The US Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced the termination of the humanitarian parole program initiated by the Biden administration in 2023 which allowed approximately 532 thousand migrants escaping political and economic upheaval in Cuban, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuelan to travel and live in the US lawfully under certain conditions. Known as the CHNV Parole Programs (“CHNV”), DHS has terminated the programs as of March 25, 2025, and beneficiaries are set to lose their legal status on April 24, or 30 days after the publication of the notice in the Federal Register.
Read moreA New Trump Travel Ban May be Imminent
There has been speculation that the Trump administration is intending to re-institute the Travel Ban from his first tenure which prevented travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations from entering the US and which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. On March 5, 2025, Reuters reported three anonymous sources had come forward with the news that as soon as next week, based on Trump’s executive order requiring intensified security vetting and identifying security risks per country, a new travel ban could bar people from Afghanistan and Pakistan from entering the US. The New York Times (“Times”) is reporting that this time around, this travel ban would be broader in scope.
Read moreUS Gold Card for US Permanent Residency Plus
As undocumented individuals with and without criminal backgrounds are being deported from the US daily, President Trump announced on February 25th that he will introduce a new visa program catering to high-net-worth individuals “somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication” to live permanently in the US for payment of five million dollars. Hailed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as the “Trump Gold Card”, Trump announced his plan to buy into the road to US citizenship to reporters in the oval office and expanded on his plan during a cabinet meeting on the 26th.
Read moreDepartment of State Updates Guidance on Visa Interview Waivers
On February 18, 2025 The Department of State (“DOS”) announced changes to its policy previously instituted to facilitate visa processing and cut down wait times at US Consulates by offering mail in services for processing visas, foregoing in person interviews for several visa categories. The newly updated guidelines, narrow the pool of nonimmigrant visa applicants that may qualify for an interview waiver making the interview waiver and drop box options available only if the applicant previously held a visa in the same category and their prior visa either expired within the last twelve months or remains valid.
Read moreThe First Two Weeks in Office: Trump’s Anti-immigration Actions
President Donald J. Trump’s first day in office on January 20th, 2025, was sealed by his passing forty-six presidential actions in line with “President Trump’s America First Priorities”. Keeping in line with his campaign promises to eliminate illegal immigration many of his executive orders are targeted at immigration. A few hours into his second term President Trump suspended US asylum, along with refugee, and other humanitarian programs. He also increased security screening of all foreign nationals seeking entry to the US and continued with his campaign to limit birthright citizenship. Let’s examine a few of Trump’s mandates that affect our communities.
Read moreUSCIS Cancels COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that effective January 22, 2025, the requirement for applicants seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident status to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on their Form I-693 Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record has been removed. USCIS also states that the Service will not issue Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”) or Notices of Intent to Deny (“NOIDs”) asking for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, I-485 Applications to Register Permanent Residency or Adjust Status will not be denied solely on the basis of the applicant’s failure to provide COVID-19 vaccination documentation.
New USCIS Guidance for O-1’s in the AI and Tech Fields
On January 8, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released new guidance in its policy manual clarifying how the agency assesses evidence for O-1 visa eligibility for individuals with extraordinary ability. The O-1 visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as those who have achieved notable success in the motion picture or television industry, with recognition at a national or international level. The updates include detailed examples from evolving industries, particularly technology and creative sectors, recognizing the changing landscape of work and innovation, thereby allowing individuals in fields like artificial intelligence, digital media, and other emerging areas to better demonstrate their impact.
Read moreThe H-1B Visa Program is Dividing MAGA
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who until a few days ago were co-leaders of President-elect Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) recently ruffled feathers amongst Trump’s MAGA supporters when Ramaswamy and Musk tweeted their support for the H1B program. In a surprising turn of events after having moved to limit H-1Bs during his first term, Trump responded by applauding the program, noting “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program.”
Read moreUSCIS Offices Closed January 9, 2025
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced all offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025 in observance of the National Day of Mourning to honor the life and legacy of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States President, as designated by President Biden. As a result of the closure, appointments, interviews, and naturalization ceremonies previously scheduled for that day will be rescheduled, and those affected will be notified promptly.
Read moreDHS Publishes H-1B Modernization Final Rule to Improve Program Integrity and Efficiency
On December 18, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) published a Final rule in the Federal Register modernizing and increasing the efficiency of the H-1B program, adding benefits and flexibilities, and improving integrity measures. This rule will become effective January 17, 2025.
The final rule imposes changes to the H-1B program and codifies a number of existing rules. We must point out that the final rule is quite lengthy; therefore, our summary does not cover all of the changes. We have outlined a few of the most notable updates and changes below which we feel may be of most interest to our community.
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