oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | immigrants, immigration, news, politics, politics and law
The arrest of a Filipino individual who has resided in the U.S. for five decades highlights the significant change in immigration enforcement policies during the Trump administration, according to analysts.
The arrest of a 64-year-old
Philippine
A long-time green card holder who has resided in the U.S. for 50 years has sparked concern within Filipino and Asian-American groups regarding the stability of their immigration standing.
Onlookers indicate that this case underscores the significant change in U.S. immigration enforcement policies during President Trump’s administration.
Donald Trump
, where even legally registered immigrants are now vulnerable to being ensnared in politically driven enforcement measures. Scholars specializing in law have cautioned that the swift progression and extensive reach of these initiatives—frequently justified under ambiguous legal premises—are undermining longstanding safeguards for fair treatment under the law.
Officials of the US
Immigrations
On February 28, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Lewelyn Dixon, aged 64, when she was arriving at her residence in Seattle, Washington, following a visit to the Philippines.
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Her niece, Emily Cristobal, informed local media that she was in the Philippines for several weeks prior to being detained, and her family only learned of the situation involving her on March 2nd.
Officials did not disclose to Dixon’s family the reason for her detention; however, her attorney, Benjamin Osorio, suggested it might be linked to an earlier embezzlement conviction from 2001. For this offense, she received a sentence of serving 30 days in a halfway house and was also ordered to pay a fine of $6,400.
Osorio mentioned that Dixon had traveled internationally before without any problems.
James Zarsadiaz, who leads the Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program at the University of San Francisco, informed This Week in Asia that Dixon’s case has sparked worries among Filipinos and other lawfully residing Asian immigrants in the U.S., questioning if their proper adherence to the immigration procedures provides them with adequate safeguards.
Overall, when looking beyond racial boundaries, people express some worry regarding the magnitude and pace of these Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. However, it remains uncertain how laws and procedures will play out since the judicial system presents an obstacle to what the Trump administration aims to achieve, as stated by Zarsadiaz.
“There is significant fear among the Filipino community due to the swift and substantial implementation of Trump’s mass deportation initiative,” stated the chairperson of Filipino progressive alliance Bayan USA, who requested anonymity under the pseudonym Andan Bagoyo.
Bagoyo informed This Week in Asia that his organization had been gearing up their campaign network to protect migrant workers in key US cities well before Trump secured the election victory.
He mentioned that his organization thought Dixon had been detained because her case was seen as an easy target to fulfill detention quotas.
No matter their standing, the Trump administration is portraying migrants who strive to support their families as criminals and villains.
Andan Bagoyo, who serves as the chairperson of Bayan USA
“No matter their status, the Trump administration is portraying migrants as criminals and villains merely because they are attempting to support their loved ones,” he stated.
The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and a political science professor at Adelphi University, Vincent Wei-cheng Wang, described Dixon’s situation as “especially troubling,” since her detention in February violated two significant unwritten rules.
“Initially, green card holders, despite lacking the full legal rights of U.S. citizens, were granted greater flexibility compared to non-citizens. She acquired her permanent residency through lawful methods — following the process outlined by the Trump administration,” he explained.
Wang further stated that Dixon’s embezzlement from many years back, for which she had made amends through repayment and completed her sentence, was insignificant compared to the image Trump often portrays of Venezuelan criminals.
Earlier this month, Trump commanded the deportation of numerous Venezuelans due to supposed connections with gangs, referencing the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
Wang cautioned that the haphazard approach of Trump’s enforcement could lead many legal immigrants in the U.S. to feel insecure and might prompt some to pursue citizenship.
Grey area
Nevertheless, the typical immigrant had little to be concerned about, according to Filipino-American immigration lawyer Jath Shao.
Shao described Dixon’s situation as “a grey area” since she had already atoned for her wrongdoing.
He stated that even though arrests have increased because of ICE quotas established by the White House, the Trump administration did not actually deport more individuals compared to Joe Biden’s administration.
“However, the deportation process will require several years of legal proceedings,” he noted.
Shao mentioned that over 1,100 Filipinos are at risk of deportation — a figure that remains relatively minor when contrasted with the approximately 4 million Filipino-Americans residing in the United States.
