This year we may all say has been filled with many struggles and controversy. First came the Covid19 pandemic that began in March early this year and then elections in November. Though this years holidays may be different we should still take the time to listen to our loved ones about their opinions on the changes our country is undergoing.

It is known to many that immigrants face discrimination at the border, but recently in a lawsuit, Al otro Lado  et. al., v. Wolf, plaintiffs argue that the Trump Administration has made this turn back policy to drive away individuals from seeking asylum.

Individuals who become US citizens face a stressful period when preparing for the test. It is very important they study in order for them to pass to become a citizen. According to a recent article published by Immigration Impact, “Lawful permanent residents seeking to become U.S. citizens will now be required to take a more difficult and longer citizenship test.

Recently, a judge has ruled changes for Daca recipients. This has put many individuals at ease. According to Immigration Impact, “The ruling comes after the Supreme Court reversed the Trump administration’s first attempt to end DACA in July. Despite the Supreme Court decision, DHS refused to restore DACA to its initial state under Obama and instead pushed forward a number of new restrictive changes to the DACA program”.

The many attempts the Trump administration has tried to put an end to the DACA program has failed.

It has been said that now that Biden has won the elections, he will move to restore the Obama era that protects undocumented individuals from being deported if they were brought here as young children. Biden also plans to remove the travel bans that have gone into effect in recent months due to the pandemic.

In recent news, those who are TPS holder, Temporary Protected Status, have been allowed to apply for green cards. TPS, never gave an individual any legal status in the United States, it simply permitted them to work and stay here in the states due to a natural disaster or armed conflict in their home country.

As covid-19 continues to affect the immigration system many Cubans continue to remain detained in ICE detention centers. Though many already have orders of removal, they continue to remain detained, which increases the risks of contracting covid. According to Immigration Impact, “This situation occurs because ICE refuses to release many immigrants, even when their countries of origin will not accept deportations”. Our immigration system needs to change; it is not safe for the individuals working there and individuals who are detained.

With the elections occurring, many undocumented immigrants have become the target raids. In recent news, ICE has targeted sanctuary’s where many immigrants seek for help. These individuals are fine up to $500,000. “Undocumented immigrants in the United States request refuge (or “sanctuary”) in churches or other houses of worship to avoid deportation.

The public charge rule sent many individuals into a panic when it was announced the rule would go into effect in February. Many had to unroll from healthcare and many children lost medical coverage because immigrants feared this could possibly cost them from being able to apply for their green cards in the future.