Under recent changes by the Trump administration, the future of immigration policy in the United States is becoming more complicated, perplexing many, including citizens, residents with temporary legal status and those seeking to enter the country.
This month, the Vera Institute of Justice launched the Safety and Fairness for Everyone (SAFE) Cities Network to help provide legal representation to people facing deportation. San Antonio, along with Austin, are two of these SAFE Cities in Texas, joining nine other local governments around the country in the publicly-funded initiative.
This year in Texas, the policy known as Senate Bill 4 was blocked by federal courts from taking effect for targeting so-called "sanctuary cities," or municipalities that shelter immigrants of various legal status. SB4 would also compel local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration agents and gives officers the authority to ask for proof of legal status.
Nationwide, the fate of the Obama-era policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is still uncertain. Overseas, travel bans to the United States from select Muslim-majority countries and others not aligned with U.S. interests have been inconsistent and controversial.
What is temporary protected status and which countries are affected? What are the latest developments towards immigration policy in United States and how can potential changes impact San Antonio?
Guests:
- María Villagómez, assistant city manager for the City of San Antonio
- Liz Provencio, first assistant city attorney for the City of San Antonio
- Erica Schommer, clinical assistant professor at St. Mary's University School of Law
- Dr. Rogelio Saenz, dean of the College of Public Policy at the University of Texas at San Antonio
- Justin Tullius, associate executive director of Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES)
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