As of 2022, approximately 1.7 million Asian individuals reside in the United States without documentation. According to Pew’s estimations for that same year, there were around 725,000 undocumented immigrants from India, 375,000 from China, 110,000 from South Korea, and 130,000 from the Philippines.
Dixon’s case is not isolated. There has been an uptick in incidents where Asian immigrants have reportedly become targets for ICE agents, including a 21-year-old student at Columbia University.
Yunseo Chung
And activist Mahmoud Khalil — who were detained following their participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Attorneys representing Chung submitted a legal complaint on Monday aiming to prevent deportations and halt what they described as “a systemic approach of focusing on individuals linked to demonstrations supporting Palestinian rights” for immigration enforcement actions.
A federal judge decided in
favour
Regarding Chung, who relocated to the United States from South Korea when he was seven years old, and obtained a temporary restraining order preventing the government from holding him back.
Trump “is trying to sidestep immigration law in the cases of
Mahmoud Khalil
Yunseo Chung, and others,” Shao stated, noting that the present government was trying to rationalize these deportations by resurrecting an outdated law that had previously been employed to detain Japanese-Americans during World War II.
Bagoyo highlighted the necessity of addressing the “good immigrant versus bad immigrant” rhetoric promoted not only by US authorities but also by Filipino officials like Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez and Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Eduardo de Vega.
Romualdez stated on Tuesday that “a significant amount” of undocumented Filipinos have been held and are being prepared for deportation, though he chose not to provide exact numbers.
At the same time, De Vega minimized the significance of the deportation of 24 Filipinos from the U.S. during Trump’s tenure, stating that this group was a small fraction compared to those Filipinos who resided there lawfully. She also noted that these deportations occurred under the Biden administration’s watch.
Trump and immigration
Even though Trump prioritized immigration as a key campaign topic during last year’s presidential election, Wang noted that “not many predicted the extent and intensity of the enforcement measures.”
He noted that Trump played a role in fostering an overall anti-immigrant sentiment by bypassing proper legal procedures in deportation proceedings.
He noted that his portrayal of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, particularly when compared with the lenient approach during the previous Biden administration, clearly struck a chord with a significant segment of American voters.
Nevertheless, despite “increased worry among Filipinos regarding immigration,” those who cast their votes for Trump in November were not expected to withdraw their backing of him, according to Zarsadiaz.
“If you were Filipino and supported Trump, then in their view—regardless of your ethnicity—they approve of detaining those who are undocumented or have a ‘shady’ history. This aligns with why they voted for him,” he stated.
Wang cautioned that although Dixon’s case “could have a intimidating impact on the Asian-American community: No one feels secure, and an error made years ago might return to cause trouble.”
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oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | immigration, international relations, politics, politics and government, politics and law
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The U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, stated that the United States has invalidated at least 300 international student visas as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to curb pro-Palestinian demonstrators on college grounds.
“Possibly over 300 by now,” he stated when addressing journalists during his trip to Guyana. “I handle this daily, each time I come across one of those crazies.”
Rubio was questioned about verifying the number of student visa revocations carried out by the administration as part of its campaign against what it views as anti-Israeli sentiment at educational institutions.
The comments come after immigration authorities detained a Turkish PhD student at Tufts University, an apprehension the secretary supported.
A clip showing student Rumeysa Ozturk being escorted by masked off-duty officers to an unregistered vehicle near Boston, Massachusetts, has circulated widely online and ignited protests.
Ms. Ozturk is a Fulbright Scholar enrolled with an F-1 student visa and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University.
Rubio was questioned on Thursday regarding why the Turkish student’s visa had been canceled.
I’ve stated this repeatedly, and I will continue to do so,” Rubio explained. “Should an individual applying for a student visa claim they intend not only to pursue education but also engage in activities such as defacing university property, intimidating fellow students, occupying buildings, and inciting disorder, their application for that visa will be denied.
At present, it remains uncertain if Ms Ozturk has faced any charges.
Rubio didn’t disclose any particular accusations against the individual, aged 30, who has taken part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Additionally, the Tufts University student jointly authored an op-ed in the campus paper earlier last year advocating for their institution to withdraw investments from firms connected to Israel and recognize what they described as “the Palestinian genocide.”
