Welcome Back! 👋🏼

Dear Readers,

We’re excited to have you back with us at the NawLaw Report, where we keep you up to date on the latest immigration news and bring you updates and announcements from the firm. It’s been an eventful couple of weeks, so let’s catch you up!

Judge Strikes Down Biden Program Shielding Immigrant Spouses from Deportation

A federal judge in Texas has just struck down a Biden administration policy aimed at easing the path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The initiative, known as “Keeping Families Together,” allowed undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for a green card without leaving the country, benefiting an estimated 500,000 immigrants. However, U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that the administration had overstepped its authority by implementing the policy, which he deemed an overextension of immigration law. The program had been placed on hold in August, following a legal challenge from Texas and 15 other states that accused the administration of acting for political purposes. The initiative’s termination adds to uncertainty for immigrant families, especially with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, as he has promised aggressive deportation policies. The judge who blocked the program was appointed by Trump, and his ruling reflects the broader conservative opposition to policies seen as favorable to undocumented immigrants.

Donald Trump is Re-Elected - What Does This Mean for U.S. Immigration?

First, Trump made immigration a central focus of his campaign – he demonized immigrants and called them “vermin.” He claimed they ate cats and dogs and were committing terrible crimes against Americans. He will now use a Republican Congress and the U.S. immigration system to make profound changes in immigration policy. You can expect a complete overhaul, including mass deportations, workplace raids, the involvement of the U.S. military, and expanding the border wall at the U.S.-Mexico border!

Therefore, we strongly advise our clients currently married to U.S. citizens to apply to adjust their status as soon as possible—and certainly before January. And those who are thinking of getting married should do so very soon. Second, anyone considering applying for asylum should do so very soon – we expect the new Trump administration will severely restrict the ability to seek asylum. Third, we urge our foreign nationals to avoid getting arrested for any reason – as this will place them in the line of fire. The new Trump administration has vowed to be very strong on foreign nationals committing crimes – especially involving drugs and violence.

And what to expect? We expect the new Trump administration will try to place a choke-hold on immigration – including a Muslim Ban, significantly reducing the opportunity to seek asylum and closing the border – either ejecting asylum seekers or placing them in detention, reducing family immigration, and trying to eliminate U.S. citizens petitioning for brothers and sisters. Trump’s administration will appoint Far-Right Law & Order Immigration judges.

The good news is: The Trump administration will probably encourage investment visas (EB-5 and E-2) and green cards – as being good for America!

Relief for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the U.S.

On October 17, 2024, USCIS announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals or individuals having no nationality, who last habitually resided in Lebanon. This is a direct result of President Joe Biden’s determination that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to defer the removal of eligible Lebanese nationals.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, Lebanese nationals who have been continuously residing in the United States since October 16, 2024, may file initial applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and corresponding Employment Authorization Documents (EADS). Meanwhile, for nonimmigrants on F-1 visas, eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the DED designation period.

Thus, if you are a Lebanese national seeking immigration legal assistance, such as political asylum, or more information about your options in the U.S., contact Neil A. Weinrib and Associates. Our team boasts over 40 years of experience providing expert legal solutions for U.S. immigration cases nationwide.

Contact Us Today!

Texas Hospitals Must Now Ask Patients Whether They’re in the US Legally. Here’s How it Works

Starting last Friday, Texas hospitals must ask patients about their immigration status and track costs for treating those without legal status under an order by Governor Greg Abbott. Although patients can decline to answer, critics worry this may deter immigrants from seeking care. Abbott’s mandate follows a similar policy in Florida, where critics say the law has made immigrants fearful of seeking medical assistance, even in emergencies. Texas hospitals have been preparing for months, emphasizing that care will not be impacted regardless of responses. Reports to the state, due in March, will detail inpatient and emergency visits, Medicaid and CHIP costs, and expenses for uninsured patients. Health care advocates continue efforts to inform the public that Texas hospitals remain a safe option for all patients.

