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Dear Readers,

We trust this message finds you well and thriving. As the world of immigration continues to evolve, so does our commitment to keeping you informed and empowered. In this edition of The NawLaw Report, we're excited to share the latest immigration news and essential updates from our firm that directly impact your journey. Stay tuned for invaluable insights that will shape your path to success.

The Diversity Immigrant Visa
Program opened on October 4th

The Department of State annually administers the statutorily created Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides for a class of immigrants known as “diversity immigrants” from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. For Fiscal Year 2025, up to 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) will be available. There is no cost to register for the DV program, but selectees who are scheduled for an interview will be required to pay a visa application fee prior to making their formal visa application where a consular officer will determine whether they qualify for the visa.

Applicants who are selected in the program (selectees) must meet simple but strict eligibility requirements to qualify for a DV. The Department of State determines selectees through a randomized computer drawing. The Department of State distributes diversity visas among six geographic regions, and no single country may receive more than seven percent of the available DVs in any one year.

Senate Republicans Demand Major Immigration Reform in Anti-Shutdown Bill

Republican Senators want to add language to the government funding stopgap bill that would prevent the Biden administration from releasing migrants they detained at the border. The policy changes include increasing the number of border patrol agents, tightening asylum restrictions to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico while their claim is being processed, and ending “catch and release”. Senator Dick Durban, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, an immigration reform advocate, has stated that adding the changes in such a short timeframe prior to the government shutdown is simply not feasible.

Governor Kathy Hochul Announces Program to Help Venezuelan Asylum Seekers Find Jobs and Leave Shelters

On Monday N.Y. Governor Hochul announced a plan to help Venezuelan asylum-seekers get jobs and out of the shelters, stating “They came to work, so lets put them to work.” This comes in the wake of the recent migrant surge, and is aimed at helping reduce the burden on already struggling shelters. Once a migrant has applied for TPS (temporary protected status), they can begin to work within 30 days, and can find jobs through a portal ran by the Department of Labor. Hochul says that her administration has found over 400 potential employers with up to 18,000 available jobs in a wide range of fields, including hospitality, health/social services, retail, manufacturing, and construction.

U.S. to Start Pilot Program for Domestic H-1B Visa Renewal Early Next Year

Early next year the United States will be implementing a new pilot program allowing domestic visa renewal for qualified H and L employment visa applicants. The pilot program is a part of a set of strategy changes aimed at increasing efficiency for the both the United States and partnered countries, most notably mentioned in the article being India. A joint statement from President Biden and Indian Prime Minister Modi noted that the policy change is a step in fortifying the U.S. and India’s already “close and enduring” partnership. Indians make up 65% of H and L category employment visa applications.

STEM OPT Safe After Supreme Court Immigration Action

The Supreme Court declined to review long-litigated cases on work authorization and practical training, giving universities, employers, and international students a victory. The argument occurred over whether or not the Department of Homeland Security could extend the Optional Practical Training program from 12 months to 36 months in S.T.E.M. fields. Several lower courts ruled that the D.H.S. did in fact possess the authority to make the extension, and the Supreme Court let those decisions stand in declining to review the lower court rulings. Educators believe OPT and STEM OPT is supremely beneficial for the development of students, and the additional 24 months allows employers more time to secure a H-1B petition.

Mexico’s President Says 10,000 Migrants a Day Head to U.S. Border, Blames U.S. Sanctions on Cuba

On Monday, Mexican President Obrador stated that 10,000 immigrants a day head to the border, blaming U.S. economic sanctions on countries like Cuba and Venezuela. He argues that a majority of the migrants come from countries that are being sanctioned, creating economic and political unrest. The U.S. has sanctioned the aforementioned countries over what it believes to be a “suppression of democracy”. President Obrador has further criticized the U.S. for it’s funding of Ukraine, arguing the funds would be better used for the economic development of Latin America and the Caribbean. He further called for the U.S. to “stop harassing independent and free countries” and that there should be an “integrated plan for cooperation so that Venezuelans, Cubans… and Hondurans wouldn’t be forced to emigrate”.

