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Stay Informed: Critical Updates and Key Announcements in Our Latest Newsletter!

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Dear Readers,

We trust this message finds you well and thriving. As the world of immigration continues to evolve, so does our commitment to keeping you informed and empowered. In this edition of The NawLaw Report, we're excited to share the latest immigration news and essential updates from our firm that directly impact your journey. Stay tuned for invaluable insights that will shape your path to success.

Republicans Threaten to Reject Ukraine Aid Unless Democrats Agree to Tighten U.S. Immigration Laws

On Monday, Senate Republicans released a proposal for tougher immigration laws, warning President Biden there would be no more aid to Ukraine if stricter rules for granting U.S. asylum are not made. Written by GOP Senators Cotton, Graham, and Lankford, the single-page proposal calls for a variety of changes to immigration policy, including toughening penalties for illegal border crossings, curtailing officials’ ability to grant humanitarian parole, and increasing the “credible fear” standard for asylum seekers. The White House and Democrats in both houses were quick to criticize what is essentially a Republican negotiation tactic, urging GOP leaders not to hold Ukraine aid hostage. Senator Lankford was quoted saying “We’re not going to try to secure other countries and not secure ours,” continuing , “…every year it’s gotten worse… And the volume has reached loud enough that we’re saying, 'Time out; we’ve got to be able to secure our own country while we’re working for the security of others.'”

Biden Administration Urges US Court to Uphold Asylum Restrictions

On Tuesday a Biden administration lawyer told a 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appels panel that it was wrong for a judge to block a rule imposing new restrictions on asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. The argument is that the rule violates federal immigration law, which says that crossing the border illegally does not disqualify someone from applying for asylum. In August, the 9th Circuit paused the judge’s ruling that blocked the rule, allowing it to remain in effect pending the outcome of the appeal.

Trump 2.0 : A Second Term Would See Him Picking More and Uglier Fights on Immigration

During speeches made on his most recent presidential campaign tour, former President Trump has vowed that if re-elected to a second term, he intends to implement even stricter/harsher immigration policies than he did in his first term. He intends to implement policies that not only address illegal immigration but curtail legal immigration as well. Namely, he plans on expanding the “Muslim Ban”, prohibiting migration from even more countries than in the past, as well as reimplementing the “Invisible Wall” policies, which are designed to clog up the gears of the immigration system and bring it down through attrition. Additionally, he wants to bring back the “Return to Mexico” policy, end birthright citizenship, and bring about the “largest deportation operation in American history.” Critics are not surprised by the former president’s doubling down on his “scorched earth” immigration policies.

Texas Lawmakers Fail to Act on Immigration Enforcement Bill as Session End Nears

On Sunday, the Texas Senate declined to discuss House Bill 4 (HB4), an immigration bill that was recently passed by the Texas House, deciding to adjourn until the last day of the legislative session (Tuesday). The decision to adjourn and not discuss the bill is indicative of the fact the bill will most likely not be passed any time soon, and will instead have to be revisited in the next session. HB4 implements strict penalties for migrants who enter Texas from another country without authorization by classifying such an action as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of up to 180 days in jail. Further, if a migrant refuses to comply with an officers order to return to the country from which they entered, they will face a second-degree felony charge, carrying a sentence of up to 20 years.

Photo by Neil A. Weinrib

U.S. Opens Up 250,000 Visa Appointments in India, Wait Time in Delhi Drops to a Month for First Time Since Pandemic

Over the weekend, the United States opened up 250,000 appointments for nonimmigrant visas in India. While wait times in Delhi dropped to a month from 543 days, and to 126 days in Kolkata, the wait times in Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad remain at just over 500 days. A statement by the U.S. Embassy and consulates in India announced that Indians make up over 10% of all visa applications worldwide, over 20% of student visas, and 65% of all H&L category (employment) visas. Further, the Embassy noted that over 1.2 million Indians visited the United States last year, “making it one of the most robust travel relationships in the world.”

Photo by Brieann Reid

U.N. Human Rights Committee Concludes Session, Criticizes U.S. Immigration Policies

On Friday the U.N. Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) concluded a session in which they reviewed reports from Iran, Kuwait, Republic of Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, the US and Venezuela. The committee stated there were positive developments in the reviewed countries but also raised various concerns. Namely, they criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policy, stating the U.S. risk violating treaty obligations by failing to protect the rights and safety of migrants. They raised concerns about the Customs and Border Patrol mobile app having data security and privacy concerns, as well as concerns about the rule of the “circumvention of lawful pathways” which aims to encourage the use of lawful pathways and discourage irregular migration.

