BREAKING NEWS:  Last night, in a 94-page order, Judge Garcia in the Western District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction in El Cenizo v. Texas, enjoining defendants from enforcing certain provisions of SB 4 (the bill that would have allowed Texas to jail sheriffs and fine towns for failing to cooperate with federal immigration policies).

SB 4 would have become effective on Friday, September 1, 2017.

As you no doubt have read and seen in the media, the situation across Houston is dire and is posing challenges to the entire community due to the ravages of Hurricane Harvey and the aftermath of the storm.

Many of our friends across southern Texas have been impacted by this terrible storm, and we continue to keep you in our thoughts during these challenging times.

One thing that has always impressed me about the Houston community is the dedication and affection for each other. The first responders and unselfish volunteers served with passion and commitment during and after the terrible and unprecedented storm. In a remarkably challenging environment most of the community remained safe due to these engaged individuals who displayed affection and a belief in our community. On behalf of the community, we thank you for such unselfish and courageous support in a dangerous crisis.

To those of you who have contacted us to express your concern over how we are faring in the wake of the current conditions in Houston we welcome your unsurprising support.

Our concerns and support extend beyond our own community to all who are suffering the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

Please also continue to keep the entire Houston community in your thoughts over the days to come. Our challenge is far from over.

IR-2017-138, Aug. 30, 2017

WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 401(k)s and similar employer-sponsored retirement plans can make loans and hardship distributions to victims of Hurricane Harvey and members of their families. This is similar to relief provided last year to Louisiana flood victims and victims of Hurricane Matthew.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stated that it is not conducting immigration enforcement at relief sites such as shelters or food banks. In the rare instance where local law enforcement informs ICE of a serious criminal alien at a relief site that presents a public safety threat, ICE will make a determination on a case-by-case basis about the appropriate enforcement actions. More information is available at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) joint statement. The Federal Government strongly encourages all persons to follow the guidance of local officials and seek shelter regardless of their immigration status.

Most shelters are managed by local communities, the Red Cross, and other voluntary agencies. American Red Cross’ humanitarian mission is to feed, shelter, and provide other forms of support without regard to race, religion, or citizenship status. The Red Cross will not ask people to show any form of identification in order to stay in their shelters. In order to receive some Red Cross services, such as meeting with a caseworker to facilitate disaster recovery, they will need to verify a person’s pre-disaster address. For people who don’t have government-issued identification, the Red Cross can usually do this through alternative means, such as a copy of a utility bill.

USCIS has posted George Harrison’s 90-page A-file online in the Reading Room.

Republican Sens. David Perdue of Georgia and Tom Cotton of Arkansas will unveil legislation that proposes a skills-based immigration system and seeks an overall lower level of legal immigration according to the Washington Examiner.

Perdue and Cotton have called for a return to “historic” levels of permanent legal immigration. A top Senate aide with knowledge of the bill described the new plan as something that would “raise U.S. workers’ wages, create jobs and make the economy more competitive”.

Both senators have criticized the current immigration system in which just a small percentage of immigrants come to the U.S. because of their skills. The new system will prioritize high-skilled immigrants and match applicants depending on how they fit the workforce’s current needs.

It’s a push toward the other controversial goal of reducing legal immigration. The U.S. lets in more than 1 million people each year legally, but some Republicans have said that number hurts American citizens by pushing down their wages, and making it harder for them to find work in their own country, since they face competition from unskilled workers who are willing to work for less.

Today’s system often benefits family members of current U.S. residents, but Perdue and Cotton are pushing for a change that would force the U.S. to weigh the skill sets of potential candidates, and favor those with more skills.

This represents a different approach to immigration reform than has been championed by some other Republicans as recently in the 2013 “Gang of Eight” bill.