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L'USCIS élargit l'accès à l'autorisation de travail pour les demandeurs de visa T
Angelica Rice • December 6, 2024
Click here to read this article in English
Principaux changements apportés au processus d'obtention du visa T (à compter du 23 octobre 2024)
Les services américains de citoyenneté et d'immigration (USCIS) ont récemment mis à jour leur politique en matière de visas T, qui offrent une protection et un statut juridique aux non-citoyens victimes de graves trafics d'êtres humains. Cette mise à jour, qui entrera en vigueur le 23 octobre 2024, introduit des changements clés qui simplifient le processus de demande et élargissent l'accès aux avantages pour les survivants de la traite. L'une des mises à jour les plus importantes est la nouvelle possibilité pour les demandeurs de visa T de recevoir une autorisation de travail alors que leur demande de visa T est toujours en cours.
Possibilité d'obtenir immédiatement une autorisation de travail
Dans le cadre d'un changement majeur, les demandeurs de visa T peuvent désormais demander et éventuellement recevoir une autorisation de travail avant que leur demande de visa T ne soit approuvée. Grâce à la nouvelle procédure de « bona fide determination », l'USCIS évalue d'emblée l'éligibilité de base. Si une demande est jugée « de bonne foi », le demandeur peut bénéficier d'une action différée et d'un document d'autorisation de travail (EAD), ce qui lui permet de travailler légalement aux États-Unis en attendant que sa demande de visa T soit approuvée. Il s'agit d'une avancée essentielle, car les demandeurs n'ont plus besoin d'attendre l'approbation de leur visa T pour obtenir une autorisation de travail.
Autres points forts de la politique
- La norme de "Toute preuve crédible"
La politique met l'accent sur le fait que les demandeurs peuvent présenter toute forme de preuve crédible à l'appui de leur dossier. Cette approche garantit que les survivants, qui n'ont pas les documents traditionnels, ont une chance équitable de prouver leur situation. - Approche centrée sur la victime et tenant compte des traumatismes
La mise à jour renforce une procédure d'examen tenant compte des traumatismes, en donnant la priorité aux besoins et au bien-être des victimes de la traite et en la rendant plus compatissante. - Flexibilité de l'exigence de présence physique
L'USCIS autorise désormais certaines exceptions à la règle selon laquelle les demandeurs doivent rester aux États-Unis en raison de leur situation de traite, ce qui offre une certaine souplesse aux personnes qui ont brièvement quitté le pays et y sont revenues. - Clarification de l'obligation de déclaration
Bien que les demandeurs soient généralement tenus de signaler leur situation de traite aux forces de l'ordre compétentes en la matière, il existe des exceptions pour les personnes qui ne sont pas en mesure de le faire en raison de leur âge ou d'un traumatisme.
Ce que cela signifie pour les demandeurs
Le visa T offre un statut juridique temporaire à certaines victimes de la traite des êtres humains, leur permettant généralement de rester aux États-Unis pendant une période initiale pouvant aller jusqu'à quatre ans. Grâce à ces mises à jour, le programme de visa T est désormais plus accessible et plus favorable, ce qui permet aux survivants d'accéder plus rapidement à la stabilité et à la sécurité.
Besoin d'aide pour une demande de visa T ?
Si vous ou quelqu'un que vous connaissez est un survivant de la traite et pourrait bénéficier d'un visa T, nous sommes là pour vous aider. Contactez-nous dès aujourd'hui pour obtenir des conseils d'experts sur les demandes de visa T et d'autorisation de travail, et commencez votre voyage vers la protection juridique et la stabilité.
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.
