Welcome Back! 👋🏼

Dear Readers,

We’re thrilled to have you back with us at the NawLaw Report, where we keep you informed on the latest news in the U.S. immigration world and bring you updates and announcements from the firm. With President Trump’s second term, there’s no been no shortage of activity, including various policy changes and several different ongoing legal battles. Let’s get you caught up!

Critical Announcement from the Firm

With recent news about mass deportations and ICE raids in cities throughout the United States, such as New York, Newark, NJ, Chicago, Boston, etc., and sensitive places like schools, hospitals, and churches, we understand that many of you are feeling extremely anxious and uncertain. Please know that NawLaw is here to stand with you and your loved ones during this challenging time. You do have rights, and it’s essential to know them.

Here are a few key things you should keep in mind if confronted with such a situation:

•           If you are stopped by ICE in a public place, you have the right to remain silent.

o          You also have the right to ask if you are free to leave.

o          If ICE attempts to search your belongings, you can calmly tell them that you do not consent to a search.

o          If they are detaining or questioning you, ask if you are under arrest.

o          If the ICE agent responds you’re not under arrest, you can ask whether you are free to go and walk away.

•           If ICE knocks on your door when you are at home, you don’t have to answer.

o          You can stay silent or ask them to show you a judicial warrant before engaging with them.

o          A judicial warrant is a document signed by a judge, which specifies what they are allowed to search for and who they can arrest.

o          It’s important to remember that without a judicial warrant, ICE cannot enter your home or private areas unless there are emergency circumstances, like an immediate danger.

•           If ICE comes to your business, they may enter public spaces, like the lobby, without a warrant.

o          However, they cannot enter private areas, like offices or storage rooms, without a proper warrant.

o          If ICE presents a warrant, they may ask to inspect I-9 forms and search for undocumented workers. As a business owner, it’s important to ensure you have completed I-9 forms for all employees.

o          Remember, you don’t have to speak with ICE agents. If your business is raided, contact us immediately. We’re ready to help.

•           Finally, please remember the following:

o          You have rights, and it’s essential to stay calm and informed when interacting with ICE. Knowing your rights is important, but please, never resist or act aggressively. Stay respectful, even in difficult situations.

o          Never provide ICE with false identification documents, and never falsely claim to be a U.S. citizen – as that is a criminal offense. You have the right to remain silent and contact an attorney.

If you or someone you care about has been detained by ICE, don’t hesitate to call us at 212-964-9282 or email us at: [email protected]. We’re here to support you through this very challenging time!

Trump Proposes Fines, Prison for Migrants Illegally in U.S. Who Don’t Register

The Trump administration has now issued a directive requiring all undocumented immigrants over the age of 14 to register with the federal government or face fines, imprisonment, or both. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that enforcing all immigration laws is crucial for national security and public safety. Immigrants who register will be fingerprinted and issued evidence of registration, which those over 18 must carry at all times. This move follows Trump’s recent declaration of illegal immigration at the Mexico border as a national emergency. Additionally, the administration is working to shut down the CBP One entry program, which previously allowed migrants to schedule legal entry appointments via an app. The policy signals a stricter crackdown on undocumented immigrants and increased enforcement measures under Trump’s leadership.

Trump Plans to Use Controversial 1798 “Alien Enemies” Law to Speed Up Deportations

The Trump administration is considering invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to accelerate mass deportations, particularly targeting criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua. This little-known law grants the president broad powers to remove non-citizens from the U.S. during times of war or foreign threats, though legal experts argue its application in this context would face serious challenges in court. While Venezuela has agreed to accept repatriation flights for its nationals, logistical and diplomatic hurdles remain for deporting others to third-party countries like El Salvador. The measure is appealing to immigration hardliners because it bypasses the immigration court system, which is currently backlogged and slows deportation proceedings. However, critics argue that using the law without a formal war declaration or clear foreign threat could make its implementation legally questionable. The administration’s next steps remain uncertain, but officials continue to explore ways to use the act to fulfill Trump’s campaign pledge on mass deportations.

President Trump Says U.S. Can Pay Off $36 Trillion Debt by Selling Wealthy Immigrants $5 Million “Gold Card” Visas and Eventual Citizenship

President Trump announced a new “gold card” immigration plan, allowing wealthy individuals to purchase U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship for $5 million, aiming to use the revenue to address America’s $36 trillion national debt. The program, which would replace the EB-5 visa system, seeks to attract high-net-worth individuals and companies while offering tax benefits, though details remain unclear. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that applicants would still undergo a vetting process, and businesses could use the program to recruit top global talent. Trump believes selling millions of these cards could generate trillions of dollars, potentially eliminating national debt and leaving surplus funds for deficit reduction. However, critics question the feasibility of attracting enough ultra-wealthy individuals, given that many of the world's millionaires and billionaires already reside in the U.S. The program's success hinges on whether it can lure a significant share of the global elite while navigating legal, economic, and political challenges.

