Policy Update: 1/14/26

Sasha@iaje.us

Anti-Immigrant Bills Advancing in the Minnesota Legislature

• What’s happening:Two anti-immigrant bills are moving through the House Judiciary Committee this week. If they pass committee, they could go to a full House floor vote as early as next week.

• Why this matters: These bills build on recent scapegoating narratives and unproven fraud allegations targeting immigrant communities in Minnesota. If passed, they could increase enforcement, limit access to services, or create new barriers for immigrants and their families.

• Explainer via NILC:

  • “H.R. 1958, a punitive and duplicative bill that scapegoats immigrants, and 

  • H.R. 6978, an ambiguously worded bill that codifies the Trump administration’s xenophobic policy of re-opening already-adjudicated immigration protections (this is the policy that is currently resulting in the detention of refugees in Minneapolis). “

New Enforcement Operation Targeting Refugees

• What’s happening: The administration has begun targeting people who entered the U.S. as refugees during the Biden administration, particularly those from countries previously affected by the travel ban.

A new enforcement initiative, Operation PARRIS, is starting in Minneapolis.

• What this means:

  • Refugees are people who were legally admitted to the U.S. because they faced danger in their home countries.

  • This operation signals increased scrutiny and enforcement against people who were previously considered lawfully protected.

  • Communities that believed their status was secure may now face fear, confusion, or risk of detention.

Temporary Halt to Ending Family Reunification Parole Programs

• What’s happening: The planned termination of Family Reunification parole programs has been paused for 14 days.

• What is Family Reunification parole? These programs allow certain family members of U.S. residents or citizens to enter and stay in the U.S. legally while waiting for their immigration paperwork to be processed.

• Why this matters:

  • The pause is temporary, not permanent.

  • Families currently in the process may still face uncertainty once the 14-day halt ends.

  • Advocates are using this window to push for longer-term protections.