CBP Continues to Detain Children and Families Outdoors, Migrant Advocates Report

My fellow brave ones! Once again, we are back with the weekly summary of what I believe is the most relevant topic on immigration matters for our community. 

Let’s start, and do not miss this crucial information! 

Oklahoma’s Anti-Immigrant Law Faces Department of Justice Lawsuit 

In a predictable move, this week saw legal challenges advance against laws in various states that aim to implement measures like Texas’ SB4. In Oklahoma, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit to overturn HB 4156, signed in April by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt. 

This law establishes the offense of “impermissible occupation” and authorizes police to arrest migrants suspected of being undocumented. Additionally, it allows any resident to report individuals suspected of being undocumented. 

The regulation also empowers law enforcement to detain suspects until they can prove their right to reside in the United States and even allows them to inquire about immigration status during routine interactions, such as traffic stops and investigations. 

The Department of Justice’s lawsuit argues that HB 4156 is unconstitutional and aims to bring Oklahoma in line with the federal immigration regulatory framework. Advocates for migrant rights have criticized the law, claiming that it encourages racial profiling and heightens discrimination and fear in communities. It is anticipated that the case will eventually be heard in higher courts, where the fate of this law may resemble that of SB4. 

Related article: New immigration laws signed in several states, SB4 remains suspended 

Migrant Advocates Report CBP Continues to Detain Children and Families Outdoors 

This week, groups advocating for immigrant rights alerted a federal judge in California that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is still using outdoor sites to detain migrant children and families. 

These locations, described as unsafe and unsanitary, remain in use despite an April court order mandating the relocation of children in San Diego. At these sites, minors and their families face extreme temperature variations to the extent that parents have resorted to burning trash to generate heat. 

Furthermore, the absence of basic facilities such as portable toilets and waste containers has accumulated waste and foul odors. Advocates claim these conditions breach the 1997 Flores Agreement, which sets safety standards for the detention of migrant minors. 

Although the judge acknowledged these sites are under CBP’s legal custody, he declined to set a mandatory schedule for processing the minors. Advocates now demand that the government’s juvenile coordinator conduct additional monitoring and submit a report evaluating how CBP adheres to this judicial order. 

Continue reading: U.S. Government Rolls Out a Key Policy to Protect Migrant Minors 

AILA Supports Legal Challenge Against Anti-Immigrant Law in Iowa 

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has expressed its support for the challenge against Iowa’s SF 2340 law, which authorizes state officials to expel non-citizens who have previously been deported. 

AILA argues that this legislation, akin to Texas’ SB4, affects a broad group of individuals without considering their current immigration status. SF 2340 criminalizes the re-entry of non-citizens who were previously expelled or denied entry, jeopardizing thousands who have returned to the U.S. with authorization, possess valid visas, are in the process of obtaining residency, or are already permanent residents. 

Among those most impacted would-be asylum seekers, DACA recipients, migrant children, and survivors of abuse and trafficking. AILA highlights that the law does not exempt legal permanent residents or others who are entitled to remain in the U.S. under federal immigration laws. Additionally, the penalties under this law are severe, including up to 10 years in prison. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has sued over the law, arguing that Iowa is encroaching on federal authority over immigration matters and cannot establish its immigration regulatory system. A hearing is scheduled for June 10 to discuss motions against this controversial law. 

Related article: Federal Judge Rules Against SB4: A Wholly Predictable Movement 

USCIS Updates Procedures for Family-Based Visa Petitions 

Starting this week, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented changes in how they process family-based immigrant visa petitions, aiming to streamline the process. 

It is important for petitioners to accurately report the beneficiary’s current address and specify their preference between consular processing or adjustment of status if they are eligible. Mistakes in this information can cause significant delays in the petition process and may require an additional application to correct. 

Previously, petitions without clear instructions were put on hold. However, under the new procedures, if the beneficiary’s preference is not specified, USCIS will use its discretion to decide the type of processing based on the beneficiary’s most recent location. 

Because of these changes, it is crucial to consult with an immigration attorney to avoid mistakes and ensure that the petition process is as smooth and efficient as possible for applicants and their families. 

More on this topic: Significant Progress in U.S. Immigration Policy: Legal Support for Mixed-Status Couples 

La Lupa Electoral– Digital Content and Memes, Biden’s New Strategy to Capture the Youth Vote 

To counteract the loss of support among younger voters, President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has decided to focus on digital content on social media. With this goal in mind, they are currently looking for a “Content and Memes Page Manager” who can improve the connection with Generation Z voters. 

This decision comes at a critical moment, as recent polls show Trump leading Biden among several key demographic groups, including voters aged 18 to 34, a group that could be decisive in the November presidential elections. 

As Trump also narrows the gap between Latino and African American voters, the Biden Campaign is motivated to adopt less conventional strategies, such as intensive use of memes, which have already proven to be an essential tool in modern political campaigns. 

With this innovative approach, the campaign hopes to revitalize its reach among young voters and counteract current electoral support trends. 

Remember, promises evaporate, actions do not. Adjust now. 

If you seek advice on regularizing your immigration status, contact us. We are here to help. 

Related article: United States Residency and Adjustment of Status 

This was the most relevant immigration news this week. See you next Friday. 

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