be informeD ON IMMIGRATION
Knowledge is power. Stay informed. Read the latest news and check the FAQs.
If you have questions about immigration legislation or other immigration issues, send them to jcirawa@gmail.com with the word “Question” in the subject line. We will try to answer questions either by return email or in the monthly newsletter.
See the updates below:
If you have questions about immigration legislation or other immigration issues, send them to jcirawa@gmail.com with the word “Question” in the subject line. We will try to answer questions either by return email or in the monthly newsletter.
See the updates below:
Status of Federal Immigration LegislatioN - fEBRUARY 2023
If you have questions about immigration legislation or other immigration issues, send them to jcirawa@gmail.com with the word “Question” in the subject line. We will try to answer questions either by return email or in this newsletter.
DACA and the Dream Act
Senators Durbin and Graham again introduced the Dream Act on February 14, providing permanent protection from deportation and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who were brought into the country by their parents when they were children. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created in 2012 by President Obama. It provides temporary protection from deportation and authorization to work for those who qualify, but it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. The program has been controversial and the subject of partisan debate since its inception. It has been the subject of much court action aimed at shutting the program down. At present a lawsuit filed by nine states asking that DACA be declared illegal is pending with a decision expected this spring. There are now about 600,000 individuals covered by the DACA program. All of them live with an uncertain future, fearing that the program could end and deportation follow. The Dream Act would put an end to this unfair and unjust situation. JCIRA urges us to support passage of the Dream Act in any way possible.
Other Bills Introduced
A total of nineteen bills have been introduced in the House and three in the Senate. HR575 and HR614 seek to loosen the restrictions on temporary migrant workers in the fishing, seafood, and agricultural industries to address the serious worker shortages. This issue was the subject of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act which failed to pass in the previous congress. Sixteen bills are aimed at either preventing immigration or removing immigrants now in the country.
Proposals for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The Biden Administration issued a “Blueprint for a Fair, Orderly and Humane Immigration System” in 2021 which remains on their agenda. This is available here.
The conservative CATO Institute published a white paper in 2020 titled “12 New Immigration Ideas for the 21st Century” available here.
Border Policies
Unfortunately the Biden Administration continues to enforce certain policies that prevent people from exercising their legal right to request asylum. For example, Public Health Title 42 is used to turn back many asylum seekers. The administration has announced plans to end the practice, but GOP Attorneys General have sought to intervene in the case to defend the policy. The Supreme Court ruled on February 16 that they will not consider this challenge, so the administration can stop using Title 42 to prevent entry. However, this will mean that many more people will be requesting asylum and so the workload on Border Patrol personnel will increase. This may exacerbate problems of asylum seekers not being treated humanely and with respect.
Afghan Adjustment Act
Of course, there still needs to be action on the Afghan Adjustment Act that would grant permanent resident status to Afghan refugees who are present in the U.S. under Humanitarian Parole which now has a two year limit. Many of these persons were promised protection in return for service to the U.S. military or government. If no action is taken, as many as 75,000 persons could be subject to deportation as soon as August of this year. For many deportation would be a death sentence. Find out how you can take action on this important legislation here.
DACA and the Dream Act
Senators Durbin and Graham again introduced the Dream Act on February 14, providing permanent protection from deportation and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who were brought into the country by their parents when they were children. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created in 2012 by President Obama. It provides temporary protection from deportation and authorization to work for those who qualify, but it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. The program has been controversial and the subject of partisan debate since its inception. It has been the subject of much court action aimed at shutting the program down. At present a lawsuit filed by nine states asking that DACA be declared illegal is pending with a decision expected this spring. There are now about 600,000 individuals covered by the DACA program. All of them live with an uncertain future, fearing that the program could end and deportation follow. The Dream Act would put an end to this unfair and unjust situation. JCIRA urges us to support passage of the Dream Act in any way possible.
Other Bills Introduced
A total of nineteen bills have been introduced in the House and three in the Senate. HR575 and HR614 seek to loosen the restrictions on temporary migrant workers in the fishing, seafood, and agricultural industries to address the serious worker shortages. This issue was the subject of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act which failed to pass in the previous congress. Sixteen bills are aimed at either preventing immigration or removing immigrants now in the country.
Proposals for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The Biden Administration issued a “Blueprint for a Fair, Orderly and Humane Immigration System” in 2021 which remains on their agenda. This is available here.
