U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) play a vital role in immigration enforcement. They oversee all aspects of the process, which includes identifying individuals, as well as their arrest, detention, and removal under immigration law. ERO typically learns about these individuals through Interpol notices, suspected terrorists, cases involving counter-proliferation crimes, the terrorist watch list, or the no-fly list. Currently, 1,563 Sierra Leoneans are scheduled for imminent removal.
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) play a vital role in immigration enforcement. They oversee all aspects of the process, which includes identifying individuals, as well as their arrest, detention, and removal under immigration law. ERO typically learns about these individuals through Interpol notices, suspected terrorists, cases involving counter-proliferation crimes, the terrorist watch list, or the no-fly list.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has updated its Enforcement and Removal Operations page for the fiscal year ending December 2024. Currently, 1,563 Sierra Leoneans from a total of 1,445,549 Countries of Citizenship are scheduled for imminent removal.
These noncitizen individuals and families do not have a legal basis to remain in the country. The data is independent, and the figures do not account for the ongoing immigration sweep.
Preview or Download the full List of 1,445,549 Countries of Citizenship scheduled for imminent removal Here:
Countries of citizenship scheduled for imminent removal: What does this mean in simple terms?
Listen, to Dr. Hyce Bull's audio on the 1,563 Sierra Leonean Citizens scheduled for imminent removal.
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“The main difference between a green card and American citizenship is the level of rights and responsibilities.”
Citizens have more rights and responsibilities than green card holders, including the right to vote and run for office.
Rights
Voting: Only citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections
Running for office: Only citizens can run for public office
Passport: Only citizens can get a U.S. passport
Deportation: Citizens are protected from deportation, while green card holders may be deported for certain crimes
Military service: Citizens are required to serve in the military or on a jury when called for duty
Responsibilities
Allegiance: Citizens have an obligation of allegiance to the United States
Taxes: Citizens may be able to claim foreign tax credits and avoid double taxation
Other differences
Green card holders must renew their green card every 10 years
Green card holders may lose their status for certain crimes or if they remain outside the country for too long
Green card holders may not be able to sponsor family members for green cards as easily as citizens
The Cost of Applying for the U.S. Citizenship is About to Increase
The changes are a fraction of the fee increases sought by the Trump administration before a federal judge scrapped them. Still, immigration attorneys say immigration costs almost always trend higher, so those who want to naturalize for less should consider applying before April 1, 2024.
The price of getting a 'green card' — the first step to citizenship — will jump, too
Department of Homeland Security — RIN 1615-AC68
This final rule is effective April 1, 2024
The changes are a fraction of the fee increases sought by the Trump administration before a federal judge scrapped them. Still, immigration attorneys say immigration costs almost always trend higher, so those who want to naturalize for less should consider applying before April 1, 2024.
On April 1, the cost of the application to naturalize will increase to about 19 percent. The price hike is significant. According to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, more than 9 million legal permanent residents in the United States are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship but haven’t done so yet.
The price of getting a 'green card' — the first step to citizenship — will jump, too.
In summary, that 'green card' packet requires at least four different forms for most applicants, and certain fees are waived when submitted together under the current guidelines. After April 1, the price of pursuing legal permanent residency will jump from $1,760 to $3,005.
U.S. Citizenship Cost
The costs vary. The naturalization application form, called N-400, currently costs $640 when filing a paper application or $725, including the fingerprint fee, called 'biometrics.' On April 1, the cost of both jumps to $760.
See the Department of Homeland Security Services — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes. And other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements.
Department of Homeland Security Services
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes
The cost increase may be less than USCIS' previous attempt to boost fees, but it can still be a burden for families when more than one family member wants to naturalize and each individual has to pay a separate application fee.
Monday, February 19, 2024, at 5:13 AM Est. EDT - Source: yahoo /news
Supreme Court rules against immigrants with temporary status
The designation applies to people who come from countries ravaged by war or disaster. It protects them from deportation and allows them to work legally. There are 400,000 people from 12 countries with TPS status.
WASHINGTON (AP)
MARK SHERMAN; Mon, Jun 07, 2021
Summary
WASHINGTON (AP) — A unanimous Supreme Court ruled Monday that thousands of people living in the U.S. for humanitarian reasons are ineligible to apply to become permanent residents.
Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court that federal immigration law prohibits people who entered the country illegally and now have Temporary Protected Status from seeking “green cards” to remain in the country permanently.
The designation applies to people who come from countries ravaged by war or disaster. It protects them from deportation and allows them to work legally. There are 400,000 people from 12 countries with TPS status.
