Lord, what next? - This new but little-known immigration program seeks to reunite Central American families in U.S.
From The Washington Post:
The Obama administration in recent months has rolled out a new but little-known program that allows Central American immigrants who reside legally in the United States to bring family members to the country.
The new policy applies to children from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador who face harm from violence and other dangers. Admission is also possible for spouses and grandchildren of immigrants in some cases.
The State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services implemented the program in December. Vice President Joe Biden first announced it at a summit on economic development with Central American leaders in November, but the administration has barely promoted the initiative domestically aside from posting announcements and details on agency Web sites.
Officials say the change is necessary to prevent children from risking their lives to cross the border and protect them from exploitation by smuggling networks.
Obama announced plans in November to defer deportation for an estimated 4 million undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and legal residents who have lived in the country for at least five years.
Conservatives lashed out at the administration for changing major immigration policies without congressional approval. The White House contends that Obama used his executive authorities in the same manner as past presidents, including Republicans.
A federal court ordered a temporary hold on the program in February after 26 Republican-run states challenged the executive actions. The Justice Department is appealing the decision, but Obama has agreed to comply with it.
The Obama administration in recent months has rolled out a new but little-known program that allows Central American immigrants who reside legally in the United States to bring family members to the country.
The new policy applies to children from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador who face harm from violence and other dangers. Admission is also possible for spouses and grandchildren of immigrants in some cases.
The State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services implemented the program in December. Vice President Joe Biden first announced it at a summit on economic development with Central American leaders in November, but the administration has barely promoted the initiative domestically aside from posting announcements and details on agency Web sites.
Officials say the change is necessary to prevent children from risking their lives to cross the border and protect them from exploitation by smuggling networks.
Obama announced plans in November to defer deportation for an estimated 4 million undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and legal residents who have lived in the country for at least five years.
Conservatives lashed out at the administration for changing major immigration policies without congressional approval. The White House contends that Obama used his executive authorities in the same manner as past presidents, including Republicans.
A federal court ordered a temporary hold on the program in February after 26 Republican-run states challenged the executive actions. The Justice Department is appealing the decision, but Obama has agreed to comply with it.
posted by Sid Cottingham | 5:57 PM
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