The conservative CATO Institute published a white paper in 2020 titled “12 New Immigration Ideas for the 21st Century” available here.
Border Policies
Unfortunately the Biden Administration continues to enforce certain policies that prevent people from exercising their legal right to request asylum. For example, Public Health Title 42 is used to turn back many asylum seekers. The administration has announced plans to end the practice, but GOP Attorneys General have sought to intervene in the case to defend the policy. The Supreme Court ruled on February 16 that they will not consider this challenge, so the administration can stop using Title 42 to prevent entry. However, this will mean that many more people will be requesting asylum and so the workload on Border Patrol personnel will increase. This may exacerbate problems of asylum seekers not being treated humanely and with respect.
Afghan Adjustment Act
Of course, there still needs to be action on the Afghan Adjustment Act that would grant permanent resident status to Afghan refugees who are present in the U.S. under Humanitarian Parole which now has a two year limit. Many of these persons were promised protection in return for service to the U.S. military or government. If no action is taken, as many as 75,000 persons could be subject to deportation as soon as August of this year. For many deportation would be a death sentence. Find out how you can take action on this important legislation here.
See the Complete Immigration FAQs Then scroll down to learn about: Updates Info & Actions JCIRA in the News 
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IMMIGRATION FAQSTHIS FAQ IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND EVERY CASE IS INDIVIDUAL REQUIRING THE FULL ATTENTION OF A QUALIFIED LEGAL PROFESSIONAL. THE INFORMATION OFFERED IN NO WAY CONSTITUTES THE FORMATION OF AN ATTORNEY/CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. Why don't "illegal aliens" get in line and enter the U.S. legally? The immigration laws and regulations of the United States are designed to limit the number of people who can come here to live on a permanent basis. There are temporary nonimmigrant visas available but these too are of limited availability and most potential immigrants do not qualify. The majority of permanent immigrants are sponsored by qualifying family members or employers. Family based visas are limited to immediate family members of US citizens or Legal Permanent Residents. Some of these visas are limited by quotas depending on the country of origin. Wait times for a visa to become available may be extreme. For example, siblings from Mexico can expect to wait more than 20 years for a visa to be issued. There are other more difficult options for permanent visas. For example, asylum is only granted for certain specific situation. Many asylum seekers are turned back at the border without being given an opportunity to apply even though U.S. and international law say that they must be heard. Even for those admitted as asylum seekers, more than 70% will be denied and deported. For citizens of the Northern Triangle countries who are now the majority of those seeking entry at our southern border, the denial rates are approximately 90%. So, why don’t they get in line? Because, for most, there is no line. To get even more answers to your immigration questions, check out the full list of FAQs. |
UPDATEs
Supreme Court Rules Biden Administration Can End "Remain in Mexico" Policy
The Supreme Court ruled on June 30 that President Biden could end the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” immigration policy. The policy forced immigrants and asylum seekers to return to Mexico—for months or years—to have even an initial review of their cases to start. According to a report on asylum seekers by the University of San Diego, 89.5% of the people interviewed by U.S. immigration officials said they were afraid of returning to Mexico. About one-quarter said they had been threatened with physical violence while in Mexico awaiting a date in court, and more than half of those said they were beaten or experienced other forms of violence. Many asylum seekers have been robbed, raped, trafficked, or kidnapped in the squalid conditions at the Mexican border, so being able to remain in the U.S. as they pursue their cases will provide them with an increased measure of safety. More information on the report is available in this article from Northeastern University.
Justice Department Appeals Court Decision on Title 42
A federal judge in Louisiana recently blocked the Biden administration’s plan to reverse a Trump-era policy that allowed immigrants and asylum seekers at the border to be immediately expelled. The policy was put in place supposedly as a Covid-19 containment measure. However, many immigration advocates and experts contested that explanation, saying that the previous administration did not see it as a health issue, but was instead was using any means it could to deter migrants. The U.S. Department of Justice quickly filed an appeal with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, but a decision is expected to take months.
US Immigration Agency Changes Trump Era Mission Statement
As reported in the news, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently changed its mission statement to reverse a Trump-era change. USCIS Director Ur Jaddou introduced the statement saying "the United States is and will remain a welcoming nation that embraces people from across the world." While shortening the statement, it emphasizes "welcome and possibility" and "respect."
Here's a look at the mission statements from 2005, 2018, and 2022:
USCIS Mission Statement (2005): "USCIS secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system."
