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touchback

touchback n. the return of someone, especially an undocumented immigrant, to their country of origin while awaiting the processing of an application for an immigrant visa. Etymological Note: Probably related to the “touchback” in American football, in which a team brings the ball back to its own goal or end zone. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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  • So where are we with a “touchback” mandate?  What defines a person to have to touchback?  I have read the article but was wondering if anything new has become a stronger potential for a future policy?  Do illegal immigrants who touchback have a priority over those who are waiting already for a chance to work in the U.S.? In short, who has to touchback and at which end of the immigration line do they have to wait?
    Thanks for your time.

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