This week, we’re highlighting some of the biggest headlines in the world of immigration, for better or worse. Check them out below!
Federal
- Abuse of Asylum Seekers
- Why we’re watching: For decades, activists have complained about immigration officials’ abuse of asylum seekers. This week, Human Rights Watch confirmed their stories in a report detailing threats of sexual violence, racism, and generally inhumane treatment at border detention facilities. In response, the Biden administration has promised to institute reforms even though the report spanning the Trump years.
- Light Punishments for Border Patrol
- Why we’re watching: The House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform released a report detailing the light punishment for immigration officers’ transgressions. Investigators found that 60 employees violated their code of conduct by posting racist, vulgar images of migrants. Only two such employees were fired for their violations.
- Compensation for Separated Families
- Why we’re watching: This week, the Biden administration announced that families separated may be eligible to receive $450,000 in compensation. Trump’s policy of family separation garnered significant media attention, and many suspected his successor would endorse similar protocols, but this Department of Justice-sponsored mission is a step in the right direction.
- Sanctuary Establishments
- Why we’re watching: We have highlighted the importance of sanctuary cities in the past, and maybe the Biden administration heard us. On Wednesday, the administration announced that ICE could no longer infiltrate schools, hospitals, campuses, places of worship, foster care facilities, and other establishments to deport migrants.
- Pathway to Citizenship
- Why we’re watching: Congress is editing its reconciliation bill a little more every day, shedding provisions spanning from paid leave to regulating drug prices. One section we hope makes the cut is the proposed pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, endorsed by business leaders in Arizona to bolster the labor force across the country.
What do you think of the bills in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or hit us up through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
