May 2025 » ImmigrationUSA

CHNV parole program

SCOTUS Revokes CHNV Removal Protections

On May 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled the government can ignore the removal protections for migrants who entered the United States through the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) parole program. The program gives migrants form these countries protection from removal for up to

May 30, 2025

DHS

Chinese Student Visas Targeted for Revocation

The State Department and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to terminate current Chinese student visas and treat future visa applicants with increased scrutiny. Determining whether applicants are connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the specific focal point. This policy applies to visa applicants from both China

May 29, 2025

DHS

State Department Halts New Appointments for F-1 Student Visas

On May 27, 2025, the State Department suspended new appointments for those applying for the F-1 student visa. The department is reviewing their expanded guidelines for screening the social media accounts of prospective beneficiaries. The department also halted appointments for new M and J visas. Only new F-1 appointments have

May 29, 2025

expedited removal

ICE Requesting Immigration Court Cases be Terminated to Remove Migrants

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is requesting judges terminate immigration court cases to streamline the removal process. The government can remove migrants detained within one hundred miles of the border without trial, but this new operation goes far beyond these parameters. The operation is heightening documented migrant’s anxieties regarding appearing

May 28, 2025

DHS

Block on Enrolling New F-1 Students at Harvard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) blocked the enrollment of new F-1 students at Harvard, citing the university’s inability to deal with individuals supposedly harboring pro-terrorist views on its’ campus. Additionally, the department mandated all international students currently at the university transfer schools. Students who don’t transfer will lose their

May 28, 2025

DOJ

Expanded DOJ Policy May Impact H-1B Holders

Whistleblower protection now includes those who report crimes involving immigration violations, an expanded category joining financial institutions crimes, corporate corruption, and health care fraud. H-1B holders may be affected if their employer is in violation of the law. Taking a proactive approach to ensure compliance is critical. A memo published

May 21, 2025

F-1

DHS Terminating Status of Some OPT Visa Holders

On May 15, 2025, immigration authorities sent termination warnings to multiple Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa holders. OPTs allow F-1 students to remain and work in the US after graduating, providing them with a path to the H-1B visa. Students in the OPT program are granted a total of ninety

May 19, 2025

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Alert: Fake Immigration Lawyers on Social Media

There has been a rise in fake immigration lawyers on social media platforms. In the wake of an increasingly strict immigration landscape, scammers and con artist are taking advantage of the many immigrants and migrants’ uncertainties and fears. These bad actors aren’t limited to just one website and can be

May 16, 2025

Port Security

Warrantless Phone Searches Not Authorized at All Airports

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials cannot conduct warrantless phone searches at all U.S. ports of entry. While CBP had the right to access travelers’ electronic devices and social media to determine if they could pose a national security threat, these searches aren’t always exempted from needing a warrant.

May 16, 2025

DHS

Federal Judge Denies Granting Nationwide Relief for F-1 Visa Students

On May 14, 2025, a federal judge in California issued an injunction in a case seeking nationwide relief for F-1 students. The judge explained there was more than enough evidence to establish the government’s recent policy change that caused irreparable harm to some F-1 students; however, the plaintiffs call for

May 15, 2025