According to the trends observed nationwide, it seems that her exercise of her right to free speech contributed to her detainment,” stated Mahsa Khanbabai, who represents Ms. Ozturk, to Reuters.
This detention is part of an ongoing series of measures targeting international students in the US who have shown backing for Palestinians.
Trump administration officials have stated that they are utilizing the Immigration and Nationality Act. This legislation permits the State Department to remove non-citizens who pose a threat to the United States’ foreign policy and national security objectives.
The arrests are in line with Trump’s commitment to address what his administration has categorized as antisemitism, a classification that was included in an executive order in January.
Following this, the White House has rescinded $400 million (£308 million) in funding for Columbia University due to claims that the institution did not effectively address anti-Semitism on campus. They have also indicated they might take similar actions against other universities.
A high-profile arrest involved Mahmoud Khalil, a distinguished Palestinian activist and Columbia alumnus, who continues to be held at a detention center in Louisiana without being charged with any crime.
Ms. Ozturk was similarly transported to a detention center in Louisiana. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that Ms. Ozturk should remain in Massachusetts, yet federal documents indicate she continues to be held in Louisiana.
The government must furnish additional details regarding Ms Ozturk’s detention by this coming Friday.
The US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, stated earlier this week that Ms. Ozturk was involved in actions supporting Hamas, which she described as a foreign terrorist group known for its participation in acts targeting Americans.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic representative from Massachusetts, described the arrest as “part of a troubling trend aimed at suppressing civil liberties.”
“The Trump administration is going after students who have legal standing and forcibly removing individuals from their communities without proper procedures. This constitutes an assault on our Constitution and fundamental liberties — and we will resist,” she stated.
On Wednesday, a federal judge instructed the Trump administration to cease its attempts to deport and apprehend an additional student named Yunseo Chung from Columbia University. The 21-year-old is a lawful permanent resident who came to the United States from South Korea during his childhood.
On Thursday, Rubio stated that the U.S. provided visas for students aiming to obtain a degree rather than becoming activists intent on disrupting college campuses.
“If you deceive them, obtain the visa, and subsequently participate in such behavior upon arrival, they will cancel it,” he stated.
-
U.S. immigration authorities detain Turkish student as part of ongoing crackdown
-
Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian student activist who faces deportation from the US?
-
Columbia University student activist files lawsuit against Trump to prevent deportation
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | immigrants, immigration, migrants, news, poland
Poland
has temporarily prohibited immigrants from seeking asylum as part of an effort to ‘regain control’ over its boundaries.
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, declared that the right to seek asylum would be temporarily halted for 60 days due to a surge in arrivals.
Belarus
border.
Exceptions will be granted for unaccompanied children, expectant mothers, senior citizens, individuals who are not feeling well, and those facing a genuine threat of significant injury.
The two-month restriction will be implemented immediately, Tusk stated last night.
Polish authorities have asserted that the Russian government has
coerced its neighbor Belarus into channeling migrants toward their shared frontier
to undermine the EU stability.
Warsaw has put up a five-meter tall barbed wire fence along a significant portion of the border after a steady flow of immigrants tried to cross over.
Video surfaced over the weekend showing 280 migrants.
trying to enter Poland from Belarus
.
The team successfully cut an opening in the fence using a cutting torch and then proceeded to go through one at a time.
Nevertheless, they are swiftly caught by soldiers arriving in armored vehicles, who stop them from proceeding and then focus on repairing the fence.
The Polish President, Andrzej Duda, allegedly showed reluctance towards approving the suspension due to concerns that it might impact refugees coming from Belarus.
Nevertheless, authorities have ensured that individuals who genuinely face risks will retain the ability to seek asylum.
Duda stated yesterday: “Today, I made the decision for what is called the asylum act to be implemented. I signed it as I feel it is essential to enhance the safety of our borders.”
‘The crucial aspect is to protect the Polish frontier and the Polish entities responsible for safeguarding it.’
Since taking office at the end of 2023, Tusk has aimed to strengthen control over Poland’s boundaries.
He stated that the contentious bill will be a step towards reclaiming ‘Poland’s border control’.
