Discussions have been underway since September 2021 the Biden administration's deportation priorities policy, which, They are focused on deporting any immigrant with a criminal record, NOT just any immigrant. that have entered through the border without posing a danger to society.
However, The Supreme Court will review a lawsuit from Texas and Louisiana to stop this policy. at the end of next month. According to Texas and Louisiana, Biden's deportation priorities are unconstitutional and do not follow standard legal procedures under American law.
For now, Biden's policy is blocked by the Court of Appeals, which means that Any immigrant who has entered illegally and does not have papers could be detained and deported.
Democrats believe that Citizenship and Immigration Services officers should assess an immigrant's overall situation and not just detain them for not having papers, but consider their criminal history and make a decision on the case.
What is expected from all this back and forth is that after these midterm elections that will take place this November, political parties can align themselves in favor of immigration reform that contributes to resolving this crisis.
In other words, it is expected that by the end of the year the arguments of both sides will be available and that the Supreme Court justices will decide whether or not to continue with this immigration guide.
News compiled from: Univision and San Diego Union Tribune.
The threat of natural and meteorological disasters motivates migration from Latin American and Caribbean countries in search of other ways to earn an income and meet basic needs.
What motivates them to migrate? It is the droughts and floods, in addition to the lack of employment, low income, violence, crime, persecution and insecurity that motivate a high migration to American territory.
The reality of Latin America It is confirmed that climate change is having an impact and will have an even greater impact on this region., where hurricane records will be broken, severe droughts will be suffered, sea levels will continue to rise and there will be more fires, according to the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) 2020 State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean Report.
According to research, Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the regions of the world most affected by climate change and external weather phenomena that are causing serious damage to the health, life, food, water, energy and socioeconomic development of the region, which contributes to migration.
Furthermore, weather-related events and their impacts cost more than 312,000 lives in Latin America and the Caribbean and They affected more than 277 million people in the last 20 years.
According to the Global Risks Report 2022, in Looking at a 10-year horizon, environmental risks are perceived as the 5 most critical long-term threats to the world. Classified as, 3 of the most serious threats are "failure of climate action", "extreme weather" and "loss of biodiversity".
The projections don't lie, and they highlight potential future problems that should be urgently addressed by those in charge, that is, humanity.
The lack of coherence in the Biden-Harris administration's immigration policy will begin to take its toll.
According to figures, by the end of April the Immigration Case Review Office (EOIR) had accumulated more than 1.7 million cases and More than 580,000 migrants in a legal limbo without a clear immigration status.
Given the circumstances, the Biden-Harris administration, seeks to decongest the accumulated files accelerating the political asylum processes.
But four months after the first phase was implemented in Texas, and as the government prepares to expand it, experts warn that The rush puts thousands of migrants seeking asylum in the United States at risk.
In other words, with this decision Cases will be pushed through the judicial system at the expense of immigrants' rights.. According to experts*, the timeframes “excessively short” They are not enough for immigrants to gather and present evidence that corroborates their stories and fears. *American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Immigration Council in a report published on the Think Immigration website.
Likewise, it will grant temporary extraordinary powers to asylum officers from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjudicate these applications defensively, a power that until now only immigration judges had.
What the Biden-Harris administration is proposing in this new program is:
1. People at the border will be placed in expedited deportation and detention by ICE.
2. Credible fear interview, in detention and
3. Asylum Merit Interview (AMI) by USCIS.
Are these measures truly structural solutions for a collapsed and failed system? The lack of a serious and coherent legislative effort by the American Congress will take its toll on all immigrants.
Among the most common diseases found in migrants are: anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and feelings of low self-esteem.
“Mental health conditions constitute a silent epidemic that has affected the Americas long before COVID-19, with depression and anxiety being two of the leading causes of illness. The Region of the Americas also has the second highest level of alcohol consumption in the world,” said Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization.
Why do they suffer from these diseases?
It is the lack of employment, poor housing conditions, and traumatic events before, during, and after migration that lead to psychological distress.
