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.

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Angelica Rice

Flavia Santos Lloyd Named to the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation

By Santos Lloyd Team • October 8, 2026
Santos Lloyd Law Firm takes great pride in announcing that Partner Flavia Santos Lloyd has been invited to join the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. As a highly selective global network, the organization recognizes legal professionals across both the public and private sectors who embody the absolute highest standards of the practice. Admission to this distinguished group highlights Flavia’s outstanding legal career, professional integrity, and deep impact on the legal community. Our team celebrates Flavia on this well-deserved recognition!

UPDATE: Federal Court Postpones DHS Rule Eliminating “Duration of Status” (D/S)

By Juliana LaMendola • September 22, 2026
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security , halting the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that was scheduled to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) on September 15, 2026. As a result of this nationwide order, DHS is blocked from enforcing fixed periods of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I media representatives while the litigation moves forward. Because the current “duration of status” framework remains in full effect, F, J, and I visa holders are not required to file Form I-539 extension of stay applications to remain in valid status beyond program end dates at this time. Furthermore, restrictions on academic transfers, constraints on enrolling in second programs at the same degree level, 240-day caps on continued employment while extensions are pending, and shortened grace periods do not apply during the injunction. F-1 nonimmigrants retain the full 60-day post-completion grace period, and J-1 holders maintain their 30-day grace period. However, please note that this preliminary injunction is not a final ruling invalidating the rule , and a status conference is scheduled for October 2, 2026, to determine next steps in the litigation. Immediate Practice Tips: Inspect I-94 Travel Records Upon Reentry: F, J, and I visa holders currently admitted under D/S retain their status and should continue to be readmitted under D/S following international travel until the injunction is lifted. However, because the I-94 record controls legal stay, travelers must inspect their CBP-issued Form I-94 immediately upon reentry to confirm the "Admit Until Date" states "D/S" rather than a specific expiration date. If a specific date is mistakenly recorded, contact a local CPB Deferred Inspection Site. Notify HR and Review Workplace Compliance: Employers sponsoring F-1 or J-1 employees should inform HR and hiring managers that the September 15 fixed-period rule is postponed and standard D/S rules govern. This development does not alter standard filing windows or Form I-9 verification procedures for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extensions.  Maintain Operational Readiness and Defer Unnecessary Filings: Visa holders and employers should defer travel or filing strategy decisions made solely in anticipation of the fixed-admission rule. Because DHS may appeal or the court could alter the timeline on short notice, institutions and visa holders should maintain readiness to adjust plans if implementation resumes. There are many evolving components to this litigation. If you are an F-1, J-1, or I visa holder, sponsoring institution, or employer, you should proactively coordinate with your international student office and legal counsel to protect your status and monitor upcoming court proceedings.

DHS Final Rule Eliminating “Duration of Status” (D/S): Practice Tips and Transition Procedures

By Juliana LaMendola • September 3, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its final rule eliminating the longstanding "duration of status" (D/S) policy for F, J, and I visa holders, replacing it with a fixed period of admission effective September 15, 2026. This rule requires that those who need additional time to complete their programs must file Form I-539 with USCIS or travel abroad and seek to reenter to extend their authorized period of stay. F and J visa holders present in the U.S. and in valid status on September 15, 2026, will be allowed to remain in the United States until the Program End Date listed on their current Form I-20 (for F-1s) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1s), up to a maximum of four years (until September 15, 2030) plus a 60-day grace period for F-1s and a 30-day grace period for J-1s, without filing an Extension of Status request with USCIS. However, this safety net only applies while staying in the U.S.; international travel and subsequent reentry after September 15, 2026 will result in readmission under the new rule with an I-94 that expires on the Program End Date or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration, but no later than four-years after their date of re-entry. Additionally, once re-admitted under the new rules, F-1s will only receive a 30-day grace period. Immediate Practice Tips: Any F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant currently in the U.S. who plans to change programs, start a new degree level, or needs more time to complete their studies must work with their school or program sponsor to update their SEVIS record and receive an extended Form I-20 or DS-2019 before September 15, 2026. Eligible F-1 students should submit their post-completion OPT or STEM OPT work authorization applications (Form I-765) before September 15, 2026, to secure their status and drastically reduce the likelihood of needing a Form I-539 extension application. Any F-1 student who is eligible to apply for OPT or STEM OPT before March 18, 2027, should do so as soon as they are eligible to file their Form I-765. Since F-1s can file OPT applications up to 90 days in advance of graduation, F-1 students graduating before June 15,2027, should be able to file their OPT applications before March 18, 2027, and should do so to avoid also having to file Form I-539 to extend their stay. Thus, most F-1 students graduating in December 2026 and May/June 2027 should be able to take advantage of the transition rule’s delay in having to file Form I-539 applications and should only need to file Form I-765 to apply for OPT. Incoming F-1 and J-1 students who can enter the United States before the September 15, 2026 effective date (within the permissible 30-day window prior to their program start) should do so to benefit from the transition rules, including the full 60-day F-1 grace period and deferred extension requirements. Students (F-1 and J-1) who are planning international travel should return before the effective date if possible to preserve their transition benefits.  There are many parts of the rule that are not discussed here. If you are currently an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, you should proactively coordinate with your institutions and international office to protect your status and stay informed.
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