Immigration and the Southern Border in the U.S.

[phkrause]

ICE Disobeyed Biden’s Order to Drop Trump’s Blanket Deportation Policy

A third of ICE enforcement actions during Biden’s first year in office targeted people who posed no threat to public safety.

https://theintercept.com/2023/07/13/ice-immigration-biden-deportation-trump/?

[Hanseng]

On 6/28/2023 at 6:17 AM, phkrause said:

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis promised to end birthright citizenship, finish building the southern border wall and send U.S. forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels as part of an aggressive — and familiar — immigration policy proposal he laid out Monday in a Texas border city.

Good policies for which I would vote. Armed police with shoot to kill orders should also be posted along the border. Make sure it's clearly posted on the Mexican side that attempted illegal entry into the United States is a capital offense. It wouldn't take long for illegal immigration through the southern border to stop.

[phkrause]

Texas troopers told to push back migrants into Rio Grande and ordered not to give water amid soaring temperatures, report says

Emails shared with CNN by the Texas Department of Public Safety detail a trooper-medic expressing concerns to a supervisor over the inhumane treatment of migrants along the border in Eagle Pass, Texas.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/18/us/texas-troopers-migrant-treatment-concerns/index.html?

[phkrause]

Biden administration tells judge that its new asylum rule is not a reboot of Trump’s efforts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration argued Wednesday that its new asylum rule is different from versions put forward under President Donald Trump in a court hearing before a judge who threw out Trump’s attempts to limit asylum on the U.S.-Mexico border.

https://apnews.com/article/asylum-limits-biden-border-1d49587b3598a11240f9b528532479b4?

[phkrause]

🔎 Border crossings plummet as GOP tees up impeachment

New government data shows illegal border crossings have plummeted to the lowest levels in more than two years — the latest piece of good news for Biden on one of his toughest issues, Axios' Stef Kight reports.

Why it matters: Despite the trend, House Republicans excoriated Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for "dereliction of duty" at the border in a 111-page report released today — teeing up a long-expected impeachment inquiry.

• The exhaustive "phase 1" investigation report describes Mayorkas as "the chief architect of the illegal immigration crisis that Americans have suffered through since January 2021."
• It's another sign of how important the border issue has become for Republicans, even as the chaos in border states has waned.

Data: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Chart: Axios Visuals

By the numbers: Monthly illegal border crossings dropped to the lowest level in two years in June — falling to under 100,000 for the first time in that time period, according to government data released yesterday.

• Faced with the end of the Title 42 pandemic policy, which enabled the rapid expulsion of migrants and asylum seekers, Biden imposed severe new asylum restrictions in May.
• A federal judge is now considering whether to block Biden's new asylum rule, which automatically rejects most migrants who illegally cross the border without first seeking refuge in a country they traveled through.

Keep reading.

[phkrause]

DACA recipients’ Medicaid eligibility slammed by U.S. House Republicans

WASHINGTON — A panel on the U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Tuesday grilled a Biden administration official about the White House’s decision to allow undocumented people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to enroll in Medicaid or private insurance provided under the Affordable Care Act.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/07/19/daca-recipients-medicaid-eligibility-slammed-by-u-s-house-republicans/?

[phkrause]

DOJ Threatens Texas With Legal Action Over Abbott's Inhumane Border Policies

The Department of Justice informed Texas Governor Greg Abbott that it intends to file legal action against the state of Texas for the placement of inhumane floating barriers and razor wire in the Rio Grande as part of the state’s policy to limit and deter migration across the southern border.

https://pocketcastnews.substack.com/p/doj-threatens-texas-with-legal-action?

[phkrause]

👢 Texas tries buoys as border barrier

Migrants try to enter the U.S. from Mexico as workers assemble buoys as a border barrier along the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, last week. Photo: Eric Gay/AP The Justice Department has notified Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) that it is pursuing legal action to remove a barrier of buoys in the Rio Grande that are a new escalation of Abbott's multibillion-dollar border-security drive. "This floating barrier poses a risk to navigation, as well as public safety, in the Rio Grande River, and it presents humanitarian concerns," says a DOJ letter obtained by Axios. "Thus, we intend to seek appropriate legal remedies, which may include seeking injunctive relief requiring the removal of obstructions or other structures in the Rio Grande River." Buoy barrier in the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass, Texas, last week. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images Abbott tweeted: "Texas has the sovereign authority to defend our border ... We will see you in court, Mr. President.

[phkrause]

Biden Administration Sues Texas and Greg Abbott For Inhumane Immigration Policies

The Department of Justice is suing the state of Texas and Governor Greg Abbott for the construction of an inhumane floating barrier that the state placed on the Rio Grande to deter migrants from crossing the border.

https://pocketcastnews.substack.com/p/biden-administration-sues-texas-and?

