This Week in Immigration: November 14, 2025

Immigration Crackdown Intensifies at San Diego Federal Courthouse

ICE agents are conducting "check-in" sessions at San Diego's federal courthouse that frequently end in detention for immigrants, many without criminal records who've lived in the U.S. for years. Over 120 people were detained in two weeks during October. Clergy and volunteers witness emotional scenes as families are separated.

U.S. Pays $7.5M to Equatorial Guinea for Deportee Acceptance

The Trump administration sent $7.5 million from refugee assistance funds to Equatorial Guinea to accept US deportees. This marks the first time refugee crisis funds were repurposed for deportations. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen called the payment "highly unusual," citing concerns over human rights abuses and corruption. The deal involves President Teodoro Obiang, who has ruled for 46 years and faces embezzlement accusations totaling hundreds of millions.

Republicans Sound Alarm Over Latino Vote Decline

Republicans are concerned over losing Latino voter support in off-year elections after significant 2024 gains. Recent exit polls show Democratic governors-elect in New Jersey and Virginia won 68% and 67% of Latino votes respectively, marking a 25-point shift back to Democrats. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar called it a "wake-up call."

Experts Question Medicaid Chief's $1B Immigration Claim

The CMS Administrator claimed audits revealed $1 billion in Medicaid spending on "illegal immigrants." Experts say the official appears to have misidentified routine administrative errors where states incorrectly seek federal reimbursement for state-funded programs. Georgetown's Leo Cuello called such audits "vanilla and normal," noting undocumented immigrants cannot access Medicaid.

Padma Lakshmi Champions Immigration Through Food

TV host Padma Lakshmi's new cookbook "Padma's All American" celebrates immigrants as the heart of American cuisine. Born in India and naturalized after 50 years in the U.S., Lakshmi left Top Chef in 2023 to focus on advocacy work with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Her book, stemming from Emmy-nominated Hulu series "Taste the Nation," features recipes from immigrant communities nationwide.

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November 7

New $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee Now in Effect

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee, effective October 16, 2025. The fee applies to individuals granted parole into or within the United States, including humanitarian parole, parole in place, re-parole, and parole from DHS custody. Those with a pending green card (AOS) application are exempt. The fee is collected after parole is approved, not when applying, and some humanitarian cases may qualify for exemptions.

Trump Slashes Refugee Admissions to Record Low 7,500

The Trump administration has proposed capping refugee admissions at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026, a steep drop from the 125,000 cap under President Biden. According to a Federal Register notice, priority would go to “victims of illegal or unjust discrimination,” including some South African applicants. The administration cited “humanitarian concerns” and “national interest” but gave no further explanation. The move follows Trump’s earlier suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and proposal to resettle Afrikaner farmers.

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Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Win as NYC’s First South Asian Mayor

Zohran Mamdani has made history as New York City’s first South Asian, Muslim, and naturalized immigrant mayor, and its youngest in more than a century. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani, 34, becomes the first naturalized U.S. citizen to lead the city since the 1970s. His victory has inspired pride among immigrant communities with his message that “New York will remain a city of immigrants.” The win has drawn global attention and praise from progressive leaders worldwide.

U.S. Ends Deportation Protection for South Sudanese Nationals

The U.S. has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan, a program that allowed nationals from the war-torn country to live and work legally in the U.S. since 2011. USCIS said conditions in South Sudan no longer meet the criteria for TPS, giving recipients 60 days to leave or face deportation. About 230 people are affected. Critics warn the move could force returnees back into unsafe conditions.

Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Linking Transit Funds to Immigration

A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the Trump administration cannot withhold transportation funding from states that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement. Chief Judge John McConnell said the Department of Transportation “overstepped” its authority by tying road and bridge funding to immigration demands, calling the move “lawless.” The ruling marks another victory for states challenging the administration’s attempts to use federal grants to pressure local immigration compliance.

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