What’s Happening

Immigration Raids

Know Your Rights! Protect Yourself Against Immigration Raids

Immigration raids are the enforcement operations by the immigration authorities like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to locate and arrest individuals suspected of unlawfully residing in the county.

Immigration raids can be targeted at homes, public places, or workplaces of individuals, and when proven guilty, they can be arrested or lead to detention. Immigration raids can be highly disruptive and stressful for individuals and families facing separation, detention, and deportation. Individuals must understand their rights and seek legal assistance if an immigration raid targets them.

U.S. Immigration

U.S. Immigration Rules

The U.S. immigration rules are complex and constantly evolving. In general, there are several different ways that individuals can enter and remain in the United States legally, which include the following:

Family-based immigration

U.S. citizens or individuals lawfully permitted as permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor their family members for immigration.

Employment-based immigration

Individuals who have a job offer in the United States or possess certain skills and qualifications may be eligible for employment-based immigration.

Humanitarian immigration

Individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or other forms of harm in their home countries may be eligible for asylum or refugee status.

Diversity lottery

This is also called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program and is also called the green card lottery, which allows individuals from different countries to apply for a green card.

In addition to these, there are other immigration rules and regulations which allow or disallow the entry or stay of an individual in the U.S. They cover an array of topics from eligibility requirements to fees, documentation, and much more.

Hence it is important for individuals to understand the rights and responsibilities governing U.S. immigration policies and seek legal assistance whenever needed.

How to protect against immigration raids

Immigration raids occur when an individual unlawfully stays in the country without a record or permission from the law. In order to protect yourself against immigration raids, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

Know your rights

Once you are eligible for immigration underemployment or other factors, you need to understand the term, and if renewal is needed, contact the necessary authorities beforehand. It’s important to remain calm and not provide any false information to immigration officers.

immigration

Stay informed

You should be up-to-date on immigration policies and any changes that might affect your stay in the county.

Plan ahead

If you’re concerned about the possibility of an immigration raid, it’s important to have a plan in place. First, identify a trusted friend or family member who can support and assist and keep important documents and contact information safe.

Stay quiet

Despite following all procedures lawfully, if you’re still under immigration raid, it is best to stay quiet and seek an attorney first.

By Margaret, ago
U.S. Border Patrol

How to Become a U.S. Border Patrol Agent

A border Patrol agent is an honorable member of the U.S. military responsible for securing the borders of the U.S. with international lands, ports, water, and air. If you are interested in serving your country and maintaining its borders, a U.S. Border Patrol agent career may be a perfect fit for you.

However, the eligibility for being a part of the team is stringent. You need to consider the following mentioned in this article if you wish to stand a chance of becoming a border patrol agent.

Meet the eligibility requirements

Like any other profession, the job of a border patrol agent also has specifications and requirements, which is the first step of the process. You must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Should be of age between 18 to 40
  • Candidate should have a valid driver’s license
  • Should not have a criminal record
  • Should be physically and mentally fit and pass the fitness exam
  • Should clear the writing test, background investigation, and polygraph examination

Gain relevant experience

Although this is not mandatory, having relevant experience serving the country could work in your favor when you’re looking for a position as a border patrol agent. The relevant experience can be in law enforcement, border security, or the military. Additionally, having experience in a bilingual environment is a plus since many border agents interact with Spanish-speaking individuals.

Education requirements

The U.S. Border Patrol requires a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent to become a Border Patrol agent. However, having a college degree, especially in a relevant field like criminal justice, can give you an edge over other candidates.

U.S. Border Patrol

Applying for the position

Once you have met the eligibility criteria and passed the required exams, you can apply for the position. You can apply for the position through the U.S. CBP website. The application process involves submitting your resume, answering questions about your qualifications and experience, and completing an online assessment.

