Important immigration updates this week

There is an ongoing effort now by the US House of Representatives sponsored by House Republicans in an attempt to pass an immigration bill. The proposed law would include $25 billion funding for the border wall, a path to legalization for the "Dreamers", ending family separation at the border when families cross illegally, and ending the visa lottery program. There was at first confusion whether or not President Donald Trump supports this bill based on his earlier comment but this was later on clarified by the White House that there was just a misunderstanding and that he will ultimately sign the bill once it reaches his desk.

As of this writing, there are two separate proposals at the House and negotiations to compromise are still underway. It is hoped that the House could vote on the final bill as soon as next week.

As far as the initiative for the Dreamers is concerned, this is welcome news. While we have not seen the specific details concerning the Dreamers, but finally this lingering issue is addressed providing the 800,000 Dreamers a sense of stability with regards to their immigration status. We all wait in bated breath on this immigration bill which hopefully would be fair and compassionate to the immigrant population in the US -documented or not.

***

In another news affecting immigrants, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has issued a decision that effectively denies any recourse of individuals for asylum for being victims of domestic and gang violence. In what is a reversal of a precedent case, Matter ofA-R-CG, issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals in 2014 which says that asylum protections extend to victims of domestic violence, Mr. Sessions decided to overturn the BIA's grant of asylum to a woman from El Salvador who was a victim of domestic violence.

This new policy has wide-ranging implications for those who have pending asylum applications based on being victims of gang or domestic violence. In effect, these asylum applicants will be sent back to their countries and be exposed to the same horrors they were running away from in the first place. This policy no doubt defeats the American values of offering refuge and sanctuary to the oppressed. For sure, this decision will be challenged all the way up to the US Supreme Court. Let us see what happens.

***

This column is not a substitute for professional legal advice obtained from a US licensed immigration attorney. The information contained herein does not constitute a warranty or guarantee or legal advice regarding a reader's specific immigration case. No attorney-client relationship is and shall be established with any reader.

For any questions, comments and observations, please contact Atty. Marco Tomakin at mtomakin@gmail.com