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In the ever-evolving landscape of Migration policy and legislation, September 2023 has brought about significant changes and developments. From legislative updates to executive actions and judicial decisions, here’s a detailed look at the key events and their implications.

In a crucial move to keep the government operational, Congress passed and President Biden signed a continuing resolution (CR) at the end of September. This CR ensures funding for the government through November 17th. Notably, the CR did not include increased funding for border security, as a previous CR containing such funding failed to pass. Furthermore, it omitted funding for Ukraine, leaving open the possibility of a separate funding bill.

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Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are revisiting the “Gang of Eight” Migration bill, aiming to introduce an updated version. This bill seeks to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, contingent on measures to improve border security and other reforms. While they acknowledge the challenges of passing the bill in the current Congress, they emphasize the urgency of addressing the national Migration crisis.

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Florida’s Migration law passed in July is raising concerns about its potential impact on hurricane recovery efforts. The law includes provisions requiring hospitals to inquire about Migration status, mandatory E-Verify for certain employers, and harsh penalties for transporting undocumented individuals. As a substantial number of disaster recovery workers are undocumented International Newcomers, some are reluctant to enter the state, hindering recovery efforts.

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Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas introduced the Secure the Border Act (HR2) in the Senate, following its passage in the House. The bill proposes various changes to Department of Homeland Security policies, including asylum application processes, E-Verify requirements, border barriers, and more. Despite support from the GOP, it currently lacks bipartisan support in a Senate controlled by Democrats.

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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has publicly called upon the White House to address the influx of migrants to Chicago, stressing the strain on resources. Pritzker recommended establishing a dedicated office, waiving fees for TPS applicants, improving logistical coordination, and providing financial support to state and local governments and NGOs. He also emphasized the need for an accelerated timeline for employment authorization for migrants.

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The White House has increased outreach efforts to encourage International Newcomers to apply for work permits. Measures include sending text messages, distributing posters and fliers with QR codes, and issuing grants to local governments. This initiative comes in response to criticism from some of President Biden’s allies regarding the handling of Migration issues.

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Canada’s “startup visa” policy has drawn significant interest from International Newcomers in the US, leading to a surge in applications. In contrast to the US, which lacks a startup visa program, Canada’s policy has successfully attracted skilled entrepreneurs. A study found that this policy increased the likelihood of US-based International Newcomers establishing startups in Canada by 69%.

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The Department of Homeland Security announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. This decision comes amid Venezuela’s ongoing Displaced Persons crisis and economic collapse. TPS provides temporary protection from removal and employment authorization for eligible individuals in the United States.

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced measures to stabilize Haiti, which has been plagued by political unrest and gang violence. The US plans to provide $100 million in foreign assistance, sponsor a UN resolution for a multinational security support mission, and offer additional support through the Department of Defense.

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In a significant development, Judge Andrew Hanen ruled DACA unconstitutional, echoing a similar decision from 2021. DACA, which provides protection for certain undocumented International Newcomers who came to the US as children, has been a subject of legal battles. The ruling emphasizes that Migration policy falls within the legislative branch’s purview, not the executive.

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In conclusion, September 2023 has seen a flurry of activity in the realm of Migration policy and legislation, with far-reaching implications for individuals and communities across the United States and beyond. The balance between security, humanitarian concerns, and economic interests remains at the forefront of these developments, shaping the future of Migration policy in the nation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Migration, recent developments in the United States have brought significant changes, challenges, and opportunities. From court battles over asylum policies to extensions of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians, here’s a comprehensive look at the latest Migration news.

Amidst the legal battles, a ray of hope shone for Ukrainian nationals residing in the U.S. On August 18th, Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians until April 2025. This extension offered relief to those who had been living in uncertainty. It also included a Special Student Relief Notice, potentially benefiting around 166,000 individuals.

Special Student Relief Notice

Federal Registrar Notice

Beyond U.S. borders, political instability in West Africa is generating humanitarian concerns. The region is witnessing fears of a regional war and a Displaced Persons crisis. In late July, a military junta ousted Niger’s elected government, leading to a regional threat from ECOWAS, a group of West African countries, to intervene if constitutional order isn’t restored.

For the first time in half a decade, the United States Citizenship and Migration Services (USCIS) has reestablished its presence in Havana, Cuba. This move is vital as Cuban Migration to the United States has surged in recent years. The new office will conduct interviews, process cases in the Cuban Family Reunification Parole program, handle petitions for Displaced Personss and asylum, and provide other Migration services. The reopening of this office holds great importance, especially with the increasing number of Cubans seeking refuge in the United States.

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In a display of bipartisan effort, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Lindsey Graham led an initiative to include the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA) in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Although the AAA didn’t make it into the NDAA, this endeavor garnered significant bipartisan support, showing progress in its cause. The AAA, which aims to offer Afghan allies in the U.S. a path to permanent legal status, could still pass as standalone legislation when Congress reconvenes. Advocates, like Global Cleveland, have been actively urging Ohio’s representatives to support this crucial bill.

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Alabama, like many states, faced a shortage of physicians. To combat this issue, the Physician Workforce Act went into effect on August 1st. This legislation was designed to bolster the state’s healthcare workforce by allowing international medical graduates to apply for their licenses a year earlier. Furthermore, it introduced an apprenticeship program for graduates who weren’t matched with a residency and eliminated the SPEX exam. The President of the Alabama Medical Association expressed optimism that this law would expand the pool of physicians, improve patient access to care, and ultimately lead the state toward a healthier future.

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In a thought-provoking report, the American Migration Council delved into the International Newcomer origins of America’s Fortune 500 companies. The findings were astonishing: almost 45% of these corporate giants were founded by International Newcomers or their children. Some well-known names like Amazon.com, Apple, Google, and JPMorgan Chase have International Newcomer roots. These International Newcomer-founded Fortune 500 companies employ millions and contribute trillions to the U.S. economy, highlighting the immense impact of International Newcomers on American business.

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Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) introduced the CBP One app, which asylum seekers are required to use. However, this app has faced severe criticism for being unreliable and glitchy. Asylum applicants claim that issues with the app made it impossible to book appointments, resulting in them being turned away by border security personnel. These individuals had to return to border towns in Mexico, which can be perilous. The app’s stringent requirements, limited language options, and problems with facial recognition have all contributed to these challenges.

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The Biden administration’s attempt to tighten asylum policies sparked legal battles. President Biden’s policy aimed to make it more challenging for specific migrants to apply for asylum. However, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar issued a temporary block, raising concerns over its legality. While the decision was under appeal, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the policy to remain in effect for now. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National International Newcomer Justice Center are among the organizations leading the legal charge against this policy, advocating for a fair asylum process.

A coalition of organizations, including the ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Farmworker Association of Florida, Americans for International Newcomer Justice, and the American Migration Council, initiated a legal challenge against Florida’s SB1718. This law criminalizes individuals who transport undocumented persons into Florida. Penalties range up to five years in prison, with more severe terms for repeated violations or those involving minors. The lawsuit contends that the law represents an unconstitutional state attempt to regulate federal Migration and that its language is unconstitutionally vague.

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