Tests and exams

Once your application is submitted, you have to take the following tests:

  • Written exam to access your knowledge in arithmetic, logical reasoning, and writing skill
  • Medical exam to ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to perform the duties of a Border Patrol Agent
  • Drug test
  • Physical test that includes push-ups, sit-ups, and running

Attend the BPA

If you pass all the above mentioned exams and assessments, you will be invited to a 117-day training program in Artesia, New Mexico. During this program, you will get exposure to various topics like firearms training, driving techniques, immigration law, and much more.

After graduating from the academy, you will be one of the 20 Border Patrol agents and be allotted an assignment. The assignments will generally be located in strategic areas along the borders of Canada and Mexico.

By Margaret, ago
Immigration

7 Common Myths About Immigration and Immigrants

The immigration debate in the United States is often a divisive issue. As a result, there are many common myths about immigration that circulate and reinforce each other. This can be a very confusing topic, and it is important to understand the truths behind these popular misconceptions.

Myth #1: Immigrants bring crime to America

Immigrants

In recent years, several prominent public figures have claimed that immigrants are “killers” or “rapists” and have incited fear of them in the U.S. This is an unfortunate misconception that needs to be dispelled, as immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens.

Myth #2: The children of immigrants come from poverty and stay poor

This myth has a long history in American society, dating back to the days of slavery and colonialism. However, today’s scholars have found that this is not the case. In fact, the children of immigrants typically climb the economic ladder far faster than their parents.

Myth #3: Immigrants steal jobs from Americans

This belief stems from a nostalgic view of the past. For decades, the United States had an open immigration system, which allowed anyone who was able-bodied to enter the country without any documentation. These days, there are strict rules on who may enter and remain in the country legally. This includes applying for and obtaining legal status as an immigrant through the process of obtaining visas and permanent resident/green card status.

Myth #4: Immigrants come to the United States illegally

While this is true, it is important to note that not all undocumented immigrants are actually trying to break into the country illegally. Instead, most come to the country on visitor, student, or work visas that were approved through a rigorous process. These visas are issued by the United States government and allow individuals to travel to the United States for up to three months and then return home.

Myth #5: All immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans

This is another common misconception that can be dispelled. While the United States has a large population of unauthorized immigrants, they account for only 5 percent of the overall civilian workforce. Moreover, these unauthorized immigrants only take up jobs in the service, farming, and construction industries, which are not very demanding.

Myth #6: Terrorists are infiltrating the U.S. by coming across the Mexican border

Mexican border

This myth is a result of fear-mongering propaganda that has been pushed heavily by politicians and far-right nationalists like Marine Le Pen in France. This type of propaganda is especially effective because it can be a very emotional issue, and people who are scared and insecure will often feel the need to blame others for their problems.

Myth #7: All undocumented immigrants sneak across the Mexican border

This is not true, and many undocumented immigrants do overstay their visitor, student, or work visas. The number of unauthorized immigrants was at its lowest point in 2016 since 2004 when there were 10.7 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States. This represents a significant decline from the 12.2 million unauthorized immigrants in 2007.

By Margaret, ago
U.S. Border Patrol

What are the duties of the U.S. Border Patrol, and how to be a part of it?

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is sworn to protect the nation’s borders while facilitating legitimate international travel and trade, including preventing terrorists from entering the country illegally or bringing dangerous pests into the country. The agency employs over 20,000 agents working in 328 ports of entry along the border and other locations.

In addition to their sworn duties, CBP agents also conduct inspections at the ports of entry to detect and detain illegal immigrants. They also carry out city patrol and traffic checks along major highways to prevent unauthorized travel.

Patrol agents must complete extensive training before they are sworn in, and they often receive their first field experience on the Mexico-United States border. Depending on the sector they are assigned to, they spend anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks in field training before returning to their duty stations for further classroom-based training.

Other duties of a Border Patrol agent include conducting line watch operations at international boundaries and coastlines, as well as sign cutting, traffic checks, and smuggling investigations. They may also be called to assist other federal and local agencies, such as police departments, with investigations of crimes in their areas.

