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Action positive de l'État en matière d'immigration
Kyle Huffman • November 10, 2023
Click here to read this article in English
Ces derniers mois, une grande partie de la conversation publique et de la couverture médiatique autour de l'immigration a été largement négative. La Floride, en particulier, a dominé le cycle de l'information sur l'immigration avec l'adoption et la mise en œuvre de la loi SB 1718, qui, entre autres choses, a renforcé le pouvoir des forces de l'ordre de l'État d'appliquer les lois fédérales sur l'immigration.
Bien que l'accent ait été mis sur les développements négatifs, d'autres États ont fait de grands progrès pour améliorer le système d'immigration. Il est important de souligner ces initiatives.
Deux États ont récemment fait des efforts pour améliorer l'accès à l'éducation des résidents immigrés. L'un de ces États est le Minnesota, qui a introduit le projet de loi HF 2073. Le projet de loi est actuellement en cours d'examen, mais s'il est adopté, il fournira des fonds supplémentaires aux collèges et universités de l'État du Minnesota et modifiera les programmes de subventions existants. Ces changements comprennent une aide accrue aux frais de scolarité pour les familles à faibles revenus, indépendamment du statut d'immigrant, ce qui permettra à de nombreuses personnes qui ne pouvaient auparavant pas accéder à ces avantages en raison de leur statut d'immigrant, de bénéficier d'une aide aux frais de scolarité. De même, la Chambre des représentants de l'État de l'Utah a adopté la loi HB 102, qui étend l'application des taux de scolarité dans les universités de l'Utah aux réfugiés, aux asilés et aux personnes en liberté conditionnelle pour des raisons humanitaires. Ces changements devraient réduire considérablement les frais de scolarité de ces groupes dans l'enseignement supérieur, permettant ainsi à ces personnes d'améliorer leur propre éducation et d'acquérir des connaissances et des compétences utilisables sur le marché du travail.
Outre l'amélioration de l'accès à l'enseignement supérieur, plusieurs États se tournent vers la réforme de l'immigration pour combler les lacunes du marché du travail. Par exemple, le Maryland a supprimé l'obligation de résidence permanente pour l'obtention d'une licence, ce qui permet aux résidents non immigrants qualifiés de pratiquer la médecine et, en fin de compte, de contribuer à atténuer la pénurie de main-d'œuvre dans le domaine des soins médicaux. De même, le Tennessee a adopté la loi SB 1451, qui facilite le processus d'obtention d'une licence médicale américaine pour les professionnels qui ont été éduqués et formés dans d'autres pays et sous d'autres systèmes. L'Arizona, quant à lui, a adopté le SB 1563, qui crée une nouvelle commission chargée d'étudier les obstacles inutiles à l'entrée sur le marché du travail auxquels sont confrontés les nouveaux Américains, dans le but de faciliter l'entrée sur le marché du travail et, en fin de compte, d'apporter une contribution importante à l'économie nationale.
En l'absence d'une réforme globale et radicale de l'immigration au niveau fédéral, nous constatons une tendance croissante des États à prendre des mesures dans ce domaine du droit, traditionnellement dominé par la politique et l'application fédérales. Nous continuerons à suivre l'évolution de la situation État par État, en première ligne de la réforme de l'immigration.
Si vous avez des questions sur ce que cela signifie pour vous, n'hésitez pas à prendre rendez-vous avec l'un de nos avocats expérimentés.
Nous nous ferons un plaisir de travailler avec vous.
Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.
All people living in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain U.S. constitutional rights. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come to your workplace, they must have either (1) a valid search warrant, or (2) consent from your employer to enter non-public areas. Non-public areas could include: staff break rooms, server rooms, mechanical rooms, HR department offices, private meeting rooms, etc. However, ICE can enter public areas of your workplace (lobby, reception area, parking lot etc.) without a warrant or consent from your employer. If you encounter ICE at your place of employment, it is important to stay calm . If an officer stops you, you may ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, walk away calmly. If they say no, stay where you are and do not attempt to leave. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to ICE, answer any questions, or show any documents . If asked about your place of birth, how you entered the United States, or your immigration status, you may refuse to answer or remain silent. If you choose to remain silent, say it out loud: “I choose to remain silent.” If officers ask you to stand in a group based on your immigration status, you do not have to move. Be prepared to assert your rights by downloading, printing, and carrying a "red card" (available at https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas ) that states you do not wish to speak, answer questions, or sign documents. You are not required to show immigration documents . You may refuse to show identity documents that reveal your nationality or citizenship. However, never show false documents or provide false information. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to contact a lawyer immediately . Even if you do not have a lawyer, you can tell immigration officers, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” If you have a lawyer, you have the right to speak to them and, if possible, provide proof of this relationship (such as a signed Form G-28) to an officer. If you do not have a lawyer, ask for a list of pro bono (free) or l ow bono (low-cost) lawyers. You do not have to sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. If you choose to sign any documents, make sure you fully understand what they mean, as signing may waive your rights or lead to deportation. If you believe your rights have been violated , write down what happened. Be sure to include specific details such as names, badge numbers, and exactly what was said and done. Report the violation to a lawyer or an immigrant rights organization as soon as possible. If you or someone you know may be impacted by this executive order, staying informed and understanding your rights is crucial. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our trusted immigration attorneys are available to provide guidance and support during this uncertain time. Please contact us if you need assistance.
