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Trump's Border Crackdown Spooks International Founders and VCs
a year ago
- Trump’s immigration policies are causing uncertainty for immigrant startup founders and investors.
- Visa applications are facing increased scrutiny and longer processing times.
- O-1 and EB-1 visas are common pathways for international founders, but criteria are strict.
- Startup founders are canceling travel plans to avoid risking their ability to stay in the U.S.
- Investors report portfolio founders abroad are reconsidering U.S. relocation due to immigration fears.
- Industry groups are lobbying for a 'startup visa' to ease entrepreneur immigration.
- A16z, Sequoia, Accel, and Benchmark lead in high-performing Series A investments.
- Sarah Tavel transitions to a venture partner role at Benchmark, focusing more on AI.
- Early-stage venture prices are rising, but deal pace remains slower than the 2021 boom.
More Than 5k People Are on a NY State Police Gang Database
a year ago
- New York State Police maintains a secretive gang database (GRIP) with over 5,100 entries, shared with ICE for two decades.
- Criteria for gang designation includes speculative factors like clothing, tattoos, and associations, often without criminal charges.
- The database feeds into federal systems like ICE's Investigative Case Management, built by Palantir, aiding Trump's deportation campaigns.
- Critics argue the database enables racial profiling and lacks transparency, with no public access or audit mechanisms.
- Governor Hochul has increased funding for gang surveillance, despite claiming opposition to mass deportations.
- Gang databases have been criticized for inaccuracies, targeting minorities, and severe consequences like enhanced sentencing and ICE enforcement.
- NYSIC's gang entries use loose federal criteria, including informant tips and observed associations, raising civil liberties concerns.
- Recent cases show immigrants wrongly labeled as gang members based on tattoos or clothing, leading to unjust deportations.
- The NYPD's gang database faces scrutiny, while the statewide version operates with little oversight or public awareness.
- Hochul's administration supports gang policing initiatives, contradicting her public stance on protecting immigrants from deportation.
ICE Arrests Workers Involved in Landmark Labor Rights Case
a year ago
- Immigration raid in western New York targeted farm workers involved in unionization efforts.
- 14 workers from Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms were detained; most were active in unionization efforts.
- The raid appeared targeted, with agents having a list of workers on the bus.
- Workers and families are fearful, changing routines to avoid detention.
- Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms has been in a multiyear battle against unionization, challenging New York's 2019 farm labor law.
- The company denies involvement in the raid and rejects claims of targeting union activists.
- The detained workers' locations remain unclear, with some held in detention facilities.
- The raid highlights tensions in a region reliant on immigrant labor but politically divided.
- UFW alleges union-busting and intimidation by Lynn-Ette's owner.
- New York's 2019 farm labor law has faced legal challenges from growers but remains largely intact.
A 'Trump Card Visa' Is Already Showing Up in Immigration Forms
a year ago
- Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is developing digital infrastructure for a new 'Trump Card Visa' golden visa program.
- The program, proposed by Donald Trump, would allow wealthy individuals to buy residency in the U.S. for $5 million, but legal and legislative hurdles remain.
- DOGE is coordinating with multiple federal agencies, including CBP and USCIS, to integrate the visa program into existing immigration systems.
- A website, trumpcard.gov, has been registered, with subdomains linked to federal immigration systems, indicating advanced digital integration.
- The Global Entry application form now includes an option for applicants to indicate if they have applied for a Trump Card Visa.
- The program faces legal uncertainties, as current immigration laws, like the Immigration Act of 1990, may require Congressional approval for such changes.
- The existing EB-5 investor visa program, which requires a $1.05 million investment, is seen as a precursor but differs in scope and target demographic.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed 1,000 gold cards have already been sold, with a potential target of 1 million, but the program's launch timeline remains unclear.
Abandoning the USA (or your home country)
a year ago
- Leaving your home country is more complex than it seems, involving legal, financial, and bureaucratic hurdles.
- Countries use various control systems—like taxes, bank accounts, and social security—to retain citizens as resources.
- Burning your passport or cutting ties completely can backfire, as you’ll need proof of identity and financial stability to immigrate legally.
- Marrying a citizen of your target country can provide a path to residency, but it’s a lengthy and scrutinized process.
- Working illegally abroad often leads to exploitation, lower wages, and the constant risk of deportation.
- Owning property in a foreign country doesn’t automatically grant residency rights; visas are still required.
