All articles tagged with #undocumented migrants
The IRS has begun sharing sensitive taxpayer data with immigration authorities to locate undocumented migrants, marking a significant shift in data sharing practices for immigration enforcement, amid internal concerns and political tensions.
The Supreme Court declined to allow Florida to enforce a new law that penalizes undocumented migrants, raising legal questions about state versus federal immigration authority.
The Pentagon is establishing two additional military buffer zones along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona and Texas, increasing the total to four National Defense Areas where military personnel can temporarily detain undocumented migrants, with operations focused on detection, monitoring, and supporting border security efforts.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador, is returning to the U.S. to face federal charges for allegedly transporting undocumented migrants across the country over nearly a decade, including some gang members, amid ongoing legal and diplomatic disputes.
Undocumented migrants in the US are concerned about the potential impact of Donald Trump's proposed mass deportations, which he claims will focus on criminals and public safety threats. While some migrants, like Gabriela, believe they won't be affected, others fear being caught in collateral arrests during enforcement operations. Trump's plans, which may include workplace raids and using the National Guard, face logistical challenges. The uncertainty has left many migrants, especially those with mixed-status families, anxious about possible separations.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law making it a crime for some undocumented migrants to be in the state, similar to Texas' controversial law, with the Mexican government planning to explore legal options to defend the rights of Mexicans in Iowa. The Biden administration pointed to the stalled effort to pass a bipartisan border security bill in Congress as a roadblock to addressing the issue, while local immigrant rights groups have protested the legislation, stating that Iowa is home for all and criticizing the governor's actions.
The family of murder victim Ruby Garcia has accused Donald Trump of lying about speaking with them and using Garcia's death to vilify undocumented migrants, despite Trump's claims at a recent event. Garcia's sister confirmed that Trump did not speak with their family and expressed dismay at his focus on immigration, while also pointing out that the language Trump used to describe Garcia may have been lifted from her obituary. Republicans have made crimes committed by undocumented migrants a key part of their electoral strategy, despite national crime statistics showing that migrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S. born citizens.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed bills increasing prison and jail sentences for undocumented immigrants convicted of driving without a license or committing felonies, citing the need to uphold the law and address illegal immigration. Immigrant support groups criticize the bills, arguing that they endanger public safety and advocate for comprehensive measures such as driver education and access to licenses and insurance for all qualified drivers. The bills also increase maximum prison sentences for immigrants convicted of felonies after being previously deported, drawing criticism from civil liberties and immigrant advocacy groups.
Thousands of people in Paris protested against the "Darmanin law," a controversial immigration bill proposed by France's government. The bill aims to fast-track asylum procedures, restrict family reunification, and make it easier to deport certain individuals. Critics argue that the law will further stigmatize and discriminate against migrants, while supporters claim it will balance immigration control and attract skilled workers. The bill is set to be discussed in the National Assembly and could enter into force next year.
Finland has accused Russia of allowing undocumented migrants to cross the border, claiming that Russian border guards have been deliberately facilitating the illegal entry of migrants into Finland. The Finnish government has expressed concern over the situation and has called for increased cooperation with Russia to address the issue.
Thousands of undocumented Afghans in Pakistan are going into hiding to avoid deportation, fearing persecution under the Taliban in their homeland. Many of these individuals, including Christian converts and members of minority ethnic groups, face serious risks if they return to Afghanistan. Despite calls from the United Nations, rights groups, and Western embassies to reconsider the expulsion plan and protect at-risk individuals, the Pakistani government has not changed its stance. Undocumented migrants are living in fear, with limited access to basic necessities, and are relying on local supporters for food and water. Some are hoping for asylum in other countries or an extension of their visas, but the future remains uncertain for these vulnerable individuals.
As Pakistan's Nov. 1 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country approaches, thousands of Afghans are returning to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The Taliban government reported that around 60,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since September 23, and recent daily returnee figures are three times higher than normal. Pakistan, home to over 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees, about 1.7 million of whom are undocumented, has announced its intention to expel those who do not leave. The threat of expulsion has led to a rise in state-backed harassment, tearing families apart and pushing even Afghans with valid papers to leave. The UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have expressed concerns about the protection risks faced by women and girls forced to leave, while restrictions in Afghanistan have led to shrinking employment opportunities for women. The influx of returning migrants and refugees has also put pressure on already limited resources in Afghanistan.
Pakistan is establishing deportation centers to process and detain undocumented migrants, including 1.7 million Afghans, as part of its plan to expel them from the country. While voluntary departures are encouraged and supported, those found without registration or documents after November 1 will be arrested and sent to the temporary centers. The government has set up centers in Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, with more to come. Pakistan denies targeting Afghans and assures that mistreatment will not occur, but the United States and the United Nations have expressed concerns about potential human rights violations and family separations.
The City of El Paso is moving forward with implementing a municipal identification card program that will benefit individuals who cannot obtain a driver's license or other state-issued IDs. The program, set to launch next spring, aims to assist people experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, and undocumented migrants. The city plans to partner with county agencies and establish popup locations for card applications. The cards will be accepted by various organizations, including the health department, police department, and recreational centers. The program is funded through the city's adopted budget and the county, and the cards will be free for El Paso residents.
Several countries in the Schengen visa-free travel zone, including Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria, have reinstated border checks due to a rise in undocumented migrants. Slovakia reported that around 40,000 migrants, mainly from the Middle East, entered the country this year, with many coming through Hungary. The controls include spot checks at road, rail, and waterway crossings. Germany also introduced new controls with Poland and the Czech Republic. EU leaders are set to discuss irregular migration at a meeting in Granada.