U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now screen immigrants seeking legal pathways to live and work in the U.S. for “anti-Americanism,” raising concerns about subjective judgments in rejecting applicants. Officers will consider whether an applicant has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused” anti-American views. The policy’s vagueness regarding what constitutes “anti-Americanism” has ignited worries that it could open the door for bias. Legal experts are divided on the constitutionality of the policy, with some arguing it violates free speech rights, while others believe the First Amendment does not protect non-citizens.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the entire southern border wall will be painted black to deter illegal immigration by making it hotter, a concept initiated by President Trump. During a visit to a section of the wall in New Mexico, Noem highlighted the wall’s height and depth as deterrents, along with the black paint’s added benefit. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks noted the paint’s rust-prevention properties. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to complete the wall, with approximately half a mile being constructed daily.
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A Sheraton hotel in Alexandria, Louisiana, has been utilized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain individuals facing deportation, which contradicts Marriott’s 2019 stance against the use of its properties for such purposes. Evidence suggests the hotel held a father and son for four days before their deportation to Ecuador. Sources indicate that this practice may have been ongoing since late 2023. Despite a prior rejection of ICE’s requests to use its hotels as detention facilities, Marriott has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
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New polling data indicates a decline in Donald Trump’s approval ratings across key issues, including the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and tariffs. The Echelon Insights poll reveals that voters are increasingly disapproving of Trump’s handling of these areas, with immigration seeing the biggest drop in approval since January. While Trump has expanded immigration enforcement, public opinion on these policies appears to be shifting. Despite meetings with foreign leaders, his foreign policy approval is also suffering, along with his overall approval rating remaining consistently underwater.
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The US State Department has revoked over 6,000 international student visas due to violations of US law and overstays, with “assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary and “support for terrorism” cited as the most common violations. This action aligns with the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on immigration and international students. Specifically, the State Department revoked approximately 4,000 visas for breaking the law and another 200-300 related to terrorism. These revocations follow a pause in visa appointments and the implementation of enhanced social media screening, which aims to identify any expression of hostility or support for terrorism.
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Jon Luke Evans, a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, arrested by ICE, has agreed to voluntary departure from the U.S. The arrest sparked a dispute, as the town and police department had been previously informed by federal officials that Evans was legally authorized to work. Evans’s voluntary departure avoids deportation, a decision made after ICE officials stated he overstayed his visa and unlawfully attempted to purchase a firearm. While held in ICE facilities, there were discrepancies in his location, and it remained unclear if he had legal representation.
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A six-year-old girl from Queens and her mother were detained by federal agents in New York City and are now held in a Texas detention facility, while her teenage brother is in New Jersey. The family, originally from Ecuador, was apprehended following a routine check-in at immigration court. According to a spokesperson, the family entered the country illegally in 2022 and has received final orders of removal, however, local officials are working with legal aid to assist the family.
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On August 15, 2024, TikTok influencer Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, a Colombian immigrant, was arrested by ICE agents in Los Angeles during a live stream. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the arrest was due to a prior DUI conviction. Footage shows Martinez being apprehended and subsequently transported to a hospital before being transferred to a detention center. Following the incident, Martinez will remain in ICE custody while awaiting further removal proceedings.
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Federal immigration officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting in San Bernardino after a vehicle stop escalated. A man contacted dispatch claiming masked men shot at him after breaking his car window, while the Department of Homeland Security reported agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation and the suspect tried to run over officers. The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice released video showing agents smashing the vehicle’s windows and firing shots, but the driver ultimately was able to flee. Following the incident, the San Bernardino Police Department was called to assist with crowd control during an attempted arrest, clarifying that the situation was not immigration-related.
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China’s announcement of a new K visa for STEM talent, set against the backdrop of increasing restrictions on immigrants in the United States, is creating a fascinating dynamic. The move is, in essence, a direct play for top-tier minds, a strategic investment in the future that could shift the global landscape of innovation and technological advancement. There is, of course, a lot of debate on whether China will be able to attract the brightest minds.
The key question is whether China’s approach will entice the talent it seeks. Will the lure of high salaries and cutting-edge research facilities outweigh concerns about intellectual property, government oversight, and the overall environment for foreign workers?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood