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San Diego leaders demand change after child placed into federal custody

San Diego leaders demand change after child placed into federal custody

Officials say the 8-year-old "fell victim" to the Trump administration's termination of TPS. Here's what they want changed for children.

Trump says his deportation policy 'might have been too tough' for voters in the election

Trump says his deportation policy 'might have been too tough' for voters in the election

President Donald Trump said he thinks his administration was too aggressive on deportations

U.S. Deportation Defense: Navigating Complex Immigration Laws and Removal Proceedings

U.S. Deportation Defense: Navigating Complex Immigration Laws and Removal Proceedings

Individuals facing deportation in the U.S. must navigate a complex legal system with specific rights, defenses, and deadlines. Deportation, legally termed 'removal,' involves a court process where an immigration judge determines whether a noncitizen can be removed from the country. The government initiates these proceedings by filing a Notice to Appear (NTA), outlining the alleged facts and legal grounds for removal. Key defenses include challenging the government's charges, applying for relief such as asylum or cancellation of removal, and protecting one's rights if detained. Asylum protects individuals fearing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group, typically requiring filing within one year of arrival. Cancellation of removal allows some long-term residents to avoid deportation and potentially obtain a green card, with specific requirements regarding continuous presence, good moral character, and hardship to U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members....

Deportation flight of Iranians from US scuttled at last minute, attorney says

Deportation flight of Iranians from US scuttled at last minute, attorney says

A U.S. deportation flight of at least eight Iranian nationals who were eventually bound for Iran has been abruptly canceled

USCIS Introduces New Moral Character Disqualifiers for Naturalization Applicants

USCIS Introduces New Moral Character Disqualifiers for Naturalization Applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has issued a new policy memo on November 4, 2026, outlining additional criteria that can disqualify lawful permanent residents from meeting the 'good moral character' requirement for naturalization. Previously, good moral character was primarily assessed based on a clean criminal record, tax compliance, and support for dependents. The new memo expands this scrutiny to include an applicant's entire immigration history, even prior to obtaining a Green Card. Significantly, applicants will now be questioned about their adherence to obligations stemming from Affidavits of Support submitted for sponsoring foreign nationals. If a sponsored immigrant is found to have become dependent on welfare, the naturalization applicant could face questions regarding their moral character and potential liability for government funds disbursed to the sponsored individual. Furthermore, if the applicant themselves received public a...

Asylum Seekers Face Detention and Legal Hurdles While Awaiting Decisions in the U.S.

Asylum Seekers Face Detention and Legal Hurdles While Awaiting Decisions in the U.S.

Individuals fleeing danger in their home countries and seeking protection in the United States are categorized as asylum seekers while their applications are pending. These individuals, often referred to as 'illegal immigrants' by some, are in the initial stages of a process that could lead to asylee status and eventually citizenship. U.S. law permits asylum seekers to apply for work permits, enabling them to legally support themselves during the lengthy adjudication process. However, despite having valid work permits, some asylum seekers are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A specific case highlights a Honduran teenager fleeing gang violence who, despite having a valid work permit, was arrested and detained by ICE, leading him to withdraw his asylum request and return to his home country due to the prospect of indefinite detention. This illustrates a significant challenge within the current asylum system, where individuals are often locked up in immigration prisons, which are d...

Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Released from ICE Custody Following Detention

Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Released from ICE Custody Following Detention

Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, a 21-year-old South African-born Wisconsin State Patrol trooper, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on November 6, according to his attorney, Marc Christopher. Van Der Merwe, who holds a valid work permit, was detained on November 5 by federal immigration agents while traveling to visit family. He was released under an order of supervision, which mandates periodic check-ins with ICE and likely electronic monitoring. Van Der Merwe came to the U.S. with his family at age 14 on visas, and his family's asylum case has been pending for seven years. His work authorization is valid until 2030. Rep. Derrick Van Orden intervened on Van Der Merwe's behalf, contacting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to discuss the case. A spokesperson for Van Orden stated that authorities would work to resolve his immigration paperwork and legal status. ICE asserts that Van Der Merwe overstayed his visitor's visa, which his attorney disputes, ...

Wisconsin trooper released from ICE custody after 'dramatic experience'

Wisconsin trooper released from ICE custody after 'dramatic experience'

A Wisconsin state trooper who came to the U.S. from South Africa as a teen was released from ICE custody. He has a work permit and an asylum case.

Wisconsin State Trooper Detained by ICE Amid Asylum Application

Wisconsin State Trooper Detained by ICE Amid Asylum Application

Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, a 21-year-old Wisconsin State Trooper, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at an airport while attempting to board a domestic flight. Van Der Merwe, who came to the United States from South Africa as a child, is currently in federal immigration detention at the Dodge County Detention Facility. His immigration attorney, Marc Christopher, states that Van Der Merwe holds a federal work permit and has a pending asylum application, which his family has been pursuing for seven years. ICE, however, stated that Van Der Merwe entered the country in March 2019 with legal permission to stay until September 2019 but overstayed his admission. ICE further clarified that work authorization does not confer legal status and that Van Der Merwe will receive due process while remaining in custody pending removal proceedings. Wisconsin State Patrol hiring rules permit non-citizens with valid work authorization to serve as troopers.

Inside how Trump's migrant detention warehouse plan fell apart

Inside how Trump's migrant detention warehouse plan fell apart

The federal government bought massive warehouses for detention centers before answering basic questions about sewage, safety and local support.

Haitian third-grader taken into federal custody after immigration check-in

Haitian third-grader taken into federal custody after immigration check-in

School leaders are demanding answers after immigration officials took an 8-year-old from his uncle. They say they don’t know where he is.

Buckeyes' hopes of third straight CFP all but die with home loss to Oregon. Alabama makes statement

Buckeyes' hopes of third straight CFP all but die with home loss to Oregon. Alabama makes statement

Ohio State probably played its way out of a third straight appearance in the College Football Playoff with its 41-28 home loss to Oregon