The Agency's Mission Statement (2018): "USCIS administers the nation's lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity and promise by efficiently and fairly adjudicating requests for immigration benefits while protecting Americans, securing the homeland, and honoring our values."
The New USCIS Mission Statement (2022): "USCIS upholds America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve."
Here's a look at the mission statements from 2005, 2018, and 2022:
USCIS Mission Statement (2005): "USCIS secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system."
The Agency's Mission Statement (2018): "USCIS administers the nation's lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity and promise by efficiently and fairly adjudicating requests for immigration benefits while protecting Americans, securing the homeland, and honoring our values."
The New USCIS Mission Statement (2022): "USCIS upholds America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve."
INFo & ACTIONS
JCIRA Joins in Forks Hispanic Festival
On October 15, several JCIRA members took part in Dia de Culturas, the Hispanic Heritage Festival in Forks. The event, which was held at the Peninsula College Forks campus, was the first Hispanic festival since the early 1990s—and what a celebration it was!
Attendees, which included many Hispanic community members in clothing from their native regions, included live music, dancing, games for kids, raffles, and speakers. Of course, the celebration would not have been complete without a variety of tasty foods from the featured areas. JCIRA board member Carlos Osorio participated, as a representative of the organization he works for, North Olympic Healthcare Network and served attendees with delicious Columbian food.
For JCIRA, it was not just an enjoyable event, it also provided a chance to get reacquainted with people from the Forks area.
JCIRA hosted an information table, along with other nonprofits. After such a long time, this joyful, proud, and welcoming event made for an inspiring day.
Remembrance and Resistance at the NWDC
JCIRA members traveled to Tacoma to support the La Resistencia event.
On October 31, 2021, a group of JCIRA members from Jefferson and Clallam counties attended the 7th annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) commemoration at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma. The event was organized by La Resistencia, the local organization that supports those detained at the center and that works to end detainment and deportation.
Intended to honor those who have lost their lives as a result of the inhumane treatment of the U.S. immigration system, the day was marked by both remembrance and resistance. Lilting music gave way to a series of speakers, including Maru Mora Villalpando and Wendy Pantoja Castillo of La Resistencia and Justmaine Maitre from the Haitian community and a student representative, Caroline Andrade.
Maru noted the recent win in federal court in the lawsuit filed by detainees and Attorney General Ferguson. The jury held that GEO, the private prison operator of the NWDC (now also called the ICE Processing Center), was breaking the law with its slave-labor “wages” of $1 per day for detainees that do the daily cleaning and maintenance work of the facility. As a result, GEO was told to pay the state minimum wage, not only to current detainees, but retroactively to all who have worked there. The jury award was $17 million. However, as Maru explained, “We know GEO will appeal, and if the suit reaches the Supreme Court, we do not expect to win.” In any case, she continued, “Our goal is not the money. Our goal is to shut the Detention Center down.” She then led chants of “Shut it down! Now!”
Wendy then shifted to a reflective tone, honoring those who have died in a ceremony incorporating a traditional Dia de Los Muertos marigold-petal path to lead the spirits of the lost. The event ended with the distribution of candles throughout the crowd, which were then lit. Every person was invited to name a person close to them who has passed away, and in the moment, all present were united in remembrance and hope.
Intended to honor those who have lost their lives as a result of the inhumane treatment of the U.S. immigration system, the day was marked by both remembrance and resistance. Lilting music gave way to a series of speakers, including Maru Mora Villalpando and Wendy Pantoja Castillo of La Resistencia and Justmaine Maitre from the Haitian community and a student representative, Caroline Andrade.
Maru noted the recent win in federal court in the lawsuit filed by detainees and Attorney General Ferguson. The jury held that GEO, the private prison operator of the NWDC (now also called the ICE Processing Center), was breaking the law with its slave-labor “wages” of $1 per day for detainees that do the daily cleaning and maintenance work of the facility. As a result, GEO was told to pay the state minimum wage, not only to current detainees, but retroactively to all who have worked there. The jury award was $17 million. However, as Maru explained, “We know GEO will appeal, and if the suit reaches the Supreme Court, we do not expect to win.” In any case, she continued, “Our goal is not the money. Our goal is to shut the Detention Center down.” She then led chants of “Shut it down! Now!”
