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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.

On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, significantly altering how immigration policies are enforced in the United States. This legislation grants State attorneys general and other authorized officials unprecedented authority to interpret and implement federal immigration policies. It also empowers them to take legal action against the federal government if they believe federal immigration enforcement negatively impacts their state. With this new authority, states now play a direct role in shaping immigration outcomes—a responsibility traditionally held by the federal government. One of the most immediate effects of the Laken Riley Act is that it allows states to seek injunctive relief to block the issuance of visas to nationals of countries that refuse or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens who have been ordered removed from the United States . This means that if a country does not cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts, its nationals—regardless of their legal status—could face significant difficulties obtaining or renewing visas. As a result, foreign nationals from these countries may encounter increased uncertainty when traveling internationally or securing work authorization in the U.S. Beyond visa processing, the law introduces a new level of unpredictability into the immigration system. By allowing state attorneys general to intervene in federal procedures, and immigration policies that may now vary based on state-level decisions. In the coming months, it remains to be seen how individual states will wield this power—whether they will actively seek to block visa issuance or push for broader immigration enforcement measures. For foreign nationals and employers, staying informed about which countries are deemed “uncooperative” is now more important than ever. Those needing visa renewals or planning international travel should prepare for potential delays and seek professional guidance to navigate these uncertainties. The Laken Riley Act also mandates federal immigration authorities to detain and deport individuals without legal status who are charged with certain offenses, including minor theft or shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. This provision underscores a stricter approach to immigration enforcement, affecting individuals accused of both minor and serious offenses. With immigration policies now subject to a new layer of state involvement, it is more important than ever to stay informed and prepared for potential challenges. If you have concerns about how the Laken Riley Act may affect your immigration status or business, contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm for strategic counsel tailored to your needs.

On January 28, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem vacated the January 10, 2025, decision by former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that had extended the 2023 designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela and ordered that his January 17, 2025, notice re-designating Venezuela TPS be vacated. This action has understandably caused confusion and concern among Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries and those with pending applications. It is critical to clarify that this does not mean that the TPS program for Venezuela has been eliminated . Instead, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must now reconsider whether to re-designate (extend) or terminate the previous Venezuela TPS designations from 2021 and 2023. What Does the Vacatur Mean? Because the January 17, 2025, TPS extension was vacated, the most recent valid TPS designation for Venezuela remains the October 3, 2023, designation . The vacatur does not immediately affect TPS protections for individuals covered under the prior designations. However, DHS must make key decisions in the coming months: By February 1, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the October 3, 2023, designation . By July 12, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the March 9, 2021, designation . If the Secretary does not make a timely determination (for example, if the Secretary were not to make determination by February 1, 2025 whether to extend or terminate the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation), then the statute provides for an automatic extension of the designation for an additional period of 6 months . INA 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). Until these decisions are made, TPS remains in effect under the previous designations , and those who have already been granted TPS are not immediately impacted. Who Is Affected and What Should You Do? Current TPS Holders If you were already granted TPS under the March 9, 2021, or October 3, 2023, designations, your status remains valid. You must continue to comply with all re-registration requirements to maintain your protection and work authorization. Re-registration period: TPS beneficiaries under the 2021 and 2023 designations must re-register between January 17, 2025, and September 10, 2025 , to maintain their legal status and work authorization. Individuals with Pending TPS Applications as of January 17, 2025 If you applied for TPS before January 17, 2025 , under a previous designation, your application will continue to be processed . If your application is approved, your TPS protection will remain valid at least until April 2, 2025 . There is no need to reapply. Individuals Who Applied for TPS Between January 10, 2025, and January 28, 2025 If you applied for TPS during this period, USCIS will cease processing your applications and issue refunds of any fees paid in association with those applications . Additionally, USCIS will invalidate EADs; Forms 1-797, Notice of Action (Approval Notice); and Forms 1-94, Arrival/Departure Record (collectively known as TPS-related documentation) that have been issued with October 2, 2026 expiration dates under the January 17, 2025 Mayorkas Notice. What Happens Next? Given the Biden administration’s prior support for TPS, many expect DHS to extend or re-designate Venezuela for TPS rather than terminate it . However, no final decision has been made , and Venezuelan nationals with TPS or pending applications should continue to follow updates closely. What Should You Do Now? If you currently hold TPS , continue to comply with all TPS renewal requirements and remain aware of DHS’s upcoming decisions. If you have a pending application , check USCIS updates regularly and consult with an immigration attorney for the latest guidance.  If you applied between January 17, 2025, and January 28, 2025 , seek legal counsel to understand how the vacatur may affect your application. Stay Informed and Get Legal Guidance Our immigration firm is closely following these developments and will provide updates as soon as DHS makes its decision. If you have questions about your TPS status or how this memo affects your case, contact our office today for a consultation. For more information, refer to the official DHS notice on the vacatur: Vacatur of 2025 Temporary Protected Status Decision for Venezuela .

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," which aims to end birthright citizenship for certain children born in the United States . This order specifically targets children born to mothers who are either unlawfully present or temporarily in the U.S. on visas, such as student, work, or tourist visas, if the father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident. Under this new policy, these children will no longer be granted automatic U.S. citizenship. The order is set to take effect 30 days from its signing and applies only to births occurring after that period, meaning it does not retroactively affect children born before the effective date. This executive order challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on American soil . The amendment states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." For over a century, this provision has been understood to grant citizenship to most individuals born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' immigration status. In response to the executive order, immigrant rights advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have filed lawsuits challenging its constitutionality . They argue that the order violates the clear mandate of the 14th Amendment and undermines fundamental American values. Legal experts anticipate that this issue will be contested in courts, with the potential for the order to be blocked or overturned. On January 23, 2025, a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), effectively blocking the executive order from taking effect for the next 14 days . The court cited potential constitutional violations and the need for further legal briefings before any enforcement could proceed. This ruling provides temporary relief to affected families and signals the likelihood of a prolonged legal battle. Further hearings are scheduled to determine whether the order will be permanently blocked or allowed to proceed. For families affected by this order, there is growing concern about the potential challenges their children may face without U.S. citizenship. Access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities could become more difficult for those impacted. However, it is important to remain hopeful, as the legal system provides checks and balances to ensure that any executive action aligns with constitutional principles. Historically, similar attempts to restrict birthright citizenship have faced significant legal challenges and have not been upheld . 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.

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.

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.

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.