Physical Requirements for Border Patrol Agents

For most jobs in the United States, federal agencies require candidates to pass a pre-employment fitness test, or PFT, to determine their physical condition and ability to perform their job tasks. The examination is designed to determine whether candidates are physically fit and healthy and to identify any medical conditions that may be a risk to their job performance or the safety of others.

Applicants who cannot pass the PFT will be disqualified, and those who have failed the pre-employment drug test or polygraph exam are subject to additional investigations. These background investigations include reviewing police and public records, credit checks, and interviews with former employers.

U.S. Border Patrol Officer

Qualifications for a U.S. Border Patrol Officer

To become a Border Patrol agent, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university and a minimum of six months of previous law enforcement experience. They must also complete the Border Patrol Academy, which consists of several classroom-based training sessions.

The Border Patrol Academy prepares trainees to become Border Patrol agents by educating them about the agency and its mission. Its curriculum covers basic and advanced subjects. The curriculum also includes a study of Spanish and other foreign languages.

Aside from the academy, training for a U.S. Border Patrol agent includes several other components. The first is the initial field training program, which is led by a Field Training Officer and takes place over six to eight weeks at the agents’ duty station. The academy is followed by the Post-Academy Training Program, where Trainees complete additional classroom-based training over nine months at their duty station.

By Margaret, ago
Immigration

Character Requirements For Visas – Immigration And Citizenship

The US is the land of opportunities, attracting many immigrants yearly. These immigrants visit the US for various reasons, such as education, employment, family reunification, or to start a new life. If they wish to get citizen ship or permission for immigration, they need a US visa. However, before being granted a visa, applicants must meet specific character requirements as part of the immigration and citizenship process.

Character visa requirements ensure that individuals entering the United States do not threaten the country’s safety and security. If an individual wish to become a US citizen or they are looking for other immigration purposes, they have to fulfill specific requirements to get a US Visa.

In this article, we have mentioned the requirements for visas. Please read it carefully to gain information on the same.

Criminal history check

It is a background check process, and one is also considered one of the critical requirements for a US visa. The US government conducts a thorough background check of all visa applicants to ensure they do not have a criminal history that could make them ineligible for entry into the country. In addition, the applicants must provide information on any previous arrests, convictions, or pending charges. It is a time-consuming process for applicants with a criminal history.

However, individuals with a criminal record are not automatically disqualified from obtaining a visa. The crime’s type and severity play an essential role in this. For example, individuals convicted of drug trafficking or terrorism are usually denied a visa. However, minor offenses such as traffic violations or misdemeanors may not prevent the grant of a visa for an applicant.

Immigration violations

Immigration violations

Another essential character requirement to attain a US visa is Immigration violations. Individuals who have violated immigration laws in the past, such as overstaying their visas, may have difficulty obtaining a new visa or may be barred from entering the US altogether. However, suppose the individual can demonstrate that they have a compelling reason to return to the US, such as to reunite with family members or to attend a medical appointment. In that case, they may be granted a waiver.

Threat to national security or foreign policy concerns

The US government also assesses whether an applicant threatens national security or foreign policy interests. This includes assessing whether the individual has engaged in any activities that could threaten US security, such as supporting terrorist groups or engaging in espionage.

Applicants may also be denied a visa if they have engaged in activities that could harm US foreign policy interests. For example, individuals who have participated in human rights abuses or have been involved in the persecution of political dissidents may be denied a visa.

If the applicant clears the character requirement, they are eligible for a US visa, depending on their requirements.

By Margaret, ago
U.S. Border

U.S. Border Patrol’s New Strategic Plan and the Path Forward

The U.S. Border Patrol is a national organization responsible for securing the nation’s borders between its official entry ports. It involves preventing the illegal entry of individuals and the smuggling of dangerous materials.

The U.S. Border Patrol has recently announced a strategic plan for the future to safeguard the county and its people. This plan aims to build upon past successes while also addressing the evolving threats and challenges facing the agency. The plan is also a comprehensive approach to strengthen border security and enhance the safety of the citizens and migrants living in the country.

