As we close out this week, the Collaborative is back with another Stories of the Week recap. From a comprehensive overview of the effects of the immigration crackdown to a U.S. court ruling on birthright citizenship, here are the top stories impacting the well-being of im/migrants this week.
– Sophia Benavente
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
A Guardian analysis reveals a detailed picture of increased immigration arrests and a detention system that has exceeded capacity. The data reveals statistics on ICE arrests of individuals without criminal records, the countries to which the U.S. has deported people, and other important insights.
How Trump has supercharged the immigration crackdown – in data
NATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
New Trump Immigration Policy: Ending The H-1B Visa Lottery
The Trump administration plans to enforce a rule that would end or significantly change the annual H-1B lottery. The random selection process is used each year when H-1B registrations exceed the annual limit. In its place, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would have awarded H-1B petitions based on salary from highest to lowest. Experts say the rule would disadvantage recent international students and other professionals. The rule is currently under review and could be published within weeks.
ICE moves to shackle some 180,000 immigrants with GPS ankle monitors
ICE has directed personnel to increase the number of immigrants they shackle with GPS-enabled ankle monitors, marking an increase in usage of a 20-year-old surveillance practice steeped in controversy.
Legal help in immigration court fades as Trump administration ramps up arrests
The Trump administration ended a $28-million contract with nonprofits that provided legal assistance to thousands of immigrants in California and nationwide. Lawyers who were paid to provide basic legal information are disappearing from the same courthouses that have become new tools for the administration’s immigration crackdown.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEEK
Family reunification for migrants in Belgium in question in line with European trend
Belgium has decided to restrict the conditions of access to family reunification for migrants. Other countries in Europe have adopted similar approaches. Under the new guidelines, refugees will only have six months to submit their application, and those that do not have refugee status will have to wait two years before they can submit their application.
‘Japanese First’ party emerges as election force with tough immigration talk
Fringe far-right Sanseito party was one of the biggest winners in Japan’s upper house election early week, gaining support with warnings of a “silent invasion” of immigrants. The party’s leader, Sohei Kamiya has said he has drawn inspiration from President Trump’s “bold political style.” Current prime minister Shigeru Ishiba has also announced a new government taskforce to fight “crimes and disorderly conduct” by foreign nationals. His party has promised a target of “zero illegal foreigners.”
HEART-WARMERS OF THE WEEK
Trump push to ban birthright citizenship unconstitutional, US court rules
Los Angeles Archbishop launches program to help families affected by immigration enforcement
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.