Happy Friday! From a major policy shift that allows the IRS to share tax info with immigration authorities, to a bill to block immigration enforcement near schools that passes a Senate committee, these are the top stories impacting the well-being of immigrants this week. – Alexis Reynoso
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
The Internal Revenue Service has agreed with immigration officials to exchange tax information regarding certain undocumented immigrants, representing a significant shift in the use of tax records.
The IRS finalizes a deal to share tax information with immigration authorities
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Tennessee Senate passes bill requiring schools to check the immigration status of students
Tennessee Senate Republicans have approved a law mandating that all schools in the state verify the citizenship or legal immigration status of new students, despite some dissent within the GOP and intense protests at the Capitol.
US Immigration Officials Look to Expand Social Media Data Collection
U.S. immigration authorities and federal agencies are inviting the public to provide feedback on President Donald Trump’s executive order mandating the collection of social media accounts from individuals seeking benefits like green cards or citizenship.
How Trump’s immigration policies could worsen the health care worker shortage
Funding to assist immigrants in becoming U.S. citizens is essential, as over 1 million noncitizen immigrants work in crucial healthcare roles. Dr. Steffie Woolhandler warns that proposed deportations and immigration restrictions could disrupt hospital and nursing home care.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Italy Approves New Decree to Use Albanian Migration Centers as Repatriation Hubs
Italy has expanded asylum centers in Albania for migrants with rejected requests, but these centers have mostly remained inactive since October due to legal challenges and strong opposition from human rights groups, who argue they violate international laws and threaten migrants’ rights.
EU border protection agency to begin investigations into Greece’s immigration rights violations
The European Union’s border agency, Frontex, is looking into possible human rights violations by Greece related to undocumented migrants as of 2024.
Saudi Arabia Temporary suspension of short-term visas
Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of short-term visas for 14 countries to help regulate the flow of travel during the busy Hajj season.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
As immigration tension rises, Wisconsin dairy workers carry on
The nonprofit helping immigrant communities navigate Trump’s America
Bill to Block Immigration Enforcement Officers Nearby Schools Passes Senate Committee
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Alexis Reynoso is a Graduate Fellow with Im/migrant Well Being Collaborate, dedicated to supporting immigrant communities by advocating for their health and well-being. As a Master’s student in Public Health with a focus on epidemiology, Alexis merges her academic knowledge with her passion for social impact, by doing research that will help positively impact Im/migrant communities.