U.S. Border Patrol

The new strategic plan

It recognizes the importance of a multi-layered approach involving the following:

–      Border security

–      Combining technology

–      Infrastructure

–      Personnel

The primary aims of the plan include investing in the following:

–      Latest surveillance technology

–      Detecting and deterring illegal activity

–      Construct new physical barriers and maintain the old ones to slow down illegal crossings

This new strategic plan also recognizes the agency’s success which is highly dependent on the workforce.

In addition to the above goals, it also aims to improve the training and recruitment of qualified Border Patrol agents. This includes improving physical and mental fitness, providing the latest training procedures with ample and nutritious food, and ensuring they access the latest technology and equipment.

The emphasis on partnership

One of the crucial elements of the Border Patrol’s new strategic plan is to focus on partnerships. It recognizes the effectiveness of border security that requires cooperation and coordination from stakeholders, federal agencies, local law enforcement groups, and other international partners. It also involves initiatives to improve communication and coordination between these entities, including joint training exercises and information sharing.

Improve safety and migrants’ well-being

In addition to enhancing the Border Patrol’s operational capabilities, the new strategic plan also recognizes the need to improve the safety and well-being of migrants. Accordingly, the plan includes initiatives to improve the processing and care of migrants, including providing them with access to medical care, safe shelter, and adequate food and water. It also aims to improve the coordination between the Border Patrol and other federal agencies responsible for the care and processing of migrants.

Border Patrol's

The need to adapt to growing changes and challenges

The Border Patrol’s new strategic plan also recognizes the need to adapt to changing threats and challenges. The plan includes a commitment to ongoing research and development to identify and respond to emerging threats, such as smugglers’ use of drones and new technologies to evade detection. Through diplomatic and development efforts, the Border Patrol also recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of violence in Central America.

Conclusion

The new strategic plan by the border patrol follows a comprehensive approach to recognize the evolving nature of border security. It plans to build on the success and address the challenges of the threats the agency faces. By investing rightly in partnerships, technology, and personnel, the border Patrol aims to enhance its effectiveness and improve nations’ security.

By Margaret, ago

A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Border Patrol Agent

The United States Border Patrol is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for preventing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling into the United States. The agency is a part of the Department of Homeland Security and is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country.

If you are interested in a career in border patrol, then this article is for you. This guide will provide all the information you need to know about becoming a border patrol agent.

Border Patrol

About the Border Patrol

The U.S. Border Patrol is responsible for protecting the borders of the United States. This includes preventing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling across the nation’s borders. The agency’s main mission is to detect and prevent the entry of individuals and contraband into the United States.

Duties of a Border Patrol Agent

The primary responsibility of a Border Patrol Agent is to prevent and detect illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. Agents must respond to alarms and pursue and apprehend individuals unlawfully trying to enter the country. They are required to maintain logs, reports, and records of individuals entering and leaving the country. Agents must also be prepared to help locate lost or missing persons and assist in national security efforts.

Qualifications

To become a Border Patrol Agent, individuals must meet various qualifications. These include being a U.S. citizen, holding a valid state driver’s license, and having a clean background check. Candidates must also pass several exams, including a vision test, polygraph, physical fitness test, drug test, criminal background check, and psychological evaluation.

In addition to these requirements, candidates must be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited college or university and possess a valid firearms permit. Candidates must also complete a 45-day Border Patrol Academy program or equivalent experience in the criminal justice field.

Training

Once an individual has been accepted as a Border Patrol Agent, they will begin a 45-day training program at the Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. The rigorous Academy emphasizes physical conditioning, firearms training, and law and procedures training. After successfully completing the Academy, agents must complete the Field Training Officer Program. This program will teach the new agents how to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at the Academy to daily operations.

