Kathleen Bush-Joseph
@kathleenbush.bsky.social
Attorney at the Migration Policy Institute. Posts are my own. Retweets are not endorsements. Updates on immigration related court cases and policy. [email protected]
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Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Kathleen Bush-Joseph is a lawyer and Policy Analyst with MPI's U.S. Immigration Policy Program.
www.migrationpolicy.org
I research & write about asylum, litigation & deportations. You can read some of my work here: www.migrationpolicy.org/about/staff/...
Before joining MPI, I represented unaccompanied immigrant kids @nijc.bsky.social in Chicago
& before that, I worked at the United Nations in Geneva
Before joining MPI, I represented unaccompanied immigrant kids @nijc.bsky.social in Chicago
& before that, I worked at the United Nations in Geneva
Rock Creek National Park was beautiful with the snow on Friday ❄️
December 7, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Rock Creek National Park was beautiful with the snow on Friday ❄️
How DC's housing agency Forfeited $35 Million in Federal Assistance for Affordable Housing and Bailed Out a Well-Connected Developer
washingtoncitypaper.com/article/7742...
washingtoncitypaper.com/article/7742...
How DHCD Forfeited $35 Million in Federal Assistance for Affordable Housing and Bailed Out a Well-Connected Developer
DHCD Director Colleen Green failed to disclose the loss of funding when asked during a D.C. Council hearing earlier this year.
washingtoncitypaper.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:04 PM
How DC's housing agency Forfeited $35 Million in Federal Assistance for Affordable Housing and Bailed Out a Well-Connected Developer
washingtoncitypaper.com/article/7742...
washingtoncitypaper.com/article/7742...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
In @nytopinion.nytimes.com
“Seeking accountability against the perpetrator of a crime is how the legal system is supposed to work,” the lawyer Elora Mukherjee says. “But punishing law-abiding immigrants, children and adults alike, for the violent acts of one man is anathema to our justice system.”
“Seeking accountability against the perpetrator of a crime is how the legal system is supposed to work,” the lawyer Elora Mukherjee says. “But punishing law-abiding immigrants, children and adults alike, for the violent acts of one man is anathema to our justice system.”
Opinion | I’m an Immigration Lawyer. Trump Is Shattering My Clients’ Lives.
The administration is pausing asylum and upending families.
nyti.ms
December 5, 2025 at 1:40 AM
In @nytopinion.nytimes.com
“Seeking accountability against the perpetrator of a crime is how the legal system is supposed to work,” the lawyer Elora Mukherjee says. “But punishing law-abiding immigrants, children and adults alike, for the violent acts of one man is anathema to our justice system.”
“Seeking accountability against the perpetrator of a crime is how the legal system is supposed to work,” the lawyer Elora Mukherjee says. “But punishing law-abiding immigrants, children and adults alike, for the violent acts of one man is anathema to our justice system.”
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
NEW: Supreme Court will decide whether to allow Trump to limit birthright citizenship
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Supreme Court to decide if Trump can limit the constitutional right to citizenship at birth
The Trump administration is seeking to roll back the historical understanding that birthright citizenship extends to almost anyone born in the United States.
www.nbcnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:57 PM
NEW: Supreme Court will decide whether to allow Trump to limit birthright citizenship
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Amplifying this news from last week: the Trump Administration is also reviewing all asylum cases approved under Biden
So apparently there's a pause on decisions at USCIS, & a review of previous grants
Still unclear what's happening at immigration courts
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
So apparently there's a pause on decisions at USCIS, & a review of previous grants
Still unclear what's happening at immigration courts
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Trump administration will review asylum cases approved under Biden
The Department of Homeland Security announced a review of Biden-era asylum cases after the National Guard shooting in Washington, D.C.
www.usatoday.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Amplifying this news from last week: the Trump Administration is also reviewing all asylum cases approved under Biden
So apparently there's a pause on decisions at USCIS, & a review of previous grants
Still unclear what's happening at immigration courts
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
So apparently there's a pause on decisions at USCIS, & a review of previous grants
Still unclear what's happening at immigration courts
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
I'm not surprised, but I am still shocked by Trump's xenophobic rant against Somali Americans
Human beings are not garbage.
Human beings are not garbage.
