President Trump’s recent comments regarding the need for foreign workers to fill high-skill roles, particularly those in the tech sector, have sparked outrage among his base. During an interview on Fox News, Trump stated the US economy needs to “bring in talent” via the H-1B visa program, contradicting his “America First” agenda. This has led to accusations of betraying his supporters, with many expressing concern over the potential impact on American workers and the upcoming midterm elections. Trump’s stance on the H-1B program has fluctuated throughout his career, adding to the controversy and highlighting the program’s divisive nature within the Republican party and beyond.
Read More
U.S. Catholic bishops have elected Archbishop Paul Coakley as their new president, signaling a conservative direction for the conference during Donald Trump’s second term. Coakley, known for his conservative views, previously served as secretary and defeated centrist candidate Bishop Daniel Flores, who was elected vice president. This choice may heighten tensions with the Vatican and its emphasis on inclusivity, as many U.S. bishops often disagree with the Vatican. The bishops are currently working on a statement regarding immigration, advocating for migrants’ rights while grappling with the Trump administration’s policies.
Read More
In a recent interview with Fox News, President Trump defended the H1-B visa program, arguing that the U.S. requires skilled foreign workers due to a lack of “certain talents” domestically. He cited the Georgia Hyundai facility raid as an example, highlighting the need for specialized skills. The president, despite prior crackdowns on immigration, asserted the necessity of these workers. Trump also noted that it is good to have outside countries in the U.S. such as Chinese nationals.
Read More
Suffolk County has been ordered to pay $112 million to hundreds of immigrants after a federal jury determined their constitutional rights were violated. The lawsuit stemmed from detentions in county jails between 2016 and 2018, where 674 individuals were held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite having posted bail. News outlets have reached out to the county for comment, but have not received a response.
Read More
In a recent incident at a Sam’s Club in a Chicago suburb, a US citizen reported that his family, including his one-year-old daughter, was pepper-sprayed by federal immigration agents. The incident was captured on video, showing the family’s distress, though the Department of Homeland Security denied any pepper spray was deployed. The incident occurred amidst increased ICE activity in Chicago, part of what has been described as an immigration crackdown. These tactics, criticized by local activists and community members, have led to arrests and legal challenges, including court rulings against the use of force by ICE agents.
Read More
These South Korean workers came to the US to build an EV battery plant. They left in shackles. They still want to know why. The core of this unsettling story boils down to a question that hangs heavy in the air: why were these skilled engineers, brought to America to contribute to a burgeoning industry, treated with such disregard, and even worse, detained and deported? The simple, and frankly, disturbing truth is that the answers are multi-faceted, layered with the complexities of immigration policies, political maneuvering, and, let’s not shy away from it, accusations of deeply rooted racism and xenophobia.
The narrative reveals a tangled web of visa issues.… Continue reading
China’s new K-visa program aims to attract skilled science and technology workers, mirroring the U.S.’s H-1B visa, amidst tightening U.S. immigration policies. This initiative reflects China’s ambition to become a global leader in advanced technologies, addressing a skills gap in key sectors like AI and semiconductors. While the K-visa presents opportunities, it also raises concerns among Chinese job seekers about increased competition. Despite the new visa, challenges such as language barriers, internet censorship, and existing geopolitical issues may hinder China’s ability to attract top international talent compared to other Western economies.
Read More
Michigan Senate Democrats are proposing a three-bill package aimed at restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within the state. The legislation seeks to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools, except under specific circumstances like a court order or imminent public safety threat. Additionally, the bills would prevent local and state police from sharing identifying information with ICE for immigration enforcement purposes without a warrant. While the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on the bills, a vote was not taken, and the package’s passage is uncertain given the Republican-controlled House. The sponsors believe these measures are crucial to protect resident privacy and ensure accountability.
Read More
Following the death of Randall Alberto Gamboa Esquivel, who was deported to Costa Rica in a vegetative state after being detained by US immigration authorities, his family has accused the US of negligence. A spokesperson for the Trump administration, however, maintained that the medical treatment provided to Gamboa was sufficient, citing his illegal re-entry into the US. Gamboa, who was initially held in Texas detention centers before being hospitalized and eventually deported, died in Costa Rica on October 26th. Former Costa Rican President Óscar Arias has condemned the treatment Gamboa received, while the Trump administration has reiterated its focus on consequences for those who break the law.
Read More
According to AP News, federal immigration officers in Los Angeles arrested a U.S. citizen near a Home Depot, and then drove off in his car with his toddler, sparking outrage from advocates. A video captured masked agents driving away with the 1-year-old in a car seat. While the Department of Homeland Security stated the man was arrested for assault after reportedly throwing a hammer and rocks, they didn’t explain the agents’ actions with the child. The child was later released to relatives, and experts offer differing opinions on the officers’ actions during the raid.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Suffolk County Jailed Immigrants Awarded $112M by Federal Jury
Suffolk County has been ordered to pay $112 million to hundreds of immigrants after a federal jury determined their constitutional rights were violated. The lawsuit stemmed from detentions in county jails between 2016 and 2018, where 674 individuals were held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite having posted bail. News outlets have reached out to the county for comment, but have not received a response.
Read More