Weekly News and Events from the Immigration Liaison

Immigration Services affected by the Government Shutdown

The partial government shutdown that began on December 22nd affects some of the immigration services provided by the Department of Homeland Security (see https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/federal-government/heres-how-the-government-shutdown-affects-the-department-of-homeland-security/).

Because they are deemed essential law enforcement officers, most Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will continue to work without paychecks until the shutdown ends and they receive back pay (see https://www.dhs.gov/publication/lapse-funding-dhs). ICE and CBP have placed a notice on their websites stating that the sites will not be updated, that transactions submitted via the website might not be processed, and that they may not be able to respond to inquiries until the shutdown ends (see https://www.ice.gov/lapse-federal-funding-impact-ice-website-operations-notice and https://www.cbp.gov/).

USCIS, because it is funded mainly by the fees paid by immigrants and their sponsors is not affected by the government shutdown and will continue most of its operations (see https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/lapse-federal-funding-does-not-impact-most-uscis-operations).

USCIS states that "all individuals should attend interviews and appointments as scheduled. USCIS will continue to accept petitions and applications for benefit requests", with a few exceptions.

The staff of Immigration Courts handling the non-detained docket are on furlough, but the judges and staff at Immigration Courts handling detained cases are still working and these courts remain open.

Servicios de Inmigración afectadas por el cierre del Gobierno

El cierre del gobierno parcial que empezó el día 22 de diciembre afecta algunos entidades del departamento de seguridad interna (DHS).

Los oficiales de ICE y de la patrulla fronteriza (CBP) seguirán en el trabajo, pero sin recibir su sueldo hasta que se resuelva el cierre del gobierno. Ambas entidades advierten en sus sitios de web, que la información no se actualizará hasta que el cierre del gobierno se termine. Tambien es importante saber que no pueden procesar transacciones ni responder a preguntas hasta que se reanuden operaciones. (Véase https://www.ice.gov/lapse-federal-funding-impact-ice-website-operations-notice y https://www.cbp.gov/).

La mayoría de los empleados del servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración (USCIS) seguirán trabajando, ya que los fondos de la entidad vienen de las cuotas que cobran a los inmigrantes y no del presupuesto federal. USCIS indica que las personas que tienen citas y entrevistas con USCIS deben de asistirlos, y sus oficinas recibirán peticiones y solicitudes.

Solamente los tribunales (cortes) de inmigración que atienden a casos de inmigrantes que están detenidos siguen trabajando. Los demás tribunales están suspendidos y los jueces tienen prohíbo ejercer su labores.

Leer más: https://www.univision.com/san-antonio/kwex/noticias/inmigracion/ironica-consecuencia-cierre-del-gobierno-afecta-a-las-cortes-migratorias-la-patrulla-fronteriza-y-al-sistema-e-verify

Rivard Report Comment by Viridiana Carrizales calling for better opportunities for immigrant students

The Rivard Report published a great opinion piece authored by Viridiana Carrizales of ImmSchools. Viri tells us her how her life story inspired her to work to provide information to immigrant families and students so that they can succeed in school and realize their full potential. Please share this excellent piece with your friends, family, and neighbors and join Viri in making our schools a welcoming place for immigrant students.

https://therivardreport.com/how-being-undocumented-inspired-me-to-seek-educational-access-for-all/

National Migration Week is January 6th - 12th 2019.

For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2019, “Building Communities of Welcome” draws attention to the fact that each of our families have a migration story, some recent and others in the distant past. Regardless of where we are and where we came from, we remain part of the human family and are called to live in solidarity with one another.

For more information on National Migration Week: https://justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/national-migration-week/

For a toolkit on taking action during National Migration Week: https://justiceforimmigrants.org/2016site/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Final-NMW-Toolkit-2019.pdf

La Semana Nacional de Migración se celebrará el 6 - 12 de enero de 2019.

Durante casi medio siglo, la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos ha celebrado la Semana Nacional de Migración, que es una oportunidad para la Iglesia a reflexionar sobre las circunstancias que enfrentan los migrantes, incluidos los inmigrantes, los refugiados, los niños y las víctimas y sobrevivientes de la trata de personas. El tema de la Semana Nacional de Migración 2019 “Construir comunidades de bienvenida” llama la atención sobre el hecho de que cada una de nuestras familias tienen una historia de migración, algunos recientes y otros en el pasado distante. Independientemente de dónde somos y de dónde venimos, seguimos siendo parte de la familia humana y estamos llamados a vivir en solidaridad unos con otros.

Para mayores informes sobre La Semana Nacional de Migración: https://justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/national-migration-week/#

Clases de preparación para la ciudadanía gratuitas en la Biblioteca Bazan

Un curso de preparación para la ciudadanía gratuita empezará el 1 de febrero. El horario es de 10am – 1pm cada viernes y duran 16 semanas. Las clases se imparten el centro de enseñanza de la Biblioteca Bazan, ubicado en el 2200 W. Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78207. Es necesario inscribirse por teléfono al: 210-207-9168.

Dream Week 2019 January 11th-26th

Dreamweek.org

Compassion at a National Level Jan. 29th 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Join the Faith Based Initiative on January 29, 2018, 1:30 – 4:30 pm, at Little Carver @ Carver Community Center, 216 N. Hackberry. Ben O’Dell, Faith Liaison with the US Department of Health and Human Services will be presenting and facilitating the next Compassion in Action Lab. Bringing research and models that are working across the country. Free and Open to the public. Bring a team from your congregation or organization. For more information please contact Ann Helmke: 210-207-5036.

Compasión a Nivel Nacional 29 de enero – 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Únase a la Iniciativa de las comunidades de Fe en la taller de Compasión En Acción dirigido por Ben O’Dell, coordinador de comunidades de Fe del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos. El evento se llevará a cabo el 29 de enero, de 1:30pm – 4:30pm en el Centro Comunitario Little Carver, 216 N. Hackberry, San Antonio, TX 78202. El evento es gratuito y de libre acceso al público. Para informes comuníquese con Ann Helmke: 210-207-5036.

Migrant Center for Human Rights call for Volunteer Teachers for their Human Rights Learning Project.

The Migrant Center for Human Rights is looking for volunteer teachers to participate in their Human Rights Learning Project (HRLP). The HRLP pairs volunteer guest teachers with San Antonio High Schools to lead classes with students on hot topics in immigration law and policy. They are currently hosting Refugee Workshops which brings awareness to young people on refugees, develops critical thinking skills, and engages students to action.

If you are interested in volunteering as a teacher, please write a cover letter to the Migrant Center explaining why you would like to participate in this program and discussing your relevant experience including experience 1) teaching; 2) working on human rights issues; 3) other community and advocacy work. You can send your letter to: work.with.us@migrantcenter.org.

Vera Institute Report on San Antonio's Immigrant Community

Do you want to know how many San Antonio children with an immigrant parent are U.S. citizens? Do you want to know how many San Antonio residents are at risk of deportation? Take a look at the fact sheet prepared by the Vera Institute and share with your friends!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QB8wv2bcd-k5q2uOrgoYjz_oUriJN7v7

Want to Learn about the US Immigration System? Pew Research is offering a free email course

The Pew Research Center is offering a free five-part email course answering the following questions: who are U.S. immigrants? How has immigration changed the U.S. – and how will it do so in the future? Who are legal immigrants and who are unauthorized ones?

Take a look at the description of the course and sign up at the following link:

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/10/16/want-to-understand-u-s-immigration-weve-got-an-email-course-for-you/

Do you have news you want to share?

Please email it to the Immigration Liaison: tino.gallegos@sanantonio.gov

Have a great week!