Migrant Arrests at the Southern Border Drop to a Three-Year Low

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

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

Migrant Arrest Numbers at the Southern Border Drop to a Three-Year Low 

Migrant detentions at the southern border of the United States have dropped to their lowest level in years. This week, for example, there has been an average of 2,400 arrests daily. The decrease is attributed to new asylum restrictions ordered by President Joe Biden, which suspend applications if crossings exceed 2,500 per day.  

In an election year where immigration is a critical issue, Republican criticism of Biden persists, with demands for stricter border measures.  

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, a Republican candidate, has seized the opportunity to promise more deportations and harsher measures against immigration. The issue will remain a major talking point, as it remains a top concern for many voters who believe Biden’s actions have not been sufficient to manage the border situation. 

Related article: Biden Administration Announces New Asylum Restrictions  

Civil Rights Group Demands Government Transparency in Immigration Fee Waivers  

This Tuesday, a civil rights group filed a lawsuit against the government, demanding that DHS and USCIS provide records on how immigration fee waivers are determined. The lawsuit accuses these agencies of ignoring an information request since July 2023 without offering updates or substantial responses.  

The plaintiffs also requested statistics and documents detailing the guidelines and policies on fee waivers. The processes in question include work permits, TPS applications, and naturalization procedures.  

It is important to note that USCIS can waive certain fees, with officials making decisions on a case-by-case basis. However, since 2013, USCIS has received approximately 500,000 fee waiver requests annually, denying about one in nine.  

For this reason, advocates argue that the decision-making process for fee waivers is shrouded in secrecy, with little public information available on how and why requests are denied. 

Continue reading: Supreme Court Upholds DHS Practices in Deportation Notices   

Biden’s Parole Programs Have Benefited Over One Million People  

According to CBP figures, more than 636,000 inadmissible foreign nationals have scheduled appointments at border ports using CBP One. Additionally, around 462,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans have obtained parole through the CHNV program.  

Congressional data reveals that nearly 96% of foreign nationals who schedule appointments at ports of entry using the CBP One app receive parole.  

Critics of the measure claim that both programs are strategies by the Biden administration to reduce the number of irregular crossings. By considering the programs as “legal pathways”, the administration does not include these numbers in their reports.  

Furthermore, a recent report by the DHS Inspector General revealed that no DHS agency has been monitoring individuals with expired two-year paroles. This indicates that the government has not been tracking these migrants for removal or parole revocation once they have expired, sparking additional criticism.  

Related article: Biden announces new measures to keep migrant families united  

Presidential Debate: Contrasting Trump and Biden Immigration Proposals  

Presidential Debate: Contrasting Immigration Proposals of Trump and Biden  

Following the first presidential debate, Trump and Biden presented their contrasting visions on immigration policy, highlighting a clear divide. What are their key proposals on immigration? Let’s take a look:  

Trump’s Key Proposals:  

• He proposes mass deportations and the use of the National Guard to execute an unprecedented campaign against unauthorized immigration. 

• He plans to detain and deport up to 20 million undocumented immigrants, utilizing local police forces and the National Guard. 

• He revives his 2016 campaign rhetoric, promoting a negative image of immigrants.

Biden’s Key Proposals:  

• He commits to continuing the immigration measures taken during his presidency. 

• While temporarily reinstating some Trump-era restrictions, he reaffirmed his stance on not demonizing immigrants and keeping families together. 

• His latest executive action will allow spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residency without leaving the U.S. 

• To facilitate the acquisition of work visas for certain highly skilled foreign professionals, offering a pathway to permanent residency.

Following the heated debate, the immigration proposals of both candidates have been laid out, leaving voters with a critical decision on the future of U.S. immigration policy. 

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.  

Stay current with the latest on immigration matters, proposals, new laws, and benefits for our immigrant community.  

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