Beyond Border: Weekly U.S. Immigration News Wrap (July 11, 2025)

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Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

• A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents and student visa holders.
• The class-action order was filed by the ACLU and currently covers all children born after February 20, 2025.
• The decision reignites a fundamental legal contest over the 14th Amendment's protections, and the ruling is stayed for one week to allow the government to appeal.

“Big Beautiful Bill”: Major Expansion of Immigration Enforcement

• President Trump signed a sweeping new tax cut and spending bill into law on July 4, dramatically expanding immigration enforcement budgets.
  • $170 billion total for enforcement, with $45 billion for ICE detention centers and $46.5 billion for border wall projects.
  • New and sharply increased fees for asylum, parole, and appeals — some jumping by 700%.
  • Restrictions introduced on health care and food assistance for millions in immigrant and mixed-status families.
• Critics warn these measures may restrict access to due process and worsen immigration court backlogs, even as supporters tout tough new enforcement powers.

TPS Revoked for Hondurans and Nicaraguans

• The Trump administration will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 70,000 immigrants from Honduras and Nicaragua in September 2025.
• Many affected have lived in the U.S. since the 1990s and now face deportation if they cannot obtain another legal status.
• The move is part of a wider rollback of humanitarian protections, with the Department of Homeland Security stating that improved conditions in both countries negate the need for continued TPS.

Green Card Replacement Delays Reach Crisis Level

• Processing times for green card renewals and replacements (Form I-90) have surged nearly 1,000% since January 2025.
  • Median wait time rose from under a month to over eight months in Q2 FY2025.
  • As of March 2025, over 356,000 cases are pending, and 80% of replacements could now take more than a year.
• The delays reflect mounting application backlogs and the broader consequences of enhanced enforcement policies.

Economic Concerns as Immigrant Workforce Shrinks

• A recent jobs report highlights a drop of more than 735,000 foreign-born workers since January, raising alarm over economic risks and labor shortages.
• Restrictive policies — including increased deportations and limitations on parole and refugee entry — are major contributing factors.
• Sectors such as healthcare are facing acute staffing shortfalls, and wage growth has slowed, contradicting claims that removing immigrant workers universally benefits American wages.

For families and individuals navigating rapid policy changes, immigration advocates stress the need to stay informed, as court battles and legislative shifts continue to reshape U.S. immigration policy.

of American society, enriching the nation with diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. In 2023, the contributions of immigrants are more visible than ever, as communities come together to celebrate their heritage.

Embracing Diversity

• Cultural Festivals: Cities across the US host cultural festivals that showcase the traditions of various immigrant communities.
• Food and Cuisine: The culinary landscape has been transformed by immigrant chefs who introduce new flavors and dishes.
• Art and Music: Immigrants contribute to the arts, bringing unique perspectives and creativity that enrich American culture.

Recognizing and celebrating this diversity is essential for fostering a more inclusive society.