If you’ve recently received the exciting news that your O-1 visa has been approved, congratulations! The O-1 is a prestigious visa, granted only to individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field — whether it’s O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, or O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. Getting O-1 approval is no small feat, and it’s a true validation of your talent and hard work. But for many O-1 visa holders, that approval brings up the next big question — what’s the path to securing a green card? For those aiming to remain in the United States permanently, the EB-1A visa is often the natural next step. It’s also known as the green card for individuals of extraordinary ability, which makes it a close cousin to the O-1. Obtaining U.S. permanent residency through EB-1A involves two steps: 1) securing approval of the EB-1A immigration petition (Form 1-40) and 2) adjusting status to that of permanent resident or seeking consular processing. However, while these two categories share similarities, they are not identical. The EB-1A standard is significantly higher, and many O-1 holders underestimate just how much more evidence they need to present to qualify for permanent residency. The good news is, if you’re proactive and strategic about building your case, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Understanding the Difference Between O-1 and EB-1A Both the O-1 and EB-1A visas focus on individuals with extraordinary ability, but they serve different purposes. The O-1 is a temporary work visa that allows you to come to the U.S. to work on specific projects or for a particular employer. It requires a U.S. sponsor to file the petition on your behalf. The EB-1A, by contrast, is an immigrant visa — it is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency. Because the EB-1A leads to permanent residency, its eligibility standards are even higher. You must not only demonstrate extraordinary ability but also show that your recognition is sustained over time and that your work has had a lasting impact on your field. What Can You Reuse From Your O-1 Case? If you put together a strong O-1 petition, some of the evidence you submitted will still be valuable for EB-1A. This includes your awards, media coverage, expert letters, and proof of memberships in prestigious organizations. But the EB-1A demands more — you need to go beyond showing what you’ve accomplished and prove that your influence is ongoing, impactful, and recognized at a national or international level. How to Strengthen Your Case While on O-1 One of the smartest moves you can make is to use your time on the O-1 visa to actively strengthen your EB-1A profile. This means seeking out opportunities to get your work featured in top-tier media, publishing more original contributions, judging competitions, and taking leadership roles in your professional community. Every action you take to enhance your visibility and influence. Final Thoughts — The Path from O-1 to EB-1A is Achievable You may not be able to file your EB-1A today, but we can help you build your case step by step. Whether you need guidance on strengthening your profile, identifying the right evidence, or preparing a strategic filing plan, our team is here to support you. If you’re currently on an O-1 visa and you believe you may be eligible for an EB-1A visa in the future, we encourage you to contact our office. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless individuals successfully navigate this path, and we would be happy to review your case and create a personalized roadmap for your green card journey.
In January 2025, the U.S. government introduced a mandate requiring all individuals without legal status in the country to register with federal authorities. This initiative aims to enhance national security and ensure compliance with existing immigration laws. If you or someone you know is affected by this change, it's essential to understand the specifics of this requirement and how to comply. Who Is Already Registered? Many individuals have already fulfilled their registration obligations through prior interactions with U.S. immigration authorities. You are considered registered if you have been issued any of the following documents: Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Form I-94 or I-94W (Arrival/Departure Record), even if the period of admission has expired Immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before arrival Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Border Crossing Card Additionally, if you have applied for lawful permanent residence using forms such as I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700, even if the applications were denied, or if you were paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), you have met the registration requirement. Who Needs to Register Now? If you have not been registered through any of the means mentioned above, you are required to register under the new mandate. This includes: Individuals aged 14 or older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa and have remained in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days. Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 who have not been registered and have been in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. They must register their children before the 30-day period ends. Any individual who turns 14 years old in the U.S. and was previously registered. They must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting within 30 days after their 14th birthday. Notably, American Indians born in Canada who entered the U.S. under section 289 of the INA and members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who entered under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act are exempt from this requirement. How to Register The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is developing a new form and process for registration. Starting February 25, 2025 , individuals required to register should create a USCIS online account in preparation for the registration process. Once the process is implemented, registrations will be submitted through this online account. Important Considerations Registration Is Not an Immigration Status: Completing the registration does not grant any immigration status, employment authorization, or other rights or benefits under U.S. law. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to guiding you through this process with compassion and expertise. Our trusted immigration lawyers are here to provide the information and assistance you need during this time. For personalized guidance and support, please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., and speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes and securing a hopeful future.
