Stories of the Week: June 17

Happy Friday! From President Biden’s plan to protect spouses of US citizens and DACA recipients to a report from NYC outlining the benefits for ‘New Americans’, these are the top stories impacting the well-being of immigrants this week. —Marko Sanchez

The executive order will grant H-1B visa status to over 550,000 people, including spouses of US citizens and non-citizen children.

Biden Has Plan To Protect Dreamers and Spouses of US Citizens

Migrants Found Dead Along US-Mexico Border Due to Heat Wave

The US is experiencing record high temperatures, causing migrants crossing the US-Mexico border to succumb to the extreme conditions. The 100-degree weather has claimed its ninth victim in a week.

TX National Guard Fire Pepper Balls at Migrants

The deployment of the Texas National Guard at the border and the use of the weapon exemplify the new deterrence method by Governor Abbott.

Federal Judge Blocks Iowa Detention Law

A law allowing local law enforcement to arrest migrants has been blocked by a federal judge, who stated that handling immigration is a federal issue and not within the state’s capabilities.

Migrant Shipwreck Off Italian Coast Leaves 11 Dead and 60 Missing

Vessels from Turkey and Libya, carrying migrants from Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, overturned as they made their way to Italy, resulting in 11 deaths and 60 missing, including 26 children. 

EU Countries Under Fire for Forcible Return of Migrants

Reports from Greece, Croatia, Spain, Hungary, and Italy indicate the towing of migrant vessels away from coastlines and deportations to other countries, actions that violate international immigration law. 

India’s New Immigration Law Allows Cancellation of Special Visitation Status

Indian-born citizens abroad have a special status, allowing them to visit the country without a visa. Under new regulations, this status can be canceled if the violator is deemed to vaguely threaten the constitution.  

Thank you for reading the IWB Stories of the Week series! Stay tuned for next week’s edition.

Marko Sanchez serves as the Communications Intern at the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative. They assist in creating public-facing communications and content such as social media posts, website blogs, and press releases.