Category: ESTA News

The Trump administration has issued a new legal interpretation mandating that state governments report information on undocumented immigrants, stating that federal aid could be suspended if they refuse. This is an all-out pressure measure aimed at involving state and local governments in immigration enforcement, and fierce legal battles are expected in the future.

According to an opinion released on the 1st by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) of the U.S. Department of Justice, states participating in federal financial aid programs for low-income individuals must report information on residents deemed to be undocumented immigrants to the federal government. As all U.S. states participate in these programs, effectively state governments nationwide are subject to this regulation. The Department of Justice interpreted that the obligation to report undocumented immigrants applies to all state government agencies receiving federal funds, particularly regarding Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a program supporting low-income families, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the elderly and disabled.

Previous administrations had determined that the reporting obligation applied only to state government agencies directly implementing the relevant federal welfare programs. However, through this opinion, the Department of Justice has significantly expanded the scope of the reporting obligation to all state governments receiving federal funds. In a statement, Deputy Attorney General T. Elliott Geiser stated, “Congress has clearly defined this requirement,” adding that “if a state government chooses to participate in TANF, it is accepting the obligation to report undocumented immigrants within the United States.” He further argued, “Taxes intended to help vulnerable Americans should not encourage illegal entry but should contribute to strengthening the law and borders.”

This opinion, drafted by Deputy Assistant Attorney General Joshua Craddock, is part of the Trump administration’s hardline immigration enforcement policy. This could serve as a legal basis to cut off federal funding to state governments that do not cooperate with the administration’s large-scale deportation operations.

However, past attempts by the federal government to compel cooperation from state and local governments have been repeatedly blocked by the courts. This opinion officially retracts the previous interpretation issued by the Office of Legal Counsel in 1998 during the Clinton administration. That opinion narrowly interpreted the obligation to report undocumented immigrants, limiting it only to agencies enforcing federal welfare programs. The new interpretation does not bring about immediate changes to immigration enforcement operations.

Other federal agencies must devise concrete plans for how to actually enforce this, and there is a high likelihood that new legal battles with state governments will erupt during this process. The Department of Justice stated that the new policy applies only to federal funds allocated in the future. This means it cannot be applied retroactively to existing agreements concluded based on the past legal interpretation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Craddock explained, “Because the parties to the agreement at the time had differing understandings regarding the state governments’ reporting obligations, the administration cannot retroactively change that agreement.” State governments further added that they may reconsider whether to continue participating in TANF or SSI programs in the future, taking this opinion into account.

It is unclear on what grounds state governments will “recognize” a specific resident as an undocumented immigrant. Controversy is also expected regarding who will determine immigration status and on what level of evidence or suspicion. In 2000, several federal agencies interpreted the circumstances under which state governments could determine an individual’s undocumented status in an extremely limited manner. They considered that a report could only be made if an official legal judgment had been made following review and verification by federal immigration authorities.

However, Deputy Assistant Secretary Craddock pointed out that this interpretation raised the standard for “recognition” too high compared to what is required by law. He explained that state governments could be considered to “know” the situation even if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notified them, the relevant agency possessed records showing undocumented status, or the individual themselves admitted to being undocumented.

The Trump administration is pushing to completely eliminate the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) benefits that have been granted to spouses of professional work visa (H-1B) holders.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it has been confirmed that the administration is preparing new regulations to revoke the work eligibility of H-4 visa holders, who are the accompanying family members of H-1B visa holders. This measure is an extension of the recent series of policies aimed at tightening work visa regulations.

The DHS previously published a proposal in the Federal Register to impose a hefty fee of $103,265 on companies hiring new H-1B visa holders and began soliciting comments. In addition, the administration is also pursuing a plan to abolish the 60-day grace period granted after layoffs.

If this amendment is finally implemented, the work authorization system for H-4 visa holders, introduced in 2015, will be phased out after approximately 11 years. The H-4 visa is issued to accompanying family members, such as spouses, of H-1B visa holders; previously, spouses who had completed the initial stages of permanent residency processing could apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work.

