As we close out this week, the Collaborative is back with another Stories of the Week recap for May 30th – June 6th. From a sweeping travel ban to a violation of due process, here are the top stories impacting the well-being of Im/migrants this past week. – Sophia Benavente
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday, President Trump signed a travel ban on 12 countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, reviving an effort from his first term to prevent large numbers of immigrants and visitors from entering the United States.
‘We Don’t Want Them’: Trump Signs Travel Ban on Citizens From 12 Countries
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Members of other federal law enforcement agencies are getting detailed to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while Justice Department personnel shift to immigration-focused teams and prioritize immigration-related cases. “Operation At Large,” a nationwide plan already underway to ramp up arrests of unauthorized immigrants, includes more than 5,000 personnel from across federal law enforcement agencies and up to 21,000 National Guard troops.
In a new tactic, ICE is arresting migrants at immigration courts, attorneys say
Federal agents are arresting migrants at immigration courts in the Trump administration’s latest tactic to fast-track deportation. Attorneys say immigration enforcement officers have been waiting in immigration court buildings and arresting migrants who have had their cases dismissed.
Immigration courts dismissing cases of Venezuelan migrants sent to El Salvador: Attorneys
The immigration cases of some of the Venezuelan migrants who were deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act in March have been dismissed, their attorneys said, raising concern from advocates and lawyers who say the move is a violation of due process.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
What’s in Canada’s Immigration Bill—and Why It’s Facing Backlash
Canada’s new bill—The Strong Borders Act—proposes a shift in immigration that expands the Canadian Coast Guard’s authority to conduct security patrols, restricts asylum access, and attempts to deal with the flow of fentanyl into the country. The proposal has been met with opposition from immigration and human rights advocates in Canada, who argue it could restrict civil liberties and violate international refugee obligations.
The country where the left (not the far right) made hardline immigration laws
Denmark, long seen as a liberal, progressive society, has taken one of the most hardline approaches to immigration in Europe. Surprisingly, this shift has been led not by the far-right, but by the country’s centre-left Social Democratic Party, under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
‘A vehicle for love’: the public art project highlighting immigrants’ contributions to US cities
Immigrants Have Always Belonged In America
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Sophia Benavente is a Law & Policy Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. She contributes by writing blog posts, translating materials, and assisting with research.