Immigration News Today: Data Contradicts Trump Administration’s Narrative of U.S.-Born Job Boom

Julia Malleck

Jan 05, 2026

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Just have a minute? Here are the top stories you need to know about immigration. This summary was featured in Documented’s Early Arrival newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox three times per week here.

Washington D.C.

Data contradicts Trump admin. narrative of U.S.-born job boom:

The unemployment rate has actually increased under Trump for both native- and foreign-born workers, data shows. —The Washington Post

USCIS proposes broad expansion to collection and definition of biometrics:

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents could be required to hand over data, including fingerprints and DNA samples, under the proposed rules. —ABC15 

DHS pauses immigration applications from 20 more countries:

The list, composed mostly of countries in Africa, includes Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. —NPR

New York

Mamdani called Trump to condemn removal of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro:

The former Venezuelan leader is being detained in New York where he faces narco-trafficking charges. —NY1, ABC7, CNN

Mamdani admin. revokes executive order permitting ICE to operate on Rikers Island:

One his first day in office, the new mayor scrapped a dozen orders from the Adams administration to set a new course for the city. —Reuters 

New Yorkers rally in Albany to support detained Afghan family:

Protestors called for the release of the Bakhtani family — one of several Afghan families ICE detained in the state capital area in December. —Times Union 

Around the U.S.

Venezuelan immigrants across the U.S. celebrate Maduro’s capture as others rally against the intervention:

Many took to the streets following news of his arrest on Saturday, though worries remain about the country’s political future as Trump declares he will “run” the country. —NBC, New York Times

Nearly 200 immigrants sue Trump admin. over suspension of processing cases:

The move comes after USCIS abruptly stopped processing green card, asylum, and citizenship applications in December. —Boston Globe, NBC Boston 

Wisconsin judge resigns after being convicted of obstructing arrest of immigrant:

In a resignation letter, Judge Hannah Dugan said that the legal proceedings against her “threaten the independence of our judiciary.” —Politico

Military contractor with Blackwater roots inks headhunting deal with ICE:

Constellis Holdings signed a $1.5 million deal with the federal agency in December to track down information on immigrants. —The Intercept

Oneida Nation cancels multi-million-dollar deals with ICE:

In an online address, Chairman Tehassi Hill apologized for entering into the contracts, and said they did not align with the tribe’s values. —Milkwaukee Journal Sentinel

Julia Malleck

Julia Malleck is a journalist based in NYC. She writes Documented's flagship newsletter, Early Arrival, which tracks national and local developments in immigration policy. (And my handle on X/Twitter is @txt_julia)

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