The process for becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States typically takes about six months. However, immigrantion attorneys in California and across the country are taking up the cause of the thousands of Muslims whose applications for citizenship have been funneled into a mysterious program which claims to investigate and root out potential national security threats. Many of these law-abiding residents wait years before their applications are accepted or bafflingly rejected.
Haitians released from detention prior to deportation and removal
Since 2010, Haitians immigranting to the United States received special protections. The impoverished country suffered a massive earthquake and other natural disasters at that time, prompting thousands to flee to a safer place. The federal government lifted those safeguards in September, and anyone arriving in the country after that was sent to immigrantion detention to be processed for deportation and removal. A recent influx of immigrants from Haiti has caused the government to rethink this policy.
The price to pay for detaining immigrants
Their home in Haiti is beset with immense problems that include natural disasters (a hurricane and earthquake), crime, corruption, gangs and violence. But the Haitians who arrive at the San Diego border and ask officials for asylum quickly find themselves held in detention centers.
Americans: If you're not loving it, can you really leave it?
When Americans criticize their government, opponents often rely on this timeworn retort: "Love it or leave it."
Immigrant families: 'We are not criminals'
A Guatemalan woman brought her three children to the U.S. border to escape the violence and chaos that had overtaken their country. When she spoke with an immigrantion officer at the border, she told him they had come for asylum.
