Immigration News

Stay up to date on policies, news, and stories affecting immigrant communities, with monthly updates and resources to stay informed and engaged.

December 17, 2025

Asylum Decisions Paused
Following the recent shooting in Washington, federal officials announced a pause in asylum decisions, leaving hundreds of thousands in limbo. Unfortunately, this event has also fueled harmful generalizations targeting Afghan communities.
IIA released a statement reaffirming the dignity of Afghan families and calling for thoughtful, humane immigration reform.
Read the statement: IIA Statement on Recent Rhetoric Targeting Afghan Communities
More on asylum pause: NPR
 
Review and Halt of Biden-Era Refugee Processing
Federal officials have ordered a review of refugees who entered the U.S. between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, over 230,000 people. This directive pauses all permanent residence applications for refugees from this period.
These sudden changes create significant uncertainty for families trying to build stable lives. IIA continues to advocate for humane, consistent, and lawful immigration processes.
Read more: PBS News

November 21, 2025

Citizenship Test Changes 

NPR recently reported that beginning October 20, the U.S. citizenship test is becoming more difficult, with additional questions and a more demanding speaking section. These changes may create new barriers for lawful permanent residents working toward citizenship, particularly those who are still learning English.

IIA’s education and legal services teams are preparing clients for these changes so they can continue their path toward naturalization with confidence.


Read the article here - U.S. citizenship test gets harder: More questions, tougher standards : NPR

October 22, 2025

Rising Challenges in Ohio

This month, our attorneys continue to see the growing pressures on immigrant communities:

  • Court delays are extending detention periods, leaving clients in limbo and creating undue stress.

  • Deportation practices raise serious legal concerns. A recent UN finding confirmed that U.S. deportation policies violate international agreements. For example, one client’s case has been extended twice, keeping him in detention, a pattern our attorneys see with some judges.

  • Expanded removals: Policies under the Trump Administration’s Third Country Removals continue to put migrants at risk.

Detention and Arrests in Ohio (2025):

  • Detention beds expanded from 120 to over 1,500 across six facilities, including CoreCivic-run Northeast Ohio Correctional Center and county jails in Geauga, Seneca, Butler, and Mahoning Counties.

  • Local Ohio jails now hold 40–60 immigrant detainees daily, many with no criminal record.

  • ICE arrests through July 28, 2025: 1,546 individuals

  • ICE deportations through July 28, 2025: 1,081 (compared to 561 in all of 2024)

  • June 2025 alone: 242 deportations—7x more than June 2024

  • Approximately 50% of June arrests involved individuals without criminal charges or convictions

Our attorneys continue to advocate for humane treatment, fair proceedings, and compliance with U.S. and international law.

September 24, 2025

TPS for Venezuela Ends

This month, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. TPS has allowed many Venezuelans to live and work legally in the U.S. while their country continues to face political and economic turmoil.

The decision will affect thousands of Venezuelans who may lose legal protections and face uncertainty about their futures. IIA’s legal team is monitoring these developments closely and is ready to support families in our community who may be impacted.

August 25, 2025

New Barriers to Justice

Recent federal actions are reshaping the immigration landscape:

  • Increased Legal Fees: The reconciliation bill (HR 1) sharply raises the cost of applying for key immigration benefits, putting legal pathways out of reach for many.

  • Expanded ICE Funding: More resources for detention, ICE raids, ankle monitoring, and arrests, intensifying fear in immigrant communities.

  • High-Profile Enforcement Actions: Operations like “Alligator Alcatraz” show the heightened ICE presence nationwide.

  • Expedited Removal Proceedings: The government is pushing cases through with less due process, denying many immigrants a fair hearing.

  • Third-Country Removals: Some deportees are being sent to unfamiliar countries with no clear plan for safety or resettlement.

These shifts make legal advocacy, community support, and public awareness more critical than ever.

July 16, 2025

HB 1 Passed on July 4 — What It Means for Immigrants

On July 4th, while many families were celebrating Independence Day, Congress passed HB 1, a sweeping new federal budget bill, and it carries major consequences for immigrant and refugee families right here in Akron and across the country:

  • Cuts to Healthcare Access: HB 1 reduces eligibility for Medicaid and other vital health services for many immigrant families, threatening their ability to access affordable, life-saving medical care.

  • More Funding for ICE: The bill significantly increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention and deportation operations, putting even long-settled families at greater risk of detention, family separation, and fear.

Your support, advocacy, and voice are more important than ever. Together, we can stand up for our neighbors and fight for a community where everyone feels safe, welcome, and protected — no matter what new policies come our way.

june 23, 2025

Immigration Policy Changes to Watch

Recent policy proposals and actions could have significant impacts on immigrant communities:

  • TPS Revoked for Several Countries
    The U.S. government has moved to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Venezuela, Afghanistan, Haiti, Cameroon, and Nepal.
    ➤ What this means: TPS allows individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. Revoking TPS places thousands of individuals at risk of deportation, even after years of legally living and working here.

  • Expansion of Travel Bans
    A new travel ban would prohibit nationals from Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the United States.
    ➤ In addition, suspensions have been issued for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
    ➤ What this means: These bans severely limit access to the U.S. for people from predominantly African, Asian, and Caribbean countries—often separating families, restricting asylum access, and reducing visa eligibility.

Need Help?
If you or someone you know may be impacted by these changes and needs legal guidance, please call our office at 330-376-5106.

may 28, 2025

What You Need to Know

Registration Requirement for Undocumented Individuals Now in Effect
 A new federal registration requirement for undocumented immigrants is now in effect, raising serious concerns around data privacy, surveillance, and the risk to of future enforcement action. Community advocates warn that this policy may disproportionately impact vulnerable individuals and families who already face significant barriers to legal access and protection.

IIA’s legal team is closely tracking the implications of this mandate and is working to ensure affected individuals understand their rights and options. To learn more or seek legal assistance, please contact IIA Legal Services at [insert contact info].

 Potential Travel Bans Under Discussion
 Several new travel bans targeting majority-Muslim and politically unstable countries are under discussion by federal lawmakers. Though not yet implemented, these restrictions could impact travel, family reunification, and visa issuance.

If you're planning international travel, consult an immigration attorney beforehand. For legal guidance or to schedule a consultation, contact IIA’s legal intake team by calling 330-376-5106.

April 4, 2025

Fighting for Our Community in Uncertain Times

The landscape of immigration policy continues to shift, and recent federal actions have introduced new challenges to our work at the International Institute of Akron (IIA). This past month, the federal government began pulling resettlement contracts nationwide, a decision that directly impacts the families we serve. These changes not only threaten the stability of refugee resettlement programs but also undermine due process and legal protections for those seeking safety in our community.

The abrupt withdrawal of these contracts disrupts lives and places vulnerable individuals at risk. Legal challenges against these actions are currently making their way through the courts, arguing that these decisions are not only disruptive but also unlawful. IIA stands in solidarity with these efforts, advocating for fair treatment and the restoration of essential protections for refugees.

While the legal battle continues, we remain steadfast in our mission. In response to these uncertainties, we are expanding our social services to ensure that clients whose resettlement cases have been delayed still receive the support they need. From legal assistance to employment services, our team is committed to helping every individual build a stable, self-sufficient life, regardless of policy shifts.

For more on recent resettlement news, check out the IIA team on News 5 Cleveland:
News 5 Cleveland: Organizations, Volunteers Still Helping Refugee Families Amid Federal Funding Cuts