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Recent Blog Posts
Victory for Dreamers! The U.S. Supreme Court issues decision in favor of DACA
This past June 18th, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the government’s attempt to end DACA was unlawful. The court found that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security does have the authority to end DACA, but that it had proceeded in an arbitrary and capricious manner in doing so, thus the ending of the program is illegal.
This is a life changing decision for thousands of young immigrants who were brought to this country as children. It allows them to continue to life, work, and pursue an education in the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has yet to implement the changes, but the decision provides a temporary stop to the end of the program, as multiple challenges to DACA continue to move through the courts. Once new guidelines are implemented, initial applications for DACA-eligible individuals and new applications for Advance Parole (travel permits) should be accepted by the government.
Seeking asylum: What to know
Immigration law continues to be a fascinating and interesting topic of conversation in our country. It is volatile and complex and one of the many questions that arise are typically linked to issues on asylum. This particular area of immigration law has many layered and detailed nuances that might confuse asylum seekers and it is important to know them to better see if any potential candidates can apply to it or not.
Understanding asylum
Each year, there are thousands of foreigners who choose to enter into the United States seeking asylum from their home countries. Asylum is the protection that a country can grant unto a person who is classified as a refugee.
A refugee is a person who is being persecuted or will be persecuted from his or her home country and is seeking the protection of another.
How to qualify
There are various ways that a person can qualify for asylum and the applicant must qualify in one out of the five following categories. The person must be persecuted or in danger of being persecuted due to his or her race, religion, nationality, membership to a particular social group, and/or political opinion.
Immigrating to the US may become much more expensive in 2020
The U.S. immigration system has been in a state of flux for some time now. Officials seem determined to change even longstanding, fundamental aspects of the process. One of the latest targets? The cost of immigration.
In 2020, immigrating to the U.S. will likely become much more expensive for most people. Here are some of the biggest expected changes.
A fee for asylum seekers
When the current White House administration announced the proposed fee changes in November of 2019, many people highlighted the impact on asylum seekers. Traditionally, the U.S. has not charged individuals looking for this type of humanitarian help. That is in line with the rest of the world – currently, only three countries require asylum seekers to pay a fee.
The United States may soon make it four. Under the proposed rules, asylum seekers would have to pay a $50 application fee.
A more expensive citizenship form
Another proposed change that raised eyebrows? The new fee for the N-400 form, which green card holders use to apply for citizenship. The current fee is $640, plus an $85 biometrics cost. Under the new rules, the cost would jump to $1,170, an increase of more than 60%.
Could employment screening hurt immigrant workers?
Texas is the fastest-growing state in America. And in industries like construction, retail trade and manufacturing, employers look to immigrant workers to provide for their business.
However, as talks about E-Verify requirements for all Texas employers continue, such rules could cause substantial damage if they get approved.
What is it?
E-Verify is an electronic web-based system that allows certain employers to confirm their workers are U.S. citizens. Employers use E-Verify to check a new hire’s employment eligibility by matching information from their I-9 forms.
Right now, only public employers in Texas must use E-Verify. But requiring businesses across the state to use it could hurt Texas’ economy. Some people say E-Verify has numerous errors. Sadly, local requirements to use the system could hurt business profitability and keep countless Texans out of work.
Common issues with E-Verify
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), this is how mandatory E-Verify requirements could hurt immigrant workers: