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La loi Laken Riley : Une nouvelle ère d'implication des États dans la politique fédérale d'immigration
Kris Quadros-Ragar • February 6, 2025
Click here to read this article in English
Le 29 janvier 2025, le président Trump a promulgué la loi Laken Riley, qui modifie considérablement la manière dont les politiques d'immigration sont appliquées aux États-Unis. Cette loi accorde aux procureurs généraux des États et à d'autres fonctionnaires autorisés un pouvoir sans précédent pour interpréter et mettre en œuvre les politiques fédérales en matière d'immigration. Elle leur permet également d'intenter une action en justice contre le gouvernement fédéral s'ils estiment que l'application des lois fédérales sur l'immigration a des répercussions négatives sur leur État. Grâce à cette nouvelle autorité, les États jouent désormais un rôle direct dans l'orientation des résultats en matière d'immigration, une responsabilité traditionnellement assumée par le gouvernement fédéral.
L'un des effets les plus immédiats de la loi Laken Riley est qu'elle permet aux États de demander une injonction pour bloquer la délivrance de visas aux ressortissants de pays qui refusent ou retardent de manière déraisonnable l'acceptation de leurs citoyens qui ont fait l'objet d'une mesure d'éloignement des États-Unis. Cela signifie que si un pays ne coopère pas aux efforts d'expulsion des États-Unis, ses ressortissants, quel que soit leur statut juridique, pourraient rencontrer d'importantes difficultés pour obtenir ou renouveler leur visa. Par conséquent, les ressortissants étrangers de ces pays peuvent être confrontés à une incertitude accrue lorsqu'ils voyagent à l'étranger ou obtiennent un permis de travail aux États-Unis.
Au-delà du traitement des visas, la loi introduit un nouveau niveau d'imprévisibilité dans le système d'immigration. En permettant aux procureurs généraux des États d'intervenir dans les procédures fédérales et les politiques d'immigration qui peuvent désormais varier en fonction des décisions prises au niveau de l'État. Dans les mois à venir, il reste à voir comment les différents États exerceront ce pouvoir - s'ils chercheront activement à bloquer la délivrance de visas ou s'ils feront pression en faveur de mesures plus larges d'application de la législation sur l'immigration.
Pour les ressortissants étrangers et les employeurs, il est plus important que jamais de se tenir au courant des pays considérés comme « non coopératifs ». Les personnes qui doivent faire renouveler leur visa ou qui prévoient de voyager à l'étranger doivent se préparer à d'éventuels retards et demander l'aide d'un professionnel pour faire face à ces incertitudes.
La loi Laken Riley oblige également les autorités fédérales chargées de l'immigration à détenir et à expulser les personnes sans statut légal qui sont accusées de certains délits, notamment de vol mineur ou de vol à l'étalage, d'agression contre un agent des forces de l'ordre et de délits entraînant la mort ou des blessures corporelles graves. Cette disposition souligne une approche plus stricte de l'application de la législation sur l'immigration, qui concerne les personnes accusées de délits mineurs ou graves.
Les politiques d'immigration étant désormais soumises à un nouveau niveau d'implication de l'État, il est plus important que jamais de rester informé et de se préparer à des défis potentiels. Si vous vous interrogez sur la manière dont la loi Laken Riley peut affecter votre statut d'immigrant ou votre entreprise, contactez le cabinet Santos Lloyd Law Firm pour obtenir des conseils stratégiques adaptés à vos besoins.
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.
