TASK FORCE INFORMATION:

>> 2021-2022 Meeting Room for the Task Force:  The Congregational Church of Needham has again graciously agreed to allow us the use of its library for our monthly meetings, at no charge.  Thanks to Val for contacting the Church.

>> U Visa info:  At our last meeting we had a very brief discussion about the Task Force joining the Domestic Violence Committee to assist immigrants who may be married to US Citizens or Green Card holders and were or are subject to domestic violence.  You may be interested in the following information from USCIS.  SEE: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-and-other-crimes/victims-of-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status BIDEN ADMINISTRATION NEWS          That was a good week for immigrants!

 >> In actions on June 16, that will benefit thousands,  AG Garland vacated two earlier decisions from former attorneys general Jeff Sessions and William Barr that limited asylum for victims of domestic violence as well as those seeking asylum based on ties to persecuted family members — something that could be particularly important to those from countries with serious gang violence. The Hill has an excellent article about AG Garland vacating two Trump era restrictions on eligibility for asylum.  See:    https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/558801-garland-strikes-down-trump-era-immigration-decisions
>> Scoop: White House eyes ending migrant family expulsion by July 31:

Axios reports on June 21 that the White House is considering ending—as early as July 31—the use of a Trump-era public health order that’s let U.S. border officials quickly turn back migrant families to Mexico. The policy, known as Title 42, has resulted in tens of thousands of migrant family members, including asylum seekers, being sent back, as well as thousands of children then separating from their families to cross into the United States alone.  SEE:  https://www.axios.com/scoop-white-house-eyes-ending-migrant-family-expulsion-b6d0a178-001e-41e8-9f5b-17cc7547cccc.html?utm_campaign=HubSpot-AILA8-06-21-2021&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=135335267&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–bnQAHBe7_uRJPJAaBqLWCTRaeOccMpp4qIEGxNCEFqA07ydcaHUvOy1wGBRF8w-RED0QGIHnOJec4YKJhkrb-HyNR_w&utm_content=135335267&utm_source=hs_email

>> USCIS published a list of changes the BIDEN ADMINISTRATION has accomplished regarding naturalization, since taking office in January.  SEE:  https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/fact-sheets/EXA_NatzPoliciesFactSheet_06292021_SP_V2.pdf

NATIONAL NEWS:
>> Will has suggested members of the Task Force might be interested in a short video about the United States’ ability to accept more refugees.  SEE:  https://youtu.be/2kXKvtRGU7M

>> The George W Bush Presidential Center published an interesting article entitled, ”What Does Investment Tell Us About the Increase of Migrants at the US-Mexico Border?”  SEE: https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/articles/2021/06/investment-tell-us-about-increase-of-migrants-at-border.html
>>   Slate reported on June 30th that Biden Could Protect Tens of Thousands of Abused Immigrant Children from Deportation With One Small Fix
SEE: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/06/biden-sijs-humanitarian-status-immigration.html?utm_campaign
>> This is frightening when you consider the ramifications of private “hiring” the National Guard for political purposes: GOP donor funds South Dakota National Guard troops in Texas. SEE: the Politico story at:  https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/30/gop-donor-south-dakota-national-guard-texas-497163
 LOCAL NEWS:

>> On June 20th the Boston Globe Magazine published a compelling story about a Guatemalan citizen spent 3 ½ years in sanctuary in a Church in Amherst,MA.  SEE: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/17/magazine/about-be-deported-lucio-perez-found-sanctuary-mass-church-hed-live-there-over-3-years/

Enjoy the 4th, and let us all celebrate together.

Stay safe
Gerry Rovner