December 5, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I'm not surprised, but I am still shocked by Trump's xenophobic rant against Somali Americans
Human beings are not garbage.
Human beings are not garbage.
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
In the case of the Babson College freshman detained at BOS on her way home to TX for Thxgiving, the govt's own timeline, as laid out by a judge, shows she was removed to Honduras, where she hasn't lived since she was 7, more than 17 hrs AFTER a court order barring her deportation had been issued.
December 4, 2025 at 5:43 PM
In the case of the Babson College freshman detained at BOS on her way home to TX for Thxgiving, the govt's own timeline, as laid out by a judge, shows she was removed to Honduras, where she hasn't lived since she was 7, more than 17 hrs AFTER a court order barring her deportation had been issued.
Reducing the validity of some work permits from 5 years to 18 months is a BIG DEAL
This really affects people, especially when you consider the higher fees for work permits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
More renewals, more often = immigrants paying more $$ to the US govt.
This really affects people, especially when you consider the higher fees for work permits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
More renewals, more often = immigrants paying more $$ to the US govt.
USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S. | USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain categories of aliens.
www.uscis.gov
December 5, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Reducing the validity of some work permits from 5 years to 18 months is a BIG DEAL
This really affects people, especially when you consider the higher fees for work permits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
More renewals, more often = immigrants paying more $$ to the US govt.
This really affects people, especially when you consider the higher fees for work permits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
More renewals, more often = immigrants paying more $$ to the US govt.
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
The Laken Riley Act was a draconian step toward mass deportations. But as a federal judge recently pointed out, it did serve as a reminder: that Congress sets the rules, and the White House can't just detain anyone it wants.
My latest:
My latest:
Congress killed due process, then Trump went even further www.theredoubt.net/congress-kil...
Congress killed due process, then Trump went even further
The Laken Riley Act stripped undocumented immigrants of a fundamental right, but even that has not been radical enough for this White House.
www.theredoubt.net
December 5, 2025 at 1:44 PM
The Laken Riley Act was a draconian step toward mass deportations. But as a federal judge recently pointed out, it did serve as a reminder: that Congress sets the rules, and the White House can't just detain anyone it wants.
My latest:
My latest:
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
While the Trump admin. has gone beyond the law, the Laken Riley Act still can funnel many immigrants into federal custody.
And as @kathleenbush.bsky.social noted, once in ICE detention, it has hard to get out, even when the law is on your side: www.theredoubt.net/congress-kil...
And as @kathleenbush.bsky.social noted, once in ICE detention, it has hard to get out, even when the law is on your side: www.theredoubt.net/congress-kil...
Congress killed due process, then Trump went even further
The Laken Riley Act stripped undocumented immigrants of a fundamental right, but even that has not been radical enough for this White House.
www.theredoubt.net
December 5, 2025 at 2:25 PM
While the Trump admin. has gone beyond the law, the Laken Riley Act still can funnel many immigrants into federal custody.
And as @kathleenbush.bsky.social noted, once in ICE detention, it has hard to get out, even when the law is on your side: www.theredoubt.net/congress-kil...
And as @kathleenbush.bsky.social noted, once in ICE detention, it has hard to get out, even when the law is on your side: www.theredoubt.net/congress-kil...
Trump Tightens Work Permits for Migrants, Expanding Crackdown on Legal Immigration
Quicker expiration dates primarily will affect immigrants seeking asylum or other forms of humanitarian protections
From @mhackman.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Quicker expiration dates primarily will affect immigrants seeking asylum or other forms of humanitarian protections
From @mhackman.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Exclusive | Trump Tightens Work Permits for Migrants, Expanding Crackdown on Legal Immigration
The quicker expiration dates primarily will affect immigrants seeking asylum or other forms of humanitarian protections.
www.wsj.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Trump Tightens Work Permits for Migrants, Expanding Crackdown on Legal Immigration
Quicker expiration dates primarily will affect immigrants seeking asylum or other forms of humanitarian protections
From @mhackman.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Quicker expiration dates primarily will affect immigrants seeking asylum or other forms of humanitarian protections
From @mhackman.bsky.social
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
The Labor Department is pursuing about 200 investigations of H-1B employers connected to "Project Firewall."
