Editor’s note: Here are immigration-related news from across the U.S. this week. question? Tip? Comment? Email VOA’s immigration team at ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.

U.S. adds 12,000 special immigrant visas for Afghans

In the latest $1.2 trillion spending bill, U.S. lawmakers provided an additional 12,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghans supporting the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and extended the program through the end of 2025. While supporters welcomed the news, they said it was still 20,000 SIVs short of their requirements. VOA immigration reporter Aline Barros has more.

Group trains immigrants to help solve labor shortage in U.S. construction industry

A construction industry group says the U.S. is in dire need of construction workers. Nonprofits believe the new arrivals, which have overwhelmed some U.S. cities in recent months, could help. But not everyone agrees. Joti Rekhi reports from New York.

The Senate will receive articles of impeachment against Mayorkas on April 10

The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives will send two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on April 10, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Thursday. Reuters reports.

Voice of America photos of the day

Central American and Mexican families mourn Baltimore bridge workers

It is assumed that the construction workers who died in the Baltimore Bridge Collapse came from Mexico or Central America and then settled in the Maryland area. A cargo ship hit a support on the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, causing the bridge to plunge into the frigid Patapsco River, seconds before police managed to shut down the bridge to traffic. Maintenance crews did not have time to fill potholes on the bridge spans to reach safety. Associated Press reports.

Texas immigration arrest law on hold after latest court ruling

A Texas law that allows the state to arrest and deport immigrants suspected of entering the United States illegally will remain on hold for now, a federal appeals court has ruled. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held a hearing on March 20 and issued a 2-1 ruling late Tuesday. It’s just the latest step in a tug-of-war legal battle over Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s strict new immigration law. Associated Press reports.

In the U.S., micro-apartments are back as demand for affordable housing surges

Every part of Barbara Peraza-Garcia and her family’s studio apartment in Seattle, Washington serves a dual or even triple purpose. The 17-square-meter room is filled with air mattresses where she, her partner and their children, aged 2 and 4, sleep. This is also where they play or watch TV. When eating, this becomes their restaurant. It’s a stressful life for a family of asylum seekers from Venezuela. But at $900 a month — more than $550 cheaper than an average studio apartment in Seattle — the microapartment with its modest bathroom and shared kitchen was right within their budget, allowing them to quickly escape their previous arrangement of sleeping on the floor. . church. Associated Press reports.

Number of arrests for illegal border crossing in February hits lowest level of Biden’s term

The number of people arrested for illegally crossing the U.S. southern border with Mexico rose slightly in February from the previous month. But at a time when immigration has become a growing concern for voters, the numbers are still the lowest of Joe Biden’s presidency. In February, Border Patrol agents apprehended 140,644 people trying to enter the country at legal crossings, according to Customs and Border Protection. Associated Press reports.

Inside the large immigration processing center in El Paso

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has set up temporary centers to help speed up the processing of incoming immigrants. In a story told by Veronica Villafañe, Cesar Contreras visits one of the facilities that opened last year in El Paso, Texas .

Some families in Massachusetts shelters must document efforts to find a way out

Families living in Massachusetts’ overflow shelters will soon have to keep monthly records of their efforts to get out of the overflow system, including finding housing or jobs, Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday. Associated Press reports.

immigrants around the world

Ignoring the Syrian crisis could destabilize the region, experts say

More than 13 years after Syria’s civil war erupted, the United Nations says the country has become a more dangerous place for civilians, noting that the oppressive government of President Bashir Assad, who sparked the conflict, remains in power and continues to use Hostilities in Syria escalate. Multiple fronts. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva.

IOM: At least 65 bodies found in mass graves in Libya

The bodies of at least 65 migrants have been found in a mass grave in Libya, the International Organization for Migration said on Friday, adding that it was “deeply shocked and appalled”. The International Organization for Migration said in a statement that while some details of the deceased, such as their nationality and the circumstances of their death, were not yet known, “it is believed they died while being smuggled through the desert.” VOA News reports.

Newsletter

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alexander Mayorkas Announcement of Territorial Extension and Redesignation of Myanmar Temporary Protected Status “due to exceptional and temporary circumstances in Myanmar that render it impossible for an individual to return safely,” for a period of 18 months, from 26 May 2024 to 25 November 2025. A corresponding Federal Register notification provides information on how to register as a new citizen Information on Myanmar extensions and redesignations for first-time applicants or current beneficiaries of TPS.”