Stories of the Week: November 4

Happy Friday! From a shift in immigration policies following Trump’s 2024 election victory to the inspiring journey of a Mexican American entrepreneur, these are the top stories impacting the well-being of immigrants this week. —Alexis Reynoso

The president-elect has pledged large detention camps, mass deportations, thousands more border agents, and military funding for border security, with plans to end ‘catch-and-release’ and reinstate Remain in Mexico.

The Trump agenda: Here’s what to expect from his second term

Arizona voters approve GOP-backed immigration measure

Arizona voters approved Proposition 314, which allows local police to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering the United States from Mexico. Concerns rose that the law could lead to racial profiling for Latinos.

Federal Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Asylum Seekers’ Rights to Present at POEs

U.S policies like “metering” have prevented asylum seekers from entering at the U.S.-Mexico border. A recent ruling declared turnbacks illegal and began allowing asylum seekers to request asylum at Ports of Entry (POEs).

Italian ship takes migrants to Albania in 2nd test of deal to process claims outside the EU

Italy is attempting to send migrants to Albania for asylum processing under a 5-year agreement to ease pressure on its borders.

Germany to Issue Payment Cards for Asylum Seekers From 2025

Germany’s Federal Cabinet adopted an amendment that provides refugees with a payment card for benefits rather than cash.

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.