Week of March 8–14, 2024

President Joe Biden has utilized immigration "parole" more extensively than any other U.S. president to address immigration challenges, granting at least 1 million temporary visits. This approach, which involves admitting individuals on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump's policies. Immigration parole has been implemented 126 times by every president except Trump, according to the Cato Institute. The article highlights the experiences of immigrants who arrived during major parole waves in 1956 (Hungary), 1975 (Vietnam), 1980 (Cuba), and 2023 (Venezuela). The Biden administration has faced legal challenges related to its parole policies for Venezuelans, with 21 states suing over the perceived creation of a new visa program without congressional approval.

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President Biden expressed regret for using the term "illegal" to describe an undocumented immigrant charged in a murder case in Georgia during his unscripted exchange with Republicans at the State of the Union address. He acknowledged the term as inappropriate and agreed with his progressive critics. Biden emphasized the importance of treating immigrants respectfully and clarified his differences from former President Trump's immigration rhetoric. He reiterated the need for border control but emphasized not disrespecting immigrants. The exchange occurred when Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted about the murder case during Biden's address. Despite Biden's mention of the victim, Laken Riley, her mother criticized him for mispronouncing her daughter's name. Biden's comments drew criticism from the Trump camp, who highlighted the immigrant's status and used it for political gain.

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Immigration advocates in Chicago are urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to halt plans to evict migrants from city shelters after 60 days, set to begin next week. Originally announced in November, the eviction plan has been repeatedly delayed due to winter weather. However, with the city now poised to proceed, advocates argue it's unethical to remove asylum seekers still awaiting work permits and unable to afford housing. They warn it could worsen homelessness and push migrants into unsafe, under-the-table jobs. Speakers at a Pritzker Park gathering called for both a postponement of the plan and increased funding from lawmakers to address housing needs. Concerns about the trauma of eviction on children were also raised. Despite the looming deadline, the City of Chicago has not confirmed if the March 16 eviction date will proceed.

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Republican lawmakers in Arizona, frustrated by Governor Katie Hobbs' veto of a bill aimed at empowering the state to arrest and deport migrants, plan to resubmit the same bill multiple times. They aim to highlight Hobbs' refusal to address border issues and may eventually bring the matter to voters. Hobbs vetoed the bill, which criminalizes crossing the border outside ports of entry, citing its harm to immigrant communities, businesses, law enforcement, and its unconstitutionality. Senate President Warren Petersen criticized Hobbs for not supporting the GOP's immigration proposals despite her criticism of federal immigration policies. Republicans plan to continue pushing border-focused bills, potentially bypassing Hobbs through a ballot measure. The bill's supporters argue it is necessary to combat crime and drug trafficking, although studies show migrants commit fewer crimes than citizens and most fentanyl enters through official ports. The GOP intends to secure the border and protect citizens, emphasizing the need for new legal tools for law enforcement.

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The article criticizes Alabama Republicans' approach to immigration, likening it to treating geothermal energy as a crisis despite its minimal impact on the state. It highlights Senator Katie Britt's misleading statements about immigration during her campaign and in response to President Biden's address. Despite Alabama's distance from the border and low immigrant population, Republican leaders like Governor Kay Ivey and Britt perpetuate a narrative of fear and misinformation about immigration. The article argues that Alabama faces more pressing issues like gun violence, infant mortality, and poverty, suggesting that Republicans' focus on immigration is a distraction from addressing real problems. It concludes by questioning the motives behind Alabama Republicans' fixation on immigration and their loyalty to former President Trump's agenda.

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The Douglas County Commissioners have taken decisive action to address the local impacts of the national migrant crisis, prioritizing community wellbeing. On Tuesday, they unanimously voted to: 1) pursue legal action to allow local law enforcement to fully cooperate with federal immigration officials, and 2) enact an ordinance limiting the unloading of commercial passengers at unplanned locations. Commissioner Abe Laydon emphasized the importance of compassion with resources, while Commissioner George Teal highlighted the need to prioritize legal residents. State laws currently prevent local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and the County aims to challenge these restrictions. The new ordinance requires commercial vehicles to only unload passengers at scheduled, documented destinations to maintain public welfare. With Denver receiving over 40,000 migrants, Commissioner Lora Thomas stressed the need for proactive measures to avoid similar strains on local services. The ordinance's second reading is scheduled for March 26, 2024, with immediate effect if passed.

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Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito extended a temporary block preventing Texas from enforcing its strict immigration law, SB4, which allows state law enforcement to arrest, jail, and prosecute migrants for unauthorized border crossings. Initially set to expire on Wednesday, Alito's order now extends through March 18. SB4, passed last year, also enables state judges to send migrants back to Mexico as an alternative to prosecution. Texas argues that SB4 is essential for curbing illegal border crossings. However, the Biden administration contends that it infringes on federal immigration authority, conflicts with U.S. asylum laws, and damages U.S.-Mexico relations. U.S. District Court Judge David Ezra had previously blocked SB4's enforcement, deeming it unconstitutional and conflicting with federal law. The 5th Circuit Court temporarily lifted Ezra’s block, which Alito suspended, pending further review. The 5th Circuit will hear arguments on SB4 on April 3.

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President Joe Biden's reelection efforts may be hindered by internal party divisions on immigration. During his State of the Union address, Biden criticized Republicans for blocking a bipartisan immigration bill. Despite general support among Democrats for a path to citizenship for undocumented migrants, significant differences exist between liberal and moderate Democrats regarding legal immigration levels and the acceptance of immigrants from specific countries. Polls indicate immigration is a top concern for voters, with Biden receiving poor ratings on the issue. While a majority of Democrats support immigration, moderates and liberals differ on conditions for citizenship and overall immigration policies. These ideological cleavages could complicate Biden's efforts to maintain his 2020 coalition. Biden's stance on strengthening border security, which is more favored by moderates, contrasts with liberals who believe the focus on the US-Mexico border is excessive. These internal party differences could impact Biden's campaign as immigration remains a contentious election issue.

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Immigrants and immigration significantly benefit the U.S. economy and all Americans. Immigration enhances job creation, raises wages, reduces inflation, and boosts productivity and innovation, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, construction, and tech. Immigrants contribute to a projected $7 trillion increase in GDP and $1 trillion in additional government revenue over the next decade, accounting for 17% of U.S. GDP. They pay $525 billion annually in taxes, including nearly $50 billion from undocumented immigrants.

Immigrants fill vital workforce gaps, with over 18% of healthcare and STEM workers being immigrants. They also help curb inflation by closing labor gaps and fostering stable economic growth. Immigrants are highly entrepreneurial, founding many businesses, including 45% of Fortune 500 companies. They enhance innovation, contributing nearly a quarter of U.S. innovation output.

Immigration counters population decline, crucial for sustaining rural communities. Increasing immigration levels is essential for continued economic growth and maintaining essential services.

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Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1889, allowing residents without permanent legal immigration status to obtain professional licenses. The bill permits the use of individual tax identification numbers instead of social security numbers on license applications, removing citizenship requirements for professions like optometry and notaries. Inslee praised the bill for opening career opportunities in teaching, healthcare, and accounting. Testimonies during hearings highlighted how current licensing requirements hindered aspiring professionals, like Maria Barrios, who aims to pursue dentistry. The unauthorized population in Washington, estimated at 3.9%, prompted the bill's introduction. While the exact impact is uncertain, universities anticipate benefits for undocumented students, like the University of Washington Tacoma, where roughly 200 undocumented students are enrolled. Supporters argue the legislation will unlock a pool of qualified workers and boost the state's economy. The new rules will be effective from July 1, 2024.

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