Trump Administration Fires New Immigration Judges

The Trump administration has recently fired 20 immigration judges, including five assistant chief judges and the entire December class of new judges, as part of broader government workforce cuts. This move comes despite a massive backlog of 3.7 million immigration cases, raising concerns about delays in deportation proceedings. It remains unclear whether the judges will be replaced, but the administration is focused on expediting the immigration court system to support Trump’s deportation agenda. The dismissals follow the earlier firing of four top officials at the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) on Trump’s first day back in office. Critics argue that cutting judges while seeking more funding for the immigration court system contradicts the administration’s goals. Both Republicans and Democrats have supported hiring more judges, making these terminations a controversial step in immigration policy.

Judge Blocks Trump Immigration Policy Allowing Arrests in Churches for Some Religious Groups

A federal judge has blocked immigration agents from conducting enforcement operations in houses of worship for Quakers and several other religious groups while a lawsuit challenging the policy proceeds. The Trump administration had removed restrictions on immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, allowing agents to act without supervisor approval. Plaintiffs, including Quaker meetings and a Sikh temple, argue that the policy violates religious freedom and discourages immigrants from attending religious services. The government contends that enforcement in places of worship has occurred for decades and that the only change is the removal of supervisor approval requirements. More than two dozen Christian and Jewish organizations have also filed a separate lawsuit in Washington, D.C., challenging the policy. The judge's ruling only applies to the plaintiffs for now, but the case could set a broader precedent for immigration enforcement in religious spaces.

Trump Administration Cuts Off Access to Legal Services for Unaccompanied Minors

The Trump administration has now ordered legal service providers assisting unaccompanied migrant children to cease operations, stripping key resources from vulnerable minors navigating the U.S. immigration system. The directive, issued by the Department of Interior, affects organizations like the Acacia Center for Justice, which aids nearly 26,000 children in and released from Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody. Advocacy groups, including the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, warn that without legal assistance, children—regardless of age—will be forced to represent themselves in immigration court. Critics argue that this decision undermines due process and exposes already traumatized children to further harm and exploitation. While the order may not impact children who already have legal representation, it threatens to financially cripple organizations providing critical legal aid. A similar move was made by the Trump administration in 2017 but was later rescinded without explanation.

Client Q&A

Q. “What else do I need to prepare so that I can somehow increase the chance of getting H1B selection?” - client from China who just completed his U.S. Master’s Degree

A. Now that you’ve completed a U.S. master’s degree this will increase your chances of being selected in the upcoming H-1B lottery – in that 20,000 H-1B’s are allotted to those applicants holding U.S. master’s degrees. Also, a degree equivalency is not required.

Q. “Would I have to leave the States at any point when I switch to the B-2?” - client from the U.K.

A. No, by filing for the change of status, you are legally permitted to remain in the U.S.

Q. “What is the minimum time I am required to work for my new H-1B sponsor?” - client from Greece

A. The federal regulations do not specify a “minimum” time – however, we recommend that it is best to work at least 30 days for the H-1B sponsor.

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

Neil with Imam Ahmed Ali Uzir, Senior Advisor in the New York State Assembly and Commissioner at the NYC Commission, at the Opera Cafe in Brooklyn, NY

Congratulations to our NawLaw Clients who’ve received their Green Cards and Work Permits! 🎉 

We’re so proud to be part of your journey and celebrate this huge milestone with you!

Here’s to new beginnings and endless opportunities! 🌟

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About NawLaw: NawLaw has built its reputation on expertise, personalized service, innovation, sensitivity to the needs of our clients, and tremendous success as a strong advocate. Having achieved a significant victory in the U.S. Supreme Court, our expertise and reputation for success speaks for itself! NawLaw is proud to be a trusted law firm as well as a leading force for foreign nationals and investors interested in living and working in the U.S., companies in the U.S. seeking their services, and companies abroad seeking to transfer key personnel to the U.S. With 40 years of experience, we are proud to be regarded as a highly trusted law firm as well as the go-to firm for U.S. immigration! Our reputation as the premier law firm for immigration is built on our unwavering commitment to achieve exceptional results for our clients. We are truly an immigration powerhouse!

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