The process of applying for U.S. citizenship has for years been long and involved several steps, including an application, background checks, tests and an interview. One must first establish legal residency for a time, through visas, green cards or other forms of immigration relief that in themselves can be difficult to obtain.

As Department of Homeland Security agents are expected to surge into New Orleans this week, the latest Democrat-led city targeted by a federal immigration enforcement crackdown, a common thread has emerged among local officials: They’re being kept in the dark – and it’s spiking fear among the immigrant community.

The shooting raised questions about whether the government missed any red flags about the alleged attacker, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

The bill comes as the Trump administration has cracked down on immigration enforcement around the country and in Massachusetts.

The lawsuit accuses the Justice Department of illegally violating her protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as well as her First Amendment protections.

President Trump is purging the immigration court system. About 140 immigration judges have been fired by the administration or resigned. Meanwhile, the case backlog is growing. What does it mean for immigrants caught in the middle?