As an influx of immigrant children continue to enter states all across the country, including California, government officials are looking for ways to offer them the protection for which they have come. These children are coming without parents and most do not have family support in the country. A bill recently introduced in Congress would provide legal representation for detainees, namely these children, in an effort to provide them with the support they desperately need.
Several California jails will no longer abide immigration holds
A number of counties across California have recently reported that they will no longer abide by immigration hold requests without a court order. Until now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be able to file detainer requests to county jails, directing them to hold undocumented immigrants past their typical release date. Under the old policy, jails were holding these immigrants for up to an extra 48 hours for ICE.
Short supply of H-1B visas blamed for poor tech industry growth
People flock to American from all around the world for jobs or to live out their own “American dream.” Unfortunately, getting the proper documentation to acquire that job or to stay in the country permanently can prove to be rather difficult. According to recent data, a shortage of H-1B visas offered to immigrants can be blamed for poor growth in the country’s tech industries. Some cities in California have seen the effects of this.
Family-based immigration reform desired by undocumented residents
Recently, members of Congress met with immigrant activist leaders to have an open and frank discussion about problems facing the undocumented residents in the country. The primary topic related to how immigration policies affect women and children in particular. As women and children represent approximately 75 percent of immigrants in the United States, enacting family-based immigration reform is considered a must for those seeking policy changes; changes, that if made, could greatly affect undocumented women in California.