- Key considerations before leaving include maintaining ties to your home country, securing income, and adapting to language and cultural differences.
- Wealth simplifies the process, as many countries offer 'golden passports' or visas for significant investors.
Latina Who Voted for Trump Burst into Tears Learning Her Family Will Be Deported
a year ago
- A Mexican woman in the U.S. regrets voting for Donald Trump after her family faces deportation risks.
- The Trump administration has implemented over 21 changes to the U.S. immigration system, including new arrest and removal rules.
- 956 people were arrested in a single day by ICE, marking the largest operation since Trump returned to office.
- Undocumented immigrants are living in fear, avoiding work and staying home due to increased enforcement.
- Mayra Alejandra Luna shared her regret on TikTok, stating she trusted Trump's promises to Latinos during the election.
- Luna's video went viral, receiving over 100,000 views and mixed reactions, with some criticizing her for ignoring Trump's clear policies.
- Trump received 46% of the Latino vote in the last election, a record for a Republican, but many now express regret as deportations rise.
- Editor’s Note: Luna's citizenship status and voting eligibility remain unclear.
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Revoke the Legal Status of 500k Immigrants
a year ago
- The Trump administration has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to end the legal status of over 500,000 immigrants protected under a Biden-era humanitarian program.
- The appeal seeks to overturn a district court ruling that temporarily blocked the revocation of legal status and work permits for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
- The administration argues the lower court overstepped its authority, potentially interfering with immigration policies aimed at reducing illegal border crossings.
- The case involves the 'humanitarian parole' program, expanded by the Biden administration in 2022, allowing migrants from specific countries to stay in the U.S. for two years under certain conditions.
- The Biden administration announced in October 2024 it would not extend the program, leading the Trump administration to move for its complete termination.
- Judge Talwani ruled the government must respect expiration dates and cannot terminate the program early without individual case reviews.
- Humanitarian parole has been used by U.S. presidents for over 70 years to support family reunification and manage migration for humanitarian reasons.
Border agents plan to photograph everyone leaving the US by car
a year ago
- CBP plans to photograph everyone leaving the US by car using facial recognition technology.
- The agency currently photographs inbound travelers and matches photos to travel documents.
- CBP has been testing biometric data collection since 2016, expanding to 57 airports.
- Facial recognition is preferred over iris scans and fingerprints for its intuitiveness.
- CBP also collects fingerprints using Biometric Exit Mobile devices to check against law enforcement databases.
- Biometric data helps track self-deportations and identify individuals with criminal records.
- The surveillance expansion aligns with Trump's mass deportation agenda but predates his presidency.
Airlines Are Collecting Your Data and Selling It to ICE
a year ago
- A massive aviation industry clearinghouse processes data for 12 billion passenger flights annually.
- This data, including flight itineraries, passenger records, and financial details, is sold to the Trump administration.
- The information is used in the Travel Intelligence Program, a secretive government intelligence operation.
- The data is provided to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies.
- Details of the program were revealed in ICE procurement documents released on Wednesday.
US Government considering suspending habeas corpus
a year ago
- Trump administration considers suspending habeas corpus to challenge detentions in court.
- Stephen Miller cites US Constitution allowing suspension during 'rebellion or invasion'.
- Judges have recently ordered releases of detained students on habeas corpus grounds.
- Legal experts dispute Miller's interpretation, stating only Congress can suspend habeas corpus.
- Trump's administration has pursued various methods to expedite deportations.
- Habeas corpus has been suspended four times in US history, always by Congress.
Airlines Are Selling Your Data to ICE
a year ago
- Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) collects and sells passenger data to ICE and other federal agencies.
- ARC processes data for 12 billion flights annually, covering 54% of global flights.
- Data includes flight itineraries, passenger names, and financial details, accessible via the Travel Intelligence Program.
- ARC is jointly owned by nine major airlines, including Delta, United, and American Airlines.
- Privacy experts raise concerns over civil liberties due to unrestricted government access to vast passenger data.
- Federal agencies like ICE, DOD, and Treasury have contracts with ARC for travel data access.
- ARC's database holds over one billion records, spanning 39 months of past and future travel data.
- No alternative clearinghouse exists, making ARC's monopoly over airline passenger data a significant concern.
- Contracts with federal agencies have earned ARC over $1.3 million since 2024.