The outcome in a case involving a couple from El Salvador who have been in the U.S. since the early 1990s turned on whether people who entered the country illegally and were given humanitarian protections were ever “admitted” into the United States under immigration law.
Kagan wrote that they were not. “The TPS program gives foreign nationals nonimmigrant status, but it does not admit them. So the conferral of TPS does not make an unlawful entrant...eligible” for a green card, she wrote.
The House of Representatives already has passed legislation that would make it possible for TPS recipients to become permanent residents, Kagan noted. The bill faces uncertain prospects in the Senate.
The case pitted the Biden administration against immigrant groups that argued many people who came to the U.S. for humanitarian reasons have lived in the country for many years, given birth to American citizens and put down roots in the U.S.
In 2001, the U.S. gave Salvadoran migrants legal protection to remain in the U.S. after a series of earthquakes in their home country.
People from 11 other countries are similarly protected. They are: Haiti, Honduras, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.
Monday’s decision does not affect immigrants with TPS who initially entered the U.S. legally and then, say, overstayed their visa, Kagan noted. Because those people were legally admitted to the country and later were given humanitarian protections, they can seek to become permanent residents.
African Immigrants in the United States of America
A Four-Part Series – The Conclusion
Public charge is a test applied when an immigrant applies for a green card or entry into the United States. In California, for example, the counties and state offices do not call ICE. They only use the information to enroll you or your family member in a benefit.
The
Dilemmas of the New Public Charge Rule - Part IV
A Four-Part Series – The Conclusion
Key Points
People not affected not have to get off public benefits because the public charge will not apply to them.
While the new rule about public charge, most immigrants are 'NOT' impacted; refugees, U and T visa applicants, and immigrants applying for VAWA, DACA, TPS, etc. as described in parts one through three.
The new rule only affects those applying for a green card through a family member petition. If applying for asylum or asylee benefits, this will not apply to them, U visa adjustments, etc.
The new rule does not change who is eligible for benefits.
If you are worried that the public charge rule might apply to your situation, get legal help from a trusted attorney or accredited representative at a non-profit organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Be Deported If I Use Public Benefits?
Public charge is a test applied when an immigrant applies for a green card or entry into the United States. In California, for example, the counties and state offices do not call ICE. They only use the information to enroll you or your family member in a benefit.
An Attorney Told Me That I Should Disenroll Myself Or My Children From Public Benefits, To Apply For A Green Card. Is This True?
Under current rules at immigration in the U.S., the only public benefits that would make a person a public charge are cash assistance and long term institutionalization care. People applying for other types of immigration status, including asylum, visas for a victim of a crime, domestic violence, and naturalization, are not affected by the public charge. People applying for other types of immigration status, including asylum, visas for a victim of a crime, domestic violence, and naturalization, are not affected by the public charge. However, if a person is applying at an American consulate for a visa, the rules are strict. The person should consult a trusted legal representative for advice.
Will, I Be Considered A Public Charge If I Use WIC?
No! Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is not a consideration.
Will, I Have Problems If My Children Use, Medi-Cal?
No! USCIS will not consider benefits received by family members when deciding if a person is a public charge, as long as it is not the sole source of income for the family. Children’s use of Medi-Cal is exempt.
Will I Get Deported If I Go To The Emergency Room Or Use Emergency Medi-Cal?
No! This type of emergency service is not considered under public charge.
I’m Pregnant And Not A U.S. Citizen. Will I Have Problems With Immigration If I Use Medi-Cal?
The new rule will look at the use of Medicaid but does not include Medicaid for pregnant women or children under 21. In California, people who are not applying for a green card through a family member do not have to worry about being a public charge.
I Was Injured On The Job And Receiving Payments From My Employer because I Can’t Work. Will This Create Problems For Me If I Apply For A Green Card Or To Become A Citizen?
No! Benefits that a person earns through their jobs, such as worker’s compensation or unemployment benefits, don’t count against the person in a public charge test.
Will I Have Problems, If I Get Help From A Domestic Violence Shelter, A Food Pantry, Church, Mosque, or Synagogue?
No! Services available to the community as a whole or without an income requirement will not make someone a public charge.
Things To Remember
If you and your family members already have green cards: Public Charge and any changes to it has NO impact on you.
If you are applying for or have one of the following statuses – U.S. Citizenship or TPS, U or T Visa, Asylum or Refugee status, or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status: Public Charge test does NOT apply to some immigrants listed here. Benefits received while you are in this status will not be counted against you in the future, even if you apply for a green card on another basis.
