• Illegal immigration from Mexico has fallen dramatically this decade, sending the overall population of unauthorized people in the U.S. tumbling below the 11 million mark, according to a new think tank study.
As of 2016, the illegal immigrant population stood at 10.8 million — down from 11.7 million in 2010, the Center for Migration Studies said. It’s the lowest level since 2003. While there were changes among the populations from myriad countries, the nearly 1 million decline can be attributed chiefly to Mexico, whose unauthorized population in the U.S. fell from 6.6 million down to 5.7 million.
• A Houston-area school district is threatening to suspend students who participate in a pro-gun control walkout, following the mass school shooting in Parkland, Fla., according to the Washington Times. Curtis Rhodes, superintendent of the Needville Independent School District, announced Feb. 20 that any student who participates in the nationwide demonstrations during school hours would face an automatic, three-day suspension.
• With tensions flaring between President Donald Trump and National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the Pentagon is considering options that would allow the President to potentially move the three-star general out of his current role and back into the military, according to half a dozen defense and administration officials.
A search is being conducted by the Pentagon to see if there is a four-star military job suited for McMaster. According to CNN, the push for a replacement comes after months of personal tension between McMaster and Trump.
• For the first time, American voters showed the highest support of stricter gun laws ever recorded in a Quinnipiac University Poll at 66-31 percent. Other polls conducted by the University showed support for a mandatory waiting period for gun purchases at 83-14 percent, universal background checks at 97-2 percent, and a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons at 67-29 percent.
• A 35-19 vote on a bill introduced by Republican Sen. William Ligon of Georgia with regards to LGBTQ and adoptions was passed through the Senate over the course of the past week and will move to the House for consideration, according to the Independent. This bill would allow adoption agencies the right to refuse to work with LGBTQ couples based on religious belief.
• After a decision made by the Supreme Court on Feb. 26, there will be a temporary continuation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The Court has chosen not to hear the Trump administration’s appeal in ending the DACA. The deadline for congressional action had been previously set by Trump for March, 5 but the program will continue until a substantial decision is made.
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