La Ley Laken Riley: Una nueva era de participación estatal en la política federal de inmigración
Kris Quadros Ragar • February 7, 2025
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El 29 de enero de 2025, el presidente Trump firmó la Ley Laken Riley, que altera significativamente cómo se aplican las políticas de inmigración en los Estados Unidos. Esta legislación otorga a los fiscales generales de los estados y a otros funcionarios autorizados una autoridad sin precedentes para interpretar y aplicar las políticas federales de inmigración. También les faculta para emprender acciones legales contra el gobierno federal si consideran que la aplicación de las leyes federales de inmigración afecta negativamente a su estado. Con esta nueva autoridad, los estados desempeñan ahora un papel directo en la determinación de los resultados en materia de inmigración, una responsabilidad que tradicionalmente ha correspondido al Gobierno federal.
Uno de los efectos más inmediatos de la Ley Laken Riley es que permite a los estados solicitar medidas cautelares para bloquear la expedición de visados a nacionales de países que se nieguen a aceptar a sus ciudadanos expulsados de Estados Unidos o retrasen injustificadamente dicha aceptación. Esto significa que, si un país no coopera con los esfuerzos de deportación de Estados Unidos, sus nacionales -independientemente de su situación legal- podrían enfrentarse a importantes dificultades para obtener o renovar visados. En consecuencia, los ciudadanos extranjeros de estos países pueden encontrarse con una mayor incertidumbre a la hora de viajar al extranjero o de obtener autorización para trabajar en Estados Unidos.
Más allá de la tramitación de visados, la ley introduce un nuevo nivel de imprevisibilidad en el sistema de inmigración. Al permitir a los fiscales generales de los estados intervenir en los procedimientos federales, y las políticas de inmigración que ahora pueden variar en función de las decisiones a nivel estatal. En los próximos meses, está por verse cómo los distintos estados ejercerán este poder, si intentarán bloquear activamente la expedición de visados o impulsarán medidas más amplias de aplicación de la ley de inmigración.
Para los ciudadanos extranjeros y las empresas, mantenerse informado sobre qué países se consideran «no cooperativos» es ahora más importante que nunca. Quienes necesiten renovar su visado o estén planeando un viaje internacional deben prepararse para posibles retrasos y buscar asesoramiento profesional para sortear estas incertidumbres.
La Ley Laken Riley también obliga a las autoridades federales de inmigración a detener y deportar a las personas sin estatus legal acusadas de determinados delitos, como hurtos menores o hurtos en tiendas, agresión a un agente de la ley y delitos con resultado de muerte o lesiones corporales graves. Esta disposición pone de relieve un planteamiento más estricto de la aplicación de la ley de inmigración, que afecta a las personas acusadas tanto de delitos menores como de delitos graves.
Con las políticas de inmigración ahora sujetas a una nueva capa de participación estatal, es más importante que nunca mantenerse informado y preparado para posibles desafíos. Si usted tiene preocupaciones acerca de cómo la Ley Laken Riley puede afectar su estatus migratorio o su negocio, póngase en contacto con Santos Lloyd Law Firm para obtener asesoramiento estratégico adaptado a sus necesidades.
Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.

