On Feb. 15, President Donald Trump made the decision to declare a national emergency as he promised he would would do if Democrats failed to pony up the money necessary for him to get his border wall built. Now that he's declared an emergency, it has left many Louisiana lawmakers wondering whether funding for some of their important pet projects in New Orleans will be withdrawn.
Trump's border wall plans move ahead: What it means for Louisiana
Immigration sting a pall over international student visa program
Recent reports detail a sting operation that was set up by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its target was those involved in an immigrant student visa scam, and the consequences might have a chilling effect for international students seeking to enroll in educational programs all over the country.
No action on DACA, but get renewals in quickly
If you are a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, this week's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court bought you a little extra time. The land's highest court declined to take any action on the present administration's petition to abolish the DACA program for the participants known as "Dreamers."
What is on a United States citizenship test?
You want to immigrate to the United States with the eventual goal of becoming a citizen. You know that means you'll have to take a citizenship test at some point, and you're planning ahead. What is on that test and what do you need to know?
Visa categories for family members: What to know
Do you have family members who want to come to the United States? There are a handful of visa categories specifically set up for this purpose, which are distinctly different from other categories, such as those set up for employment-based immigration. It's important to know exactly what visa to request based on your current circumstances and relationship.
Don't make officials think you're lying about your goals
Border officials have a lot of power in the United States. They can and do turn many people away each and every day.
Authorities use tear gas, shut down border crossing
One of the main entries into the United States is the San Ysidro Port of Entry. U.S. authorities recently shut down the border crossing and used tear gas on those trying to come across.
Immigration petitions for battered individuals
The unfortunate reality is that some individuals in the United States suffer from physical abuse and battery at the hands of family members. The abusers and their victims may be either permanent residents or citizens. Abusers may try to use their victims' status to keep them quiet if the victim is not a permanent resident or a citizen yet. Abusers realize that the family connection is an important part of the immigration process.
Which family members can you file a petition for?
The two main ways that immigrants enter the United States are for employment reasons or family ties. There are other options, but they see far less traffic.
The percentage of immigrants has almost never been higher
There are more immigrants living in the United States right now than at any other time in the country's history. Reports show that the record was reached back in 2016, when there were about 43.7 million foreign-born individuals living in the country.
