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Dear Readers,

Welcome back to NawLaw News, where we bring you updates and announcements from the Firm, as well as the latest news in the rapidly changing U.S. immigration world. With President Trump’s second term, there’s no been no shortage of activity, including frequent policy changes and ongoing legal battles. Let’s get you caught up!

US State Department Releases Visa Bulletin for October 2025

The Visa Bulletin for October 2025 outlines the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing" for family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visa categories, indicating when applicants can proceed with immigrant visa processing or adjustment of status. These dates are determined based on the demand for visas exceeding the numerical limits set by law. In the family-sponsored categories, the F2A category (spouses and children of permanent residents) has a cut-off date of February 1, 2024, for most countries, while other family-based categories have varying retrogressed dates. In the employment-based categories, EB-1 (Priority Workers) remains current for most chargeability areas, but EB-2 and EB-3 categories show different levels of retrogression depending on the country of chargeability. The Diversity Visa (DV) program allocates approximately 52,000 visas for FY-2026, with regional limits influenced by legislative provisions like NACARA and the National Defense Authorization Act. Notably, the Special Immigrant Religious Worker (SR) program becomes unavailable beginning October 1, 2025, as its legislative authorization expires on September 30, 2025, halting all visa issuance and status adjustments under that classification.

Appeals Court Rules Trump Administration Can End Legal Protections for More Than 400,000 Migrants

A federal appeals court recently ruled that the Trump administration may proceed with ending humanitarian parole protections for around 430,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, overturning an earlier block by a district court. The court acknowledged the serious risks to migrants — such as family separation and return to dangerous conditions — but held that those harms alone do not justify keeping the protections without lawful basis. The decision represents a major shift in the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy and has alarmed immigrant advocates. Critics argue that ending parole en masse undermines proportionality and fails to account for the individual circumstances of affected migrants. Legal challenges are expected to continue, with many expecting the Supreme Court to eventually weigh in. Until further litigation plays out, the ruling gives the administration momentum—but also intensifies debates about the balance between executive authority and humanitarian protections.

How ICE Uses Your Data - and What You Can Do About It

ICE has significantly expanded its use of digital surveillance tools to monitor immigrants, collecting data from sources such as social media, location tracking, and license-plate readers. In places like San Francisco, local law enforcement agencies have granted ICE access to automated license-plate reader systems that track vehicle movements, potentially revealing sensitive patterns like where individuals live or work. ICE has also contracted with private companies to use advanced spyware capable of “zero-click” hacking, which allows access to phones without any user interaction. Additionally, federal agency partnerships—such as a recent agreement between the IRS and ICE—have enabled the sharing of personal tax and address information. To reduce the risk of surveillance, privacy experts recommend using encrypted apps like Signal, reviewing and limiting app permissions, deleting unused apps, opting out of data brokers, and keeping device software updated. While no method can guarantee complete protection, taking these precautions and advocating for stronger privacy laws can help minimize exposure to government tracking.

New USCIS ‘Special Agents’ Will be Given the Power to Arrest, Use Deadly Force Against Immigrants

USCIS recently announced a change in which the agency will create a new class of “special agents” with authority to carry firearms, make arrests, and employ lethal force. This marks a major shift in USCIS’s role, which has traditionally been administrative and adjudicative rather than enforcement. The rule formalizes an earlier delegation by DHS Secretary Noem that had already allowed USCIS officers to wield some investigatory powers without public notice or comment. Critics argue the change conflicts with Congress’s intention to keep USCIS separate from enforcement arms like ICE and CBP, and raises constitutional and legal doubts about the statutory authority of USCIS to enforce immigration law. The article warns that giving USCIS enforcement powers could discourage immigrants (even those eligible for relief) from applying for benefits out of fear, slowing adjudications and undermining trust. It emphasizes that the move could transform USCIS from an adjudicating agency into an enforcement body, with consequences for both immigrant communities and the agency’s effectiveness.

Legal Immigrants Face a New Hurdle: The US Citizenship Test Just Got Tougher

Starting in 2025, all immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship will be required to take a new, more challenging civics test as part of a broader package of naturalization reforms announced by USCIS. The test reinstates the 2020 version, which includes a larger question bank of 128 questions on U.S. history and government, and requires applicants to answer 20 questions during their interview, passing with at least 12 correct answers—doubling the previous standards. Alongside the tougher test, USCIS has tightened background checks, limited the use of medical waivers, and resumed neighborhood investigations to verify applicants’ eligibility and “good moral character.” Applicants who applied before or within 30 days of the rule’s publication will take the older 2008 test, while those applying after October 20, 2025, must take the new version, with a reduced exam available for seniors with long-term residency. USCIS emphasizes that these changes aim to ensure that only immigrants who demonstrate fluency in English, knowledge of U.S. civics, and embrace American values become citizens, calling citizenship “the most sacred citizenship in the world.” These changes could increase preparation time, cause more test failures, and delay the citizenship process, so experts advise applicants to begin studying USCIS materials immediately as the new test begins rolling out soon.

Trump Administration Can’t Require States to Cooperate with Immigration Agents to Get FEMA Grants, Judge Rules

A federal judge ruled that it is unconstitutional for the Trump administration to require states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive certain FEMA disaster and emergency preparedness grants. The lawsuit was brought by 20 states, many of which have “sanctuary” policies, arguing that conditioning critical funding on immigration cooperation effectively holds life‑saving resources hostage. In his 45‑page opinion, Judge William Smith found the policy to be “arbitrary and capricious” under the Administrative Procedure Act and unconstitutional. Although the administration later claimed most of the relevant FEMA grants would no longer carry those conditions, the judge determined the rollback was not complete or clearly applied, so the original policy remained in effect. The decision is largely symbolic for now, since it is likely to be appealed by the federal government. The ruling marks a judicial check on efforts to tie federal funds to states’ compliance with immigration enforcement priorities.

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

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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The U.S. citizenship test now requires 12/20 correct answers from 128 questions. A new bill would end the H-1B Lottery/OPT and raise the ... See more

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The Supreme Court approved renewed ICE patrols, with agents heading to sanctuary cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York City! ICE deten... See more

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