Border Patrol Agent

Compensation and Benefits

Border Patrol Agents are compensated with a salary based on the GL-07 grade level of the federal General Schedule (G.S.) pay scale. Border Patrol Agents typically start out at a salary of above $40,000 but may receive more based on experience, location, and other factors. In addition to the salary, Border Patrol Agents also enjoy an extensive benefits package that includes health and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation days, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

Job Outlook

There is significant job growth in this field due partly to increased international travel, anti-terrorism measures, and the need for tighter border security. The BLS also notes that most job openings for Border Patrol Agents will be in border states, such as Arizona, California, and Texas.

By Margaret, ago
US Border Patrol

Brief Walkthrough on the US Border Patrol

USBP: United States Border Patrol is a law enforcement agency under CBP. One of the body’s primary responsibilities is to protect the US borders, including protecting the American people and help in enhancing the nation’s economy.

According to reports from 2019, over 19,000 officers were a part of the agency, which is considered the largest in the United States.

History of US Border Patrol

The idea of establishing border control began in the 19th century when there were no officers or legal professionals to guard American borders. It was unrestricted, and there was no systematic recordkeeping for all the immigration. In 1904, US Department of Commerce and Labor members protected the border by preventing the illegal entry of immigrants. The mounted guards mainly operated out of Texas, reaching their stretch to the west of California to prevent the illegal entry of Chinese immigrants.

In 1915, an official body called mounted inspectors was authorized by Congresses with officials on horses, boats, and motorcycles to prevent the entry of immigrants into America. In 1924, an official border patrol group was announced under the Labor Appropriation Act to prevent illegal entries in the Canada-US and Mexico-US borders. According to reports from 2016, at least 50% of the members in the patrol were Latinos, and most were minorities.

US Border Patrol

Strategies and responsibilities of border patrol

In 2005, the US border Patrol updated its objectives and the goal for border patrol, which mainly comprises five main objectives:

  • Improve the quality of life of people inside the country
  • Implement smart border technology to detect any illegal activities across the US border
  • Detect and apprehend human smugglers, contraband, and drugs
  • Implement improved enforcement to detect illegal entries
  • Apprehend all the illegal weapons and terrorist entries across the border

Capabilities of the US Border Patrol

The United States Border Patrol is extended across deserts, mountains, rivers, and canyons. In recent times, the agency has implemented modern technologies and weapons like strategic location trackers, electronic sensors, and other instruments to rightly detect area’s illegal transportation of humans, weapons, and goods. They have also included the use of video monitors and night vision cameras to detect aircraft, boats, and other vehicles, illegally entering the US border from any direction.

As mentioned above, the primary activity of the patrol agency is line watch, which includes apprehension, prevention, and detection of terrorists and illegal activities in and around the cover position. They also include monitoring administrative intelligence, anti-smuggling activities, traffic observation, transportation check, city patrolling, and many others.

Marine patrol troops are located on the coastal waterways, mainly around the Caribbean, Pacific coast, Puerto Rico, and the tip of Florida. They have 130 marine crafts of different sizes, which help detect illegal activities across the US coast.

By Margaret, ago
US Border Patrol

United States Border Patrol: An Overview

The United States Border Patrol is a movable, armed element of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for guarding American borders between ports of entry. Agents of the Border Patrol guard Americans against terrorists and their weapons, as well as smugglers of drugs and unauthorized foreign nationals.

History of United States Border Patrol

Historically, the US Border Patrol has proudly served the country. The fundamental principles that helped mold the Patrol in its early years—professionalism, honor, honesty, a sense of humanity, and a cooperative effort—have endured despite significant changes that have impacted practically every element of its operations since its inception.

People from all over the world tried unlawful admission because of the numerical restrictions when attempts to enter lawfully failed. As a result, the U.S. Government gave additional importance to the Border Patrol’s mission. The U.S. Border Patrol was created with the passage of the Labor Appropriation Act of 1924 by Congress on May 28, 1924. Its mission was to protect the borders among inspection stations.

The vision of the US Border Patrol is to improve the security of the country via innovation, intelligence, teamwork, and trust. Their mission is to ensure the welfare of the American people, the security of our borders, and the growth of the economy.

