Domestic Violence Asylum Claims

In an unpublished decision, D-M-R- (BIA June 9, 2015), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has held that "El Salvadoran women in domestic relationships who are unable to leave" is a cognizable particular social group (per its decision in Matter of A-R-C-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 388 (BIA 2014)) that "does not necessarily require that an applicant seeking asylum or withholding of removal based on domestic violence have been married to his or her abuser."

Instead, the Court states "we look to the characteristics of the relationship to determine its nature." Of importance is establishing the bona fide nature of the relationship as well as the inability of the Applicant to leave the relationship.

Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Kicks off Installation Reception

Last night, February 3, 2016, the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GDHCC) kicked off its 2016 Board of Directors Installation Reception at the beautiful Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in the Dallas Arts District.

Former CBS reporter Susy Solis introduced the Chamber's influential members, including former Chair Wanda Granier, Mayor Pro Tem Monica R. Alonzo, and Chamber President Rick Ortiz.

District 4 Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia swore in the new board of directors, along with new Chairman, Mr. Don Perez.

The GDHCC highlighted its commitment to continue bolstering economic growth and empowering business owners. If you are a small business interested in what the GDHCC can do for you, check out their Scale Up Program.

Lauren Wallis is an immigration attorney in Dallas, Texas at the law office of Brewer & Lormand, PLLC. Email her at lwallis@brewerlormand.com.

U.S. Supreme Court to rule on Obama's Executive Action

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted certiorari in Texas et al. v. U.S. et al. to review whether President Obama can proceed with his executive action to defer deportation and grant work authorization to the nearly 11 million individuals living in the United States without lawful status.

At the heart of the issue is the constitutionality of the programs released by the Obama administration in November of 2014, called DAPA and expanded DACA, that would bring millions of unlawful immigrants out of the shadows.

DAPA is intended to cover the parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. DACA 2.0, as it has been called, applies to certain individuals who came to the U.S. under the age of sixteen and are seeking or have obtained an education.

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments this April and a decision is likely to be made by June. Twenty six states filed suit to stop DAPA and the expanded DACA from being implemented in December of 2014. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a preliminary injunction in February 2015, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the injunction on November 9. 2015. The Obama administration petitioned the Supreme Court for immediate review of the Fifth Circuit's decision on November 20. 2015.

Read more about what the Fifth Circuit has done to halt the executive action here.

Photo attributable to: jurispage.com

                                         




Lauren Wallis is an immigration attorney at Brewer & Lormand, PLLC. Email her your immigration questions here.