Newest census numbers in California show rising numbers of Asian immigration within the state. Over the past decade, there has been an immigration shift, leading to their numbers overtaking other ethnicities entering the state. The citizenship and naturalization process may be full of red tape, but for them, the wait seems to be worth it, especially because of the current job market. The sharp rise in immigration is linked to their educational backgrounds and desire to work. Others come into California searching for investment opportunities.
California immigration assisted by new policies, despite critics
A recently issued government report claims that immigration enforcement spending in the Obama administration has surpassed the numbers of other agencies combined, and illegal immigration has also tapered off. California immigrants may have benefited from the administration's policies recently, by being allowed to stay here to work or by a new regulation allowing people to stay in the U.S. while attempting to gain citizenship. However, immigration enforcement is still at the forefront of the administration's policies, meaning some immigrants could still face deportation or experience difficulty maintaining a job due to workplace raids from immigration officials.
New immigration law could keep California families together
Some of the saddest stories about immigration involve families forced to separate while they are applying for residency in our country. A new immigration law beginning in March may reduce that likelihood and could give hope to California families affected by the possibility of a separation. The law will minimize the amount of time families are apart while they are applying for residency. As of now, immigrants are required to leave the United States and return to their home countries in order to apply for a green card and await the decision, often resulting in long separation periods and the possibility they may not be able to return.
California work visa: Number of audits increasing
Companies in California and the rest of the nation have come under further scrutiny by Immigration and Customs Enforcement auditors. ICE audited more companies than ever in 2012, searching for employed illegal immigrants. Over the span of five years, the number of I-9 forms rose from 250 to over 3,000, and fines increased by $12 million. With a work visa sometimes being difficult to obtain, many immigrants become frustrated when trying to bring in enough income to support their families, sometimes leading them to seek whatever employment they can find.
California deportation and removal proceedings number may lower
Great news is being reported for California immigrants and those across the rest of the nation. The federal government has announced a shift in how it apprehends immigrants. The focus has shifted from undocumented immigrants with minor traffic offenses to those who are felons or repeat criminal offenders. The shift in policy could bring a sigh of relief for those worrying about possible deportation and removal proceedings for something as insignificant as a traffic ticket.