- Critics question privacy safeguards and potential misuse of data amid Trump's immigration crackdown.
Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk released from immigration detention
a year ago
- Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University doctoral student, was released from federal custody after a judge ordered her release.
- Her detention was linked to an op-ed she wrote criticizing Tufts' response to the Israel-Hamas war, with the judge citing potential constitutional violations.
- The Trump administration accused her of supporting Hamas, but no evidence beyond her op-ed was provided.
- Öztürk's case highlights concerns over free speech and the targeting of noncitizens for activism.
- She was held in poor conditions in Louisiana, worsening her chronic asthma.
- Another student activist, Mohsen Mahdawi, was also recently ordered released in a similar case.
- Tufts University welcomed the decision, expressing support for her return to doctoral studies.
- The Department of Homeland Security defended its actions, stating visas are a privilege, not a right.
- A future court hearing will address constitutional issues in her case.
Keep calm (but delete your nudes): the new rules for travelling to America
a year ago
- The US is projected to lose $12.5bn in international travel spending due to aggressive immigration rhetoric.
- Vice President JD Vance joked about deporting football fans who overstay their visas during the 2026 FIFA World Cup announcement.
- Immigration lawyers report increased scrutiny at US borders, with fears of detention being somewhat overblown but still concerning.
- Two executive orders (EO 14161 and EO 14188) allow targeting non-citizens based on political and ideological views, including criticism of Israel.
- Cases of travelers being detained or denied entry due to their political views or social media activity are emerging.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can search electronic devices without a warrant, with varying levels of suspicion required depending on the type of search.
- Refusing to unlock your phone for CBP can lead to device seizure, entry denial, or detention, especially for visa holders.
- Travelers are advised to understand visa rules, assess risks, and consider their public statements and social media activity before visiting the US.
- Green card holders with criminal records or past visa overstays are at higher risk and should consult lawyers before traveling.
- Students and activists face additional scrutiny, especially if affiliated with protests or controversial viewpoints.
- Despite risks, many non-citizens continue to speak out on injustices, prioritizing their beliefs over safety concerns.
Fabian Schmidt speaks out for the first time since his detention
a year ago
- Fabian Schmidt, a German lawful permanent resident in the U.S., was detained for two months at Logan International Airport after returning from Europe.
- Schmidt described his detention as 'dehumanizing,' involving strip searches, verbal abuse, and denial of legal or embassy contact.
- He was held without clear justification, accused of being a 'flight risk,' despite his legal status and long-term residence in the U.S.
- Schmidt fell ill during detention, was hospitalized while shackled, and then returned to the airport holding area without proper recuperation.
- After being transferred to a detention facility in Rhode Island, Schmidt faced degrading treatment but eventually connected with his fiancée and legal help.
- Schmidt was released unexpectedly after weeks in detention, reuniting with his fiancée, but now faces significant financial and emotional repercussions.
- He plans to sue the government and advocates for systemic immigration reform to prevent similar injustices.
Dept Homeland Security in vetting process for immigrant reality TV show
a year ago
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing a reality TV show pitch where immigrants compete for American citizenship.
- Producer Rob Worsoff, a Canadian immigrant, envisions the show as a 'positive love letter to America' and denies it would exploit contestants.
- Worsoff has pitched the idea since the Obama Administration and has had discussions with DHS, though Secretary Kristi Noem has not been involved.
- The show, tentatively titled 'The American,' would feature challenges tailored to U.S. locations, highlighting American culture and history.
- Each episode would include heritage challenges, eliminations, town-hall meetings, and a final vote by viewers, similar to a presidential election.
- Worsoff emphasizes the show would humanize immigrants, showcasing their stories and potentially offering them opportunities like jobs.
- DHS receives numerous TV show pitches annually, each undergoing a vetting process before approval or denial.
A demographic projection of Spain's native-born population
a year ago
- Spain's foreign-born population has surged from 2.9% in 1998 to 18.2% in 2024, with significant regional variations.
- The share of native-born individuals with foreign-born mothers is projected to grow from 4.8% in 2024 to 9.1% by 2039.
- By 2039, nearly 40% of Spain's population will be either first or second-generation immigrants.
- Regional disparities are stark: Southern provinces will remain predominantly native-born, while urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona will see immigrant-origin populations approach or exceed 50%.
