More Immigration Officers to Process DACA Applications
CBS news reports that in response to a soaring backlog of requests, the White House will be assigning more immigration officers to review DACA applications. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) told Congress it’s also planning to produce “public awareness campaigns” aimed at reminding current DACA beneficiaries to renew their work permits and deportation deferrals, and also to educate potential DACA applicants on how they can reduce processing times. At the end of May, USCIS had processed less than 2000 of the more than 62,000 DACA applications received since the program reopened last December.
USCIS To Tackle Challenges with Technology and Transparency
The latest Ombudsman report was released, addressing the most pervasive and serious problems USCIS is facing. Highlights include establishing electronic filing procedures for all immigration forms by 2026, relieving challenges to the medical disability test waiver, extending the validity period of conditional green cards and better communicating processing times for Form I-1751 (“Removal of Conditions”), upgrading technology to improve customer service, responding more rapidly when assistance is requested, and continuous improvement on agency processes throughout the year.
SCOTUS Ruling Gives Hope to Immigrants Facing Deportation
According to ABC News, a recent High Court ruling has revived the hopes of some immigrants that their deportation could be cancelled on account of not receiving proper notice of upcoming court proceedings. Immigration attorneys and advocates applauded the decision, after taking issue with the deportation notification process and said the ruling has implications for many immigration cases nationwide.
Democrats Lean Into Infrastructure Bill To Push Immigration Reform
After months of bipartisan discussions that yielded no results, Congressional Democrats have moved to push through immigration reform via an infrastructure bill. In the Biden-backed plan, they’re looking to set aside $120 billion for a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, essential workers, farm workers, and those with Temporary Protected Status, according to a report from CNN.
Canadian Border Reopens for Non Essential Travel for Fully Vaccinated Americans
As case numbers decline across Canada and vaccination rates go up, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that in mid-August, fully vaccinated Americans can go to Canada again. The Associated Press reports that Canada will start allowing fully-vaccinated Americans back to Canada for non essential travel and will be welcoming fully vaccinated travelers from around the world as early as September.