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Dear Readers,

Welcome back to NawLaw Immigration News, where we bring you the latest 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!

U.S. Pauses All Green Card Applications from 19 ‘Countries of Concern’

The U.S. government has paused all pending green-card, citizenship, asylum, and other immigration benefit applications from 19 “countries of concern.” The decision follows a shooting near the White House involving a suspect from one of those countries. The pause applies even to immigrants already living in the U.S., and green card holders regardless of when or how they arrived. New guidance requires immigration officers to apply additional “country-specific factors,” which can include re-interviews and heightened scrutiny. Advocates warn the policy will cause slower processing times, greater uncertainty, and potential legal challenges. The pause will remain in effect until USCIS issues further instructions on how reviews will proceed.

Exclusive: Trump Administration Orders Enhanced Vetting for Applicants of H-1B Visa

The U.S. Department of State has ordered enhanced vetting for H-1B visa applicants, increasing scrutiny of both first-time applicants and those seeking renewals. The new guidelines instruct consular officers to review applicants’ resumes, online profiles, and employment history to determine whether they have worked in areas such as content moderation, fact-checking, or misinformation management. Officials say such roles could indicate involvement in activities viewed as suppressing protected expression, which may render an applicant ineligible for a visa. The directive applies not only to applicants but also to accompanying family members whose work history may also be examined. The policy reflects a broader push by the administration to scrutinize foreign workers’ digital footprints and assess potential national-security or free-speech concerns. Critics warn the change could significantly disrupt the tech workforce and hinder U.S. companies relying on specialized foreign talent.

‘Deportation Trap’: Immigration Agents Arresting Migrants at Mandatory Court Check-Ins

Federal immigration agents have been arresting migrants at mandatory court check-ins, even when those migrants believed they were attending routine hearings. Reporters who visited numerous immigration courts documented cases in which migrants were detained immediately after their hearings ended, sometimes right after their cases were dismissed. Many of the people arrested had no criminal records and were complying fully with immigration procedures. Advocates describe the practice as a “deportation trap” that undermines due process and erodes trust in the court system. The strategy has created widespread fear among immigrant communities, who now feel that attending legally required appointments could lead directly to detention. Critics warn that this approach may discourage court attendance and result in more unjust deportations.

Trump Orders Review of Biden-Era Refugees, Memo Shows

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ordered a broad review of all refugees and asylees admitted under Joe Biden’s presidency between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025. The review calls for re-interviews and reevaluation of whether these individuals met the legal definition of “refugee” at the time of their admission. As part of the process, all pending green-card applications for refugees from that period are being placed on indefinite hold. If a principal refugee’s status is revoked, their family members who derive status from them will also lose their legal status, and denied cases could trigger deportation proceedings. Refugee advocates have criticized the action as “cruel and wasteful,” warning it could uproot hundreds of thousands of lives. The policy represents a significant reversal of prior humanitarian commitments and adds uncertainty for refugees who have already resettled in the U.S.

USCIS to Increase Fees for Annual Asylum, Work Permits. and TPS Starting January 1st

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will raise several immigration‑related fees effective January 1, 2026 under new inflation‑adjustment rules. The increase affects fees for asylum‑related applications, work permits (EADs) for asylum seekers, parolees, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, as well as the TPS application fee itself. For example, the annual asylum application fee rises from $100 to $102, and the fee for initial EAD applications will go from $550 to $560. Renewal and extension fees for work permits under parole or TPS will increase from $275 to $280. The initial TPS application fee under Form I‑821 will increase from $500 to $510. USCIS warns that any application postmarked on or after January 1, 2026 without the correct (updated) fee will be rejected.

Trump Reviews Policy Penalizing Immigrants for Using Safety Net Programs

The U.S. government has reintroduced a policy giving immigration officers broader discretion to deny permanent residency to lawfully present immigrants who have used public assistance, including Medicaid, food aid, or housing help. This revives and expands the previous “public charge” rule from an earlier administration, replacing the version adopted under the prior leadership. Under the new policy, the use of nearly any social or health‑service program could count against visa or green‑card eligibility. Critics warn that the change will discourage immigrants, including those legally present, from seeking healthcare or other needed aid, potentially harming public health and increasing economic hardship for mixed‑status families. The administration estimates the rule could reduce benefits spending by billions of dollars annually. Opponents argue it could worsen health disparities and place additional strain on social services and hospitals.

Congratulations to our NawLaw Clients who’ve recently received their Citizenships, Green Cards, and Work Permits! 🎉 

We’re so proud to be part of your U.S. immigration journey and celebrate this huge milestone with you!

Here’s to new beginnings and endless opportunities!

🌟🌟🌟🌟

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