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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 action, including policy changes and ongoing legal battles. Let’s bring you up to speed!

Columbia University Activist Mahmoud Khalil can be Deported, Immigration Judge Rules

An immigration judge in Louisiana ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and legal U.S. resident, can be deported as a national security risk due to his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. The government argued that Khalil's presence could cause “potentially serious foreign policy consequences,” a claim accepted by the judge despite Khalil not being accused of any unlawful activity. Khalil's lawyer, Marc Van Der Hout, announced plans to appeal the ruling, calling the legal process a violation of due process and an attempt to suppress free speech. Khalil was arrested in March by immigration agents and sent to a detention center in Louisiana, far from his legal team and pregnant wife. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, used a rarely invoked law to justify Khalil's removal, alleging his speech and activism supported terrorist organizations, though no direct evidence has been presented. His case is part of a broader federal crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activism, with the Trump administration also penalizing Columbia University financially for not curbing what it deems antisemitic demonstrations.

Judge Allows Requirement that Everyone in the U.S. Illegally (and Certain Non-Citizens) Must Register to Move Forward

Under the new federal law, the following foreign national designations are required to register on line with USCIS

• Those seeking B-2 visitor extensions

• Pending I-130 relative petition beneficiaries

• Those who entered the U.S. without inspection - known as EWI’s

• Visa entries and ESTA’s staying more than 30 days

• Applicants for 601/601A Waivers

• I-212 Applicants

• Those who file petitions as abused spouses

• Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens

• Special immigrant juveniles

• Religious workers

The following classifications are not currently required to register:

• Asylum applicants – who have filed Form I- 589

• Those seeking employment authorization

• Those whose cases are currently in Immigration Court

• Applicants seeking to adjust their status to green card

• Those granted D/S – Duration of Status

Immediately after the ruling, Department of Homeland Security officials emphasized in a news release that the deadline to register for those who’ve already been in the country for 30 days or more is Friday, April 11th and you have to 30 days to register and forward.

USCIS: Compliance with Court Order Regarding 2023 Designation of TPS Venezuela

Despite the administration’s efforts to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, a federal judge in San Francisco ordered the continuation of TPS on March 31, 2025, citing legal challenges to its termination. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated it will comply with the court’s ruling but intends to end the program once legal relief is granted. Under the current extension, TPS for Venezuelans is valid through October 2, 2026, as announced in the January 17, 2025 Federal Register Notice. This also extends employment authorization documents (EADs) with specific expiration dates through April 2, 2026. Individuals with pending or approved TPS applications can continue to qualify for certain public benefits and REAL ID-compliant IDs. DHS’s SAVE system will verify TPS status using documents like TPS EADs or Form I-797, although additional verification may sometimes be required.

More Than Half a Million Latin American, Haitian Immigrants Given Deadline to Self-Deport

The Department of Homeland Security has officially posted notice to end deportation protections and work permits for over 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who entered the U.S. legally under the CHNV parole program. These individuals now face a 30-day deadline, ending April 24, to self-deport or risk arrest and forced removal. The Trump administration argues the program lacked proper vetting and harmed American workers, while urging affected individuals to self-report their departure through a government app. Critics, including immigration attorney Morella Aguado, say this move violates due process by targeting people who were legally admitted and are now being forced to abandon legal obligations like leases and contracts. Legal challenges are already underway, with the Justice Action Center suing to block the policy change, calling it cruel and baseless. Immigrant advocates warn the shift will cause widespread chaos and hardship for families across the U.S.

The Alien Enemies Act : What to Know About a 1792 Law Trump has Invoked for Deportations

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants it claims are gang members but must give them a chance to challenge their deportation orders. The law, originally passed during tensions with France, gives the president broad authority to deport foreign nationals in times of war and has rarely been used since World War II. The administration argues that gangs like Tren de Aragua constitute an "invasion," justifying the act’s use even without a declared war. Critics, including the ACLU, call this an unconstitutional power grab that bypasses due process. While over 130 Venezuelans were deported without hearings last month, federal judges have now blocked further removals until individuals can legally contest them. The Supreme Court’s decision stops short of ruling on the act’s constitutionality, leaving future legal battles likely.

U.S. Supreme Court Tells Trump Administration to Facilitate Return of Salvadorian Man Deported in Error

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration must help return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported despite having legal protection from removal to El Salvador. The decision supports a lower court's order requiring the administration to "facilitate" his return, though it asked for clarification on whether "effectuate" oversteps judicial authority. Abrego Garcia, who had a work permit and lived in Maryland with his U.S. citizen family, was deported after being questioned about alleged gang ties, despite having no criminal record. The Justice Department acknowledged an administrative error but argued that the deportation itself was lawful and that the court had interfered with presidential authority on foreign policy. The case has drawn criticism from justices and immigration advocates who call the deportation unlawful and abusive of executive power. Judge Paula Xinis reiterated the need for swift action to bring Abrego Garcia back, setting a hearing to assess what steps the government has taken.

F-1 Student Visa Terminations Have Quickly Hit Half of All States. What’s Behind It.

International students across at least 29 U.S. states are facing sudden visa revocations, often without explanation, with many being detained or accused under laws typically used for terrorism. The Trump administration appears to be targeting students involved in pro-Palestinian activism or with minor legal infractions like DUIs, using a 1952 statute that allows visa cancellations over potential foreign policy consequences. Legal advocates say these actions disproportionately affect nonwhite students and reflect a broader anti-immigration agenda that scrutinizes even those with legal status. Many students report confusion, lack of transparency, and vague or no reasons for their visa terminations, while schools are often left in the dark. Though visa revocations are generally not appealable, students still have legal protections, including due process, and can seek legal support or reapply for visas. Experts warn that the crackdown undermines constitutional rights and reflects a breakdown in legal norms, calling on schools and legal institutions to step up support for affected students.

Client Q&A

Q. “When is an H-1B amendment required?” - client form the Netherlands, currently on an H-1B visa

A. An H-1 amendment is typically required when there is a material change in the terms and conditions of employment, such as job duties, title, or salary.

Q. “We will be coming to the US this Monday. My parents have been out of the U.S. for more than 8 months, while I have been gone for about 3 months, should we be concerned?” - a client form India

A. We have heard from many clients who have been outside the U.S. for 3 or more months that they are being questioned by CBP at the port of entry regarding their lengthy absence. However, the good news is that they have been admitted and told not to remain outside the U.S. for an extended period of time.

Q. ”What is the likelihood that if I travel to Canada to see family, etc., and upon my return, I would get stooped at the boarder for what ever reason?  I am hearing all these ridiculous stories of people being stopped for no reason.  Even those with green cards and visas. Is this really the case?  Do I need to not travel?” - a Canadian national

A. Although we have seen a dramatic increase in scrutiny at the U.S. border and ports of entry, assuming you have no serious criminal issue or have data on your phone, device, or computer that can be considered anti-American or problematic, you should be fine to travel abroad. Green card holders are always subject to inspection when seeking admission at the U.S. border and ports of entry. 

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

Our Sincerest to the Family of Emiliano Leopoldo Cardoso Mello Filho

Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time.

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 is canceling F-1 student visas for reasons ranging from minor offenses like traffic tickets to pro-Palestinian pr... See more

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USCIS announced that they have received enough electronic registrations for H1B petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degre... See more

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Traveling abroad? Be aware: CBP officials have the authority to examine your devices for controversial content. Stay cautious about what... See more

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