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MPP RESTART — Today the Biden administration is restarting the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy. In an interview with MSNBC’s Ali Velshi, The Atlantic’s Caitlin Dickerson explains why this is problematic. "Policies like this place refugees in harm’s way, and it’s a source of shame, it’s really a heavy burden for our members to carry," Michael Knowles, president of Local 1924 of the American Federation of Government Employees — the union that represents asylum officers who work with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — told KJZZ’s Alisa Reznick. "Because they’re the ones who have to hear an individual literally begging for their life." ‘A PERFECT FIT’ — Job Corps, a government program offering free education and vocational training, hosted information sessions for Afghan refugees at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, reports Spc. Patience Gbedema of DVIDS. "Job Corps’ mission is to help disadvantaged, often underrepresented youth between ages 16 and 24," said Daniel Weeks, Job Corps’ communications director. "… For Afghan youth finding their way in the U.S., Job Corps could be a perfect fit, and a path to a meaningful career." And in Omaha, Nebraska, KETV Newswatch’s Michelle Bandur reports that refugee resettlement organizations like Lutheran Family Services and Refugee Empowerment Center "are working hand-in-hand with employers to get the new residents hired and start their new lives."
AFGHAN ADJUSTMENT ACT — Afghan refugees need permanent solutions, not a temporary reprieve, to rebuild their lives in the U.S. The Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA) would provide them permanent legal status to do so, the Forum’s field mobilizer Jason Lief writes in an op-ed for The Cedar Rapids Gazette. Pointing to similar legislation for Cuban and Vietnamese refugees in the past, Lief notes that these types of solutions have been passed before. Earlier this year, Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst co-sponsored the Afghan Allies Protection Act — and today, "Iowans can speak up for the Afghan people by contacting Sen. Ernst to encourage her to co-sponsor the Afghan Adjustment Act, making it easier for Afghan refugees to establish a life in this country." Here’s today’s local stories (including one from Australia that’s pretty cool):
LABOR SHORTAGE — A new study from TechNet finds that bringing in more high-skilled immigrant workers is the best way to address the U.S.’ critical labor shortage, Abrar Al-Heeti reports for CNET. "Based on current projections, American universities only produce enough skilled degree-holders to fill 29 percent of [computer specialist] positions," per the report. One solution is updating H-1B visa guidelines, which have not been revised in 14 years, notes Al-Heeti. "The contributions of immigrants to our economy are undeniable," said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore. For more on the immigration system’s labor squeeze, see Rebecca Rainey’s piece for Politico. NEW HOME — In September, when the U.S. began deporting Haitian asylum-seekers from an encampment in Del Rio, Texas, some asylum-seekers found refuge at a makeshift shelter in Acuña, Mexico. The Acuña shelter shut down in late November — and Haitians who chose to stay have begun new lives in Mexico, reports Elizabeth Trovall of the Houston Chronicle. "When the Americans rejected us, they (Mexicans) took us in," said Haitian asylum seeker Quettlie Fanfan. "I don’t have words to express my gratitude." With assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other local groups, Fanfan and her family have begun the hunt for jobs and a home in Torreón, Mexico, where she hopes her children can have a stable life. Thanks for reading, Ali |
