Today's Immigration News

White House Calls All Undocumented Immigrants ‘Criminals’

During her first White House press briefing yesterday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that all undocumented immigrants are "criminals," reinforcing fears that the Trump administration is targeting all undocumented individuals—not just those convicted of violent crimes.

Leavitt was asked how many of the 3,500 immigrants arrested since Trump took office had criminal records. She responded, "All of them because they illegally broke our nation's laws. I know the last administration didn't see it that way, so it's a big culture shift in our nation to view someone who breaks our immigration laws as a criminal, but that's exactly what they are."

However, under U.S. law, being in the country without authorization is a civil violation, not a criminal offense. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests include individuals who have not been convicted of any crime, and many detained immigrants still have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge.

USCIS Stops Accepting Migrant Sponsorship Applications

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily stopped accepting Form I-134A, which allows people in the U.S. to financially sponsor migrants seeking humanitarian parole. This follows President Trump’s Securing Our Borders executive order, signed on January 20, 2025, which ordered a review of all parole programs that let migrants enter the U.S. through private sponsorship.

The pause affects applications under key programs that rely on this form like Uniting for Ukraine and the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV). USCIS has not said when, or if, it will start accepting applications again.

Advocacy groups warn the suspension could leave thousands of applicants stuck in limbo, especially those fleeing political unrest or humanitarian crises. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing all parole programs, so more restrictions may be announced soon.

House Oversight Committee Investigates Sanctuary Cities

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee has started an investigation into sanctuary city policies, increasing tensions between federal immigration officials and Democratic-run cities that limit cooperation with ICE. Yesterday, Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-KY) sent letters to the mayors of major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, asking for records and testimony about their policies.

The investigation comes after recent crimes involving undocumented immigrants, which Republicans say are proof that stricter immigration laws are needed. Supporters of sanctuary cities argue that these policies make communities safer by allowing undocumented immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation.

Democratic mayors, including Boston’s Michelle Wu and Chicago’s Brandon Johnson, are considering their legal options. Some city officials may challenge the committee’s authority, saying immigration enforcement is a state and local issue. While the Biden administration defended sanctuary cities in court, Trump could push for funding cuts or lawsuits against them.

The first hearings on this issue are expected in early February.

Disclaimer: Advice found here is not legal advice. For help with your specific situation, please consult an immigration lawyer or trusted legal expert.