Some observers predict that the repercussions will be significant, given that a large number of H-4 EAD holders are highly educated professional women. The U.S. business community and major corporate organizations have also unanimously voiced their opposition.

Critics point out that blocking spouses’ economic activities will cause critical setbacks in U.S. companies’ ability to attract and secure top international talent.

Recently, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco (Consul General Lim Jeong-taek) has been making various efforts to increase the registration rate of overseas Koreans. The Consulate has been actively promoting the necessity of overseas Korean registration by posting informational notices on its website and social media, and by distributing promotional materials at events where many overseas Koreans gather. According to Article 2 of the Overseas Korean Registration Act, Korean nationals who reside in a specific foreign region for more than 90 consecutive days or who intend to stay there must register as overseas Koreans. Registration is not merely a mandatory requirement.

When registering, applicants provide information such as their name, passport number, address, and phone number. This information serves as essential basic data for the Consulate to quickly identify the status and whereabouts of Korean nationals residing in the relevant region and take necessary protective measures in the event of incidents, accidents, or large-scale disasters abroad

. Registration as an overseas Korean is beneficial not only for personal safety but also for simplifying domestic administrative procedures. For example, registering allows one to omit the submission of a seal certificate—which is difficult to obtain—when applying for domestic real estate registration through an agent (replacing it with authentication from an overseas diplomatic mission). Additionally, the Overseas Korean Registration Register serves as supporting documentation when applying for admission to domestic universities through the overseas Korean admissions track.

Furthermore, registered overseas Koreans can obtain an Overseas Korean Certificate that enables identity verification using only a U.S. mobile phone number, without the need for a domestic carrier’s number. They can also obtain a mobile ID card that can be used as a physical ID at convenience stores, banks, and government offices, significantly improving administrative and financial convenience. Registration can be conveniently applied for online without visiting a Consulate General.

Through the Overseas Koreans 365 Civil Service Portal (www.g4k.go.kr), one can apply for registration as well as report changes or relocations. Consul General Lim Jeong-taek emphasized, “The registration of overseas nationals is a crucial system for safeguarding the safety of our citizens living abroad and providing necessary consular assistance.” He added, “While the necessity may not be keenly felt in normal times, it is paramount for the Consulate to swiftly locate our citizens and provide consular assistance in the event of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes or wildfires, or unexpected incidents and accidents.”

If you notice an increasing number of people around you suddenly coughing, you may need to suspect a COVID-19 infection. With the terrible memories of the pandemic that struck the globe still fresh, signs of a resurgence of the virus are appearing across the United States this year. According to the latest modeling by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “COVID-19 infections are increasing or likely to increase in all states except Iowa, which was excluded due to insufficient data.”

In particular, the Washington region, including Virginia and Maryland, is also showing an upward trend in infections, raising vigilance regarding a resurgence of COVID-19 ahead of the autumn and winter respiratory season.

According to the CDC’s infectious disease trend analysis as of August, no states showed a decrease in COVID-19 infections, but the virus announced that it is not spreading to the level of a large-scale pandemic seen in the past. The CDC stated that COVID-19-related emergency room visits remain at a “very low” level, and the incidence of severe cases also remains low. Although the Washington area has also been classified as being at a “very low level,” it is too early to be complacent amidst a nationwide upward trend.

In particular, given the nature of metropolitan areas where people travel between states, there is a possibility that an increase in infections in one region could rapidly spread to neighboring areas. The CDC is also tracking the spread of major respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to supply an updated COVID-19 vaccine starting this fall to address the currently circulating XFG variant.

A law requiring employers in Virginia to disclose the wage or salary range for a position when posting job advertisements went into effect on July 1. According to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industries (DOLI), the new law mandates that employers disclose the wage, salary, or wage and salary range for the position in all public and internal job postings.

Therefore, even when posting job advertisements in newspapers or online media, the compensation level for the position must be specified. This involves presenting the hourly wage range for part-time jobs and the annual salary range for full-time positions. The wage and salary range defined by the law refers to the minimum and maximum amounts for the position. For example, it can be indicated as “$18 to $22 per hour” for part-time employees and “$50,000 to $60,000 per year” for full-time employees.

