President Donald Trump signed a memorandum Feb. 6 to calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, in conjunction with secretary of state, attorney general, and director of national intelligence to establish a National Vetting Center. “The United States must protect its people from terrorist attacks and other public safety threats,” the memo stated. “Vetting […]
Immigration
McCain-Coons Immigration Bill Falls Short for Trump
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) announced Feb. 5 his intention, along with Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) to introduce new immigration legislation, and President Trump almost immediately rebuffed it. “Our legislation, which already has broad support in the House of Representatives, would address the most urgent priorities of protecting Dreamers, strengthening border security, alleviating the backlog in […]
DHS Extends Syria’s Temporary Protected Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Jan. 31 the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 7,000 Syrians. “Syrians with TPS status will be eligible to re-register for an extension of their status for 18 months, through September 30, 2019,” the DHS release said. “Prior to the conclusion of the 18-month extension, the […]
DHS Unveils New Refugee Admission Enhancements
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Jan 29 new security enhancements for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Among the recommendations were enhanced screening for individuals from “high-risk” countries, executing the program “in a more risk-based manner when considering the overall refugee admissions ceiling, regional allocations, and the groups of applicants considered for resettlement,” […]
Trump Plan Requires Wall, Includes DACA Path
The White House released its immigration reform framework Jan. 25, emphasizing border security, but also would allow a path to citizenship for nearly two million Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)-eligible illegal immigrants. Border security provisions in the framework include a $25 billion border wall trust fund, increased Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel, and […]