NawLaw News: This Week's Highlights

Welcome Back! 👋🏼

Dear Readers,

We’re excited to have you back with us at NawLaw News, 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 bring you up to speed!

Table of Contents

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!

Important Upcoming H1-B Visa Dates

  • March 7, 2025: The H-1B registration portal opened at noon Eastern Time.

  • March 24, 2025: The registration closes at noon Eastern Time - NO exceptions! If you miss this deadline, you’re out for the year.

  • March 31, 2025: USCIS plans to notify selected applicants.

  • April 1, 2025: If you're selected, this is the earliest date you can submit your full petition.

  • June 30, 2025: The H-1B cap filing window usually closes around June, so if you're selected, make sure to file your petition before the deadline!

    Get Started Today! NawLaw had a 25% H1-B Acceptance rate last year!

    📞 Contact Us: (212) 964-9282 📧 Email: [email protected]

Trump is Asking the Supreme Court to End Birthright Citizenship by Arguing About Something Else

The Trump administration is pushing the Supreme Court to limit nationwide injunctions that have blocked its attempt to end birthright citizenship. Instead of seeking an immediate ruling on the policy’s constitutionality, the administration argues that lower courts are overstepping their authority in blocking executive actions. This strategy could allow Trump to move forward with implementing the order, despite over a century of legal precedent affirming birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. Some conservative justices, including Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito, have previously criticized broad injunctions, making them potential allies in this legal battle. However, experts argue that the challenge to birthright citizenship is weak, as courts have consistently ruled that all individuals born in the U.S. are citizens regardless of their parents’ immigration status. While the Supreme Court has yet to decide on the emergency appeals, its ruling could have major implications for the limits of executive power and the future of birthright citizenship in America.

Think Spring! Photo by Neil Weinrib

Trump Administration Weighs Barring Cubans, Haitians from U.S. as Part of New Travel Ban

The Trump administration is considering adding Cuba and Haiti to a list of countries facing U.S. travel restrictions due to inadequate security screening capabilities. Cuba may face a total travel ban as it is already designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, while Haiti could face a less severe version of the ban. The move is part of a broader executive order signed on January 30, directing a review of countries with deficient vetting processes. The previous travel ban affected countries like Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, with Cuba being excluded at the time. Haitian nationals have already faced heightened scrutiny, with limited access to U.S. visas due to embassy disruptions and gang violence. Critics argue the policy disproportionately targets vulnerable nations and disrupts humanitarian efforts.

Photo by Neil Weinrib

Trump Administration Resumes Immigrant Family Detentions

The Trump administration has resumed family detention of immigrants, holding 14 families with children as young as one year old in a facility in Karnes County, Texas. This move, condemned by immigrant advocates, reintroduces a practice largely curtailed under the Biden administration. The families, originating from countries like Colombia, Romania, Iran, and Brazil, include individuals apprehended at the northern border and others who have lived in the U.S. for years. The legal nonprofit RAICES reported the situation, emphasizing the severe mental and physical toll on children and parents. Critics, such as Human Rights First, argue that the practice violates the 1997 Flores Settlement, which mandates the release of detained children within 20 days. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have yet to comment on the matter.

Photo by Max Klebba

Haitians Sue to Stop the Trump Administration from Revoking Temporary Protection

Three immigrant advocacy organizations and four individuals filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Venezuelans earlier than the February 2026 expiration set by the Biden administration. The lawsuit, led by Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR), claims that revoking TPS before its expiration is unlawful and driven by racial bias. The administration’s new directive requires Haitians to leave the U.S. by August 3 and Venezuelans by April 2. Haitian-American Paul Simon, a Trump supporter, criticized the move, arguing that the government cannot end a program already granted until 2026. The plaintiffs include two Haitian TPS holders living in Massachusetts since 2018, who are concerned about deportation to unstable conditions in Haiti. The White House has not commented on the lawsuit.

