Afghan Adjustment Reintroduced in Congress

Last Thursday a bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators reintroduced the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA). If passed, this legislation would provide a permanent pathway to remain in the U.S. for Afghans who sought refuge from the Taliban following the fall of Kabul. The bill would also provide for additional security vetting and screening and would expand opportunities for protection for those still at risk in Afghanistan. 

“We’re a step closer to bolstering our national security and providing a stable and hopeful future for our Afghan allies,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. “The reintroduction of the Afghan Adjustment Act reflects Americans’ enduring support and welcome for Afghans who risked their lives to support the United States.”

Learn more about the AAA on our website and contact your legislators to urge them to pass the legislation quickly. 

Texas troopers ordered to push migrants back into Rio Grande and deny them water

A Texas state trooper medic sent an email to a supervisor expressing concerns about orders they were given during their detail at the border. He stated that they “were given orders to push people back into the water to go to Mexico” and were also told not to give water to migrants. The email reported weekly events from June 24 to July 1, with details of injuries to migrants because of the barbed wire buoy barrier placed in the Rio Grande by Governor Abbott in the area of Eagle Pass, Texas. “I believe we have stepped over a line into the inhumane.” the trooper wrote. Several trooper medics had contacted their supervisors while they were on duty, calling for changes to the policies implemented by Abbott, and then repeated those requests in writing. 

Governor Abbott has received criticism in a letter signed by several members of the Texas Congress stating that his placement of the barrier is potentially a violation of international law. "Gov. Abbott's installation of floating barriers in the Rio Grande to deter migrant crossings is yet another dangerous stunt that prioritizes political posturing over the safety and well-being of both Texans and migrants," the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

This week's news blog was written by Jen Wellman.