Current trends in Immigration
The immigration system has been decimated by the corona virus. All court hearings have been postponed. The detainee population is in serious danger of being subjected to infection and possibly death. The DHS is largely unresponsive for requests for parole even if detainees have tested positive. Although some federal judges have ordered that ICE release detainees, many remain detained. They could be facing a death sentence for non capitol offense. All court hearings have been postponed.
On the other hand, the President has proclaimed that many countries are under a travel ban and cannot enter the United States. While there are some limited exceptions, this places an extremely difficult situation for the family members in the United States who are either U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.
Finally, applicants for adjustment of status must now file another complicated form - form I-944- which includes a credit score. There are many applicants who have not yet established credit and therefore have no credit scores. This may present an insurmountable barrier. There is also the requirement for some sort of proof of health insurance. Also, many applicants do not have this either.
The farm workers present another chapter in the history of U.S. Immigration. While we are in the midst of a pandemic, there is real and current danger of food shortages. Obviously the workers who till the fields, plant the seeds, grow the crops and harvest the fruit and vegetables are “Front Line Workers”. However, they are afforded little or no protections..They are housed in over crowded conditions, not provided personal protection and can and will be fired if the they complain. They risk deportation at every moment and separation from family members who may be U.S. children, spouses and parents.
Although the President has declared that visas are available to bring in farm workers from overseas, there is little or no protection for existing workers. Many of these people are from Mexico. ICE can simply pick them up and deport them in a matter of hours, without a hearing of any sort.