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Welcome back, valued clients! We're delighted to welcome you back to the NawLaw Report, where we keep you informed about crucial immigration news, updates from our firm, and much more. Stay tuned for the latest developments, helpful insights, and resources to guide you through your immigration journey. We're here to support you every step of the way!

House Republicans Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas in Historic, Controversial Vote

The Republican-led House narrowly impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over allegations of failure to enforce border laws amid a surge in illegal immigration, marking only the second Cabinet impeachment in U.S. history. The move, criticized by some Republicans and Democrats as driven by policy disagreements rather than specific crimes, is expected to be rejected by the Senate's Democratic majority. Mayorkas, who denies the accusations, faces a trial in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority vote for conviction and removal from office appears unlikely. Democrats view the impeachment as a Republican attempt to target President Joe Biden's border policies and immigration stance, with Mayorkas maintaining the need for legislative action to address the border crisis. Despite bipartisan efforts to develop a border deal, a Senate vote to advance a foreign aid bill with significant border provisions failed, leading to heightened political tensions over immigration policy.

ICE Will Face $500 Million Budget Shortfall for Border Security Unless Congress Takes Action, Officials Say

The article discusses the ramifications of the Senate's removal of border security provisions from the national security supplemental bill due to Republican opposition. Without the anticipated funding of over $15 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) face significant budget shortfalls, risking operational disruptions and affecting cities dealing with an influx of migrants. The failure to pass the bill means fewer resources for ICE detention space, decreased deportations, and strained CBP operations. Additionally, legal immigration processes, such as asylum screenings and green card adjudications, could be impacted due to a lack of funding for USCIS.

Migrants in Mexico have Used CPB One App 64 Million Times to Request Entry into the U.S.

The Biden administration's smartphone app, CBP One, intended to streamline the asylum process at the U.S.-Mexico border, has seen over 64.3 million requests from migrants seeking entry into the United States, according to internal documents. Despite processing nearly 450,000 migrants through the app in its first year, demand remains exceptionally high, with an average of nearly 5 million appointment requests per month. While the system aims to deter illegal border crossings, it primarily operates as a humanitarian parole process, allowing migrants to work and appear in immigration court for asylum hearings, which can take years. Despite efforts to provide a legal pathway, many migrants continue to cross unlawfully, and the impact of CBP One varies widely among different nationalities, with some, like Cubans and Haitians, seeing reduced illegal crossings

while others, like Central Americans and Venezuelans, continue to bypass the system.

No Allies Left: Dreamers, DACA Recipients are Left Out Amid Rightward Shift on Immigration

The article discusses the plight of young undocumented immigrants, known as "Dreamers," who have long sought a path to citizenship in the United States. Despite widespread public support for their cause, recent bipartisan immigration proposals have sidelined Dreamers, reflecting a rightward shift in immigration policy. Many Dreamers, who arrived in the U.S. as young children, are protected under the DACA program but face uncertainty due to legal challenges. Advocates argue that relief for Dreamers should be a standalone bill, emphasizing their contributions to society and the workforce. However, political gridlock and concerns over border security have hindered progress on immigration reform, leaving Dreamers in limbo. Despite setbacks, many Dreamers like Leonardo Rodriguez have excelled academically and become active in their communities, highlighting their resilience amid ongoing uncertainty.

Chinese Migrants are The Fastest Growing Group Crossing from Mexico into The U.S. at The Southern Border

This article investigates the unprecedented influx of migrants at the southern U.S. border, with two-and-a-half million instances recorded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection last year alone. Notably, Chinese migrants have become the fastest-growing group, using a new route through a gap in the border fence east of San Diego. These migrants, including many from the middle class, undertake a lengthy journey often involving multiple countries, with some even flying from China to Mexico. They pay smugglers significant amounts, often selling their possessions to fund the trip, in hopes of escaping China's political repression and economic challenges. Social media, particularly TikTok, plays a significant role in spreading information about the route. Despite the challenges faced by both migrants and property owners like Jerry Shuster, efforts to address the issue, including closing the gap, are hindered by bureaucratic and financial constraints.

Some DACA Recipients Facing Longer Renewal Times, Causing Work Authorization Issues

Some DACA recipients are experiencing significant delays and even losing their authorization to work in the U.S., prompting concerns and advocacy efforts from groups like "WeAreDREAMERS Network," which has over 8,000 members nationwide. While DACA allows recipients to legally stay, work, and pay taxes in the U.S., they must renew every two years. USCIS recommends renewing between 120 and 150 days before expiration, but delays have been reported, impacting individuals' livelihoods. Despite efforts to seek assistance from USCIS and lawmakers, including a petition on Change.org, concerns persist regarding the impact of delays, particularly during an election year, on DACA recipients' lives and futures.

‘S.B. 1070 2.0’: Arizona Republicans Want to Make Illegal Immigration a State Crime

A legislative bill in Arizona, known as the Arizona Invasion Act, seeks to criminalize illegal immigration at the state level, allowing local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law directly. Introduced by Republicans, the bill has sparked controversy reminiscent of the contentious SB 1070, with critics arguing it could lead to racial profiling and civil rights abuses. Supporters argue it is necessary to address increased migrant encounters at the southern border. The bill's similarities to a Texas law and its potential impact on immigration systems, including DACA beneficiaries, have also been highlighted. Despite federal legislative attempts to address border issues, including support for Ukraine and Israel, partisan gridlock persists.

Alejandro Mayorkas on Border: ‘We Don’t Bear Responsibility for a Broken System.’

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attributed the surge in migrant crossings at the southern border to House Republicans, citing their rejection of a bipartisan border security bill. Mayorkas emphasized that Congress holds the responsibility to address the broken system causing the crisis, while also acknowledging the need for executive action. President Biden criticized the GOP's impeachment efforts against Mayorkas, calling them politically motivated. Meanwhile, there are uncertainties about the outcome of the upcoming impeachment vote, with the potential return of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise potentially tilting the balance in favor of passage.

Indiana Commits National Guard to Texas-Mexico Border as Gov. Abbot Vows to Install More Razor Wire

Indiana Governor Holcomb announced the deployment of 50 troops from the Indiana National Guard to support Texas' Operation Lone Star border security program, citing concerns over federal negligence in enforcing immigration laws and the impact on national and economic security. The troops are scheduled to arrive in mid-March and will be stationed in Texas for 10 months. Holcomb emphasized the need to address the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs across the border to safeguard Hoosier lives. Texas Governor Greg Abbott also announced plans to install more razor wire along the border and has directed the Texas National Guard to restrict U.S. Border Patrol access to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, despite opposition from local residents.

Biden Advisers Ready to Go On Offense in the Immigration Fight After Border Bill’s Demise

President Joe Biden's hopes for a bipartisan border bill were dashed, but his advisers see an opportunity to turn the issue into a political advantage against Republicans. With the compromise bill faltering, the White House is accelerating plans to criticize House Republicans and the GOP for obstructing a measure that was already leaning right on immigration. Biden has taken a strong stance, blaming former President Donald Trump and his allies for undermining efforts to secure the border. Despite criticism from some Latino leaders and immigrant rights groups, the Biden campaign believes that addressing issues like the economy, healthcare, and gun safety will resonate more with Latino voters. By keeping pressure on House Republicans and advocating for solutions for undocumented immigrants, the White House aims to highlight GOP obstructionism and portray Democrats as proactive on immigration issues.

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