On March 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a policy update that limits gender marker selections on all immigration forms and systems to two biological sexes: male and female. This change eliminates the option for applicants to select a non-binary or “X” gender marker—an option that had previously been permitted on some forms. While USCIS emphasizes that this update does not change who qualifies for immigration benefits, it may significantly impact how certain applications—particularly asylum claims based on gender identity-related persecution—are understood and evaluated. What Has Changed? Under the revised policy, applicants may now only choose “Male” or “Female” when completing USCIS forms. The ability to select a non-binary or third-gender option is no longer available. Applicants may still request to change their gender marker with USCIS, but only within the male/female binary. Supporting documentation, such as medical or legal records, is not required to make the change. This means that transgender individuals can still align their gender marker with their identity—if it falls within the two binary categories—but non-binary individuals are no longer represented. The change follows guidance issued by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which called for greater consistency in the collection of sex and gender data across federal agencies. Impact on Asylum Applicants This policy update is especially important for individuals applying for asylum based on persecution related to their gender identity. Under U.S. immigration law, asylum is available to people who have suffered persecution—or fear future persecution—based on their membership in a “particular social group.” This includes people targeted for being transgender, gender non-conforming, or otherwise not aligning with socially expected gender roles in their home country. Although the legal standard for asylum remains unchanged, the removal of the non-binary gender marker could make it harder for some applicants to clearly present and document their identity. In asylum cases, credibility and clarity are crucial. The ability to accurately reflect one’s gender identity on official forms can play an important role in establishing the foundation of a persecution claim. Now, applicants who identify as non-binary or outside the traditional male/female categories may be forced to select a gender that does not align with their lived experience. This could lead to confusion in their case file or require additional explanation during interviews or hearings. This policy could weaken the strength of some asylum claims—not because the underlying facts have changed, but because the official forms now fail to reflect the applicant’s true identity. For example: A non-binary person applying for asylum after being targeted in their home country may now have to select “Male” or “Female” on their asylum application, despite not identifying as either. This mismatch may lead adjudicators to question the applicant’s identity, possibly weakening the strength of the claim or requiring added clarification and documentation. In defensive asylum cases—where applicants are in removal proceedings—such inconsistencies could create unnecessary hurdles and complicate the evidentiary presentation. What Can Applicants Do? Despite the change, individuals can still pursue asylum based on gender identity. The underlying eligibility criteria remain the same. However, applicants should be prepared to clearly explain any differences between their stated identity and the gender marker required on USCIS forms. Applicants are encouraged to: Include a personal declaration explaining their gender identity in detail and how it relates to their fear of persecution. Provide evidence such as affidavits, country condition reports, or expert testimony that supports the claim. Work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help present the claim effectively and prepare for any questions that might arise from the new form limitations. The new USCIS policy on gender markers may seem like a technical update, but for asylum seekers fleeing gender-based persecution, it has real implications. While individuals are still legally eligible to seek protection, the limitation to binary gender options could make it more difficult to fully and clearly present their case. If you or someone you know is facing immigration challenges related to gender identity—or is concerned about how this policy may impact an asylum claim—please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We’re here to help ensure your voice is heard and your case is handled with the care and expertise it deserves.

In 2025, the immigration landscape continues to shift under the weight of national security concerns, ushered in by Executive Order “ Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. ” This directive tasks federal agencies—including the U.S. Department of State—with implementing enhanced screening and vetting protocols for all foreign nationals seeking visas or other immigration benefits. The result? A dramatically intensified vetting process, along with mounting concerns from immigrants, attorneys, and civil liberties advocates alike. Traditionally, airport security focused on verifying travel documents and screening for prohibited items, while consular officers assessed the legitimacy of visa petitions and the admissibility of applicants. Extreme vetting, however, represents a significant shift toward a far more invasive and comprehensive investigative process. It now includes detailed background checks, biometric verification, digital forensics, and expansive scrutiny of an applicant’s online presence and criminal or financial records. Since President Trump’s second term began in January 2025, the implementation of extreme vetting has expanded rapidly. Today, border screenings go far beyond routine document checks, encompassing a full-scale evaluation of a traveler’s digital life. This pivot reflects the administration’s intensified focus on national security, but it has also triggered urgent discussions about privacy, due process, and the fairness of modern immigration enforcement. At U.S. ports of entry—especially airports—noncitizens are now subject to rigorous and invasive procedures, including: Inspection of cell phones, laptops, and other devices (including deleted content) Review of social media activity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) Biometric scanning, including fingerprinting and facial recognition These measures are no longer confined to travelers from high-risk countries. In practice, extreme vetting applies broadly across all nationalities, and increasingly affects lawful permanent residents as well. For noncitizens, this new landscape introduces a heightened level of uncertainty and vulnerability. Delays at U.S. consulates for visa issuance or renewal are becoming routine. Travelers must now be acutely aware of these changes, and those attending consular interviews or seeking visa renewals should be prepared to provide additional documentation verifying their maintenance of status, compliance with visa conditions, and the bona fide nature of their visa applications. It is critical to organize supporting materials in advance and be ready to answer questions about employment, education, travel history, and online activity. As the U.S. government continues to expand its use of data-driven risk assessment tools, travelers must adapt to a new normal, one where preparation is essential to navigating the immigration system without disruption.

For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.