Wendy then shifted to a reflective tone, honoring those who have died in a ceremony incorporating a traditional Dia de Los Muertos marigold-petal path to lead the spirits of the lost. The event ended with the distribution of candles throughout the crowd, which were then lit. Every person was invited to name a person close to them who has passed away, and in the moment, all present were united in remembrance and hope.
Photos (clockwise from top left) Sign at NWDC, Justmaine Maitre and Libby Palmer, Maru Mora Villalpando addressing the crowd, and Caroline Andrade, Justmaine, and Libby.
JCIRA IN THE NEWS
Take a look at these past articles. All are from the Port Townsend Leader, except where noted otherwise. (Some articles are behind a paywall for subscribers, but most newspapers will allow you to read a few articles free.)
2022
04/16/2022 "Afghan refugees begin again in Port Townsend," Peninsula Daily News, by Diane Urbani de la Paz.
2021
12/01/2021 "Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates" Port Ludlow Voice, by Larry Jensen, Co-Chair, JCIRA (Scroll down to page 30.)
11/16/2021 "From forest to florist: All about salal," by Katherine Darrow.
11/10/2021 "Responding to US Immigration and Global Migration,"opinion piece by Lawrence Jensen, Co-Chair, JCIRA
10/12/2021 "Advocates protest outside detention center," Peninsula Daily News, by Diane Urbani de la Paz.
11/17/2021 The Good Works 2021 section of the Port Townsend Leader for November 17, 2021 details the latest on JCIRA for the Give Jefferson campaign.
2020
1/15/2020 "Inspired to help detainees by Jesus’ refugee status," by Rev. Coe Hutchinson, Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church.
1/21/2020 "Discussion to highlight immigrants’ rights," Peninsula Daily News, by Brian McLean, about upcoming QUUF presentation by Monserrat Padilla (WA Immigrant Solidarity Nework) and Annie Benson (WA Defender Associaion’s Immigrant Defense project).
11/18/2020 JCIRA ad placed in Port Townsend Leader.
2019
2/20/2019 "About 100 hit streets for border wall protest," Peninsula Daily News, photos by Bob Page.
6/26/2019 "Protest against mass deportations and children in cages," photos, text by Carmen Jaramillo.
7/17/2019 "PT protests child detentions," by Brennan LaBrie
8/21/2019 "East Jefferson faith leaders make an appeal to our humanity," written about children in cages at the southern border and inhumane treatment of detainees in detention centers.
9/24/2019 "Supporting No Ban Act," Peninsula Daily News, photo, caption by Brian McLean.
11/27/2019 "PT priest ordered to leave country," by Dean Miller.
12/4/2019 "Port Townsend priest departs to Ghana," by Dean Miller.
12/11/2019 "Turn out for our lady of Guadalupe," letter in Port Townsend Leader by Courtney Morales Thrall and Jean Walat.
2018
1/24/2018 "Thousands march," by Katie Kowalski.
5/9/2018 "Signs of the times: Posted info offers immigrant support,"by Allison Arthur.
5/15/2018 "Forks immigrant fearful of leaving," Peninsula Daily News, Zorina Barker.
6/3/2018 "Advocates hope for safety, security for all, Peninsula Daily News, By Rob Ollikainen.
6/6/2018 "Group protests in PT for immigrant rights," Peninsula Daily News, by Jeannie McMacken.
6/18/2018 "Immigration protesters throng Port Hadlock," by Kurt Boxleitner
6/19/2018 "Families belong together” Photo, caption by Katie Kowalski.
7/1/2018 "More than 675 protest U.S. immigration policy, Peninsula Daily News, by Rob Ollikainen.
11/7/2018 "We Will Not Be Silent, A JCIRA-sponsored full-page ad co-signed with Port Townsend clergy and social change groups after bombing of a synagogue in Pittsburgh.
2017
1/25/2017 "Health Care Values: Nothing’s Changed," by Mike Glenn.
2/8/2017 "BOCC affirms rights," by Kirk Boxleitner.
2/8/2017 "What Jefferson County, Washington, stands for" Editorial.
2/15/2017 "Sanctuary debate on," by Kirk Boxleitner.
2/15/2017 "Spontaneous protest targets ICE raids," by Kirk Boxleitner.
3/18/2017 "Sheriff’s Citizens Advisory Committee talks immigration," by Kirk Boxleitner.
8/2/2017 "Immigrant Legal Services trains reps for PT," by Kirk Boxleitner.
9/6/2017 "PT protesters picket detention center,"by Kirk Boxleitner.
