Appeals Court Panel Taking Up Immigration Provision in Texas Border Security Law
A provision in a Texas border security bill has sparked controversy due to possible contradictory precedence. The provision makes it illegal to “encourage or induce a person to enter or remain in this country in violation of federal law by concealing, harboring, or shielding that person from detection.” While it is currently legal to abstain from inquiring about the legal standing of your tenants, many landlords are left wondering what culpability they may hold if their renters are found to be illegal immigrants. The provision is facing backlash in multiple forms. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) has filed a civil lawsuit claiming a violation of the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution which states that immigration enforcement is exclusively a federal issue. U.S. District Judge Alan Ezra prevented that aspect of the bill from enforcement in April 2016 until it a final ruling is rendered.
For more information view the article.
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USCIS Releases a New Version of Multiple Forms
United States Citizen and Immigration Services has released new editions of a number of forms, effective January 17, 2017. USCIS will accept versions dated 12/23/16, 08/13/15, 03/26/15 and 10/23/14 for form I-129, but all other forms will require this newest edition dated 01/17/17 starting February 21, 2017. USCIS will reject forms postdated after 12/23/16 without the appropriate new fees included.
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-485, Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)
- Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
For more information on these updated forms, and all updates in the future, check out the USCIS’ website
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Remittances to Mexico Jump by Most in 10 Years After Trump Victory
In the same month that president-elect Donald Trump won the electoral college, Mexicans living abroad sent home more than $2.4 billion, according to Mexican central bank data. That figure, 24.7% higher than the previous year, marks the fastest pace of expansion since March 2016. The large amounts of remittances come in the wake of the president-elect’s stark campaign in which he threatened to halt such transfers. The Mexican Government has stated that it is prepared to lobby congress and utilize any other available strategy which could stop Trump from blocking these remittances.
For more information view the article.
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