánamo Bay’s sordid history. Once a processing center for asylum seekers and HIV-positive refugees, it has been well known for its detainment of notorious terrorists and unlawful enemy combatants such as the 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. This decision has raised alarm due to Guantanamo’s unfit conditions and frequent human rights violations reported to international human rights organizations.

Despite these criticisms, the White House has said that deported migrants held in Guantánamo will not be detained in the same U.S. military prison where foreign terrorists are being held. Instead, migrants will be placed in a separate holding facility previously used to detain migrants intercepted at sea.

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library-of-congress-jPN_oglAjOU-unsplash-scaledIt has been less than 24 hours since President Donald Trump has taken office, and he has already signed into law a flurry of executive orders directly impacting immigration.

More than a dozen of these executive orders dismantle Biden era immigration policies, and usher in restrictive policies for visa seekers, asylum applicants, and undocumented immigrants.

The swift issuance of these executive orders signals a tough political climate ahead for immigration, and what is sure to be a continuance of the Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration.

While some of these executive orders may face legal challenges, here is a summary of all the executive orders affecting immigration issued on day one of Trump’s presidency.

Executive Order: President Trump’s America First Priorities

President Trump’s first executive order entitled “President Trump’s America First Priorities,” states the following as top priorities of his administration, which touch upon immigration.

  • President Trump promises to take “bold action” to secure the U.S. border and protect communities by calling on the U.S. Armed Forces and National Guard to assist with border security
  • At the President’s direction, the State Department will have an “America-First” foreign policy
  • Ends Biden’s Catch-and-Release Policies

What it is: Catch-and-release authorized the release of individuals without legal status from detention while awaiting immigration court hearings.

  • Reinstates Remain in Mexico Policy

What it is: Known formerly as the Migrant Protection Protocol, this policy will require certain asylum seekers at the southern border to wait in Mexico for their hearings in U.S. immigration court.

  • Continues the construction of his southern border wall with Mexico
  • Prohibits asylum for individuals who have crossed the border illegally

What it is: Aims to end asylum and close the border to those without legal, to facilitate a more immediate removal process

  • Cracks down on U.S. sanctuary cities
  • Enhanced vetting and screening of noncitizen aliens seeking admission to the U.S.

What it is: The President will direct agencies to report recommendations for the suspension of entry for nationals of any country of particular concerns.

  • Expands deportation operations for aliens with a criminal record
  • Suspends the refugee resettlement program
  • Designates cartels such as the “Tren de Aragua” as foreign terrorist organizations and calls for their removal by using the Alien Enemies Act
  • Calls on the Department of Justice to implement the death penalty for illegal immigrants “who maim and murder” Americans and commit “heinous crimes”

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ai-generated-8775948_1280Last month, San Diego’s Board of Supervisors passed a resolution ending the use of county resources aiding federal immigration enforcement actions.

The measure was made ahead of President Trump’s inauguration and puts an end to the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Previously, local law enforcement agencies cooperated with ICE officials by facilitating the transfer of detainees to ICE custody and notifying ICE of their release from custody to aid in their removal from the United States.

In response to San Diego’s actions, the America First Legal Foundation (founded by Trump advisor Stephen Miller) issued a letter to 249 elected officials including the Chair of San Diego’s Board of Supervisors, Nora Vargas. In the letter, the organization warned Vargas that she could be subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability for what the organization considered to be “obstruction” of federal immigration law.

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48554137807_fa4094864c_e

Source: Flickr Creative Commons Attribution Gage Skidmore

A estas alturas ya habrás visto los titulares de las noticias. Ahora analicemos la nueva acción ejecutiva histórica del Presidente Biden sobre inmigración y vayamos al meollo de todo lo que necesitas saber sobre esta orden diseñada para mantener unidas a las familias y brindar más oportunidades a los Dreamers.

Proceso para Promover la Unidad y Estabilidad de las Familias– Legalización de cónyuges Indocumentados de Ciudadanos Estadounidenses

Hoy, 18 de junio de 2024, el Presidente Biden anunció un nuevo proceso que permitirá la protección y legalización de los cónyuges indocumentados de ciudadanos estadounidenses que hayan residido en los Estados Unidos durante al menos diez años a partir del 17 de junio de 2024.

En virtud de la autoridad ejecutiva del Presidente, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS), en coordinación con los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS), crearán un nuevo programa discrecional de “permanencia temporal” para que los cónyuges indocumentados de ciudadanos estadounidenses legalicen su estatus mientras permaneciendo en los Estados Unidos.

Aquellos que sean aprobados después de la evaluación caso por caso de su solicitud por parte del DHS tendrán un período de tres años para solicitar la residencia permanente. A los elegibles se les permitirá permanecer con sus familias en los Estados Unidos y ser elegibles para una autorización de trabajo por hasta tres años.

Las personas deben cumplir ciertos requisitos de elegibilidad para convertirse en residentes permanentes legales (titulares de tarjeta verde) bajo este nuevo proceso,

A continuación se encuentran respuestas a preguntas frecuentes sobre esta orden ejecutiva.

Q: ¿Cuáles son los requisitos para que los cónyuges sean elegibles para solicitar el permiso de permanencia temporal y legalizar su estatus en los Estados Unidos?