If your family plans to apply for a green card or visa outside the United States: U.S. consular offices abroad use different rules in making their decisions. Talk with an expert for advice in your case before making any decisions in dealing with the ever-changing U.S. immigration policies on Public Charge.
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African Immigrants in the United States of America
Part III
The Trump administration recently announced it will be harder for some people to receive certain visas or a green card through a family member if they use Medi-Cal, SNAP, and subsidized housing. The change to the ‘Public Charge’ is what we are discussing. Not everyone needs to worry about the new public charge rule.
The Dilemmas of the New Public Charge Rule - Part III
A Four-Part Series
Five Things To Know About Public charge
The Trump administration recently announced it will be harder for some people to receive certain visas or a green card through a family member if they use Medi-Cal, SNAP, and subsidized housing. The change to the ‘Public Charge’ is what we are discussing. Not everyone needs to worry about the new public charge rule.
If you are a Green Card holder (lawful permanent resident)
Generally, people who already have a green card are not affected by 'public charge.'
There is no public charge test to renew a green card.
Green card holders cannot be deported simply for using public benefits. Very difficult for the government to deport a green card holder being a ‘public charge.’
This public charge rule could apply if a permanent resident leaves the United States for more than 180 days during one trip. The government can ask questions to see if the person is a ‘public charge’ upon returning to the U.S. Green cardholders need to speak to a trusted immigration attorney or an accredited representative before they embark on a trip that will keep them out of the U.S. for more than 180 days.
There is no public charge test to apply for citizenship. However, an immigration official might ask you questions about receiving public benefits to figure out if you received benefits when you were not eligible for it. Warning: You should review your public benefits history with a trusted legal representative before applying for citizenship.
IF YOU ARE UNDOCUMENTED
Each state has its rules. The State of California does not tell Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when you sign up for a public benefit.
If you are not eligible to apply for a green card now, there is no reason to give up the needed benefits.
The public charge test only affects some people who are applying for a green card through a family sponsor or petition or applying for certain temporary visas abroad. The new changes to public charge only affect applications filed in the U.S. on or after October 15, 2019.
Some immigrants do not have to worry about a public charge test. These people can use public benefits without problems because the public charge doesn’t apply to them. These people include:
Refugees, asylees, and people applying for asylum
People applying for a U visa (victims of crime), T visa (victims of trafficking), VAWA (certain victims of domestic violence), and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected)
People applying for a green card based on already having a U visa, T visa, VAWA, asylum, or refugee status
People renewing TPS or DACA
Anyone who wants to submit an immigration application should work with a trusted immigration attorney, an accredited representative, to prepare a strong application.
IF YOU WANT TO SPONSOR A FAMILY MEMBER TO COME TO THE U.S.
There is no public test to naturalize. You can become a U.S. citizen even if you have used benefits or need a fee waiver for your application. There is no public charge test to renew a green card.
You can sponsor a family member and still use public benefits.
If you are sponsoring your family member and do not have enough income to support your family member, you can add a second (“joint”) sponsor who has enough income to support the family member. Important: Review your family member’s financial documentation with a trusted immigration attorney, or accredited representative, to prepare a strong application, and decide whether joint sponsor needed.
If a family member is going to a visa interview inside the U.S., only your family member’s use of certain benefits can be counted against them.
On the other hand, if your family member is going to a visa interview outside the U.S. at a consulate, your use of benefits might show that you cannot financially support your family member. In this case, a joint sponsor might be needed. Talk with a trusted attorney or accredited representative to help prepare the case.
The final article 'Dilemmas of the New Public Charge Rule - Part IV' will be in the next publication.
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African Immigrants in the United States of America
Part II
The rule also considers that all use of cash aid, including not just Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and SSI but also any state or local cash assistance program, could make an individual inadmissible under the public charge ground.
The
Dilemmas of the New Public Charge Rule - Part II
A Four-Part Series
What’s In The New Rule?
While the test for whether someone is likely at any time to become a public charge will still be prospective as required by the statute, the new rule redefines the definition of a public charge. Instead of assessing whether an applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for income support, the new rule defines a public charge as a person who receives any number of public benefits for more than an aggregate of 12 months over 36 months period. Each benefit used, counts toward the 12-month calculation. If the applicant receives two different benefits in one month, it counts as two-months use of benefits.
The rule expands the list of publicly-funded programs that immigration officers may consider when deciding whether someone is likely to become a public charge. Under the new rule, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps), 'Section-8' housing assistance, and federally subsidized housing will be used as evidence that a green card or visa applicant, is inadmissible under the public charge ground.