When announcing the proposals, he stated: “Should anyone wish to visit Poland, they are expected to adhere to Polish standards, embrace Polish traditions, and strive for integration.”
‘The native culture can feel endangered when there are an excessive number of individuals from different backgrounds.’
Since 2021, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland have
witnessed a significant increase in individuals unlawfully entering their country from Belarus and Russia.
The nations have blamed both Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for
arming migration as a tactic to undermine the European Union stability
.
More than 15,000 individuals sought asylum in Poland during 2024, marking a 72 percent increase from the previous year and representing the highest yearly total since 2016.
Following Ukrainians, the highest number of applications last year came from Belarusians, totaling 3,663 asylum seekers, followed by 823 Russians.
Next comes Ethiopia with 515, Eritrea with 505, and Somalia with 486.
The passage across this area has been perilous for numerous migrants, as nearly 100 documented fatalities are believed to be below the actual number.
Poland’s actions have faced considerable scrutiny, with Human Rights Watch stating that they contradict Poland’s international and EU commitments. They also warn that these measures might ‘completely close off the Poland-Belarus border,’ where Polish officials allegedly carry out illegal and abusive expulsions.
They have similarly called for the EU to initiate legal proceedings against Poland after the implementation of the law.
But Tusk dismissed this in October, saying: ‘Nobody is talking about violating human rights, the right to asylum, we are talking about not granting applications to people who illegally cross the border in groups organised by Lukashenko.’
In February, the Polish authorities announced their decision not to participate in the European Union’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, an initiative designed to handle the influx of refugees into member states.
As per the accord, states had the option to relocate a specific quota of migrants, make a monetary contribution, or offer operational assistance to facilitate resettlement.
Nevertheless, both Poland and Hungary have objected to this measure, intended to hold legal force over every single EU nation.
Tusk stated, “Poland will not enforce the Migration Pact if it means accepting more immigrant quotas within the country.”
We are prepared to work together with all parties to safeguard Europe against unlawful immigration. Nevertheless, Poland will not assume any further responsibilities. We have already shouldered more than anybody would have anticipated only a short time ago.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, acknowledged that Poland has taken in more than its fair share of Ukrainian refugees following the Russian invasion of 2022.
Other countries within the EU are similarly
implementing measures to restrict the privileges of those seeking asylum.
Finland has barred all migrants from entering through its Russian border since 2023, whereas newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
pledged to halt all unauthorized migration across Germany’s terrestrial boundaries upon taking office
.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | government, immigration, immigration policy, laws and regulations, world
The U.S. government has delivered a strong message to travelers from Nigeria regarding the serious repercussions of exceeding their visa limits, highlighting that those who violate this rule might be barred permanently from entering the United States again.
The U.S. mission in Nigeria issued the warning through X on Monday.
The immigration department stated that consular officials have access to an individual’s complete immigration record, which makes it extremely difficult to evade consequences for previous infractions.
They also stressed that travelers must comply with the conditions of their visa, and they cannot use unawareness of visa rules as an excuse.
“If you remain in the U.S. beyond the period permitted by your visa, you might be subject to a lifelong prohibition from entering the country again. The consular officials possess complete visibility into your immigration record and will be aware of any previous infractions. It’s important to understand that ‘accidental errors’ do not exempt you; ensuring correct usage of your visa falls squarely on you,” according to the statement released by the US Mission.
It has been reported that individuals who remain in the country beyond their visa allowance for between 180 days and one year could be subject to a three-year prohibition from re-entering.
Should an overstay last more than a year, the consequence might be a ten-year prohibition.
Repeat offenders or those with serious violations risk a permanent lifetime ban.
Following Donald Trump’s comeback as President of the United States, the country has tightened its immigration regulations.
On February 16, 2025, the federal government expressed significant reservations regarding the expulsion of its citizens from the United States. It called upon Washington to comply with international agreements and facilitate a respectful return process.
In a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the significant emotional and financial burdens these deportations impose on Nigerian individuals in the United States and their relatives in their homeland.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu pointed out that “approximately 201 Nigerian citizens are presently held in U.S. immigration facilities, with about 85 of them approved for deportation,” noting further that the administration is pushing for a more compassionate method to handle these cases.