Daily Tasks

Daily Tasks

Coastal waterways between ports of entry and international land borders are the sole focus of Border Patrol agents around-the-clock. They protect the American people against terrorists and their weaponry, drug traffickers, and unauthorized foreigners entering the country.

They truly represent honesty, alertness, and dedication to the country’s basic values of Customs and Border Protection. Their chief assignments or tasks include:

  • communicating with and/or giving verbal orders to smugglers and undocumented foreign nationals who know Spanish.
  • carrying out line-watch responsibilities, traffic check activities, city patrols, transportation inspections, and other law enforcement responsibilities as assigned.
  • responding to remote places’ electronic sensor alarms
  • analyzing and tracking the physical traces left by illegal aliens, smugglers, and other criminals
  • continuous covert surveillance in order to identify, stop, and capture illegal immigrants, their smugglers, and their sources of drugs
  • During nighttime operations, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as infrared scopes

Border Patrol of the present

The U.S. Border Patrol is still working to keep the country’s borders under control. Technology is predicted to advance dramatically in the twenty-first century, which will be useful for border control. As fresh generations of agents find creative methods to incorporate current technology into operations, the Patrol’s modernization progresses at an astounding rate.

The Border Patrol is developing cutting-edge, specialized technology that has the potential to help agents carry out the Patrol’s mission. Coordination with neighboring nations also improves border security and law enforcement initiatives. The U.S. Border Patrol’s future looks to be every bit as thrilling and fascinating as its past, and it will remain committed to living up to the credo that its agents have espoused since 1924.

By Margaret, ago
Immigration Laws

Interesting Facts About United States Immigration Laws

The United States has always been a country that welcomes immigrants. Since its founding, the U.S. has grown and flourished by including people worldwide who wish to come here legally and become Americans. That is why it is so surprising that we have such strict laws concerning immigration today — especially given how easy it is to get into this country!

11.3 million illegal immigrants lived in the United States in 2016, up from 10.9 million in 2011

The Department of Homeland Security estimates that 11.3 million illegal immigrants lived in the United States in 2016, up from 10.9 million in 2011. This is an increase of 3% over the prior five years, or approximately 350,000 people per year (a little less than half of one percent).

There are about two illegal immigrants for each legal immigrant living in America today, and these numbers have been relatively stable since at least 2009 (the earliest data available).

A significant majority of those who are not citizens – both legal and illegal – are Hispanic (about 54%). Over one-quarter (26%) were born outside the U.S. but have become naturalized citizens; only 16% were born inside the country to at least one parent who was also born here, while 7% immigrated before they turned 18.*

President Trump’s immigration plan would prioritize high-skilled immigrants and cut the number of overall green cards issued by 51% within a decade

Trump has proposed an immigration plan that would prioritize high-skilled immigrants and cut the number of overall green cards issued by 51% within a decade.

immigration plan

The president is suggesting that his plan be implemented in stages over 15 years.

In total, it would reduce the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country from 1 million annually to about 500,000 per year.

There are three main ways to become a U.S. citizen

There are three main ways to become a U.S. citizen:

(1) through birth in the United States,

(2) automatically after birth if one parent is a citizen, or

(3) through naturalization later in life. The first method is generally difficult to achieve; personal circumstances can complicate the second; the third requires years of waiting and paperwork.

Congress passed the first naturalization law in 1790, which said only free white persons could become citizens

The children of citizens of the United States that may be born beyond sea, or out of the limit the United States, shall be considered natural born citizens.”

The law limited citizenship to whites because many Americans feared that people from other countries would come to America and take over their jobs. The law also stated that anyone who had renounced their “allegiance” to America could not become a citizen again (and therefore couldn’t vote).

As you can see, there are many ways to come to America and become a citizen. But the process is not easy, and you must understand what kind of visa you need. If you are planning on moving here permanently, then it’s best to start with an E-2 visa or any other nonimmigrant status (such as student status).

It’s also important that your employer sponsors you for this type of visa because they will be responsible for all the paperwork involved in obtaining one from USCIS

By Margaret, ago