September 2023 Immigration Update
In the ever-evolving landscape of immigration 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.
House Passes Continuing Resolution, Avoiding Shutdown
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.
Senators Durbin and Graham Seek Immigration Deal
Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are revisiting the “Gang of Eight” immigration 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 immigration crisis.
Florida Immigration Bill's Impact on Hurricane Recovery
Florida’s immigration law passed in July is raising concerns about its potential impact on hurricane recovery efforts. The law includes provisions requiring hospitals to inquire about immigration status, mandatory E-Verify for certain employers, and harsh penalties for transporting undocumented individuals. As a substantial number of disaster recovery workers are undocumented immigrants, some are reluctant to enter the state, hindering recovery efforts.
Secure the Border Act Introduced in the Senate
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.
Illinois Governor Calls for Action on Immigration from White House
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.
Administration Encourages Immigrants to Apply for Work Permits
The White House has increased outreach efforts to encourage immigrants 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 immigration issues.
Canadian Visa Policy Attracts Immigrants and International Students from the US
Canada’s “startup visa” policy has drawn significant interest from immigrants 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 immigrants establishing startups in Canada by 69%.
TPS Status for Venezuelans Extended by DHS
The Department of Homeland Security announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. This decision comes amid Venezuela’s ongoing refugee crisis and economic collapse. TPS provides temporary protection from removal and employment authorization for eligible individuals in the United States.
State Department Pledges Aid to Haiti
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.
Federal Judge Finds DACA Unlawful
In a significant development, Judge Andrew Hanen ruled DACA unconstitutional, echoing a similar decision from 2021. DACA, which provides protection for certain undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children, has been a subject of legal battles. The ruling emphasizes that immigration policy falls within the legislative branch’s purview, not the executive.
In conclusion, September 2023 has seen a flurry of activity in the realm of immigration 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 immigration policy in the nation.
Explore Previous Immigration Updates
October 7, 2024
September 2024 Immigration Update
September 11, 2024
August 2024 Immigration Update
August 2, 2024
July 2024 Immigration Update
July 1, 2024
June 2024 Immigration Update
June 6, 2024
May 2024 Immigration Update
May 2, 2024
April 2024 Immigration Update
April 2, 2024
March 2024 Immigration Update
March 5, 2024
February 2024 Immigration Update
February 8, 2024
January 2024 Immigration Update
January 4, 2024