According to research by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), factors such as lack of language proficiency and unfair treatment by the host country may be triggering states of loneliness and isolation.
On the other hand, in the results of post-traumatic stress disorders The greatest impact has been observed on refugees and asylum seekers, yielding a 31,46% in people exposed to conditions of violence, family separation and administrative barriers, among others.
Furthermore, there is evidence to support that immigrants in the United States use and have alcohol dependence. For example, among the refugees of Iraq and Cambodia, the prevalence rate of alcohol consumption ranged between 13% and 38%.
How can we contribute to the solution?
According to German Cardenas, professor of psychology at Lehigh University, «activism social justice serve as a "coping mechanism that It helps protect your mental health.«
Collective struggles increase self-esteem and personal effectiveness, thus creating solidarity and offering a social perspective, which contributes to healing or treating mental health illnesses.
News report based on information taken from: Summary of a review of scientific literature on Health of International Migrants of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the closure of offices in much of the state of Florida due to the arrival of powerful Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on the peninsula's west coast on Wednesday as a major hurricane.
The federal agency said on its Twitter account that the hurricane's path "is affecting our operations in Florida" and asked those with pending paperwork or scheduled appointments to check the website to find out firsthand what changes may occur to their appointment due to the emergency.
Similarly, on the website, USCIS warns that immigrants should stay tuned for updates because the information varies regarding "offices that are closed or have temporarily changed their hours.".
Due to the climate emergency, various measures have been taken and a range of aid programs have been activated for those affected by natural disasters and other unforeseen circumstances. Among the programs covered by this measure are changes to nonimmigrant status or extensions of nonimmigrant stay for individuals currently in the United States.
The Citizenship Service clarified that, if you do not request an extension or change before the expiration of your authorized admission period, "we can excuse you if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control"; everything must be accompanied by supporting documentation.
Additionally, the following are included:
If you have a scheduled appointment and USCIS offices are closed due to Hurricane Ian, the immigration service will reschedule it and notify you in about two to three weeks when you should appear to continue with your case. However, if you do not receive any notification, you should contact the agency and follow up on your case.
Also, if you were forced to change your address due to the hurricane, you should fill out Form A-411 as soon as possible and submit it, or call USCIS at 1(800) 3675-5283 to register your new address.
Finally, the agency said that if you need help, you should explain “how the impact of unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster, created the need for the requested assistance.” If you lost all forms of evidence in an unforeseen circumstance, it is recommended that you include an explanation and supporting documentation to substantiate your request.
Climate emergencies are beyond human control. If you would like more information or guidance on how to access available assistance in this situation and avoid negatively impacting your immigration status, I invite you to learn about the services offered by AsisVisa. With us, you have a greater chance of achieving the American Dream legally and safely. If you have any questions…
To achieve the American dream, human beings have used different illegal routes, which allow some to fulfill their goal.
They don't take into account whether it's jungle or river, they overlook the various dangers that lurk in places like these, men, women, children, all at the mercy of time.
Throughout the year, numerous headlines have been published in various media outlets related to the Darien jungle, also known as "the green hell," where people from different countries arrive to begin their journey to the United States in search of better opportunities.
Of the migrants in transit, 671% are Venezuelan nationals; Haitian, Ecuadorian, African, and Colombian citizens are also registered. According to the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW), 23,000 Venezuelans crossed the Darién jungle in August of this year, an increase of 4,060% compared to the same month in 2021.
It is warned that people crossing the Darien Gap on their way to the U.S. are at risk of abuse, robbery, rape, human trafficking, kidnapping, and even death from natural causes.
According to Panamanian immigration authorities, the flow of migrants through the Darien Gap has increased by 43% in 2022 compared to 2021.
The Darien Gap route is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. No one knows for sure how many people have died trying to reach the United States.
On the other hand, there is the increase in the number of people drowning while trying to cross the Rio Grande, also seeking to enter U.S. territory. This year the numbers have reached unprecedented levels, and funeral homes and morgues are overwhelmed.
