Your weekly summary from the Council

 LATEST ANALYSIS 

• Biden’s New Asylum Process: What You Need to Know 
  
  Although this new system could be a huge benefit to individuals with slam-dunk asylum cases, the rapid timelines envisioned in the regulation are likely to make the system much harder to navigate for everyone else. Read More »
• Congress Ends Months of Uncertainty for Immigrant Investors in Regional Centers 
  
  For more than 8 months, noncitizens with approved immigrant petitions for investments in regional centers have been in limbo. Congress has now ended that limbo by reauthorizing the EB-5 regional center program.  Read More »
   
• DHS Watchdog Recommends Immediate Action to Address Horrific Conditions in ICE Detention  
  
  In an unprecedented move, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’) watchdog agency—the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)—just recommended that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) relocate all noncitizens currently held in its Torrance County Detention Facility in Estancia, New Mexico. Read More »

 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW  

• ICE announced on Friday that it will close or scale back four immigration detention facilities across the country. The agency cites concerns over the facilities’ conditions and their treatment of detained people.
  
  The American Immigration Council has long documented abuse in ICE facilities, including racial discrimination, excessive use of force, and inadequate medical care.
  This complaint from the Council and our partners shows how ICE’s treatment of individuals in its custody has gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting both immigrants and surrounding communities at risk. 
  
  Read more: Council Files Civil Rights Complaint Over Dangerous ICE Detention Policies During Coronavirus Pandemic

 MAKE A CONTRIBUTION 

 QUOTE OF THE WEEK 

DHS released an interim final rule on Thursday that would overhaul the nation’s asylum procedures. Though intended to alleviate some of the asylum system’s flaws, the current rule would make it even more difficult for people to obtain an immigration attorney.  

“…While we appreciate the administration’s effort to engage productively on this issue, we have serious concerns about the current rule as proposed. In particular, the punishing and unfair timelines outlined leave far too little time to access counsel, let alone to work with counsel to prepare for an asylum hearing.  

“Access to counsel is one of the most important factors in outcomes for people seeking asylum. We look forward to continuing to express our views to the administration and to finding the right balance between expediency and due process.” 

–  Jeremy Robbins, executive director at the American Immigration Council

 FURTHER READING 

• Roll Call: ICE claims 'unabate' legal access in detention during pandemic
   
• Quad-City Times: Immigrants are driving population growth in the Quad-Cities. And that's boosting the regional economy. 
   
• WRAL TechWire: In midst of war, Ukrainians like Misha Shvets keep working in NC tech sector - they deserve our support 
   
• Cincinnati Enquirer: Without federal assistance, undocumented families face limited options during COVID-19

         

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