But most notable about the initiative is Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's use of authority to personally sign off on probes that could go even broader than traditional investigations.
But most notable about the initiative is Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's use of authority to personally sign off on probes that could go even broader than traditional investigations.
Labor Department Expands H-1B Oversight, Tests Enforcement Power
The Department of Labor under President Donald Trump is becoming more proactive in seeking out rulebreakers in a visa program dominated by the US technology industry.
news.bloomberglaw.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The Labor Department is pursuing about 200 investigations of H-1B employers connected to "Project Firewall."
But most notable about the initiative is Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's use of authority to personally sign off on probes that could go even broader than traditional investigations.
But most notable about the initiative is Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's use of authority to personally sign off on probes that could go even broader than traditional investigations.
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Notably, it says nothing about whether applicants will have a fair chance to seek asylum or whether they will be safe while doing so (both of those are required by the statute). But where's the actual agreement, which Guatemala said in June doesn't exist?
November 26, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Notably, it says nothing about whether applicants will have a fair chance to seek asylum or whether they will be safe while doing so (both of those are required by the statute). But where's the actual agreement, which Guatemala said in June doesn't exist?
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Under the asylum statute, INA 208(a)(2), the US can bar an asylum seeker from seeking protection if we have a Safe Third Country agreement and that person could be sent there. Trump is getting ready to try to wipe out a huge swath of asylum cases with these agreements.
November 26, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Under the asylum statute, INA 208(a)(2), the US can bar an asylum seeker from seeking protection if we have a Safe Third Country agreement and that person could be sent there. Trump is getting ready to try to wipe out a huge swath of asylum cases with these agreements.
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
In my immigration court cases, the DHS has begun to ask courts to not allow asylum seekers to make their claims, citing these agreements. And last month, the BIA said yeah, that all sounds great (see below). But I've seen no reporting on whether the agreements exist. www.justice.gov/eoir/media/1...
www.justice.gov
November 26, 2025 at 8:13 PM
In my immigration court cases, the DHS has begun to ask courts to not allow asylum seekers to make their claims, citing these agreements. And last month, the BIA said yeah, that all sounds great (see below). But I've seen no reporting on whether the agreements exist. www.justice.gov/eoir/media/1...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Belatedly noticing that the State Dept. updated its refugee resettlement data through October. In February-October 2025, the US resettled just 506 refugees(!) 342 of those (2/3) were South Africans. www.rpc.state.gov/admissions-a...
December 2, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Belatedly noticing that the State Dept. updated its refugee resettlement data through October. In February-October 2025, the US resettled just 506 refugees(!) 342 of those (2/3) were South Africans. www.rpc.state.gov/admissions-a...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Heads up: Right before Thanksgiving, a proposed regulation to restrict asylum applicants' access to work authorization cleared a key government review step. That means we could see a proposed regulatory change soon. But no details yet on what it might do. (1/2)
December 3, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Heads up: Right before Thanksgiving, a proposed regulation to restrict asylum applicants' access to work authorization cleared a key government review step. That means we could see a proposed regulatory change soon. But no details yet on what it might do. (1/2)
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Specifically, OMB finished its review of a proposed rule on "Employment Authorization Reform for Asylum Applicants." The only detail we have is the short description in the government's list of planned regulatory changes -- the "Unified Agenda": www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eA... (2/2)
View Rule
www.reginfo.gov
December 3, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Specifically, OMB finished its review of a proposed rule on "Employment Authorization Reform for Asylum Applicants." The only detail we have is the short description in the government's list of planned regulatory changes -- the "Unified Agenda": www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eA... (2/2)
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Despite rising tensions and the alleged closure of Venezuelan airspace, U.S. deportation flights to Venezuela have continued on their usual Wed/Fri schedule. The 74th such flight of the year (EAL8280) is currently en route from Phoenix, AZ to Caracas.
December 3, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Despite rising tensions and the alleged closure of Venezuelan airspace, U.S. deportation flights to Venezuela have continued on their usual Wed/Fri schedule. The 74th such flight of the year (EAL8280) is currently en route from Phoenix, AZ to Caracas.