[phkrause]

FL's New Anti-Immigration Law Means Vegetables "Rotting in the Field," and "Dormant" Construction Per FL Representative

Many industries make up Florida's economy. Agriculture is arguably an important part of that economy, as, according to the University of Florida, the state's agriculture and food system generated over $270 billion and 2,000,000 jobs in 2019.

https://www.newsbreak.com/@l-cane-1591389/3099623212189-fl-s-new-anti-immigration-law-means-vegetables-rotting-in-the-field-and-dormant-construction-per-fl-representative

[phkrause]

A judge blocks limits on asylum at US-Mexico border but gives Biden administration time to appeal

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked a rule that allows immigration authorities to deny asylum to migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. But the judge delayed his ruling from taking effect immediately to give President Joe Biden’s administration time to appeal.

https://apnews.com/article/asylum-limits-biden-border-c118ee7190c58f85bcf5db1e2a270429?

[phkrause]

A look at the current immigration situation in the U.S. The United States continues to pose challenges for asylum seekers and immigrants seeking refuge in the nation. From policy changes, campaign promises, and concerning reports, we have a look at the most recent immigration stories coming out of the U.S.

Recent Developments: The Biden administration argued in court last week that its new asylum rule is different from those put forward under President Donald Trump. The presiding judge had previously thrown out Trump’s attempts to limit asylum on the U.S.-Mexico border.   An independent report on the death of an 8-year-old girl from Panama who was in federal custody was made public last week, revealing that the U.S. Border Patrol does not have protocols for assessing medical needs of children with preexisting conditions.    Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s escalating measures to stop migrants along the U.S. border came under new criticism after a state trooper said migrants were left bloodied from razor-wire barriers and that orders were given to deny people water in sweltering heat.   Texas prepares to install Rio Grande buoys in the latest effort to curb border crossings.   A civil rights group filed a federal lawsuit on July 17 against Florida over its new immigration law that supports Governor Ron DeSantis’ migrant flights.   A population estimate released by the U.S. Census Bureau found that without immigration the white population in the U.S. would have declined last year.

[phkrause]

Judge rejects U.S. asylum restrictions, jeopardizing Biden policy aimed at deterring illegal border crossings

A federal judge in California on Tuesday ruled against the Biden administration's recently implemented restrictions on asylum along the U.S.-Mexico border, saying a policy that officials have partially credited for a sharp drop in migrant crossings violates the country's legal obligations to those fleeing violence.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-asylum-restrictions-judge-rejects-border-crossings/?

[phkrause]

Texas State Police Purchased Israeli Phone-Tracking Software for “Border Emergency”

The software was licensed as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s troubled Operation Lone Star border crackdown.

https://theintercept.com/2023/07/26/texas-phone-tracking-border-surveillance/?

[phkrause]

Six migrant workers struck by SUV in intentional act, N.C. authorities say

The incident took place outside a Walmart in Lincolnton, a city 35 miles northwest of Charlotte. A person of interest was being interviewed Monday.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-migrant-workers-struck-suv-intentional-act-nc-authorities-say-rcna97204?

[phkrause]

The Pentagon is pulling 1,100 troops from the US-Mexico border mission

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is pulling 1,100 active duty troops from the U.S.-Mexico border it deployed earlier this year as the government prepared for the end of asylum restrictions linked to the pandemic.

https://apnews.com/article/us-military-remove-troops-mexico-border-immigration-b82a32f5c82c421f1c645a64715dabb1?

[phkrause]

Body seen along floating barrier Texas installed in Rio Grande 

The Mexican government reported Wednesday that a body was spotted along the new floating barrier that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott installed in the Rio Grande across from Texas. Many had warned about the danger of the wrecking ball-sized buoys because they were designed to make it more difficult for migrants to climb over or swim under it. Read more

Why this matters: The U.S. Justice Department is suing Abbott over the floating barrier. The Biden administration says the barrier raises humanitarian and environmental concerns.   Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department also said the barrier may violate treaties regarding the use of the river and violate the country’s sovereignty.   The buoys are the latest escalation of Texas’ border security operation that also includes razor-wire fencing, arresting migrants on trespassing charges and sending busloads of asylum-seekers to Democratic-led cities in other states.

Related coverage ➤ Putting a floating barrier in the Rio Grande to stop migrants is new. The idea isn’t Advocates accuse New York City of using migrants as ‘props’ in bid for federal money Texas trooper’s accounts of bloodied and fainting migrants on US-Mexico border unleashes criticism

[phkrause]

Appeals court allows Biden asylum restrictions to temporarily stay in place as case plays out

WASHINGTON (AP) — An appeals court Thursday allowed a rule restricting asylum at the southern border to temporarily stay in place. The decision is a major win for the Biden administration, which had argued that the rule was integral to its efforts to maintain order along the U.S.-Mexico border.

https://apnews.com/article/asylum-limits-biden-border-immigration-2e25db44d7a6c4b51fe0d9c07832318d?

