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Dear Readers,

Welcome to the latest edition of the NawLaw Report! Dive into this week's immigration updates and firm announcements as we bring you crucial insights and important information to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of immigration law. Your go-to source for the latest developments and expert analysis—let's navigate the journey together. 🌐✨

Trump Plots Mass Detention and Deportation of Undocumented Immigrants Should He Regain Power

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly planning an extensive expansion of his strict immigration policies if re-elected in 2024. The proposed measures include rounding up undocumented immigrants within the U.S., placing them in detention camps for deportation, and building large camps for migrants awaiting deportation. Trump may redirect funds from the Pentagon if Congress refuses to fund the operation, as he did during his first term for the border wall. Trump recently pledged to conduct the "largest domestic deportation operation in American history" at a rally in Florida. He also vowed to sign an executive order on Day 1 of a potential second term to cease funding for shelter and transportation for undocumented immigrants, redirecting savings toward homeless veterans. These plans face potential political and legal challenges, with Trump aiming to avoid new legislation and relying on executive orders. Stephen Miller, a former senior Trump administration.

Venezuelan Arrivals Along U.S. Southern Border Drop as Biden Starts Deportations

According to data published on Tuesday by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), the number of Venezuelans crossing the U.S. southern border dropped dramatically during the month of October. The decrease is presumed to be the result of the recent deal the U.S. made with the Venezuelan government, in which the nearly 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the country before July 31 would be eligible for temporary legal status and those who arrived after, and those not eligible for asylum, would be deported. Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller noted that the decrease in Venezuelan arrivals on the southern border was definitely more pronounced once the deportation flights started. Regardless, if the decrease is a direct result of the policy change, CPB data indicates that there was an overall 46% decrease between September and October, from 54,833 arrivals to 29,637 arrivals, and a 65% decrease between the second halves of September and October.

Biden’s Movable Wall is Criticized by Environmentalists and Those Who Want More Border Security

The Biden administration’s decision to continue construction of a wall at the southern border, due to the “use it or lose it” nature of previously allocated funds, has drawn various criticism from different groups. The barriers are designed to be movable and are much shorter than Trump-era border barriers. While border security proponents criticized the new design for being a “downgrade”, some environmentalists raised concerns that it poses an even greater risk to the local animal habitat than former President Trump’s border wall. In October, the Biden administration waived 26 environmental laws in order to speed up construction. In response, the Center for Biological Diversity, along with about 100 other organizations, sent the U.S. government a letter pleading for reconsideration of the waived environmental protection laws; they have yet to receive a reply.

Bipartisan Group of Senators Working Through Weekend to Forge Border Security Deal: “We Have to Act Now”

A group of Senators from both sides of the aisle worked through the past weekend in an attempt to create a deal that addresses the recent migrant surge. The Senators involved include Democrats Bennet and Murphy, Republicans Lankford and Tillis, and Independent Sinema. Currently, the deal is a part of larger funding package that intends to reach a compromise by conditioning aid to Ukraine and Israel on tightening asylum policy restrictions. Even if the deal makes it through the Senate, it is unclear if it will pass the Republican-led House, as the contents of the agreement will most likely upset both the right and left.

USCIS Establishes Family Reunification Parole Process for Ecuador

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new Family Reunification Parole (FRP) process for certain nationals of Ecuador, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy to enhance lawful pathways and strengthen enforcement for more organized migration. The FRP process, initiated by invitation only, aims to expedite family reunification by allowing eligible beneficiaries to be considered for parole into the U.S. on a case-by-case basis while waiting for their family-based immigrant visa, providing a safer alternative to irregular migration. The process involves screening, vetting, and medical requirements, and parole is authorized based on urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons, with beneficiaries generally considered for parole for up to three years.

House Stalls Impeachment of Homeland Secretary Mayorkas for Handling of Immigration

On Monday, the House of Representatives voted to push off a Republican attempt to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in a 209-201 vote to send the impeachment resolution to committee, who are under no obligation to act, effectively ending the threat for now. The vote was called for by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who views Secretary Mayorkas’s actions as a "pattern of conduct that is incompatible with the laws of the United States,” accusing Mayorkas of failing to uphold his oath to “defend and secure our country and uphold the Constitution.” Mayorkas insists he is focused on, and committed to, enforcing the law and securing the border.

