Week of January 22–31, 2023

An anti-immigrant backlash has spread across Dublin and other towns in Ireland, fuelled by an acute housing crisis and the state’s struggle to accommodate Ukrainians and asylum seekers. Protesters claim that foreigners receive preferential treatment and centres with “unvetted” young male refugees make them feel unsafe. The state is housing about 73,000 migrants, comprising 54,000 Ukrainians and 19,000 international protection applicants. Hotels, emergency shelters and other improvised accommodation centres are full, with last week the minister for integration, Roderic O’Gorman, stating that there was no room for fresh influxes. The protesters on Saturday claimed vindication for their claim that Ireland is full, with one protester saying, “I’ve a housing crisis – there are six of us in a two-room maisonette… Look after your own first.” Hostility to refugee centres in Ireland has surged before, notably in 2019 when there were arson attacks, and both sides expect tensions to escalate.

House Republicans have delayed plans to pass a three-page border security bill after some moderate party members raised concerns about the scope of the proposed legislation. The bill, sponsored by Representative Chip Roy of Texas and co-sponsored by 58 Republicans, would enable the Homeland Security secretary to unilaterally bar all undocumented migrants from entering the US through any point of entry if he deems it necessary to reestablish “operational control” of the border. But opponents of the bill say it would prevent migrants and unaccompanied children fleeing violence from seeking asylum in the US. Republicans can only afford to lose four votes to pass legislation through their razor-thin majority without help from Democrats.

The California Department of Social Services has removed links to a website belonging to the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), after the Southern Poverty Law Center labeled the think tank an anti-immigrant hate group. The links to CIS had been on the Social Services website since at least 2017 and were intended to provide information on California’s refugee programs, populations served and organizations that collaborate with the department. CIS was founded in 1985 by John Tanton, who wanted to restrict US immigration levels to maintain a white majority. CIS has collaborated with Stephen Miller, an aide to former President Donald Trump, who pushed many of the administration’s anti-immigration policies.

The US Department of Labor (DOL) is experiencing processing delays and a rise in complication in the wake of tech industry layoffs. The DOL is responsible for reviewing and approving certain employment-based applications, including Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) and Permanent Labor Certification Applications (PERM). However, delays continue and employers may expect to wait at least 20 months to obtain a certified PERM for the green card process. Processing times can also impact H-1B or L-1 workers who have a max-out period of employment eligibility, and employers may need to consider federal regulation when terminating non-immigrant workers after layoffs. Affected employees who are currently in the middle of the PERM process will be required to restart the process when they are hired by a new company.

A group of progressive Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. Greg Casar of Austin, have rebuked President Joe Biden for extending border provisions inherited from the Trump administration, calling it a betrayal of his campaign promise to end the former president's border policies. The lawmakers, in a letter to the White House, expressed their distress at the administration's decision to continue Title 42, a provision that expels asylum-seekers under the pretext of stopping the spread of COVID-19. The letter highlights the wide ideological gulf in Congress as lawmakers hope to find a bipartisan path forward on border security. While many Republicans are demanding some kind of provision either expelling or detaining asylum-seekers, Democrats want to focus on providing more legal pathways to immigrate to the US while pursuing diplomacy in the migrants’ home countries.

Undocumented immigrants in California have been granted special driver's licenses, giving them the right to drive legally, under the Safe and Responsible Drivers Act (AB 60). The bill, which was passed in 2013, allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driving licence, providing they can provide the Department of Motor Vehicles with satisfactory proof of their identity and residency within the state of California. More than a million undocumented immigrants have since been granted licences, enabling them to seek better employment and the ability to drive their families without fear of deportation. While some critics argue that the law encourages illegal immigration and further strains the state's resources, supporters contend that it promotes economic growth by giving undocumented immigrants better job opportunities and greater protections.

The Disaster Recovery Center and Local Assistance Center at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Memorial Building is welcoming everyone, regardless of their immigration status, to access resources after flooding. Families who are undocumented may hesitate to request resources due to constant fear, but officials assure the community that the center is a safe place for everyone. Mental health counseling and Spanish-speaking staff are available at the center, as well as connections to programs like Cal Fresh. Families with mixed immigration status are eligible for resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the agency assures that they do not share personal information with other federal agencies. Non-profits such as the United Way of San Luis Obispo County are also providing extra help, including cash assistance, gas cards, gift cards for Walmart and Home Depot, and cleanup kits. The site is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Biden administration has the power to provide employment authorization to all beneficiaries of accepted employment-based immigrant visa petitions, according to a leaked memo created during the Obama administration. Currently, foreign citizens with approved immigrant petitions in employment categories may have to wait several years for an immigrant visa number to become available before they can apply for "adjustment of status." The USCIS memo suggests that it is acceptable to issue employment permission to the recipients of accepted employment-based immigrant visa petitions, regardless of whether they have submitted their applications for adjustment of status. The memo recommends changing regulations to issue employment authorization to these recipients. Immigration lawyer Greg Siskind received the memo in 2015 and was able to verify its validity through a former USCIS employee. The Biden administration aims to attract global talent to strengthen the economy and technological competitiveness of the United States.

Monday, January 30, 2023 Las Vegas nonprofit helps immigrants navigate road map to citizenship

The Immigrant Home Foundation in Las Vegas provides resources and referrals to immigrants seeking citizenship and other legal advice. The non-profit organisation has assisted with 3,000 applicants to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and helps immigrants with petitions for family members to enter the US, consular processes and coordinates with law enforcement to provide immigration relief for victims of domestic violence. The foundation values education and offers a citizenship course four times a week, as well as informational sessions once a month. It encourages citizenship due to its permanency, as well as the right to vote. The Immigrant Home Foundation has worked with people from around 70 countries, the majority of whom are Latino.

A new survey from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) has found that a majority of Americans still recognize the positive value of immigration, despite demonizing rhetoric from the Trump-right. Specifically, 55% of Americans believe that the growing number of newcomers from other countries strengthens American society. Similarly, 57% of Americans say that immigrants living in the United States illegally should be provided a path to citizenship. However, Republican anti-immigration views have hardened over the past several years, with 69% of Republicans now believing that newcomers threaten traditional American customs and values, compared to just 17% of Democrats. Despite this, it is important to continue seeking incremental moves forward on immigration reform, such as forging a compromise that increases funding for border security, overhauls the process for seeking asylum, provides permanent residency for Dreamers, and increases legal immigration. The infusion of new talent and energy from around the globe is more necessary than ever for the US economy.