As we conclude this week, the Collaborative is back with another Stories of the Week recap. From a recent U.S. census data report showing immigration to major metro areas dropped sharply between 2024 and 2025 to a priest who continues to serve migrants and deportees amid policy changes, here are the top stories impacting im/migrant well-being this week.
– Rick Tzompa Chimal, Communications and Policy Intern
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
New Census data show immigration to U.S. counties and major metro areas dropped sharply between 2024 and 2025, with many large cities experienced major declines tied to stricter federal immigration policies. This reduction can harm im/migrant well-being by limiting access to economic opportunities and weakening immigrant-support networks, while also slowing workforce growth that many communities depend on.
Immigration Slowdown Hits Every Metro Area in the U.S., Census Shows
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Louisiana crawfish industry hampered by limits on foreign workers
Louisiana’s crawfish industry is facing labor shortages because seasonal foreign workers could not obtain H-2B visas in time for the processing season. The delays reduce job opportunities for migrant workers and highlight how restrictive visa policies can disrupt livelihoods for both migrants and industries that rely on them.
Second US appeals court upholds Trump’s immigration detention policy
A federal appeals court upheld a policy allowing mandatory detention without bond for people arrested during immigration enforcement in several states. This decision negatively impacts migrant well-being by increasing the likelihood of prolonged detention and limiting the ability to challenge removal while awaiting court proceedings.
‘I just want to go home’: Despair settles over the Capitol as DHS deal hopes evaporate
Senators expressed growing frustration with negotiations involving the Department of Homeland Security over immigration enforcement priorities and funding decisions, reflecting ongoing political conflict shaping national immigration policy. This uncertainty affects migrant well-being by influencing enforcement intensity and access to protections, creating instability for immigrant communities navigating legal status and services.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
EU lawmakers vote to make it easier to set up migrant detention centers outside the bloc
The European Parliament voted to make it easier for countries to establish migrant detention “return hubs” outside the EU where asylum seekers could be deported while awaiting removal. Human rights groups warn the policy could weaken legal protections and increase detention risks, potentially harming migrants’ safety and access to due process.
Cambodian Trump deportee becomes second to be released by Eswatini, lawyers say
A Cambodian man deported from the United States to Eswatini under a third-country deportation program was released and is being repatriated after months in detention without charges. His case highlights concerns that third-country deportations can expose migrants to uncertain legal conditions and detention in countries where they have no ties, negatively affecting their security and rights.
Palestine Action hunger strikers to sue prisons over alleged mistreatment
Activists involved in a hunger strike plan to sue U.K. prisons over alleged mistreatment during detention related to protest actions. The case raises broader concerns about detention conditions and treatment of incarcerated activists and migrants, underscoring risks to health and legal protections in custody settings.
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
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New Jersey joins Washington in restricting law enforcement face coverings |
Amid border changes, priest keeps ministering to migrants and deportees
Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.
Rick Tzompa Chimal serves as a Law and Policy Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. He contributes by writing blog posts, translating materials, and assisting with research.