9/6/2017 "DACA decision kindles concern," Peninsula Daily News, by Paul Gottlieb.
2022
04/16/2022 "Afghan refugees begin again in Port Townsend," Peninsula Daily News, by Diane Urbani de la Paz.
2021
12/01/2021 "Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates" Port Ludlow Voice, by Larry Jensen, Co-Chair, JCIRA (Scroll down to page 30.)
11/16/2021 "From forest to florist: All about salal," by Katherine Darrow.
11/10/2021 "Responding to US Immigration and Global Migration,"opinion piece by Lawrence Jensen, Co-Chair, JCIRA
10/12/2021 "Advocates protest outside detention center," Peninsula Daily News, by Diane Urbani de la Paz.
11/17/2021 The Good Works 2021 section of the Port Townsend Leader for November 17, 2021 details the latest on JCIRA for the Give Jefferson campaign.
2020
1/15/2020 "Inspired to help detainees by Jesus’ refugee status," by Rev. Coe Hutchinson, Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church.
1/21/2020 "Discussion to highlight immigrants’ rights," Peninsula Daily News, by Brian McLean, about upcoming QUUF presentation by Monserrat Padilla (WA Immigrant Solidarity Nework) and Annie Benson (WA Defender Associaion’s Immigrant Defense project).
11/18/2020 JCIRA ad placed in Port Townsend Leader.
2019
2/20/2019 "About 100 hit streets for border wall protest," Peninsula Daily News, photos by Bob Page.
6/26/2019 "Protest against mass deportations and children in cages," photos, text by Carmen Jaramillo.
7/17/2019 "PT protests child detentions," by Brennan LaBrie
8/21/2019 "East Jefferson faith leaders make an appeal to our humanity," written about children in cages at the southern border and inhumane treatment of detainees in detention centers.
9/24/2019 "Supporting No Ban Act," Peninsula Daily News, photo, caption by Brian McLean.
11/27/2019 "PT priest ordered to leave country," by Dean Miller.
12/4/2019 "Port Townsend priest departs to Ghana," by Dean Miller.
12/11/2019 "Turn out for our lady of Guadalupe," letter in Port Townsend Leader by Courtney Morales Thrall and Jean Walat.
2018
1/24/2018 "Thousands march," by Katie Kowalski.
5/9/2018 "Signs of the times: Posted info offers immigrant support,"by Allison Arthur.
5/15/2018 "Forks immigrant fearful of leaving," Peninsula Daily News, Zorina Barker.
6/3/2018 "Advocates hope for safety, security for all, Peninsula Daily News, By Rob Ollikainen.
6/6/2018 "Group protests in PT for immigrant rights," Peninsula Daily News, by Jeannie McMacken.
6/18/2018 "Immigration protesters throng Port Hadlock," by Kurt Boxleitner
6/19/2018 "Families belong together” Photo, caption by Katie Kowalski.
7/1/2018 "More than 675 protest U.S. immigration policy, Peninsula Daily News, by Rob Ollikainen.
11/7/2018 "We Will Not Be Silent, A JCIRA-sponsored full-page ad co-signed with Port Townsend clergy and social change groups after bombing of a synagogue in Pittsburgh.
2017
1/25/2017 "Health Care Values: Nothing’s Changed," by Mike Glenn.
2/8/2017 "BOCC affirms rights," by Kirk Boxleitner.
2/8/2017 "What Jefferson County, Washington, stands for" Editorial.
2/15/2017 "Sanctuary debate on," by Kirk Boxleitner.
2/15/2017 "Spontaneous protest targets ICE raids," by Kirk Boxleitner.
3/18/2017 "Sheriff’s Citizens Advisory Committee talks immigration," by Kirk Boxleitner.
8/2/2017 "Immigrant Legal Services trains reps for PT," by Kirk Boxleitner.
9/6/2017 "PT protesters picket detention center,"by Kirk Boxleitner.
9/6/2017 "DACA decision kindles concern," Peninsula Daily News, by Paul Gottlieb.
Photo credit: Banner photo of "Refugees Welcome" sign by Maria Teneva on Unsplash. All others by JCIRA.
Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates
P.O. Box 647
Port Townsend, WA 98368
JCIRAwa@gmail.com
360-232-6070
Donate
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P.O. Box 647
Port Townsend, WA 98368
JCIRAwa@gmail.com
360-232-6070
Donate
Newsletter
Find us on Facebook
