Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley sector were authorized on Saturday to begin releasing migrants from custody before they had been given court dates. Some were given temporary identification, and others were told they would be contacted within 30 days.
Some migrant families will be housed in hotels (after initial Border Patrol processing) managed by nonprofit organizations that will provide testing, medical care, and case managers to assist with relocation.
ICE officials told immigration activists that they will be ending long-term detention at two Texas facilities, Dilley and Karnes City. Migrants will be held just long enough to administer Covid tests and arrange transportation but will no longer be held to wait for asylum screenings or court dates.
Published by WOLA on January 22, 2021.
This compendium of recommendations includes an extensive “migration and border policy” section.
Published by WOLA on December 9, 2020.
Even if a “wave” of migration happens in early 2021, the new Biden administration can handle it with minimal drama while phasing out the Trump administration’s harsh anti-asylum policies.
Published by WOLA on June 30, 2020.
Migration is likely to increase again at the border. But through inexpensive, low-drama strategies, the U.S. government can manage it in an orderly, humane way.
Published by the Niskanen Center on May 21, 2020.
An overview of the Trump administration’s systematic dismantling of the right to seek asylum, and recommendations for how to restore it.