Facing the Future in Immigration Law: Standing Together Through Change

Angelica Rice • November 7, 2024

As the election results confirm the return of a Trump administration, we know many of you may be concerned about what this means for immigration policy and the future of your lives and families in the United States. Having been through this before, we at Santos Lloyd Law Firm want to reassure you: we are here, steadfast and ready to support you through any challenges that lie ahead. We see your concerns, we hear your fears, and we stand with you.


While there may be changes on the horizon, it’s important to remember that shifts in policy will take time. Legislative and policy changes do not happen overnight. They often unfold slowly, with legal reviews and, in many cases, judicial challenges. We understand how naturally unsettling this uncertainty can be. Yet it is in times like these that we ask you to trust that our team will always provide you with the latest, most accurate information. We are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to adapt to any shifts in policy, executive orders, or regulations in the months ahead.


This is not the first time Santos Lloyd has faced an uncertain political landscape. Many of you may recall the significant changes during the first Trump administration—policies that threatened family unity, sought to redefine pathways to citizenship, and challenged the stability of immigrant communities. Through those times, our attorneys stood strong, advocating for clients’ rights in courts, challenging unjust policies, and working tirelessly to keep families together and futures secure for those who contribute so much to this country.


With each challenge, our firm has only grown stronger. We have gained invaluable experience and built a foundation of advocacy, resilience, and expertise that serves as the backbone of our firm. The months ahead will require our full focus and vigilance, but our dedication to you is unwavering, and our resolve to support you remains absolute.


As we look ahead, our commitment to you remains our top priority. We know immigration is more than just paperwork or legal procedures—it’s about lives, families, and dreams. Our mission has always been to provide not only exceptional legal service but also to be a pillar of support, especially in uncertain times. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide encouragement as we move forward together.


At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we are more than attorneys; we are your advocates, allies, and comrades. Our team believes that a successful case is not only about outcomes but about supporting our clients through the emotions, challenges, and triumphs that come with immigration law. We want to remind you that, while the coming months may bring changes, they will also bring new opportunities for us to stand beside you, to advocate for what’s fair, and to prove that even in the face of obstacles, we are stronger together.


Please continue to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you need legal guidance, a moment of reassurance, or simply a connection with someone who truly understands your journey, we are here.


Thank you for placing your trust in Santos Lloyd Law Firm. Together, we will navigate these times with resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to each and every one of you. We look forward to continuing our work together and to helping you achieve the dreams you’ve worked so hard to build.

This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.

Angelica Rice

Streamlining Visa Extensions: The Deference Policy Codified in the H-1B Modernization Rule

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 16, 2025
A key development occurred in December 2024, when the deference policy was officially written into regulation (the “H-1B modernization rule”), set to take effect on January 17, 2025. Once it takes effect, USCIS adjudicators must apply the deference policy to extension requests involving the same employer, the same employee, and the same job details. USCIS can still decide not to defer to the previous approval if: There was a material error in the earlier approval. There has been a material change in circumstances or eligibility. New information raises doubts about eligibility. Even in these situations, officers must explain why they are not deferring. Importantly, USCIS does not have to defer to decisions made by other agencies, such as the U.S. Department of State or Customs and Border Protection. By turning the deference policy into a regulation, it becomes more difficult for future administrations to eliminate it quickly. Any attempt to rescind or change the policy now requires a lengthy rulemaking process that includes a public notice-and-comment period. Key Takeaways for Employers Greater Predictability: The deference policy, now a regulation, gives employers more certainty that extension petitions will be approved if there are no major changes in the employee’s role or the employer’s situation. Potential Changes Ahead: A future administration could still try to rescind this rule, but they must follow a formal regulatory process, which takes time and offers employers some warning. File Extensions Early: Employers can submit extension petitions up to six months before a visa expires. Filing early can help avoid unexpected policy shifts and minimize risks of RFEs or denials. Overall, the codification of the deference policy is a significant step that offers much-needed stability and efficiency in the U.S. immigration process. By planning ahead and staying informed, employers can take advantage of this improved predictability. As always, working closely with an immigration attorney ensures that extension applications are accurate, well-prepared, and filed promptly—especially during times when policy may evolve.

DHS Announces TPS for Lebanon

By Denice Flores • December 12, 2024
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing eligible Lebanese nationals in the United States to stay and work temporarily due to unsafe conditions in their home country. The decision, published in the Federal Register, is based on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, which includes economic instability, widespread violence, and the aftermath of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion. The TPS designation for Lebanon is effective December 2023 and will last for 18 months. Lebanese nationals who have been residing in the U.S. since August 1, 2023, may apply for TPS, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Lebanese nationals who are granted TPS will be allowed to stay in the U.S. legally, work, and obtain travel authorization during the designated period. This measure is in line with the Biden administration's efforts to assist individuals from countries facing dire conditions. Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible and to submit the necessary documentation to receive TPS status and related benefits. This designation underscores the U.S. government's support for Lebanese nationals affected by the difficult situation in Lebanon. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the eligibility requirements, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

USCIS Expands Access to Work Authorization for T Visa Applicants

By Angelica Rice • December 6, 2024
Key Changes to T Visa Process (Effective October 23, 2024) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently updated its policy for T visas, which provide protection and legal status to noncitizen victims of severe human trafficking. This update, effective October 23, 2024, introduces key changes that streamline the application process and broaden access to benefits for trafficking survivors. One of the most impactful updates is the new ability for T visa applicants to receive work authorization while their T visa application is still pending. Immediate Work Authorization Eligibility In a major shift, T visa applicants can now file for and potentially receive work authorization before their T visa application is approved. Through the new “bona fide determination” process, USCIS assesses basic eligibility at the outset. If an application is deemed “bona fide,” the applicant may be granted deferred action and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to work legally in the U.S. while awaiting full T visa approval. This is a critical step forward, as applicants no longer need to wait until their T visa is approved to receive work authorization. Additional Policy Highlights “Any Credible Evidence” Standard The policy emphasizes that applicants can submit any form of credible evidence in support of their case. This approach ensures that survivors, who may lack traditional documentation, still have a fair chance to prove their situation. Victim-Centered and Trauma-Informed Approach The update reinforces a trauma-informed review process, prioritizing the needs and well-being of trafficking victims and making it more compassionate. Physical Presence Requirement Flexibility USCIS now allows certain exceptions to the rule that applicants must remain in the U.S. due to their trafficking situation, providing flexibility for those who may have briefly departed and returned. Clarified Reporting Requirement While applicants generally must report their trafficking to law enforcement with jurisdiction over trafficking cases, exceptions exist for individuals unable to report due to age or trauma. What This Means for Applicants The T visa offers temporary legal status to certain victims of human trafficking, typically allowing them to stay in the U.S. for an initial period of up to four years. With these updates, the T visa program is now more accessible and supportive, helping survivors gain stability and security sooner. Need Help with a T Visa Application? If you or someone you know is a trafficking survivor and may benefit from a T visa, we’re here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance on T visa applications and work authorization, and start your journey to legal protection and stability.
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