US Fails to Make Sure Foreign Visitors Leave

(AP) - A former Justice Department official has been picked to be the Southwest border czar—a new position created by the Obama administration to handle illegal immigration and border issues. The new Homeland Security Department post will be responsible for issues related to drug-cartel violence along the US-Mexico border and the hundreds of thousands of people there who try to enter the US illegally, said an administration official. More»

Trend could be permanent, experts say

(NEWSER) - For the first time since the Great Depression, more Mexicans are leaving the US than are arriving, according to a report from the Pew Hispanic Center . Immigration from Mexico began to slow down in 2005 and probably reversed by 2010, according to the report. The US economy, tougher border enforcement, deportations, and the declining Mexican birth rate are cited as reasons for the change, which analysts believe could be permanent. Many of those returning to Mexico took their entire families, including around 100,000 US-born children. More»

'Consequence delivery system' won't just turn border crossers around

(NEWSER) - Up until recently, if you were caught crossing the border illegally into Douglas, Ariz., Border Patrol would give you a sandwich and some orange juice—and drive you right back to Mexico. Not anymore. The US Border Patrol is changing its policy, instituting a new "Consequence Delivery System" that will dictate the handling of illegal immigrants, and almost none will be turned politely around and sent on their way, the AP reports. More»

Proposal wouldn't require Congress' OK

(NEWSER) - President Obama will today propose a change in immigration rules: Under the suggested regulation, undocumented immigrants wouldn't have to leave the country while they apply for green cards. Current regulations can split families during the lengthy application process: Illegals who leave are subject to a ban from returning lasting up to 10 years, the Los Angeles Times reports. Though undocumented immigrants can seek exemptions from the rule, to do so they must apply outside the country, and even then they may have to wait years. More»

Justices set for controversial year

(NEWSER) - The Supreme Court has added another high-profile case to its slate: Justices will examine the Arizona immigration law that has sparked nationwide controversy, the AP reports. They'll rule on a US appeals court decision that barred portions of the law, including a measure requiring police investigating other matters to check a person's immigration status if they suspect he or she is an illegal immigrant. More»