Biden Admin Seeks More Immigration Judges to Rubber-Stamp Asylum Claims

This opinion article, written by a right-wing former immigration judge and current Director of Investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute Matt O’Brien, criticizes the Biden administration’s recent supplemental budget request to hire 1,600 new asylum officers and immigration judges. The author views the request as not an attempt to address the growing immigration court backlog, but rather as “a plot to implement an amnesty by executive fiat through the recruitment of pro-illegal immigration radicals who will rubber-stamp any application submitted by the nearly 8 million people the Biden administration has unlawfully herded into the United States.” Among other points, O’Brien cites the 2021 firing of a dozen Trump-appointed judges as evidence that the Biden administration’s primary intention is to stack the system in their favor instead of addressing the backlog, stating “It should be self-evident that an administration that is serious about tackling immigration and border security doesn’t begin its tenure by purging experienced immigration judges.”

Undocumented Immigrants Ask for the Unlikely: Work Permits like Those Given to Venezuelans

At a recent rally in Washington D.C. over 2,000 people expressed a desire for President Biden to offer work permits to undocumented immigrants. This comes in the wake of the Biden administration’s September decision to offer Temporary Legal Status and work authorization to Venezuelans who entered the U.S. prior to July 31. The rally was attended by both frustrated migrants, who expressed a desire to “work without fear”, and various business groups who want to address their current labor shortage. Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of the American Business Immigration Coalition and organizer of the “Here to Work” campaign noted that President Biden’s decision to provide work permits to recently arrived Venezuelans, Cubans, and Ukrainians demonstrates “that there is broad legal authority from the President,” paraphrasing, if he can do it for them, why can’t he do it for the immigrants who have been here?

Texas House Passes Bill that Authorizes Officers to Arrest Migrants, One of the Strictest Immigration Proposals in U.S.

On Tuesday evening, the Texas House of Representatives approved SB4, a Senate bill that authorizes Texas officers to arrest undocumented migrants by classifying unauthorized entry into the state as a class B misdemeanor for a first-time offense and a felony for a subsequent offense. It also provides judges with the option to order that some migrants be returned to the country they crossed the border from instead of pursuing prosecution. The bill has drawn concerns from immigration rights activists, citing fears that it could lead to the separation of families and will be used to circumvent asylum protections. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson noted that it is the federal government’s responsibility, and not the individual states, to decide how and when to remove noncitizens from the country. As such, it is possible the bill could face legal backlash. SB4 is now headed to Texas Governor Abbot’s desk to be signed into law.

El Salvador Slaps $1,130 Immigration Fee on African, Indian Travelers Amid U.S. Migration Pressure

In an attempt to appease U.S. pressure to help control migration flow, the government of El Salvador has begun exacting a $1,130 fee on travelers from dozens of countries connecting through the nation’s main airport. El Salvadorian aviation officials did not say whether the fee had anything to do with migration policy, and described the tariff as merely an “airport improvement fee”. According to the nation’s aviation authority, citizens from 57 African countries and India have had to pay the fee, since the end of October. A U.S. embassy spokesperson declined to say whether or not the U.S. requested the fee.

Firm Announcement 📣

The NawLaw office is transforming into a festive haven, adorned with warm hues and autumnal charm as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our space radiates gratitude and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere for both our team and clients alike. We're embracing the spirit of the season and expressing our heartfelt thanks in every carefully placed decoration. 🍁🦃✨ 

🍂🦃 Holiday Notice: NawLaw Office Closure for Thanksgiving 🦃🍂

In celebration of Thanksgiving, the NawLaw office will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd, and Friday, November 24th. Our team will be taking this time to express gratitude and enjoy the holiday festivities.

Please note that we will be conducting consultations until Wednesday, November 22nd. If you require a consultation with NawLaw, kindly book your consultation as soon as possible. We look forward to assisting you!

Client FAQ’s

My visa is expired, what should I do?

If your visa has expired, it’s important to take prompt action to address your immigration status. The specific steps you should take will depend on your visa type and individual circumstances. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult with an experienced and well-versed immigration attorney to ensure that you make the right choices for your situation and remain in compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

What are deportable offenses?

Any offense can be brought into question and can be brought into the interview or court trial since USCIS has access to these types of records. This does not mean that the offenses are deportable, we suggest you consult with one of experienced our team members so they can assist you with any questions regarding this matter.

Thank you for being a valued part of our client community. Stay tuned for exciting updates.

Experienced Matters - NawLaw Has Over 40 years of Experience in U.S. Immigration.