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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!

F-1 Student Visas and J-1 Exchange Visas Are Now Being Processed at US Consulates Abroad

The U.S. State Department has just issued new guidance requiring consular officers to vet all student and exchange visa applicants (F, M, and J visas) for “hostile attitudes” toward American values, government, and institutions, with an emphasis on thoroughly reviewing their online presence. Embassies and consulates are instructed to examine applicants’ public social media and other online activity using search engines and internal databases, and applicants may be penalized for limiting access to their profiles. This policy follows a temporary pause in student visa interviews in late May and is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on international students. The directive lacks clarity on what qualifies as “hostile attitudes,” raising concerns about subjectivity and potential bias in the process. Consular officers are told to screenshot derogatory findings and assess whether the applicant might violate the terms of their visa, even if their actions don't directly disqualify them. Priority for appointments will go to J-1 physicians and students attending universities with low international enrollment. The policy reflects the administration’s ongoing suspicion that foreign students could pose national security threats or be used by foreign powers to steal research or spread misinformation.

Trump’s Administration Could Pose A Travel Ban on Dozens More Countries

The Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include up to 36 additional countries, nearly tripling the current list of nations under full or partial restrictions. A State Department memo sent to diplomats outlines concerns over inadequate vetting, unreliable documentation, and potential links to terrorism or anti-American activity. The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calls for these countries—many in Africa, Central Asia, and the Caribbean—to address U.S. security concerns or face entry restrictions by August. Countries that cooperate in accepting deportees and improving documentation systems may avoid being added to the ban. Officials argue that this expansion is essential for national security and immigration system integrity. Critics, however, warn that the policy disproportionately targets African and Muslim-majority nations, echoing accusations of racial and religious discrimination from earlier Trump-era bans. The initial bans, including those on seven Muslim-majority countries, had been reversed by the Biden administration but are now being reasserted and expanded under Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown.

Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Tie States’ Transportation Funds to Immigration Enforcement

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from requiring 20 Democratic-led states to cooperate with immigration enforcement in order to receive transportation funding. Chief U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled that the Transportation Department overstepped its authority by tying highway and infrastructure grants to compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The court found no legal or logical connection between immigration enforcement and transportation funding, declaring the condition unconstitutional. The preliminary injunction halts enforcement of this requirement for now, siding with state attorneys general who argued the policy was an unlawful attempt to coerce states into supporting Trump’s immigration agenda. The case stemmed from an April notice by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, warning that non-cooperative states could lose federal transportation funds. This lawsuit is part of a broader legal pushback against Trump’s executive orders targeting sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with ICE. California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling, accusing the administration of using vital infrastructure funds as leverage for political goals.

Trump Reverses Brief Reprieve for Immigrants he Said are ‘Good, Long Time Workers’

The Trump administration has reversed its brief pause on immigration enforcement at worksites such as hotels, restaurants, and farms, resuming arrests of undocumented workers in these industries. This backtrack comes just days after Trump acknowledged the importance of these workers and hinted at leniency, following pressure from business leaders in agriculture and hospitality. Homeland Security official Tricia McLaughlin stated that no industries would be exempt from enforcement, emphasizing that targeting illegal employment networks remains central to ICE’s mission. An internal ICE memo had temporarily halted arrests in key sectors to help meet a 3,000-per-month arrest quota, but that pause was abruptly rescinded. Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, shifted the administration’s focus back to cities, saying they harbor “the really bad ones” and blaming crime on undocumented immigrants, especially in Democrat-run cities. The rapid policy shift underscores ongoing internal conflict and political pressure surrounding Trump’s immigration agenda. Critics argue the inconsistency creates instability for both workers and industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor.

Inside Trump’s Backtrack on Immigration

The Trump administration, which has long pushed for aggressive deportation of all undocumented immigrants, is now making a significant exception for workers in agriculture, hospitality, and related sectors. Facing intense pressure from businesses warning of economic collapse, Trump has signaled a pause on immigration enforcement targeting these industries. This shift came after internal meetings where Trump aides, including Stephen Miller, pushed for more arrests, prompting widespread ICE raids and public backlash. The turning point came when Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned Trump that continued raids would severely harm farming operations. Shortly afterward, Trump posted on Truth Social praising immigrant workers in these industries and hinting at policy changes. ICE then issued a directive halting enforcement at farms, meatpacking plants, restaurants, and hotels. Despite this pivot, White House officials maintain Trump still supports tough immigration policies, though the economic realities have forced adjustments.

Trump’s Gold Card Website Opens

President Donald Trump has launched the "Gold Card," a new immigration initiative offering wealthy foreigners a path to U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $5 million payment. Despite the hefty price tag, the card does not guarantee immediate citizenship; rather, it offers an undefined path, with details yet to be clarified by the White House. Trump claims the program doesn’t need congressional approval since it does not directly grant citizenship, though critics question its legality and transparency. The Gold Card is being positioned as a premium alternative to the EB-5 visa program, which offers green cards to investors contributing around $800,000 to $1.05 million toward job creation in the U.S. A promotional website for the Gold Card has gone live, showcasing a gold-colored card bearing Trump’s likeness and inviting applicants from eight global regions. Trump described the card as “somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication.” The program mirrors investor residency schemes in countries like Portugal, but its vague criteria and political branding have raised ethical and legal concerns.

Client Q&A and Testimonials

Q. “As I am planning/booking our (I am traveling with my two young children) European trip for this summer, a few friends asked me if I was not concerned about re-entering afterwards, given that I have a greencard only. So my question to you is: should I be concerned about it? I am the mother of 2 young American citizens, and I am eligible for American citizenship at this point”. - A lawful permanent resident from Austria

A. At this time, I don’t foresee any problem whatsover with respect to your traveling abroad and safely returning to the U.S., assuming of course, that you have not been involved in any political activities deemed to be controversial according to the Trump administration.

Q. “I’m hoping to travel to the UK in July to visit my family, and, given recent news updates, I wanted to check in regarding safety and any travel considerations. Could you let me know if it is currently safe for green card holders to travel to the UK and return to the US? I’m also curious if others in similar situations have traveled recently and what their experiences have been.” - A conditional resident from the UK

A. At this time, it is relatively safe for green card holders, including “conditional” lawful permanent residents, to travel abroad. However, we do recommend that you be sure to “clean” your cell phone, laptop, or other device before returning to the U.S. We also recommend that you seek to return to the U.S. on a Thursday or Friday – it’s best to avoid returning on Saturday and Sunday based on reports we’ve received from our clients.

Q. “I am planning to travel to Mexico in June. Is it safe to travel on parole?”- A green card applicant from India who has been issued advanced parole travel permission

A. So long as you have evidence of your advance parole document issued by USCIS, you should not experience any problem with respect to travel. To date, we have not heard of any problems arising in this type of situation.

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

Neil Delivering Lecture at the Nassau County Bar Association with Attorneys Michael Masri and Marc Gann

Neil Attending the 100 Club Event at Pete's Tavern with Michael Goldfine

Pictures taken by Neil Outside Federal Plaza in NYC During The ICE Protest

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 Trump administration has informed approximately 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela that their legal status is... See more

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