Week of February 22–29, 2024

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a "Beneficiary-Centric" H-1B visa registration process for the 2025 Fiscal Year, moving away from the employer-centric model. This new system registrations by unique beneficiaries, allowing eacselectsh individual with a registration submitted on their behalf to enter the lottery once, regardless of how many employers submitted registrations for them. The change aims to level the playing field, reduce fraud, and offer greater opportunities for negotiation to selected H-1B beneficiaries. While employers will benefit from a more equitable process, they may face challenges if an individual chooses another employer after multiple registrations. USCIS also gains increased authority to deny or revoke H-1B petitions with false information. The new system is seen as an improvement, given Congress's current limitations in modernizing the H-1B program.

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Governor Gavin Newsom, during his visit to Washington, D.C., participated in the National Governors Association meeting alongside bipartisan governors. The discussions with President Biden and Vice President Harris covered various California priorities, emphasizing the need for border security and immigration reform. Newsom's administration also addressed the longstanding Tijuana River sewage crisis in meetings with top White House officials, highlighting the importance of Congress approving the proposed $310 million for sewage facility repairs. In an interview with Jake Tapper, Newsom discussed California's initiatives to tackle homelessness and mental health issues. The governor also participated in events with the Democratic Governors Association during his visit to the nation's capital.

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Starting April 1, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service is increasing fees for various applications, citing the inability of current prices to cover administrative costs and aiming to prevent future backlogs. The fee hikes impact green card applications, status adjustments, and several other forms. Dr. Tom Felke from FGCU’s Department of Social Work expresses uncertainty about the long-term effects of raising fees and highlights the lack of congressional support for USCIS. The largest increases include Form I-29 for hiring foreign workers (from $460 to $1385), Form I-485 for permanent residence (from $1225 to $1440), and citizenship applications (from $1170 to $1335). Advocates express concerns about additional barriers for families.

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Young Democrats and independent voters in Arizona express deep frustration with President Biden's handling of immigration, a critical issue in the state. Hopes for a compassionate approach have waned as Biden embraces stricter policies, leaving voters disillusioned. Despite being disappointed, some plan to support Biden due to his policies on working-class and union families, emphasizing the lack of enthusiasm for a second term. The failure of a bipartisan border bill, conservative rhetoric adoption, and a perceived lack of concrete action contribute to the negative sentiment. Voters feel let down by both parties, emphasizing the need for genuine solutions over political posturing, as immigration remains a persistent concern in Arizona.

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A recent Monmouth University Poll reveals that public concern about illegal immigration is higher during President Joe Biden's term than under the prior two administrations. Over 8 in 10 Americans view illegal immigration as either a very serious (61%) or somewhat serious (23%) problem, with 53% supporting building a border wall – the first majority since 2015. Concern has risen among all partisan groups, notably among Republicans. The poll also indicates that 61% believe immigrants seeking political asylum at the border should stay in Mexico while their claims are processed. The perception that illegal immigrants are more likely to commit violent crimes has increased to 32%, with a growing gap among Republicans. While 28% think illegal immigrants take jobs from Americans, 62% believe they fill undesirable positions. Almost half of the public (47%) feels a recent bipartisan border deal is not tough enough on illegal immigration. The poll suggests Republicans and many independents believe the bill is too soft, reflecting concerns about the Biden administration's approach to the issue.

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The U.S. job market's robust rebound from the pandemic has been significantly influenced by immigration, contributing to the country's economic strength. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, around 50% of the recent extraordinary labor market growth between January 2023 and January 2024 came from foreign-born workers. The foreign-born labor force's rapid growth closed the pandemic-induced labor force gap by mid-2022. Despite immigration being a polarizing political issue, economists argue that it played a crucial role in resolving economic gaps caused by prolonged shutdowns. While immigration remains contentious in politics, it has been instrumental in sustaining and powering the U.S. economy. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office project significant economic and labor force growth, with immigration contributing substantially. The surge in employment has been essential to addressing unprecedented economic challenges.

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In a recent Gallup survey, more Americans have identified immigration as the most important problem facing the U.S. (28%) than a month ago (20%). Immigration has now surpassed the government as the most cited issue, with 20% naming it the top problem, followed by the economy (12%) and inflation (11%). The poll, conducted from February 1-20, indicates a significant increase in Republican mentions of immigration as the top problem, rising from 37% in January to 57% in February. The survey also highlights a record-high 55% of adults viewing "large numbers of immigrants entering the United States illegally" as a critical threat to U.S. vital interests. Congressional job approval has fallen to 12%, reaching its lowest point since November 2015. Despite improved economic assessments, overall satisfaction remains low at 19%, and President Biden's approval on immigration stands at a personal low of 28%.

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Colorado Governor Jared Polis is increasing efforts to address the rising influx of immigrants in the state, a situation deemed unsustainable by Denver leaders. Polis has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. While Democrats have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of a robust statewide response, Republicans blame him for signing a 2019 sanctuary law they believe triggered the influx. Despite allocating nearly $30 million for various purposes, Polis has been criticized for not taking more decisive actions, such as deploying the National Guard or declaring a state of emergency. Recently, he has elevated the issue through national interviews, a visit to the White House, and collaboration with state lawmakers on additional funding for school districts grappling with the impact. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, while acknowledging Polis's recent efforts, emphasizes the city's significant role and the need for more resources.

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President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump made separate visits to Texas border cities, putting immigration at the forefront of their potential rematch in the upcoming presidential election. Biden, in Brownsville, urged Congress to approve a bipartisan immigration bill, emphasizing its support across party lines. Trump, in Eagle Pass, criticized Biden's immigration handling, specifically addressing a recent crime case involving a Venezuelan immigrant. Both visits coincided with a federal judge blocking a Texas law allowing police to arrest those suspected of illegal border crossing. Brownsville has faced migrant influxes, while Eagle Pass witnessed increased immigration enforcement. Biden called on Trump to support significant immigration legislation, while Trump prioritized border security if re-elected.

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The escalating issue of immigration attempts at the U.S. southwest border has become a central concern for 2024, prompting President Biden to contemplate measures, including potential border closure. Four key factors contribute to the enduring border crisis: a surge in global migrants, difficulties in hiring border patrol agents due to extensive checks and remote job locations, challenges in surge management as border encounters rapidly increase, and chronic underfunding leading to an overwhelming backlog in immigration courts. Notably, diverse migration sources complicate the situation, and the hiring process's complexity exacerbates staff shortages. The surge management issue arises from a drastic increase in border encounters, with a fourfold surge from 2023 to 2024, creating an urgent need for effective management solutions. Additionally, a staggering backlog of 3,363,667 immigration court cases further impedes the system. The proposed solution involves temporary border closure, surge preparedness, and addressing the backlog by recruiting and training immigration judges, potentially adopting a reserve component similar to the military model for surge management.