The rule also considers that all use of cash aid, including not just Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and SSI but also any state or local cash assistance program, could make an individual inadmissible under the public charge ground.
Benefits received by family members of the immigrant will still not be considered in the public charge determination. Additionally, Medicaid received by applicants while under age 21 or while pregnant is not considered. Also, the rule does not change long-standing policies that allow immigrants to access emergency medical care and disaster relief without public charge repercussions.
It is very important to remember that prior receipt of benefits is only one factor in the public charge determination. The new rule sets out criteria for considering several factors in assessing the likelihood that a person will need more than 12 months of public assistance in aggregate over 36 months in the future. The rule also elaborates on criteria for considering financial status, family size, age, education, skills, and employment, among others.
The rule allows immigration officers to consider English proficiency (positive), or lack of English proficiency (negative), medical conditions and availability of private health insurance, and past use of immigration fee waivers. The rule requires immigrants to attach a Declaration of Self-Sufficiency when applying for a green card in addition to the many forms already required.
The rule creates “heavily weighted negative factors” and a couple of “heavily weighted positive factors.”
It is a heavily weighted negative factor to receive more than 12 months of public benefits in the aggregate over the 36 months before applying for adjustment or admission. Heavily weighted positive factors include having a household income of at least 250% of the federal poverty level ($64,375 for a family of 4) and having private health insurance. It is not clear to me how an officer should decide a case that has a heavily weighted factor or both heavily weighted negative and positive factors.
Bonds are possible where an immigration officer finds inadmissibility based on public charge. Bonds will be highly discretionary. The new rule says that heavily weighted negative factors in a case will generally make an applicant ineligible for a bond.
'Dilemmas of the New Public Charge Rule - Part III' will be in the next publication.
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African Immigrants in the United States of America
A Four-Part Series
About 2.1 million Africans migrated to the United States of America in 2018, according to official records. This number increases to 4.2 million when those from the Caribbean nations, included.
The Dilemmas of the New Public Charge Rule - Part I
A Four-Part Series
About 2.1 million Africans migrated to the United States of America in 2018, according to official records. This number increases to 4.2 million when those from the Caribbean nations, included.
Top countries of origin for African immigrants were Nigeria 221,000 (14 percent); Ethiopia 164,000 (10 percent); Egypt 143,000 (9 percent); Ghana 121,000 (8 percent). Altogether constituting 41 percent. Four States have more than 100,000 African born immigrants: New York has 164,000; California 155,000; Texas 134,000 and Maryland 120,000.
Approximately 68,000 African born immigrants reside in the Greater Los Angeles area. For the past; 10 years, those who recently immigrated are predominantly refugees. About 27 percent. Those who escaped civil wars and ethnic conflicts in their various countries of origin.
What is Public Charge?
A public charge has historically been a person dependent on the government for financial and material support.
With the new rule, it now becomes a test to determine if someone applying for permanent residence through a relative or a visa to enter the United States is likely to depend on public benefits in the future.
On August 14, 2019, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule related to public charge in the Federal Register. The Public Charge rule which, was to take effect as of October 15, 2019, became enforced after the US Supreme Court on January 27, 2020, lifted a nationwide injunction barring implementation.
The new rule will mainly impact those seeking permanent residence (green card) status through family member petitions, or, for a visa to enter the United States. No other types of immigration cases impacted. It is advisable immigrants consult with immigration experts who understand the public charge rule, to learn whether the public charge applies to them or their families. Many categories of immigrants are exempt from public charge.
Public Charge Exemptions
Refugees and Asylees
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) a special way for minors currently in the US to adjust their status and become permanent residents.
U Visa – Set aside for victims of crimes and their immediate family members.
VAWA self-petitioners –Violence Against Women Act
T Visa – These are visas for victims of human trafficking
DACA applicants – Deferred action for childhood arrivals. However, if they later apply for a green card through a family member, they will have to go through a public charge test.
TPS applicants – Temporary Protected Status: designated countries
Most legal permanent residents - unless you travel outside of the US for more than 180 days.
US citizens
Others – Amerasians; Afghan and Iraqi military translators; certain Cuban and Haitian adjustment applicants; certain Nicaraguans; and Central Americans under NACARA- The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act passed in 1997; Soviet and Southeast Asian Lautenberg parolees.
A Few Important Points Regarding the Public Charge
The new rule interprets a provision of the immigration and Nationality Act (INA) about inadmissibility. The inadmissibility ground at issue... a person is inadmissible if they are likely to become a public charge. INA 212(a)(4) applies to individuals seeking admission into the United States or applying for adjustment of status. The provision of the law does not apply to all immigrants, as stated.
