It appears that not only Target retail stores is changing its transgenders policy. A detention facility for immigrants opening later this year in Texas will include a special unit for transgender people.

Transgender immigrants often face particular challenges, including a higher risk of sexual assault, an inability to get hormone replacement treatments, and dealing with guards unfamiliar with gender identity issues.

Under Federal guidelines, detention staff should ask incoming detainees about their chosen gender identity and make accommodations based on their preference. The guidelines include instructions on conducting searches, providing clothing based on a detainee's stated gender identity, and maintaining safety.

However, as long as there are no mechanisms to enforce these guidelines, it is unlikely that transgender people will be not subjected to abuse and mistreatment.

 Earlier this month USCIS announced they have completed their “fee study” and have proposed raising fees across the board by an average of 21 percent.
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The fee hike that will have a large impact on aspiring citizens is the increase in the already-high naturalization fee which is set to go up 6.6 percent. Currently the application fee is $680, including $85 for biometrics which will increase to $725.

Also, a  42 percent increase is proposed for the Form I-129 used for the most common work visas, including H-1B professional, O-1 extraordinary ability, and L-1 intracompany transfer visas, as well as E-1 treaty trader, E-2 treaty investor and E-3/FTA H-1B1/TN treaty professional visas processed in the United States rather than at an American consular post or Preflight Inspection Unit abroad. A 42 percent increase is also proposed for the Form I-140 used for EB1, EB2 and EB3 employment-based immigrant visas.

Proposed fee increases will become effective most likely later this summer. 

​For more information, contact us at Schonberg & Timerman, PL.