Denver Spent $31 Million on Immigrant Crisis, Transported 12,000 Out of Colorado, Data Shows

On Monday Denver city officials stated that so far the state has spent over $31 million to accommodate the over 25,000 migrants who have arrived in the city due to the nation’s recent immigrant surge. Almost 65% of the funds have gone to providing facilities and personnel, and nearly 15% has gone to addressing travel costs. City and state officials estimate up to 70% of the migrants currently in the city are only stopping there on the way to somewhere else. While Colorado and Denver have not resorted to involuntarily transporting those migrants elsewhere, the State has been covering migrants’ travel costs should deicide to leave on their own accord. Denver Human Services spokesperson Jon Ewing stated “Our priority is to ensure migrant guests are treated fairly and are placed in the situation that fits their needs,” continuing, “Individual tickets are purchased based on destination requests directly from migrants to various cities, after assurances are gathered that the individual or family truly desires the intended location.”

Run with NawLaw! - Photo by Neil A. Weinrib

Democrat Lawmakers Want to Prohibit Shackling Pregnant Migrant Women

On Wednesday, Congressional Democrats reintroduced a bill that would prohibit U.S. immigration officers from shackling pregnant and postpartum women in their custody. Introduced by a number of Democrats, including Senator Murphy and Representative Garcia, any agency under the Department of Homeland Security would be prohibited from using physical restraints on migrant women who are pregnant, postpartum, or in labor, with exceptions for “extraordinary circumstances.” The bill would also require annual training for those that come in to contact with pregnant/postpartum women, and would set minimal required health standards. Similar legislation was introduced in 2018, 2019, and 2021, but all failed to move forward. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are reported to support the legislation.

Migration Nightmare: She Thought Her Family Was Lost at Sea. Then the Mexican Mafia Called.

The article follows Katiuska Moreno, whose mother, sister, and four-year-old niece has recently gone missing while in transit to the U.S. She received a ransom request via WhatsApp shortly after posting on Facebook that her family was missing. Moreno remains unsure if the ransom is legitimate and her family was actually kidnapped, whether they’re just lost at sea, or whether she’s being subjected to a virtual kidnapping scam in which perpetrators target migrants who have posted on social media and extort them by pretending to hold family members for ransom. The route Moreno’s family took goes from the Cuban island San Andreas to Nicaragua in order to bypass the infamously dangerous Darien Gap. Touted as a safer and shorter route by smugglers, the new route has proven to come with its own inherent dangers and risks.

Firm Announcement 📣

Neil & Associates Go to Court

Neil A. Weinrib, Patrick Crowley, and Intern Rodneyse Bichotte were honored to be invited as esteemed guests A New York State Attorney General Letitia James witness the Trump trial in the heart of New York City. Standing in front of the courtroom, their presence resonates with legal prowess and civic responsibility. As they await the unfolding events, these legal luminaries exemplify the importance of informed observation in matters that shape the course of the nation. ⚖️

Intern Rodneyse Bichotte Meeting at New York Supreme Court as Guest of New York State Attorney General Letitia James

NawLaw's exceptional legal intern and member of the NYS Assembly, Rodneyse Bichotte, recently had a momentous meeting at the New York State Supreme court with none other than Attorney General Letitia James and other figures. Rodneyse showcased her dedication and commitment to the intricacies of the legal system. As she engaged with key players in this dynamic setting, her presence underscored the significance of the next generation of legal professionals shaping the future of law and justice. ⚖️🤝

Neil Attends the NYC Marathon

This weekend, Neil A. Weinrib, the heart and soul of Naw Law, was spotted on the sidelines of the New York City Marathon. Neil, an avid runner for over 40 years, was cheering on and witnessing the determination, resilience, and sheer joy of the runners as they conquered the iconic race. It's a refreshing reminder that the Naw Law spirit extends beyond legal expertise, embracing the community and celebrating triumphs of all kinds. 🏃‍♂️🌟

Photo by Neil A. Weinrib

Pet of the Month 🐾

Meet our enchanting Pet of the Month, Jolie, Camila's charismatic cat! With her striking eyes and luxurious fur, Jolie is a purr-fect blend of elegance and playfulness. Whether she's chasing sunbeams or curling up for a cozy nap, Jolie adds an extra dose of charm to Camila's home. 🐾🌟

Thank you for being a valued part of our large & growing client community. Stay tuned for exciting updates, exclusive offers, and exceptional service in the months ahead.