Laid-Off Foreign Tech Workers Could Lose Right to Remain in U.S.
Twitter, Facebook and other tech giants have laid off thousands of employees in recent weeks, jeopardizing the legal right of foreign workers to remain in the United States.
When an employee on an H-1B work visa is laid off, they have 60 days to either leave the U.S. and return to their home country, find a different company to sponsor them for an H-1B visa, or change their status to a different visa.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged in a statement that the layoffs were “especially difficult” for those on work visas, and said the company would offer immigration support to laid-off workers.
Massachusetts Votes to Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Obtain Driver’s Licenses
Massachusetts residents voted to uphold a new law that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses in the state.
Under the law, undocumented immigrants can apply for a driver’s license as long as they provide valid identification.
The law is set to go into effect on July 1.
Suspect in Paul Pelosi Attack Was in the Country Illegally
David DePape, the man accused of violently attacking the husband of Nancy Pelosi last week, is a Canadian citizen who was in the United States illegally and could face deportation if found guilty.
DePape, who fractured Paul Pelosi’s skull with a hammer, has been charged with attempted kidnapping of a government official and assault of an immediate family member of a government official.
DePape legally entered the United States in 2008 as a temporary visitor on a B-2 tourist visa, which typically allows the recipient to remain in the U.S. for six months.
U.S. Naturalizes Nearly 4,000 Military Members in Honor of Veterans Day
USCIS naturalized 3,900 veterans, service members and their spouses in 50 Oath of Allegiance ceremonies across the country on Friday in honor of Veterans Day.
Military members may apply for expedited naturalization, and generally are eligible for citizenship after one year of service.
In Fiscal Year 2021, USCIS naturalized 8,800 military members, a 90% increase from FY 2020, according to government data.
Immigrants Face Persistent Challenges Accessing Prenatal Care
A new study by the American Medical Association found “persistent disparities” in individuals’ access to prenatal care based on immigration status.
The study analyzed prenatal care among more than 6 million pregnant people in the U.S., including 400,000 immigrants. According to the study, immigrant parents were less likely to obtain timely prenatal care compared with U.S. citizens.
Prenatal care is vital to the health of both parent and child, and a lack of prenatal care can contribute to long-term health disadvantages, found the study.