Biden Administration Announces Visa-Free Travel for Israelis

The Biden administration has recently announced that Israel will be joining the visa waiver travel program, allowing Israeli citizens to enter the U.S. without a visa and vice-versa. The program is expected to begin November 30 and will allow Israelis to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days. The visa waiver program is managed by the Department of Homeland Security and includes 40 countries. 15 Democratic Senators urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to not nominate Israel for the program, based on how Palestinian-Americans are treated when they travel to Israel. An administration official stated that a key aspect of the deal is reciprocity, further stating that the agreement “helps the United States and Israel meet key national security goals”.

Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Vows to End Birthright Citizenship

Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has recently made a statement that if elected, he intends to end birthright citizenship. He argues that the children of undocumented immigrants should not be granted citizenship because their parents broke the law by coming into the country through improper channels. This comes in the wake of Ramaswamy’s statement that he would end the H-1B visa as it currently stands, arguing that it is currently akin to indentured servitude. He says that it shouldn’t be based on a lottery system, and should rather be more meritocratic. Ramaswamy currently trails former President Trump and Governor DeSantis in recent GOP polls.

No, Migrants Do Not Receive $2,200 a Month From the Federal Government

A statement initially made by retired Army Colonel Macgregor in an interview has propagated through social media the claim that undocumented migrants receive $2,200 a month from the federal government. The Associated Press has fact-checked the claim with immigration experts, stating that “People who enter the U.S. illegally are not eligible for federal cash assistance, with the exception of certain Cubans and Haitians.” Continuing, “Refugees and people granted asylum, as well as some other humanitarian migrants, are entitled to certain public benefits…though it is not as high as $2,200”. Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action Committee President William Gheen alleges that “Illegal immigrants are being wrongfully and willfully misclassified as ‘asylum seekers’ and ‘refugees’ to justify our federal government’s gross violation of numerous existing immigration laws and daily commission of mass felonies.”

The False Statements and Half-Truths About Immigration Told in the Second Republican Presidential Debate

With 77% of polled Republican voters saying that immigration is “very important” to them, the topic was widely discussed at the most recent GOP presidential debate. Several significant claims were made during the debate, which journalists at NBC fact checked. A notable claim was made by former Vice President Mike Pence that President Trumps border policy reduced illegal immigration and asylum abuse by 90%. Experts at PolitiFact could not find any direct evidence to support this claim, and while they concede that Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy had an impact, the 90% claim grossly discounts the effects of various other significant factors, namely the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic. Other claims fact checked in the article include the relationship between the fentanyl crisis and open border policies, as well as how many miles of border wall President Trump had built.

Firm Announcement 📣

Our Third Year Intern and New York State Assembly member, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, shares her thoughts on the migrant crisis:

“While everyone deserves fair, equitable, and humane housing, this is a national, unprecedented crisis; requiring federal air and collaboration at all levels.”

“With dwindling resources being rapidly depleted, this situation is unsustainable without our entire borough banding together and helping together; as we have to overcome the Pandemic and other crises.”

Pet of The Month 🐶🐾

🐾 Pet of the Month: Meet Mia, Neil, and Kim's Adorable Dog 🐾

We're delighted to introduce our Pet of the Month for October, and it's none other than the charming and lovable furry friend of Neil and Kim, Mia!

Mia is a bundle of joy, always spreading happiness wherever she goes. Her playful antics, wagging tail, and infectious enthusiasm brighten up even the gloomiest of days. With those soulful eyes and endearing personality, this fur baby has won our hearts.

Neil, and Kim have truly provided a loving and caring home for their beloved dog, ensuring a life filled with love, fun, and lots of belly rubs. They epitomize responsible and loving pet parents, embodying the true spirit of the pet-human bond.

Thank you for being a valued part of our client community. Stay tuned for exciting updates, exclusive offers, and exceptional service in the months ahead.