[phkrause]

More than 100 advocacy groups urge Congress to denounce anti-immigrant rhetoric

WASHINGTON — On the fourth anniversary of the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas in which 23 people were murdered, more than 160 religious, civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups have called on congressional leaders to denounce lawmakers who use white supremacist, anti-immigrant rhetoric, arguing that it can lead to violence for marginalized communities.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/08/03/more-than-100-advocacy-groups-urge-congress-to-denounce-anti-immigrant-rhetoric/?

[phkrause]

Biden policy allowing migrants from 4 countries into the US is praised during Texas trial

HOUSTON (AP) — During a trial Thursday on the fate of a key portion of President Joe Biden’s immigration policy that allows a limited number of people from Central America and the Caribbean to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds, an American sponsoring one of the migrants in the program praised its economic benefits and credited it as a way to reciprocate kindness to a friend in need.

https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-haiti-cuba-nicaragua-venezuela-trial-982e96527e266b46dc95388f31a93824?

[phkrause]

📈 Immigrants rescue worker-starved economy

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED. Chart: Axios Visuals Immigrants are joining the U.S. workforce at much higher levels than normal. They're likely to account for roughly half a million new jobs over the next nine months, Axios' Felix Salmon writes from a Goldman Sachs report. Why it matters: As the U.S. continues to struggle with a historically tight labor market, immigrants are coming to the rescue of desperate employers — while also creating new jobs themselves. 🧮 By the numbers: Between the pre-pandemic month of January 2020 and July 2023, the immigrant labor force grew by 9.5%. That compares to a tiny 1.5% growth rate among the native-born. 🧠 What's happening: The foreign-born labor force is growing for three main reasons. Immigration: The rate at which the U.S. is issuing visas — both temporary work visas and permanent green cards — has risen by about 335,000 workers per year over the past 12 months, to a level near record highs. That's partly because the government has begun clearing the COVID-induced backlog. Participation: The foreign-born labor force participation rate has jumped by 2.3 percentage points to 67% over the past two years. By contrast, the native-born rate has risen by a meager 0.4 points, to 62.2%. Demographics: The great retirement of the Boomer generation is taking place mainly among the native-born — most immigrant workers aren't yet facing retirement. As a result, millions of new native-born workers need to enter the workforce every year just to keep the total native-born labor force constant, let alone growing.

[phkrause]

Border Patrol Violating Court Order Against Inhumane Treatment of Migrants, Officials Say

In Arizona, migrants caged outdoors endure extreme temperatures, cardboard scraps for beds, and overflowing porta-potties.

https://theintercept.com/2023/08/28/border-migrants-arizona-cages/?

[phkrause]

🇲🇽 Mexican families set border record

Data: U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (Illegal crossings are measured by apprehensions by U.S. Border Patrol. Ports of entry crossings are measured by encounters with the Office of Field Operations.) Chart: Axios Visuals Tens of thousands of Mexican family members crossed the Southwest border in recent months, soaring past previous levels. Why it matters: President Biden's decisions to end migrant family detention and launch an app for people to schedule legal border crossings are drawing more Mexican families, experts tell Axios' Stef Kight. Context: Just 6,000 Mexican family members crossed in the entire fiscal year 2019, which saw crisis levels of family migration under former President Trump. What's happening: Poverty and watching other migrants take their chances at the U.S. are all probable factors for the rise, Cris Ramón, senior policy adviser with the advocacy group We Are Unidos, told Axios. But so is the new CBP One app: "When you open legal pathways, folks will take them." Cartel violence in parts of Mexico is another likely factor. Between the lines: News about U.S. policies spreads quickly among smugglers and migrants, Migration Policy Institute's Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh told Axios. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters Monday: "muggling organizations see what we do, and they alter their practices in an effort to circumvent what we established." Another factor is the expiration of Title 42, the pandemic policy that for years allowed border officials to rapidly expel migrants at the border. That led to a surge in Mexican migrants attempting to cross.

[phkrause]

Federal judge again declares that DACA is illegal with issue likely to be decided by Supreme Court

HOUSTON (AP) — While a federal judge on Wednesday declared illegal a revised version of a federal policy that prevents the deportation of hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, he declined to order an immediate end to the program and the protections it offers to recipients.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/09/13/federal-judge-again-declares-that-daca-is-illegal-with-issue-likely-to-be-decided-by-supreme-court/?

[phkrause]

Regardless of immigration status, people in Minnesota can begin applying for driver’s licenses

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — People living in Minnesota without legal immigration status can now begin the process of getting their driver’s license by making an appointment for their written driver’s test, state officials announced at a news conference Thursday.

https://apnews.com/article/drivers-license-for-all-minnesota-immigrants-undocumented-f9170d8674fc07c38af8ee080b031756?