New Asylum Caps Risk Increasing Homelessness Among Migrants in the border
Biden Administration Considers Policy to Shield Migrant Spouses of U.S. Citizens.- ACLU Prepares for Potential Legal Battles Over Trump’s Immigration Policies.- Cuellar's Corruption Trial Postponed
‘Don’t want to get stuck:’ Migrants at Juárez border feel the pressure of asylum changes
New Asylum Caps Risk Increasing Homelessness Among Migrants in San Diego
Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune.- San Diego faces a potential rise in homelessness among migrants following President Biden's recent limitations on asylum claims. As funding dwindles and shelter spaces shrink, notably after state pandemic-era support ended, the capacity of Catholic Charities to house vulnerable groups has been halved. San Diego, being a primary entry point in the U.S., sees significant migrant traffic, which could complicate local homelessness crises. The region's shelters, already strained and selective, often leave healthy single adults, including migrants, without options, pushing them toward possible street homelessness. Local services are grappling with dual challenges: accommodating migrants and managing general homelessness, all amid uncertain federal support and local budget constraints.
Biden Administration Considers Policy to Shield Migrant Spouses of U.S. Citizens
The New York Times.- Amidst political backlash over recent immigration restrictions, the Biden administration is contemplating a policy proposal to protect migrant spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation and enable them to work legally. Dubbed "parole in place," the program aims to provide these individuals with temporary protection from deportation and a pathway to employment authorization, potentially simplifying their route to U.S. citizenship. This measure is part of broader efforts to mitigate criticism of Biden's stringent border policies and bolster support among immigrant communities and progressive allies. The proposal's specifics, including its scope and implementation timeline, remain under discussion, reflecting the administration's cautious approach to immigration reform amidst varied political pressures.
ACLU Prepares for Potential Legal Battles Over Trump’s Immigration Policies
By Will Weissert, Associated Press.- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is gearing up to challenge former President Donald Trump's immigration policies if he wins a second term. During his previous administration, the ACLU filed numerous lawsuits to counteract policies they viewed as abuses, such as the separation of immigrant families. With Trump promising even more stringent measures, including mass raids and vast deportations, the ACLU has developed a strategic blueprint to block these efforts through litigation and lobbying.
Trump's plans hinge on using executive powers in unprecedented ways to enforce his immigration agenda, potentially evoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1789 and the Insurrection Act. However, the ACLU argues these moves would face substantial legal challenges due to constitutional protections and existing laws like the Posse Comitatus Act.
In preparation, Trump's allies have compiled "Project 2025," a detailed guide to implement his policies more effectively than in his first term, anticipating legal obstacles. On the other hand, the ACLU plans to collaborate with state and local leaders to shield immigrants from mass deportations and increase legal support for those affected.
These legal confrontations in Trump's first term yielded mixed results, managing to halt some policies temporarily while others, like the travel ban, were ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court. This ongoing battle underscores the high stakes of Trump's potential reelection and the ACLU's readiness to challenge his policies once again.
Asylum Access Curtailed, Migrant Crossings Persist at San Diego-Tijuana Border
Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Tribune.- Three days after President Biden's executive order to restrict asylum, its effects are visible yet unchanged in the migration patterns at the San Diego-Tijuana border. Migrants continue to arrive, including a group from Vietnam on Friday. Despite new policies meant to deter illegal crossings by increasing returns to Mexico and deportations, local humanitarian aid workers like Adriana Jasso of the American Friends Service Committee note no significant change in the number of migrants attempting to cross. The new regulations, while intended to streamline asylum claims and reduce illegal entries, have begun to shift how migrants are processed post-crossing, with some being detained or sent back. However, the overall flow of migrants remains consistent, challenging the anticipated impact of the executive order.
Ground Game Texas Advocates for Local Law Changes in McAllen
Berenice Garcia, Texas Tribune.- Ground Game Texas is campaigning in McAllen to empower residents to influence local laws directly. The organization is collecting signatures to propose changes to the city charter, including limiting campaign contributions and introducing direct democracy measures like initiatives, referendums, and recalls. Despite challenges in gathering the necessary signatures and voter cynicism, the group is optimistic about increasing civic engagement and reducing perceived political corruption. If successful, McAllen voters will decide on these changes in the November election, marking a significant step towards greater public involvement in local governance.
Cuellar's Corruption Trial Postponed Until After Elections
Matthew Choi, The Texas Tribune.- U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar's corruption trial has been rescheduled to occur after next year's Election Day amidst charges including bribery, money laundering, and illegal activities on behalf of Azerbaijan. Initially set for July, the trial will commence in Spring 2025, with jury selection beginning on March 31. This delay follows a joint request from federal prosecutors and Cuellar's defense, granted by Judge Lee Rosenthal. Cuellar denies all allegations, represents Texas’ 28th Congressional District, and plans to continue his reelection campaign. The delay raises the stakes for his political future, which is already under scrutiny after a tough previous election cycle.