In the Del Rio sector of the southern border, more than 376,000 migrant encounters have been recorded since October 2021, equivalent to about 1,100 per day, according to data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Across the entire border, 1.8 million encounters were reported during the past 11 months.
Many immigrants have died in that attempt to cross the river, and some who succeed are later detained.
We understand that the situation is difficult for many people in Latin America. However, we want to encourage you not to despair, but to explore other options, legal solutions that do not put your life at risk.
With AsisVisa, you have a better chance of achieving the American dream, legally and safely. If you have any questions…
Eight people were arrested and are accused of transporting migrants from Colombia, Mexico and Guatemala in "inhuman conditions".
According to information released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), in conjunction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), eight people were under the command of Erminia Serrano Piedra, known as “Boss Lady.” She led a human smuggling network that was dismantled this week by authorities in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
The agency revealed that the victims were citizens of Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico. Some of the migrants were being transported in boxes and suitcases crammed into the back of tractor-trailers, pickup trucks, and even water tankers as part of their journeys to and through North America.
It is presumed that the drivers of these vehicles, in some cases, received up to $1,442,500 as payment for each passenger. Also, according to the Attorney General's Office, three properties and more than $1,442.2 million in cash were seized during the operation.
The individuals arrested are accused of smuggling Latin Americans across the border in inhumane conditions. According to Kenneth Polite, assistant attorney general for the criminal division, the human smuggling organization allegedly "used methods to transport migrants that endangered their lives, as they were frequently held in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces, without temperature control, and in conditions that put them at great risk." He added that they risked human lives in exchange for money.
The charges are the result of the Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) operation. Through JTFA, coordination and collaboration have increased between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice, and other agencies, as well as partners in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
The purpose of the special group is to identify the smuggling organizations with the greatest impact on the U.S. and to facilitate prosecution and extradition efforts.
News report based on information from: El Diario and Caracol Radio.
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The extension allows beneficiaries to maintain their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) until March 2024.
Through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that existing TPS beneficiaries from Venezuela can re-register to maintain and renew their Employment Authorization Documents.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, previously announced the 18-month extension of Venezuela's TPS designation.
Given the processing times for TPS re-registration applications, the Department of Homeland Security acknowledges that not all re-registered individuals may receive new EADs before their current ones expire tomorrow (September 9, 2022). The agency clarified that it will automatically extend the validity of EADs until September 9, 2023.
Furthermore, those re-enrolling must do so during the 60-day re-enrollment period that runs from September 8, 2022 to November 7, 2022. They must also continue to meet the "eligibility requirements," meaning they must not have a criminal record and meet other requirements that could prevent them from obtaining immigration protection.
Approximately 323,000 people are eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Venezuela's initial designation, to join this program that seeks to protect citizens of countries experiencing violence and insecurity or that have suffered a natural disaster. However, only about 111,700 Venezuelans have applied for this immigration relief.
USCIS will continue processing pending applications filed under Venezuela's initial TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Regarding TPS, they do not need to resubmit any of the applications.
Likewise, he reported that if one of the aforementioned forms is approved, this immigration relief will be provided until March 10, 2024, and a new EAD valid until March 10, 2024 will be issued.
Venezuelans who are currently eligible under the existing designation but have not yet applied for TPS must submit their applications by September 9, 2022. Finally, Venezuelans who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS.
With information from: USCIS
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When you perform a search related to the word migration or immigration, specifically in the case of the United States, there are multiple headlines that highlight the hundreds of dangers faced by people who decide to pursue the American dream, using the services of so-called "coyotes".
Below are three (3) of the most listened-to news stories related to this situation so far in 2022:
Fifty-three (53) migrants died in San Antonio, Texas, found in sweltering conditions. This is one of the worst tragedies to have claimed the lives of migrants crossing the border from Mexico into the United States. The truck contained people from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, of varying ages, from children to the elderly. This tragedy is linked to human trafficking and the new methods used by gangs to evade border controls.