Virginia law §40.1-28.7:12(B)(5) mandates that employers disclose the wage, salary, or wage and salary range for the position in public and internal postings regarding each job, promotion, transfer, or other employment opportunity. This provision does not specify separate restrictions based on business size, such as “employers with a minimum number of employees.” The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry also advises that all job postings and recruitment advertisements in Virginia must include wage or salary ranges. Accordingly, it is interpreted that small businesses employing two or three people—such as laundromats, delis, Korean restaurants, and cleaning companies—must also indicate wage or salary ranges when posting job advertisements.

Attorney Park Sang-geun stated, “This law applies not only to micro-enterprises but also to non-profit organizations, including churches,” adding, “When posting a job advertisement, you must disclose the hourly wage or annual salary.”

This law goes beyond simply disclosing wages; it also restricts employers from requesting a job applicant’s past wage or salary history or using this information for hiring and salary determination. Furthermore, it is prohibited to penalize a job applicant during interviews or hiring simply because they requested their wage or salary range. Attorney Park stated, “Employers cannot ask job applicants how much they were paid at their previous jobs,” adding, “However, job applicants are permitted to voluntarily disclose the salary they received from their previous workplaces.”

If the law is violated, the Virginia Attorney General can enforce it through civil litigation, and civil fines of up to $1,000 may be imposed for the first violation and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations. Job applicants or workers who have suffered damages can also file lawsuits in court. However, regarding violations related to the disclosure of wage and salary ranges in job postings, the law stipulates that employers must first be given an opportunity to rectify the situation. According to the law, if an employer who receives written notification of the issue with the posting corrects it at the location where the original posting was posted within 15 business days, no lawsuit can be filed regarding that violation. This measure follows the implementation in Virginia, which has already mandated the disclosure of wage ranges starting in October 2024. Maryland also requires the disclosure of wage ranges in various forms of job postings, including newspaper ads, flyers, social media, and email. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry advises that “starting July 1, 2026, all job postings and recruitment advertisements in Virginia must include the wage or salary range for the relevant position.”

The Los Angeles Times (LAT) reported on the 13th that as concerns over political uncertainty in the United States grow, the so-called “Golden Visa”—a method of securing overseas permanent residency or citizenship through large-scale investments—is emerging as a new asset management tool among California’s wealthy. In particular, interest has surged to the point where California residents account for up to 20% of global clients at firms specializing in overseas investment immigration. It is analyzed that a significant number of these individuals are seeking to secure a “second residence” in preparation for a potential deterioration of the U.S. political and social situation, rather than leaving the U.S. immediately.

According to the LAT, the number of wealthy Californians pursuing investment immigration to obtain permanent residency and citizenship in foreign countries such as Portugal, Malta, and New Zealand has recently increased to unprecedented levels. Jae Kim and Annie Aiken, a couple residing in San Francisco, are among them. The couple, who have a four-year-old son, are currently undergoing the process to acquire residency in Portugal. The system they utilize is commonly referred to as “investment citizenship” or the “Golden Visa.” It is a scheme that allows individuals to obtain permanent residency or citizenship more easily than through standard immigration procedures by investing a certain amount of capital in real estate, companies, or funds in a specific country.

Basil Moore-Elzeki, Managing Partner at Henley & Partners, an investment immigration consulting firm with an office in Beverly Hills, explained, “Wealthy families have now started thinking, ‘Why not diversify the countries where we can reside, just like with other investment assets?'” While no government agency compiles the total number of Golden Visa applications across the United States, investment immigration firms report that inquiries and applications have increased explosively over the past five years. For one firm, the number of California clients, which was only about three per year five years ago, has now exceeded 100. Concerns about political instability in the United States are cited as the biggest reason the wealthy seek to secure overseas residency rights.