Re Trump's immigration application "pauses," I'm not seeing mentions of the fact that US law requires certain apps to be adjudicated w/in specific timeframes
For asylum, it's 6 months
That's long been ignored due to backlogs, but people have sued about it before & could again
For asylum, it's 6 months
That's long been ignored due to backlogs, but people have sued about it before & could again
December 3, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Re Trump's immigration application "pauses," I'm not seeing mentions of the fact that US law requires certain apps to be adjudicated w/in specific timeframes
For asylum, it's 6 months
That's long been ignored due to backlogs, but people have sued about it before & could again
For asylum, it's 6 months
That's long been ignored due to backlogs, but people have sued about it before & could again
I know there is a lot going on but Border Patrol in Charlotte seemed to have quickly fallen out of the national news
Is that because BP has stopped using tactics like tear gas and helicopters, like they did in Chicago?
Is that because BP has stopped using tactics like tear gas and helicopters, like they did in Chicago?
December 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
I know there is a lot going on but Border Patrol in Charlotte seemed to have quickly fallen out of the national news
Is that because BP has stopped using tactics like tear gas and helicopters, like they did in Chicago?
Is that because BP has stopped using tactics like tear gas and helicopters, like they did in Chicago?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to re-up his 2023 immigration state of emergency for the 19th time this week, extending his expanded scope of powers into their 4th calendar year and continuing to skirt more than two dozen state laws and regulations
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
FL has suspended 25 rules using DeSantis’ yearslong immigration state of emergency
Florida has suspended 25 statutes and rules using the immigration state of emergency justification, according to a Miami Herald review.
www.miamiherald.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to re-up his 2023 immigration state of emergency for the 19th time this week, extending his expanded scope of powers into their 4th calendar year and continuing to skirt more than two dozen state laws and regulations
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
For the first time, Los Angeles public defenders will defend clients in immigration court
A new unit at the LA County Public Defender’s office will do something unprecedented in the county: defend immigrants in court facing deportation
lapublicpress.org/2025/12/la-p...
A new unit at the LA County Public Defender’s office will do something unprecedented in the county: defend immigrants in court facing deportation
lapublicpress.org/2025/12/la-p...
For the first time, LA public defenders will defend clients in immigration court
A new unit at the LA County Public Defender’s office will do something unprecedented in the county: defend immigrants in court facing deportation.
lapublicpress.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:49 PM
For the first time, Los Angeles public defenders will defend clients in immigration court
A new unit at the LA County Public Defender’s office will do something unprecedented in the county: defend immigrants in court facing deportation
lapublicpress.org/2025/12/la-p...
A new unit at the LA County Public Defender’s office will do something unprecedented in the county: defend immigrants in court facing deportation
lapublicpress.org/2025/12/la-p...
Justices Probe Limits Of Deference In Asylum Cases
By @britaineakin.bsky.social
On Monday SCOTUS grappled with when courts can review the Board of Immigration Appeals' persecution findings, showing little appetite for allowing courts to routinely second-guess agency expertise...
By @britaineakin.bsky.social
On Monday SCOTUS grappled with when courts can review the Board of Immigration Appeals' persecution findings, showing little appetite for allowing courts to routinely second-guess agency expertise...
Justices Probe Limits Of Deference In Asylum Cases - Law360
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday grappled with when courts can review the Board of Immigration Appeals' persecution findings, showing little appetite for allowing courts to routinely second-guess agen...
www.law360.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Justices Probe Limits Of Deference In Asylum Cases
By @britaineakin.bsky.social
On Monday SCOTUS grappled with when courts can review the Board of Immigration Appeals' persecution findings, showing little appetite for allowing courts to routinely second-guess agency expertise...
By @britaineakin.bsky.social
On Monday SCOTUS grappled with when courts can review the Board of Immigration Appeals' persecution findings, showing little appetite for allowing courts to routinely second-guess agency expertise...
Reposted by Kathleen Bush-Joseph
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said after meeting with President Trump that she's recommending a travel ban on multiple countries in connection with criminal activity in the U.S.
Noem reveals sweeping travel ban plan after meeting with Trump
She's recommending that Trump's ban on 19 nations "widens and covers more countries," White House press secretary told Fox News.
www.axios.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said after meeting with President Trump that she's recommending a travel ban on multiple countries in connection with criminal activity in the U.S.