NawLaw News: This Week's Highlights

Welcome Back! 👋🏼

Dear Readers,

We’re thrilled to have you back with us at NawLaw News, where we bring you 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!

What Deportation Ruling Means for Donald Trump’s Immigration Plans

A federal appeals court denied Donald Trump’s request to overturn a restraining order that blocked the deportation of suspected Venezuelan gang members without a court hearing. The order, issued by Judge James Boasberg, ensures that individuals accused of being part of the Tren de Aragua gang (TdA) are entitled to due process before deportation. Despite this, over 200 individuals were already flown to El Salvador, some allegedly misidentified as gang members due to their tattoos. The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act (AEA), claiming a national security threat, but the appeals court found that an “invasion” must meet a higher legal standard. Judge Patricia Millett emphasized that due process cannot be disregarded, likening the current treatment to harsher than that of Nazi deportations during World War II. While the restraining order is temporary, the administration is continuing its mass deportation plans despite ongoing legal challenges.

Photo by Neil Weinrib

Trump, Noem End Immigration Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans

The Trump administration plans to revoke immigration status for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) by the end of April, affecting 532,000 migrants who were granted work permits and deportation protections under Biden. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, justified the decision by claiming the program failed to improve border security and created a large population of undocumented migrants in the U.S. Advocacy groups condemned the move, calling it racist and harmful to marginalized communities, with Haitian Bridge Alliance leader Guerline Jozef saying it targets “poor, Black and Brown people.” The termination of CHNV status coincides with ongoing legal battles over Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which provides similar protections to 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians. Federal lawsuits are pending to block these terminations, with hearings scheduled in California and Massachusetts. Migrant advocates argue the decision will force vulnerable families back into unsafe conditions, while Trump continues his broader crackdown on immigration.

Photo by Neil Weinrib

Why Some Green Card Holders’ Concerns are Growing

Green card holders across the U.S. are living in fear under the Trump administration, especially after the high-profile detention of Columbia University protest leader Mahmoud Khalil, despite having no criminal charges. Many worry that political activism, minor infractions, or even clerical errors could jeopardize their status or re-entry if they travel abroad. Vice President JD Vance’s comments emphasizing that green card holders don’t have the same rights as citizens have fueled this anxiety. Immigration attorneys are advising caution, particularly for those with past records, while many are rushing to apply for citizenship to secure their futures. However, some, like Canadian tattoo artist Marina Sinden, feel so alienated that they’re choosing symbols of their home countries instead. The uncertainty has left many immigrants feeling vulnerable in a place they’ve long considered home.

Photo by Max Klebba

How TikTok Network Spreading Spanish Language Immigration Misinformation Gained Traction

A false rumor claiming green card holders are banned from leaving and re-entering the U.S. spread rapidly on TikTok this week, gaining over 21 million views through nearly 40 accounts, many impersonating Spanish-language news outlets. These accounts used AI-generated content and the voices of well-known journalists to spread misinformation about immigration, which Cornell Tech’s Alexios Mantzarlis says exploits TikTok’s viral mechanics and immigrant communities' trust in peer-shared content. The videos, including 25 using Univision reporter Javier Díaz’s voice, were taken down after NBC News flagged them, and all 38 accounts were removed by TikTok for violating integrity policies. Mantzarlis noted that some videos falsely used Telemundo anchor María Celeste Arrarás’ voice, prompting her to clarify they were fake. Despite TikTok’s efforts, combating misinformation is difficult, as Latino communities, who rely heavily on social media for news, remain vulnerable. Experts worry these efforts may either be politically motivated or aimed at gathering an audience for future financial scams.

Photo by Max Klebba

US Immigration Authorities are Detaining European Travelers, Weighing on Tourism

European tourists are growing wary of visiting the U.S. due to reports of detentions by U.S. immigration authorities, despite having valid visas or permits. Cases include a Welsh backpacker detained for three weeks at the Canadian border, a Canadian woman with a work visa held for 12 days in Tijuana, and German tourist Lucas Sielaff, who was detained for 16 days after being accused of violating his 90-day tourist permit despite being only 22 days in. U.S. authorities have provided little explanation, leading experts to suggest an increasingly anti-immigrant climate. Universities like Brown have warned international faculty and students to reconsider traveling abroad due to shifting federal travel policies. Additionally, President Trump’s trade war could exacerbate the decline in tourism, with Tourism Economics predicting a 15% drop in visits from Canada and an overall 5% decline in international travel to the U.S. in 2025, potentially leading to a $64 billion drop in travel spending.

Photo by Neil Weinrib

Trumps Immigration Policies Find Support as he Expands Crackdown

President Donald Trump receives higher approval for his strict immigration policies than for handling the economy, foreign policy, or cost of living, with about 49% of Americans supporting his immigration approach, according to recent Reuters/Ipsos polling. His crackdown includes deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, increasing arrests, restricting legal immigration, and attempting to revoke visas of students in pro-Palestinian protests. Despite this, deportations remain lower than under former President Joe Biden. While Trump's immigration policies resonate with his Republican base and independents, the economy remains a bigger priority for most Americans. Public support for increased deportations has risen to 60%, but harsher measures risk alienating some voters. Critics warn that Trump’s approach destabilizes families and communities, though Democrats have been less vocal in opposing his latest moves, such as invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members.

Photo by Max Klebba

Client Q&A

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?” - a 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.

Q.“With all immigration searches happening by ICE, do you recommend my mom (a greencard holder) carry her actual greencard with her in case she’s asked for ID on the streets? And if no, is a copy of the card enough? I don’t want her to carry her actual greencard to avoid getting lost etc.” - a naturalized citizen from South America

A. We believe the safest methodology is for her to carry a copy of the green card when outside the home if she doesn’t wish to take the actual card. 

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

Clients visiting NAWLAW, dedicated to serving with excellence!

NAWLAW brunching at The Clam Bar in Point Lookout, 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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Here’s the Latest for NawLaw Social Media

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President Trump is considering an executive order to end "sanctuary cities," areas that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enf... See more

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The Trump administration is facing criticism for its use of the Alien Enemies Act, with concerns raised about potential violations of cour... See more

@neilweinrib

Here’s the Latest Immigration News: Trump has deported migrants despite a federal judge’s pause: Hundreds of mostly Venezuelan alleged gan... See more

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