Trump Promises Tariffs of 25% to 75% on Mexican Goods Unless Illegal Immigration Stops

Former President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico if it doesn’t help curb U.S. immigration, with possible escalations to 50% or 75% tariffs if needed. Trump believes such tariffs would be effective in reducing immigration and also proposes tariffs of 60% on Chinese goods, 10% on imports from other countries, and 100% on Mexican-made cars. Economists warn these tariffs could raise prices for U.S. consumers, slow economic growth, and spark retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s suggestion of replacing federal income tax with tariffs faces criticism, as imported goods generate far less revenue than income taxes. Analysts argue this change would shift the tax burden onto lower-income families, who spend more on goods. Trump compares his policies to tariffs enacted under President William McKinley, but some economists blame those tariffs for contributing to economic recession in the 1890s.

Illegal Border Crossings Remain Low Amid Concerns that Election Could End Lull

In October, apprehensions of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally remained relatively low, with nearly 57,000 recorded by Border Patrol, reflecting a plateau in crossings that began after President Biden’s asylum restrictions took effect in June. While Biden’s policies and cooperation with Mexico have reduced illegal crossings, the upcoming presidential election poses potential disruption, as officials predict a possible surge if former President Trump wins. Trump’s hardline proposals, like ending legal entry options through the CBP One app and reinstating the Remain-in-Mexico policy, could prompt migrants waiting in Mexico to enter before he assumes office. Vice President Harris, however, has pledged to continue Biden's border policies if elected, which analysts believe would maintain the current level of crossings. CBP remains prepared for any shifts in migration patterns, noting that smugglers could encourage migrants to enter before Inauguration Day if Trump wins. Migration expert Adam Isacson expects stability in crossings under Harris but predicts an increase if Trump is elected, as many may see it as a "now or never" situation.

Arizona Businesses Worry Immigration Proposal on Ballot would Exacerbate Worker Shortage

Immigration is a critical issue in Arizona, as businesses face labor shortages and political tensions mount. The state relies heavily on immigrant workers, who make up about 16% of its workforce, particularly in construction, hospitality, and agriculture, but a worker shortage of nearly 200,000 is creating economic strain. Efforts to reform the immigration system stalled in Congress, with previous bipartisan legislation failing due to political pressures, leaving businesses like Sunbelt Holdings struggling to complete essential projects. Gallego supports enhancing Border Patrol and cross-border trade efficiency, while Lake argues that better education systems could address workforce gaps. Additionally, Arizona voters will decide on a measure that would permit local law enforcement to arrest unauthorized immigrants, a proposal reminiscent of a 2010 law that led to racial profiling and economic setbacks. Business leaders warn that such measures could hurt Arizona's economy, deterring companies from investing in the state and costing millions in economic losses.

Client Q&A

Q: “Is self-employment a valid option?” - A foreign national from Brazil currently entering the first year of F-1/OPT after graduation

A: “Yes, the federal regulations permit self-employment during the first year of OPT. Note that this will not work for STEM OPT.”

Q: “My U.S. bank has requested me to sign a W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status) form. Will this affect my request for a B-2 visitor extension of stay?” - A foreign national from Brazil applying for a B-2 visitor extension

A: “This is a common requirement for U.S. banks and is not customarily submitted with an extension of stay request to USCIS.”

Q: “Where can I go to obtain my H-1 visa stamp?” - An approved H-1B applicant from India

A: “First-time H-1B beneficiaries must generally apply in their home country – unless the U.S. consulate there is closed – as was recently the case in Bangladesh – but the consulate there has since reopened.”

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

Neil and Kim Attending Brooklyn Democratic Party Gala

Neil, Kim, Kim’s Mom Macia, and Mia at the Saddle River Cafe.

Run with NawLaw!

Neil and Antonio Rolim - A Prominent Lawyer in Brazil at Grand Brasserie in NYC

Neil and Kim Attended a Performance of Ragtime at New York City Center

Breakfast with Antonio Rolim from Brazil and Attorney Demra Sevim from Germany

Here’s the Latest for NawLaw Social Media

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

@neilweinrib

Happy Friday 🍂 LET US HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM! WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? Honesty, hard work on behalf of our clients, and achie... See more

@neilweinrib

What does this mean for U.S. immigration, and what can we expect? We expect the new Trump administration will try to place a choke-hold on... See more

@neilweinrib

The first two points on Trump’s 2024 agenda, are “SEAL THE BORDER AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION” and “CARRY OUT THE LARGEST DEPORTATION OP... 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!

 We are lawyers you can trust – we walk it like we talk it!

Call us today or visit our website to get your immigration process started

Call us 212-964-9282