The Darien jungle, "jungle of death"« Migrants undertake extensive treks through dense jungle and rivers, which can involve a journey of approximately seven days depending on their physical condition, health, age, travel companions, weather, among other factors. Migrants frequently travel in unauthorized boats operated by smugglers or illegal groups in the region. These boats often capsize, resulting in the loss of human lives. Dozens of unidentified migrant graves, belonging to those who died while crossing the Darién Gap, can be found in the cemeteries of Necoclí and Acandí. Migrants also face the risk of sexual violence in the jungle. Doctors Without Borders has documented at least 120 cases of sexual assault against migrants in the Darién Gap so far in 2022.
Brothers die abandoned by the “coyotes” Edgar Mendoza, 37, and his brother Carlos Enrique Mendoza, 23, are the names of the bodies found by the Border Patrol embracing. According to his father, it was the same "coyote" who first called him to tell him what had happened. "He called me a week later, saying that one of my sons, Carlos Enrique, had become dehydrated and couldn't continue the trek (...) That's the way life is in the desert: if you stay, you stay. I asked him about my other son, Edgar, and he replied that he hadn't followed the group either, because when he saw his brother couldn't make it, he preferred to stay behind."«
Just like these, there are many stories about migrants who were abused, abandoned, did not receive medical attention, were kidnapped, fell off the wall, in short, are exposed to various dangers.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), so far in 2022, 192 migrants have lost their lives on their journey to the United States. Likewise, it has reported that from 2014 to July 29, 2022, the deaths of 1,558 migrants or refugees have been recorded.
The IOM, together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has called on governments to preserve the lives and protect the rights of migrants.
Finally, rescues on the southern border of the United States, including rescues in dangerous water crossings, for the year 2021 according to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are more than 12,833.
Information taken from: CNN, La Silla, El Tiempo and HispanTV.
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The new bill passed by the Senate and hailed as a major victory for Biden includes significant changes in various sectors.
This weekend, the Senate passed the bill initiated by Senators Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer, called the "Inflation Reduction Act"; the next step will be in the House of Representatives before it goes to President Joe Biden's desk to become law.
Some features of the project are:
*A healthcare plan whose central idea is to allow Medicare (a national health insurance program of the United States government) to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, thereby setting cost limits. It also supports seniors by limiting their out-of-pocket expenses for medications and providing them with free vaccines, among other things.
*Regarding climate change, the largest public investment in the history of the United States is estimated to be made, seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 401% by 2030 and boost the green energy industry.
*To finance it, Democrats propose a minimum 15% tax on companies with profits exceeding one billion dollars, and strengthening the tax collection agency to make it more difficult to avoid payments, among other things.
On the other hand, there was a latent fear that Republicans might introduce anti-immigrant amendments into the law, according to a coalition of nearly 300 civil organizations that had warned about their intentions.
Republicans made proposals to maintain Title 42 to allow the immediate expulsion of immigrants arriving at the border without allowing them to request asylum. They also requested funding to finish the border wall, as well as more resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), among other issues.
However, after a long day and a 50-50 tie, Vice President Kamala Harris cast the winning vote, and the Senate Democrats managed to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which did not include immigration amendments. Although some supported a motion on border restrictions, most Senate Democrats blocked Republican amendments to the Inflation Reduction Act passed this Sunday.
“Our community was very concerned about the possibility of anti-immigrant amendments being added to this legislation. Fortunately, we can rejoice in the fact that the Inflation Reduction Act was passed without harmful amendments,” celebrated Yareliz Méndez-Zamora, leader of the Florida Immigrant Coalition’s federal campaign, one of the groups that joined the lobbying efforts.
Some aspects, such as free preschool for children between 3 and 4 years old, were left out, as was home medical care, among others. For now, its passage through the House of Representatives is expected to proceed without major obstacles.
News report based on information from: El Diario, El Tiempo Latino and RT.
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