Public Charge and this rule do not apply in the naturalization process, through which lawful permanent residents apply to become United States citizens.
What Is The Current Law?
Currently, immigration officers decide public charge by evaluating whether an applicant for a green card or an individual seeking to enter the United States on certain visas is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support. Primary dependence refers to reliance on cash-aid for income support or long term care paid for by the government.
To decide whether an individual is a public charge, immigration officers rely on multiple factors specified in the INA. They must also rely on the “affidavit of support,” which is a contract signed by the immigrant’s sponsor, indicating that the sponsor will financially support the immigrant. This affidavit of support offers strong evidence that the immigrant will not become primarily dependent on the government.
Under existing policy, immigration officers also consider whether an immigrant applying for a green card or admission to the United States has used cash aid such as “Welfare” or “SSI” (Supplemental Security Income) or long-term institutionalized care in the past. Immigrants who have used this form of assistance will have to show that it is not likely they will need these resources for support in the future.
The use of publicly-funded health care, nutrition, and housing programs are not currently considered negative factors for purposes of public charge. Beginning October 15th, 2019, according to the new rule, some of these benefits will be considered in the public charge determination. It must be noted that this is a drastic change from the longstanding policy.
Also, the new rule will apply only to adjustment of status applications postmarked on or after October 15th, 2019. It will not affect pending applications postmarked before that date.
Individuals seeking to enter the United States apply at consulates abroad. At these consulates, the officers use what is referred to as the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) as guidance on how to make decisions.
'Dilemmas of the New Public Charge Rule - Part II' will be in the next publication.
A Rock And A Hard Place
In this year's presidential election, the immigration issues, and the horrific treatment of migrants will be central. Our collective psyche indelibly scarred by the horrific images of migrant children in cages, family separation, and the intolerable conditions at the southern border. Caught in this transnational vortex are many African migrants whose plight has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.
By Angela Brooks
With a philosophy of maximum cruelty
By Angela Brooks
In this year's presidential election, the immigration issues, and the horrific treatment of migrants will be central. Our collective psyche indelibly scarred by the horrific images of migrant children in cages, family separation, and the intolerable conditions at the southern border. Caught in this transnational vortex are many African migrants whose plight has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.
African migrants hoping to reach the US
Cutting off much-needed aid to countries in Central America and Africa has only magnified the problem. If the Trump administration thought its actions would stem the migrant tide allied with the philosophy of maximum cruelty, it has proven to be inept and chaotic. These refugees fled their home nations for a myriad of reasons, including war, poverty, and economic opportunity. However, the reality for many has been a nightmare. Instead of reaching American utopia, their dreams have stalled as detainees in Mexican migrant camps.
The squalid conditions have engendered new threats against African migrants trying to survive a hostile environment.
Apart from the language barrier, migrants face overt racism, violence, and threats from human traffickers.
In late 2019, a California Representative Karen Bass led a delegation to the Mexican border, where she highlighted the plight of this downtrodden class. We can only hope that the congresswoman’s fierce activism changes the narrative of the public perception of this crisis.
Immigration
On 12th August 2018, J Reynold Weeks joined five other members (Joanne Van Hook, Addie Stokes, Bobby Fromer, Melinda Hunter, and Becky Sivalingam) of the Lancaster United Methodist Church of Southern California (USA) in a visit to Christ Ministries Center in San Diego California run by Rev. Dr. Bill Jenkins a 2016 Amnesty International’s Digna Ochoa Human Rights Defender Award recipient.
Immigration
Photo Courtesy: John Moore/Getty Images
Dr. Jenkins is from rural Mississippi and has a passion for helping those who find themselves caught up in the current immigration quagmire.
Under the leadership of Pastor Bill Jenkins, a United Methodist clergyman, Christ Ministry Center is part of the “Safe Harbors Network” an ecumenical humanitarian ministry. It is also a United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and a Church World Service Agency.
The Safe Harbors Network supports and guides churches, organizations, and individuals who are committed to sheltering “documented” refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers. “Documented” means they have legal papers provided by the U.S. Immigration Court providing legal U.S. residence until their court hearing. More on the Safe Harbors Network.
In a separate HuffPost article October 8, 2018, former Secretary of State Colin Powell criticized President Donald Trump for placing himself rather than the American people at the center of the nation. Powell justifies his assertion Trump has changed the read on the First Amendment of the US Constitution "we the people" to "me the president." As for immigration, "the world is watching," the former secretary of state warned. More About This.