Immigration News Today 23 September 2024

Here are some recent U.S. immigration news, an essential source to keep you up to date with changes and opportunities that may affect your life.

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IMMIGRATION NEWS IN THE UNITED STATES

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – September 19, 2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that it has reached the statutory cap of 33,000 H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2025. Beginning September 18, 2024, it will reject new H-2B petitions requesting start dates before April 1, 2025. However, USCIS will continue to accept cap-exempt petitions, including current H-2B workers in the U.S. who extend their stay, fish roe processors, and workers in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – September 19, 2024

USCIS has automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards for 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 to renew their cards. This change, effective September 10, 2024, helps applicants affected by extended processing times by allowing them to use the notice of receipt along with their expired card as evidence of status and employment authorization. Those who have lost their card may request an appointment at a local USCIS office to obtain an ADIT stamp after filing Form I-90.

U.S. Department of State – September 23, 2024

The State Department recommends exercising increased caution when traveling to Panama due to high crime and the risk of civil unrest. Travel to parts of the Gulf of Mosquito and the Darien Region is discouraged due to illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. In tourist areas, robberies and home invasions are common, especially during the Christmas season. Travelers should avoid demonstrations, crowds and keep informed through local media. It is suggested to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and follow CDC health guidelines to ensure safety during your visit.

U.S. Department of State – September 18, 2024

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced that the State Department has made its new online passport renewal system available to the public. U.S. citizens can now renew their passports through a secure online process, without the need to submit paper applications. This initiative modernizes government services and fulfills President Biden’s executive order to transform the customer experience and improve efficiency and accessibility in federal services. Thanks to technological improvements and increased staffing, passport processing has been significantly streamlined. The service is available at Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.

Univision News – September 20, 2024

Several organizations have launched a free counseling program for immigrants planning to apply for U.S. citizenship. This service offers both virtual and in-person assistance to help complete the forms and ensure that the necessary requirements are met. The initiative seeks to facilitate the process for thousands of immigrants seeking citizenship.

U.S. Department of State – September 20, 2024

The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Argentina, urging travelers to exercise normal precautions. Increased caution is advised in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe province, due to increased crime and drug trafficking activities. U.S. Embassy personnel should provide advance notice of any travel to Rosario.

Univision News – September 20, 2024

In 2022, Daniel J. McGuire destroyed the fruit stand of two Hispanic street vendors with an ax. Two years later, he was found guilty and must pay more than $2 million in restitution. Tomas Escamilla, one of the victims, expressed relief and plans to use the money to grow his business.

U.S. Department of Labor – September 18, 2024

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recovered $31,102 in wages for 23 farmworkers after Humberto Castaneda Produce violated multiple H-2A program requirements. The violations included paying unequal wages, failing to provide tools and meals, housing workers in dilapidated trailers, and failing to reimburse transportation costs. In addition, the company was fined $18,154 for these violations.

U.S. Department of Labor – September 17, 2024

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $550,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 614 employees of Colvin Construction Inc. a Las Vegas construction company. The investigation revealed that the company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to pay overtime to workers who worked an average of 55 hours per week. In addition, Colvin Construction must pay $10,000 in fines and comply with requirements such as properly recording hours worked and maintaining records for at least three years. Officials Gene Ramos and Marc Pilotin emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights.

Univision News – September 21, 2024

Donald Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants were causing problems in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. However, local authorities and residents such as a Haitian businesswoman claim that the immigrants are revitalizing the community. Haitians have contributed to the economic development of the area, boosting new businesses and bringing life to the city.

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California – September 20, 2024

Florin Duduianu, 39, one of Romania’s most notorious criminals and a former resident of Mission Viejo, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for stealing identities and withdrawing money from public assistance accounts without authorization. Leader of the violent “Duduianu Clan,” Duduianu was convicted of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and must pay $1,850 in restitution.

U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection – September 19, 2024

Customs and Border Protection officers arrested Milton Ovidio Martinez Hernandez, 43, a Honduran national wanted in Maryland on child sex abuse charges, at Washington Dulles International Airport. Martinez Hernandez was attempting to board a flight to Panama when he was detained. Port Director Marc Calixte said this apprehension reflects CBP’s commitment to protecting communities by preventing suspected criminals from evading justice.

U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection – September 16, 2024

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that in August 2024, border enforcement operations recorded historically low levels of illegal encounters between ports of entry, according to official Troy A. Miller. Since June, the Department of Homeland Security has returned more than 131,000 individuals to more than 140 countries. Permit processing for nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela has reduced irregular encounters by 99% for these groups. In addition, CBP seized more than 19,600 pounds of fentanyl in FY2024 and reported a 31% increase in dangerous drug seizures over the previous month.

Voice of America – September 20, 2024

The White House announced a significant reduction in migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border. This decrease is attributed to an executive order from President Joe Biden that strengthens immigration enforcement. Officials emphasize that the measures seek to better control the flow of migrants and improve border security.