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.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing new restrictions on migrants, including limitations on asylum and humanitarian protections. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate all categorical parole programs that conflict with U.S. policies , which includes parole processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals. Additionally, this provision could impact parole programs for individuals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries. Beyond restricting parole, the executive order introduces several border security measures , including building more physical barriers, increasing the number of border personnel, and stopping the use of the CBP One mobile application . The order specifically directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and DHS to build more border walls to establish what it calls “complete operational control” of the southern border. Additionally, it ordered the immediate shutdown of the CBP One mobile app, which previously allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. Ports of Entry. As a result, all existing appointments have been canceled immediately . The order also initiates the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program , also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) , across all sectors of the southern border. Under MPP, asylum seekers must remain in Mexico while awaiting the outcome of their U.S. immigration court proceedings, significantly altering the process for those seeking refuge in the country. These measures reinforce the Trump administration's broader effort to restrict asylum and humanitarian protections at the U.S. border . If you or someone you know may be affected by this executive order, it is essential to stay informed and understand your legal rights. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help navigate these evolving policies and ensure the best course of action moving forward.
The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign investors from treaty countries to live and work in the United States by starting or purchasing a business. Unlike other visa categories, it does not require a fixed minimum investment amount. Instead, applicants must demonstrate that their investment is substantial and sufficient to ensure the success of their business. The visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains active and meets the necessary criteria, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking long-term opportunities in the U.S. One of its key advantages is flexibility. Investors can establish a new business, acquire an existing one, or enter into franchise opportunities. Additionally, spouses and children under 21 can accompany the primary applicant, with spouses eligible to apply for work authorization. This makes the E-2 Visa a practical option for business-minded individuals looking to establish themselves in the U.S. market. While the E-2 Visa itself has remained a stable option, shifts in U.S. immigration policies have influenced the application process and overall investor experience. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone considering this pathway. Policy Shifts and the E-2 Visa: Lessons from the Past During the first Trump administration (2017–2021), U.S. immigration policies became more restrictive across multiple visa categories. Although the E-2 program was not directly limited, broader changes had an impact. The "Buy American, Hire American" Executive Order, signed in 2017, led to heightened scrutiny of visa applications, requiring investors to provide stronger evidence that their business would create jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy. This resulted in an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denials for those unable to meet these expectations. Another significant change was the suspension of the Interview Waiver Program, which meant all E-2 applicants, including renewals, had to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies. This extended processing times and increased scrutiny of applications. Additionally, visa reciprocity agreements were reviewed and adjusted, impacting validity periods and costs for certain countries. For instance, Iranian citizens were deemed ineligible for the E-2 Visa due to the termination of the treaty. These adjustments significantly affected investors from impacted nations, increasing their costs and renewal frequency. Despite these policy shifts, the approval rate for E-2 visas remained relatively stable. According to data from the U.S. Department of State, there were over 43,000 approvals in 2019, reflecting the program’s continued viability. Even in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused global disruptions, approval numbers remained significant. These figures highlight that while the process became more rigorous, well-prepared investors continued to secure visas by demonstrating strong business plans, substantial investments, and clear economic contributions. What to Expect Moving Forward As the new Trump administration takes shape, further immigration policy changes are likely. While it is too soon to predict the exact impact on the E-2 Visa, past trends suggest increased scrutiny. However, the program itself has remained intact across multiple administrations, reinforcing its reliability for foreign entrepreneurs. Those considering this visa should stay informed and ensure their applications meet evolving requirements. A well-prepared investment strategy, clear documentation, and a defined job creation plan can make a significant difference in navigating any potential policy shifts. Why the E-2 Visa Remains a Strong Choice The E-2 Visa continues to be a resilient and valuable option for foreign entrepreneurs. Even during periods of policy change, approval rates have remained strong for investors with well-structured applications. The ability to renew indefinitely, combined with its flexibility in investment size and business type, makes it one of the most attractive pathways for international investors. With the right preparation, investors can confidently pursue the E-2 Visa, knowing that history has shown its stability even amid shifting political landscapes. By staying ahead of policy changes and ensuring a solid business strategy, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the opportunities the U.S. market has to offer. If you are ready to take the next step toward launching your business in the U.S., you can contact our office for expert guidance and personalized assistance with your application.