Congressional Dems, ACLU Slams Trump’s ‘Invasion’ Immigration Proclamation, Preview Legal Challenge

Four leading congressional Democrats, including Sen. Richard Durbin and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, criticized President Trump's Inauguration Day proclamation that labeled illegal immigration as an "invasion," calling it a "troubling and misguided interpretation" of the Constitution. The letter, also supported by the ACLU and the Brennan Center, argued that Trump's use of the term "invasion" is inconsistent with the Constitution's definition, which refers to an armed attack by a foreign power. Trump's proclamation effectively ended access to asylum for immigrants crossing the border, but he has not yet invoked the Alien Enemies Act, which could allow for deportations without hearings. The letter urged Trump to rescind the proclamation and collaborate with Congress on immigration reform. The ACLU has already challenged Trump's asylum policy in court, asserting that migration is not legally considered an "invasion." Critics argue that Trump's actions threaten civil liberties and violate the constitutional separation of powers.

Photo by Max Klebba

The Trump administration is considering revoking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the war with Russia, along with other humanitarian parole programs established under the Biden administration. This action could lead to the deportation of over 1.8 million migrants, including 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, as well as thousands of Afghans who escaped Taliban rule. The administration's January 20 executive order calls for the termination of all categorical parole programs, placing many migrants in legal limbo. Those who lose their parole status could face expedited removal, with no time limit for individuals who entered through legal ports of entry without official U.S. admission. Ukrainian and Afghan communities, including individuals like real estate worker Liana Avetisian and former Afghan intelligence officer Rafi, now face uncertainty and potential deportation despite their legal status and contributions. Immigrant advocacy groups are raising concerns about the humanitarian impact, emphasizing that many migrants have no safe homes to return to and would face dangerous conditions in their home countries.

Photo by Max Klebba

Client Q&A

Q. “I have a 20-year-old son whose F-1 visa has expired and now plans to go on a ski trip to Colorado. He goes to school in Buffalo. Do you recommend this to be okay?” - client from India

A. To date, we have not been advised that either ICE or CBP is checking domestic flights within the U.S. Of course, there is always a risk if there is an encounter with the authorities and the Trump administration is now moving very quickly with policy changes.

Q. “I am attempting to complete the U.S. census and am concerned about the questions regarding citizenship as I was out of status for several years before I received my green card and later U.S. citizenship. Can I simply leave blank these questions?” - a naturalized American citizen

A. Insofar as many current U.S. citizens previously went through a period of not having legal status before they received their lawful permanent residence status and later naturalized and became U.S. citizens, I don’t believe you will experience a problem in answering these questions such as your place of birth, citizenship, and year of entry into the United States. Also, the Census Bureau states, that it is “legally bound to strict confidentiality requirements” and that “individual records are not shared with anyone, including federal agencies and law enforcement entities.” Also, they state that “By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with any one – not the IRS, not the FBI, not the CIA, and not with any other government agency.”

Q. “I had a green card as a very young child together with my parents – but they decided to return to Pakistan over 23 years ago and have not returned to the U.S. since. Is there any possibility that I can be reinstated as a lawful resident since I was a child when brought back to Pakistan?” - client from Pakistan

A. Unfortunately, federal regulations do not permit you to claim lawful permanent residence status even though you were prejudiced by their actions as a young child.

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

Neil delivering a speech at the Christian Fellowship event. A great opportunity to share insights and connect with the community.

Check it out on NawLaw’s YouTube!

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day at NawLaw! 🍀

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!

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Here’s the Latest for NawLaw Social Media

Don’t forget to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook! 📣

@neilweinrib

Here’s the latest Immigration News: Today, President Trump asked the Supreme Court to limit for now the scope of three lower court orders ... See more

@neilweinrib

Here’s the latest immigration news! President Donald Trump's administration is planning to revoke temporary legal status for over 240,000 ... See more

@neilweinrib

🎯 THE H-1B “RACE” BEGINS TOMORROW! 🎯 If you’re interested in coming to the U.S. to work on an H-1B visa, listen up because time is running... See more

We Are Your Trusted Source for U.S. Immigration!

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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