Para ser considerado caso por caso para una concesión discrecional de permiso de permanencia temporal en virtud de este proceso, una persona debe:

  • Estar presente en Estados Unidos sin admisión ni permiso de permanencia temporal;
  • Haber estado presente continuamente en Estados Unidos durante al menos 10 años a partir del 17 de junio de 2024; y
  • Tener un matrimonio legalmente válido con un ciudadano estadounidense a partir del 17 de junio de 2024
  • No tener antecedentes penales que lo descalifiquen o de otra manera constituir una amenaza a la seguridad nacional o la seguridad pública y
  • Merecer un ejercicio favorable de discreción para recibir permiso de permanencia temporal

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48554137807_fa4094864c_e

Source: Flickr Creative Commons Attribution Gage Skidmore

By now you’ve seen the headlines in the news. Now let us break down President Biden’s historic executive action on immigration and get to the nitty gritty of everything you need to know about this order designed to keep families together and provide further opportunities for Dreamers.

Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families – Legalization of Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Today, June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a new process that will allow for the legalization of undocumented spouses of U.S. Citizens who have been residing in the United States for at least ten years as of June 17, 2024.

By virtue of the President’s executive authority, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in coordination with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will create a new discretionary “parole in place” program for undocumented spouses of U.S. Citizens to legalize their status while remaining in the United States.

Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years.

Individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding this executive order. 

Q: What are the requirements for spouses to be eligible to apply for parole and legalize their status in the United States?

To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole in place under this process, spouses of U.S. Citizens must:

  • Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
  • Have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024; and
  • Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024
  • Have no disqualifying criminal history or otherwise constitute a threat to national security or public safety and
  • Merit a favorable exercise of discretion to receive parole

Q: Are Noncitizen Children of Undocumented Spouses eligible for parole?

Yes. In addition to undocumented spouses of U.S. Citizens, their noncitizen children may also be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis under this process along with their parent, if they are:

  • Physically present in the United States without admission or parole and
  • Have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen parent as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act as of June 17, 2024

To qualify as a stepchild under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the noncitizen child must be unmarried, under the age of 21, and the marriage of their noncitizen parent and U.S. citizen stepparent must have taken place prior to the child’s 18th birthday.

Q: How is this new parole program different from the current laws in place?

This new “parole in place” program will eliminate the need for spouses of U.S. Citizens to travel outside of the United States to legalize their status through what is known as an extreme hardship “waiver” process.

The “waiver” process is an extremely cumbersome and lengthy process that requires the undocumented spouse to depart the United States and be interviewed and approved for an immigrant visa overseas. Only once the visa is issued can the applicant return to the United States.

This process has unnecessarily torn families apart and created much fear and uncertainty among applicants forced to remain away from their families for prolonged periods of time. Many applicants are the sole providers for their families and take care of children with disabilities, making this process extremely difficult to bear.

This executive action will instead open a pathway to permanent residence by allowing eligible undocumented spouses of U.S. Citizens to adjust their status to permanent residence while in the United States, without requiring them to depart the country.

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florida-890553_1280A new week brings new immigration news. Recently, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction blocking part of a Florida law that imposes criminal penalties on those who transport undocumented immigrants into the state of Florida, classifying such actions as felonies.

The order was made in response to a lawsuit filed by the Farmworker Association of Florida and seven individuals who feared traveling in and out of the state of Florida with undocumented friends and family members due to Florida’s controversial law.

In his ruling, Judge Roy Altman indicated that the Florida law is likely unconstitutional because the supremacy clause places the regulation of immigrants under the purview of the federal government.

In his preliminary order, the judge stated that Florida’s law is preempted by the federal government, “By making it a felony to transport into Florida someone who ‘has not been inspected by the federal government since his or her unlawful entry,’ [the law] extends beyond the state’s authority to make arrests for violations of federal immigration law and, in so doing, intrudes into territory that’s preempted.”

The judge further stated that any harm created by the injunction is outweighed by the harm suffered by the plaintiffs and the federal government. As a result, the Florida law will be halted until the judge rules on the merits of the case.

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courthouse-1223279_1280The federal government has sued the state of Oklahoma in a new lawsuit seeking to block HB 4156 from taking effect, a new anti-immigration law that regulates the entry of noncitizens by detaining and fining migrants who are unlawfully present in the state.

The U.S. government filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma on May 21st arguing that HB 4156 is unconstitutional because the federal government maintains exclusive jurisdiction over the subject of immigration and the status of noncitizens under the supremacy clause and foreign commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Oklahoma’s HB 4156 which was slated to take effect July 1st considers the unlawful presence of a noncitizen in the state to be an “impermissible occupation” and directs law enforcement officials to arrest and jail undocumented immigrants.

The law aims to protect the state’s citizens against undocumented immigrants who could “potentially harm” its residents. Under the law, a first conviction would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in county jail and a $500 fine. A second conviction would rise to a felony and carry a sentence of up to two years in county jail and a $1,000 fine.

Those convicted would be required to leave the state of Oklahoma within three days of being released from county jail.

In attempting to enforce this law, the Justice Department argues that the state is circumventing established law and constitutional authority by trying to take matters into its own hands.

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