- Immigrant-origin populations will be overrepresented in the working-age group, potentially comprising 43% of Spain's workforce by 2039.
- The demographic shift raises questions about social integration, regional identities, and the future of regional languages like Catalan and Basque.
- The projections align closely with Eurostat data, validating the methodology used.
HOPE Conference says US Immigration Crackdown Caused Massive Ticket Sales Crash
a year ago
- HOPE conference reports 50% drop in ticket sales compared to last year, attributed to Trump administration's immigration policies.
- Organizers fear fewer international attendees will negatively impact the conference's program and financial stability.
- The event may need to reduce its venue space to manage budget constraints.
- Some potential attendees express fear of harassment or detention when traveling to the U.S.
- HOPE, an annual event since switching from biennial, features infosec talks, lockpicking booths, and digital art displays.
- Speaker Thomas Kranz withdrew due to concerns over border issues and past FBI interactions.
- Kranz cited friends' experiences of being detained and having electronics confiscated at U.S. borders.
- HOPE has partnered with ACLU and EFF to provide travel advice for international attendees.
- Virtual tickets are available for those unable to attend in person due to travel concerns.
Trump admin revokes Harvard's ability to enroll all international students
a year ago
- The Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students.
- The decision impacts currently enrolled international students, with nearly 7,000 affected.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited concerns over violence, antisemitism, and coordination with the Chinese Communist Party.
- Harvard called the action 'unlawful' and stated it undermines their academic mission.
- International students contribute significantly to Harvard's diversity, research, and finances.
- Affected students express fear over their education, internships, and future work opportunities.
- Over 1.1 million international students in the U.S. contributed more than $43 billion to the economy last year.
ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows
a year ago
- Flock's AI-powered license plate reader (ALPR) system is being used by ICE for immigration-related searches despite no formal contract.
- Local police perform over 4,000 lookups for ICE, either as formal requests or informal favors, granting federal law enforcement indirect access.
- Search logs reveal terms like 'immigration,' 'ICE,' and 'ICE WARRANT' as reasons for lookups, with immigration-related searches peaking post-Trump inauguration.
- Data obtained via public records request from Danville, Illinois Police Department highlights widespread use of Flock's system by ICE through local law enforcement.
Illinois Cops Gave ICE Access to More Than 5k Surveillance Cameras Nationwide
a year ago
- Illinois police provided ICE access to over 5,000 surveillance cameras nationwide, despite state laws prohibiting such use.
- Flock Safety, the ALPR technology provider, has 40,000 cameras across the U.S., recording vehicle details and storing data for 30 days.
- Records show 4,000 searches by local and state police for immigration-related reasons, often informally assisting ICE without formal contracts.
- Flock's system allows law enforcement to access nationwide camera data, including from private entities like homeowner associations.
- The system enables real-time tracking of vehicles without warrants, raising Fourth Amendment concerns.
- ICE's informal access to ALPR data bypasses public oversight, sparking privacy and constitutional debates.
- Illinois officials deny violating state laws, but evidence suggests ALPR data is being shared with federal agencies for immigration enforcement.
- Civil liberties advocates warn of unchecked surveillance and the lack of public discussion on federal data access limits.

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#immigration

Trump's Border Crackdown Spooks International Founders and VCs

More Than 5k People Are on a NY State Police Gang Database

ICE Arrests Workers Involved in Landmark Labor Rights Case

A 'Trump Card Visa' Is Already Showing Up in Immigration Forms

Abandoning the USA (or your home country)

Latina Who Voted for Trump Burst into Tears Learning Her Family Will Be Deported

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Revoke the Legal Status of 500k Immigrants

Border agents plan to photograph everyone leaving the US by car

Airlines Are Collecting Your Data and Selling It to ICE

US Government considering suspending habeas corpus

Airlines Are Selling Your Data to ICE

Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk released from immigration detention

Keep calm (but delete your nudes): the new rules for travelling to America

Fabian Schmidt speaks out for the first time since his detention

Dept Homeland Security in vetting process for immigrant reality TV show

A demographic projection of Spain's native-born population

HOPE Conference says US Immigration Crackdown Caused Massive Ticket Sales Crash

Trump admin revokes Harvard's ability to enroll all international students

ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows

Illinois Cops Gave ICE Access to More Than 5k Surveillance Cameras Nationwide