Some people in Kentucky may be concerned about recent changes to immigration law and wonder if they or their loved ones could be deported. In February, hundreds of immigrants were detained in several cities across the country. On Feb. 16, three Democratic senators introduced a bill that would overturn an Executive Order that called for the deportation of many more immigrants and the withholding of funding for sanctuary cities. Some employers may be concerned as well since the deportations could result in a labor shortage.
Senators sponsor immigration bill
Executive order may prevent individuals from entering U.S.
Kentucky residents may have heard of a concept called advance parole. It allows individuals applying for permanent residency in the United States to return to the country after traveling overseas. Parole may be granted to asylees or those who are in the United States as part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. However, President Donald Trump may sign an executive order that could make it harder for individuals to use advance parole to reenter the country.
Deportation policy differences from Obama to Trump nuanced
No one in Kentucky would argue that U.S. policy on deportation of undocumented immigrants hasn't undergone a change. Raids by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency across the country resulted in the arrests of nearly 700 individuals. Many are calling it a mass enforcement operation.
Riding out political change regarding H1-B visas
Some time ago, before Jeff Sessions was confirmed as the new Attorney General of the United States, he petitioned former Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate companies throughout the nation regarding their use of the H1-B visa program. If you or your family member has crossed borders into this country through the program, you know the process is complex and challenging at best and wrought with problems that have left many immigrants worried about their statuses and way of life in America.
There's more to immigrant sanctuary than some label
There is a great deal of emotional upheaval in Kentucky and the rest of the country over the state of federal policy on immigration. The Trump administration has suffered a setback from the courts on its efforts to curtail travel by individuals from majority Muslim countries. At the same time, the president has issued a warning that his administration is prepared to cut federal funds to local jurisdictions identified as so-called "sanctuary cities" and step up action on deportations.
Concerning immigration, hope remains in the rule of law
This is a tough time for immigrants in Kentucky. One big reason for this is the confusion that has reigned since the president signed his executive order suddenly restricting movements of individuals from seven Muslim countries. The order doesn't specifically speak to possible efforts to deport individuals already in the U.S., but it would be naïve to suggest that there's no reason for them to be concerned.
