Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on April 21 that it will no longer be fining undocumented immigrants who fail to depart the United States. This action reverses the previous policy that often left immigrants thousands of dollars in debt to the federal government. » Read More
New Bill Proposed to Make Health Care Coverage More Accessible to Immigrants
Several House Democrats have introduced a new bill aimed at making health care benefits more accessible to immigrants in the United States. One of the bill’s main sponsors, Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, stated that “we must finally guarantee health care to everyone as a human right – regardless of immigration status, income, employment, or anything else.” » Read More
Make the Road Pennsylvania’s Allentown chapter organized the May Day rally advocating immigrant workers’ rights – emphasizing undocumented workers. Along with demanding minimum pay and labor rights for undocumented workers, advocates urged the Biden administration to grant citizenship to the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. » Read More
Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams has announced the arrest and indictment of Pennsylvania residents Miguel Morales, 48, of Quarryville; Jose Morales, 39, of Quarryville; Oscar Carrillo-Perez, 35, of West Grove; and Santiago Garcia-Ramirez, 44, of Landenberg. Morales was indicted for conspiring to transport and transporting undocumented workers and making false statements. » Read More
New Hope to Immigrants Facing Deportation
On Thursday, April 29, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Department of Homeland Security failed to properly notify an immigrant regarding his obligation to appear for a hearing in removal proceedings. In a 6-3 decision, the Court held that federal law mandates that enforcement authorities include all statutorily required information – including the charges against them and where and when they must appear in court – in a single document, entitled a “notice to appear,” rather than in multiple documents spread out over days, months, or even years. » Read More
New Jersey to Consider Pandemic Relief for Undocumented Immigrants
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey has indicated he is reviewing and considering a plan to allocate approximately $40 million in federal funding to immigrants in New Jersey for relief related to the COVID-19 pandemic. » Read More
F-1 Students Seeking Employment Authorization Can File Online
On April 12, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training – more commonly known as “OPT” – will be able to file their Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online through their account with USCIS. » Read More
On March 18, 2021, the House passed two bills designed to create paths to legalization for certain groups of immigrants. Both the Dream and Promise Act of 2021 and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act have been sent to the Senate. » Read More
Undocumented Immigrants in New Jersey Can Receive Driver’s Licenses
Residents of New Jersey are now eligible to apply for a state driver’s license regardless of an undocumented immigration status.
Those applying for the driver’s license are required to show proof of age, identity, and residence to start the application process. » Read More