Eric Major, CEO of the investment immigration firm Latitude, stated that approximately 85% of U.S. clients are seeking overseas residency or citizenship due to concerns about political instability. The average net worth of the California clients he deals with amounts to approximately $250 million, and it is estimated that they spend up to $1 million on average to secure a second passport. Major explained their mindset as, “What will you do if the United States stops functioning properly? Just like during World War II, you need a place to go.” The demand for investment immigration among Americans has also increased significantly. As recently as 2019, Americans accounted for less than 5% of Major’s total clients, but they now make up about 75% of his client base.

Tech mogul Peter Thiel is cited as a prominent billionaire seeking to acquire foreign citizenship. According to The New York Times, Thiel is pursuing Argentine citizenship amidst concerns regarding the future political and economic direction of the United States. Europe is the most preferred destination for wealthy Americans, particularly Californians. This is because securing residency or citizenship in an EU member state allows one to enjoy benefits such as residence, employment, and education in various European countries. According to the investment immigration industry, Portugal and Malta are particularly popular in Europe.

There is also a method to acquire citizenship at a relatively lower cost through lineage rather than investment. Countries such as Ireland and Italy offer opportunities for citizenship under certain conditions to foreigners whose parents or grandparents were born or citizens of the respective country. Interestingly, most wealthy individuals applying for Golden Visas do not plan to leave the United States immediately. Many countries do not require residents to live locally for most of the year to maintain permanent residency.

A man in his 20s has died after falling 150 feet down a waterfall at a state park in Oregon.

According to local media outlets, including Fox News, on the 11th, Zachary Nicholas Mertons, a 20-year-old man from Kentucky, died the previous day after falling from a waterfall at Silver Falls State Park, south of Portland. Police investigations confirmed that Mertons had strayed from the designated trail to take photos. It was

also found that the accident occurred while he was crossing a stream directly above the waterfall after climbing over a safety railing. The accident took place at the upper observation deck of “South Falls,” the park’s highest waterfall. Mertons fell into a pool at the bottom of the waterfall around 6:30 p.m. Visitors and emergency responders at the scene performed CPR, but he died at the location.

The Marion County Search and Rescue team recovered the body from the bottom of the waterfall and handed it over to Unger Funeral Home.

Silver Falls State Park is a famous tourist destination known for the “Ten Falls Trail,” where visitors can admire ten waterfalls.

Korean-American banks across the United States recorded over $1.5 billion in loans from the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026. According to SBA loan performance data for financial institutions nationwide for the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 to June 2026), 14 Korean-American financial institutions across the country recorded a total of $1,580,861,700 in loans (7a). This loan performance by the Korean-American financial sector represents a 31.9% surge compared to the $1,198,271,000 recorded during the same period of the previous year, the first three quarters of fiscal year 2025. The average loan amount per borrower also increased.

For the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026, the average loan amount per borrower stood at $1,341,988, a 4.4% increase compared to $1,285,344 during the same period of the previous year. This growth is attributed to the parallel expansion of loan volumes as the scale and revenue of Korean-American businesses grew. Furthermore, the increase in SBA lending performance within the Korean-American financial sector is seen as a sign that companies have begun actively seeking SBA loans again, having recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Trump administration’s tariffs. As SBA loans—a major revenue source for the Korean-American financial sector—return to an upward trend, improvements in performance, including increased profits, are anticipated. These strong results are considered particularly significant as they occurred while the SBA suspended SBA loans to non-citizens starting in March of this year.

Looking at individual banks, Bank of Hope ranked 7th overall with a total of $369.46 million, the highest ranking not only among Korean-American banks but also among Asian banks. US Metro Bank ranked second among Korean-American financial institutions, entering the ‘Top 10’ for the first time by climbing to 10th place with a loan volume of $336.69 million. Following this, CBB Bank ranked 27th with $172.94 million, and Open Bank ranked 32nd with $154.59 million. Ten Korean-American financial institutions made the ‘Top 100,’ including

Metro City Bank ($138.64 million) at 34th, Hanmi Bank ($125.16 million) at 38th, PCB Bank ($71.04 million) at 61st, Centerstone SBA Lending ($57.43 million) at 71st, Woori America ($56.47 million) at 72nd, and Promise One Bank ($44.39 million) at 98th.