“With the new US administration in place, we expect commitments to ensure that, if repatriation occurs, it will be done with dignity,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu additionally highlighted that numerous Nigerian residents in the United States significantly contribute to sustaining their family members at home via essential money transfers. These funds not only support daily living but also finance educational pursuits.
She emphasized that these deportations, particularly for individuals without any record of violent crime, ought not to be abrupt or traumatizing.
“As a nation, we are questioning whether they will be granted sufficient time to manage their possessions or if they will simply be herded onto planes and sent back home,” she asked.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, immigrants, immigration, migrants, news
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that over 956 Nigerians were evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025.
This accomplishment was made possible by the joint efforts of the International Organization for Migration, Nigeria, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally DisplacedPersons.
A statement released on Monday by NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, outlined specifics regarding the evacuation. It revealed that the repatriation occurred through six separate flights from January to March 2025. According to this information, the groups included 683 women, 132 men, 87 children, and 54 infants.
As stated, the evacuation occurred on January 28, February 11, 19, and 25, along with March 4 and 18. The largest group of people returning, totaling 176 individuals, was noted for the expedition on March 18.
The statement read: “Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, says over 956 Nigerians have been evacuated from Libya in the first quarter of 2025 alone.”
“The breakdown shows that 683 of them were females, 132 males, 87 children, and 54 infants. The returnees were brought back home in six tranches from January to March 2025.”
The six journeys encompassed numbers 152 on January 28, followed by 145, 180, and 159 on February 11, 19, and 25, respectively. Additionally, the counts of 144 and 176 were recorded on March 4 and 18.
The statement revealed that more than 15,000 Nigerians have successfully returned home from Libya as part of an ongoing evacuation initiative led collaboratively by the Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since the start of this effort.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the commission’s ongoing caution to Nigerians about avoiding illegal migration via dangerous paths such as Libya.
“Given the sensitive political climate in Libya, we repeatedly advise Nigerians to steer clear of using Libya as a route to Europe; this applies not only to Libya but also to other unauthorized pathways,” she cautioned.
She similarly encouraged Nigerians to explore lawful and secure routes for migration, highlighting her worries about the disturbing pattern of certain individuals who have been returned opting to undertake the dangerous trip once more following their rescue.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
She highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation with governmental bodies, NGOs, the press, and various stakeholders to enhance public awareness about the risks associated with illegal immigration.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | flights, immigration, migrants, news, venezuela
A plane with 199 Venezuelan immigrants arrived in Maiquetía early Monday morning, according to Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who reported this information via state-owned Venezuelan television.
After being expelled from the United States, the team came in via an airplane from Honduras.
“199 fellow countrymen and 199 Venezuelan colleagues returning to their home nation,” were aboard according to Cabello’s statement to VTV.
This flight marks the first one since Venezuelan and U.S. officials reached an agreement to restart repatriation services on Saturday. This move comes after a two-week standoff initiated when Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro halted these flights.
Maduro declined to accept planes from the U.S. transporting deportees following President Donald Trump’s declaration that he intended to revoke Chevron’s permit for exporting Venezuelan petroleum.
The Venezuelan president stated that the move impacted flights heading to Venezuela, which led officials from the Trump administration to warn about potential additional sanctions against the nation.
On Saturday, Venezuelan authorities verified that an agreement between them had been finalized.
President Jorge Rodríguez of Venezuela’s Assembly announced via social media that they have reached an agreement with the U.S. government to restart the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants, starting with a flight scheduled for this coming Sunday, March 23rd.
In his statement, Rodríguez mentioned that under the Trump administration, approximately 250 Venezuelans were deported to a maximum-security facility in El Salvador.
Trump has accused, without providing evidence, those migrants of being members of the Tren de Aragua gang — a designated US foreign terrorist organisation.
“Migration is not an offense, and we won’t stop until we ensure the return of everyone who needs it and save our brothers held captive in El Salvador,” Rodríguez stated.
The leader of Venezuela stated that President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador bears responsibility for the welfare of the Venezuelans who were deported to his nation.
“You ensure their well-being, but before long, you must surrender and set them free, as they are being held captive,” Maduro stated.
