IN CASE YOU MISSED IT … here are some of the top immigration headlines from the week of April 25, 2022:
Top Immigration Headlines
1. The "Doyle Memo" on prosecutorial discretion took effect.
This memo was issued in response to limited resources and backlogs in the immigration courts, and establishes 3 levels of enforcement priorities for government attorneys to take into consideration when whether a case should continue before an immigration judge, or whether it should be administratively closed or even dismissed to pursue permanent residence or other relief outside the court system..
2. Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks End of Title 42.
Title 42 is a policy implemented by the Trump Administration that prohibits people from crossing the US-Mexico border in an attempt to prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as Covid-19. In application, though, Title 42 has been applied only to those coming to seek asylum, leading many to criticize it as a xenophobic immigration policy rather than a health measure. The Biden Administration recently announced it would end Title 42 (despite concerns from both sides of the aisle), but with the future of that is now in jeopardy.
3. SCOTUS Heard Oral Argument on the "Remain in Mexico" Policy.
The Migrant Protection Protocols (commonly referred to as the "Remain in Mexico" policy) started in January 2019 under the Trump Administration, and required certain noncitizens to either return to Mexico to await their immigration proceedings, or be taken into custody. Current DHS Secretary Mayorkas issued a memo announcing the end of the policy, and Texas and Missouri sued. The lower courts sided with Texas and Missouri, and appeal was taken all the way up to the Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments last week. A decision by the Supreme Court is expected sometime in June.
4. DHS Implements Uniting for Ukraine.
Effective last week, Uniting for Ukraine provides a process for Ukrainians to request advance authorization to travel to the US and seek "humanitarian parole". If granted entry under this program, it would allow them to remain in the US for up to 2 years, as well as provide a basis for employment authorization. A requirement, though, is that there must be a US-based individual who is willing and able to financially support the Ukrainian applicant(s).
5. Rumblings of Immigration Reform.
Last week, a bipartisan group of 4 Senators (Dick Durbin (D-IL); Alex Padilla (D-CA); John Cornyn (R-TX); and Thom Tillis (R-NC)) met to begin discussing the possibility of immigration reform. They will review various topics to see whether they can garner enough bipartisan support and votes to pass legislation, and are expected to consider things like legalization for Dreamers and ways to clear processing backlogs for foreign workers. While comprehensive immigration reform doesn't appear to be likely, hope is renewed for at least some level of reform, even if in piecemeal fashion.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only, and shall not be considered legal advice, or be used as a substitute for competent counsel. No attorney-client relationship exists without a signed agreement.
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