Just have a minute? Here are the top stories you need to know about immigration, including the NYC shelters and Biden’s parole policy being challenged. This summary was featured in Documented’s Early Arrival newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox three times per week here.
New York
White House defends response to asylum seeker influx following criticism from New York governor
After a letter from New York Governor Kathy Hochul where she urged for more action, The White House defended its response to the asylum seeker influx facing New York. In a statement letter sent to CNN, a White House spokesperson said: “Without Congressional action, this Administration has been working to build a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system and has worked to identify ways to improve efficiencies and maximize the resources the federal government can provide to communities across the country to support the flow of migrants.” — CNN
Tired of paying for NYC shelters to house migrants? Advocates say their plan would save $3 billion.
A report issued jointly by the New York Immigration Coalition and Win estimates that New York City could save $3 billion a year by providing asylum seekers with housing subsidies rather than placing them in emergency shelters. — The Gothamist
City calls for use of more state sites for housing migrants
Faced with the weekly arrival of nearly 3,000 migrants, the city has requested state approval for various new sites, including armories, psychiatric centers, Javits Center and Ward’s Island, to address the housing crisis for asylum seekers in New York City. — Spectrum News NY1
Governor Hochul calls on President Biden to direct the federal government to provide work authorizations, support, and shelter for more than 100,000 asylum seekers in New York State
“New York cannot continue to do this on its own. It is past time for President Biden to take action and provide New York with the aid needed to continue managing this ongoing crisis,” Governor Hochul wrote in a formal request sent to the White House on Thursday. — Governor Kathy Hochul
Around the U.S.
Biden policy that has allowed 200,000 migrants to enter the U.S. in 10 months faces key legal test
Drew Tipton, a U.S. District Judge from Texas, kicked off a bench trial Thursday on a lawsuit from Texas and other Republican-led states aiming to halt the parole policy, which allows up to 30,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans to enter the U.S. monthly and apply for work permits. — CBS News
GOP talk of military action in Mexico sparks dire warnings
During Wednesday’s GOP presidential debate, despite policy disagreements on issues ranging from abortion to the environment, candidates overwhelmingly supported using American military force to combat drug smuggling and immigration, casting a shadow on U.S.-Mexico relations. — The Hill
Maui’s Latino community contends with destruction, grief and immigration fears after fires
Latino immigrants in Lahaina, Maui, face huge challenges after wildfires, including the loss of homes, jobs and loved ones while grappling with uncertain futures, job opportunities and immigration status. — NBC
US sues SpaceX for alleged hiring discrimination against refugees and others
The U.S. Department of Justice says in a complaint that SpaceX wrongly claimed that federal export control laws prohibited it from hiring anyone apart from U.S. citizens and permanent residents, thereby discouraging refugees, asylum seekers and grantees from applying for jobs. — Associated Press
