This week in immigration news —July 23, 2020
Trump issues memo to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census
On Tuesday, President Trump signed a “blatantly unconstitutional” presidential memo that would exclude undocumented immigrants from being counted in the U.S. census. That exclusion would have a number of different impacts, including on representation in congressional districts, which is based on the “whole number of free persons” living in a particular area.
The Trump administration previously tried to get the census to include a question about citizenship, before it was struck down by the Supreme Court.
Let us be clear, the #2020Census calls for counting EVERYONE and yes, that includes undocumented immigrants living in the United States. See our statement: https://t.co/5SY0TP3t6T pic.twitter.com/Rd8lhWZg2g
— UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) July 22, 2020
UnidosUS and our partners have been working hard to make sure all are counted just as federal law dictates, which includes all those living in the United States regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
It is important to mention that the Constitution’s provisions for the census do not mention citizenship. The ACLU has already announced that they are planning to challenge the memo.
Judge orders Trump administration to accept new DACA applications
Last Friday, a judge ruled that the Trump administration must accept new DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applications.
The Trump administration has tried repeatedly to end the DACA program, beginning in 2017. There has been no official statement that they are continuing to accept applications, despite the judge’s order, and the administration is continuing to look for ways to end the program.
Trump administration reportedly sends unidentified ICE agents to cities
As stories have come out in Portland where unidentified members of the military have grabbed protesters off the streets, President Trump has declared that he may send more federal law enforcement to cities that have seen months of Black Lives Matter protests. So far, 150 ICE (Immigrant and Customs Enforcement) agents are reportedly being sent to Chicago and are expected to be there for 60 days.