In terms of the number of loans, Bank of Hope had the highest number with 312, followed by US Metro Bank (178), Hanmi Bank (159), CBB Bank (99), Open Bank (91), and Metro City Bank (66). Along with the increase in loan volume, it was once again confirmed that Korean-American financial institutions remain national powerhouses in the SBA lending sector. It was found that a total of 1,137 financial institutions nationwide provided loans during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026, and this is reflected in the fact that 10 Korean-American institutions were included in the top 100 lending institutions. The reason Korean-American financial institutions continue to focus on SBA lending is that the SBA guarantees up to 75% of the loan amount for SBA 7(a) loans.

With a low risk of loss due to bad loans and the ability to bundle and sell SBA loan portfolios among financial institutions, these loans serve as one of the major sources of revenue. Experts predict that SBA loan performance will show a sustained upward trend, as the Federal Reserve (FRB) shifts toward a stance of lowering benchmark interest rates and Korean-American financial institutions engage in fierce competition for SBA loans targeting not only Koreans but also Asians and the mainstream market. Meanwhile, in the national rankings of SBA lenders, LiveOak Banking took first place with a loan volume of $1.65928 billion. Huntington National Bank ranked second with $1.04145 billion, followed by NewTech Bank in third place with $999.52 million.

The Cantabile Chamber Singers (Music Director: Youngbin Cho), a leading non-profit arts and culture organization in the Bay Area, is holding open recruitment for new members to lead the 2026-2027 season. As a choir dedicated to disseminating high-quality classical music culture to the local community and delivering profound emotion, the Cantabile Chamber Singers brings together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds—ranging from music professionals to those who simply love choral singing—to create deep and rich harmonies.

New members will be provided with systematic vocal training and choral education programs led by Conductor Youngbin Cho. Members will not only enhance their vocal capabilities but also experience a wide repertoire ranging from traditional classical choral music and hymns to diverse art songs from around the world, including Korea, Germany, Italy, France, and the United States, as well as contemporary pop music. In particular, this season is focusing on recruiting male members (tenors and basses) interested in vocal music and choral singing.

The choir expressed hope for active participation from male singers who will be the center of beautiful harmonies, and revealed their ambition to deliver a unique emotional experience to the audience by planning a grand yet delicate performance of a “male vocal ensemble” this season. Regular rehearsals are held every Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The rehearsal venue is the Rossmoor Las Trampas Room in Walnut Creek, CA.

New York State has also officially implemented a “euthanasia law” that allows individuals to choose to end their lives with the assistance of medical professionals.

The “Medical Assistance in Death” Act, signed by New York Governor Kathy Hockul last February, officially took effect on the 5th following a six-month grace and preparation period. [Reported on page A3 of this newspaper on February 9] With this, New York State has become the 13th state in the nation to legalize euthanasia. New Jersey previously legalized the practice in 2019, becoming the eighth state in the country to do so. New York State’s legislation is modeled after the Oregon bill, which was the first in the nation to introduce the system in 1994.

The core of the act is that adult New York residents with the capacity for decision-making and a remaining life expectancy of less than six months can voluntarily choose medically assisted death. If a patient wishes for euthanasia, the submission of a written request and the signatures of two witnesses are required. The witnesses must be adults who will not receive any financial gain upon the patient’s death, and the entire request process must be recorded on video or audio and permanently preserved.

A waiting period of at least five days is mandated between approval and the final administration of medication. Regarding the implementation of New York State’s euthanasia law, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of New York State expressed strong opposition, calling it a “very dangerous and destructive law that undermines human dignity.” Meanwhile, euthanasia is a different concept from death with dignity. Death with dignity refers to the cessation of life-prolonging medical procedures for patients beyond recovery, whereas euthanasia is a broader concept involving the administration of drugs to a patient to bring about death. In South Korea, euthanasia is illegal, and only death with dignity has been permitted since 2018.