Today, we bring you the latest updates and developments on the ever-evolving landscape of immigration news, policies, laws, and issues in the United States and around the world.
1. Russian Asylum Seekers Turned Away
Following the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, a large number of people from both countries have fled their homes in search of asylum elsewhere. A noted observation is that it has been a lot simpler for Ukranians who are being greeted with open arms to enter the United States compared to Russians who are being turned away at borders throughout the nation.
It has been recorded that a group of Ukrainians flashed their passports and were led past the border while approximately thirty asylum seekers from Russia were denied entry.
The incident demonstrated a subtle but clear change in the way that Russian and Ukrainian migrants who enter Mexico as tourists and fly to Tijuana in search of refuge in the United States are treated differently. Although the difference in treatment is quite understandable, many argue that it is unethical and unfair. Iirina Zolinka, a 40-year-old Russian lady who arrived in Tijuana with her family, said that she does not understand what goes into the decision making process. While many Russian asylum seekers are being turned away at border crossings, Ukrainian refugees are being admitted on parole.
In addition to Russian refugees being turned away at the border, many are also undergoing deportations after seeking asylum in the United States. Originally, the U.S. terminated the deportation of Russians fleeing their homes as a result of the war. However, recently, the Biden administration has been removing Russians who have been in the U.S. after fleeing their homes out of fear of being drafted. This puts hundreds of people in great risk of facing prison time, or being sent to the front lines of the war when they return to Russia.
2. U.S. Canada Border Crossings Skyrocket
During recent years, the United States and Canada shared border has experienced a great sky rocket in the number of unlawful border crossings occurring there. As a result, the two nations have come to an agreement that will enable both countries to turn away higher numbers of asylum seekers in the face of an increase in illegal border crossings. In addition, migrants who are crossing over unlawfully at the U.S.-Canada border are being sent to Texas for apprehension.
The recent agreement that President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, have decided on allows both nations to reject certain asylum seekers as they deem necessary. This new deal is a huge step for controlling high numbers of unlawful border crossings due to the fact that for the longest time, neither the United States or Canada have been allowed to turn away anyone seeking asylum. This was due to the fact that the so-called “safe third country” arrangement only applied to certain authorized border crossings.
Since illegal immigration from Canada into the United States is at historically high levels, American authorities are flying immigrants detained at the northern border south to Texas. As recorded, there have been two flights recently— one on March 13th, to Harlingen, Texas, and another on March 21st, to El Paso, Texas. The majority of migrants entering the Swanton Sector come from Mexico, according to border authorities and local law enforcement. Only one migrant on board the two respiration planes noted in March was not a Mexican citizen, but a Colombian national.
3. B Category Visa Allows Laid-Off Indian Workers To Remain in US Longer
With recent layoffs in a large majority of companies throughout the United States, migrants living in this nation under working visas have been struggling and stressed. Many employees who lose their positions believe that they only have 60 days to find a solution in this country, but there are options that will allow them to extend their stay in the U.S. Specifically, for Indian technology workers that are being laid off, switching to a B category visa allows them to remain in the U.S. longer.
According to an earlier United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulation, if an employee on an H-1B visa is fired, they have 60 days to find a new job or return to their home country. However, it was recently announced that H-1B visa holders can now change their visa status to a B-category visa, which is meant for tourists and business visitors. The following alteration will allow them to prolong their stay in the U.S. and give them a greater time frame to search for a new job position. While it is possible to change jobs on a B1 or B2 visa, it is not permitted to work in any capacity. Someone with a B1 or a B2 visa will need to get a work permit before being able to start their new position.
Although this option is very helpful to many, there are a few things to be aware of when making the switch. Under a B1 or B2 visa, the applicant must provide documentation of links to their home country as well as proof of financial support for their stay. Any immigrant employees who fail to take action during their 60 day grace period will have to return to their home nations.
Shepelsky Law may provide legal guidance and representation to individuals navigating the immigration news in today’s complex world. Learn more about the laws and policies in the United States. Given the constantly changing landscape of immigration news and regulations, having a knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side may be crucial in achieving your desired outcome.