NawLaw News: This Week's Highlights

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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!

Some Immigrants Seeking Green Cards May be Placed in Removal Proceedings, USCIS Says

USCIS has issued new guidance under the Trump administration stating that immigrants who lack legal status and apply for a green card through a spouse or family member may now be placed in removal proceedings, even if their application is pending or filed after August 1. The policy emphasizes that the act of submitting a family-based petition does not confer immigration status or protect applicants from deportation risks. This change significantly impacts one of the most common pathways to permanent residency and comes amid enormous processing backlogs—millions of I‑130 petitions are awaiting adjudication, many for over six months. Legal experts warn that the update could instill profound fear among families navigating an already complex immigration system, as it fundamentally alters expectations around procedural safety. USCIS says the policy is part of broader integrity measures, intended to screen out fraudulent or non-meritorious petitions while maintaining trust in family-based immigration. If enforced aggressively, this policy shift could discourage eligible immigrants from pursuing lawful permanent status.

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Photo by Neil Weinrib

Hundreds of Human Rights Abuses in Immigrant Detention, Report Finds

A months-long investigation conducted by Senator Jon Ossoff’s office uncovered 510 credible reports of human rights abuses within U.S. immigration detention centers, including allegations of physical and sexual violence, mistreatment of children and pregnant women, inadequate medical care, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, food and water shortages, exposure to extreme temperatures, and denial of legal access. Some detainees described pregnant women being forced to sleep on floors, with one reportedly miscarrying alone after being told to “just drink water” instead of receiving medical attention. Children were also severely affected, such as a 10-year-old who was denied post–brain surgery care and a 4-year-old cancer patient deported without access to medications. The investigation documented incidents such as a detainee in El Paso being slammed to the ground by guards for minor infractions, and multiple 911 calls reporting threats or sexual assaults at various processing centers. Ossoff’s team also cited reports from attorneys, detainees, inspections, and public records, while criticizing the Department of Homeland Security for obstructing congressional oversight. DHS, however, contested the findings, stating that detainees receive proper meals, medical treatment, and access to communication with lawyers and family members.

Photo by Neil Weinrib

Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow ‘Roving’ Immigration Raids in Los Angeles

The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal judge’s order that restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting broad “roving” immigration raids in the Los Angeles area. The original order, issued by Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong and upheld by the 9th Circuit, bars ICE from targeting individuals based solely on factors like speaking Spanish, working in certain industries, or being in specific locations. In its emergency appeal, the administration argued that such general characteristics can reasonably contribute to suspicion and that the restrictions hamper immigration enforcement. The ACLU, however, expressed concern that ICE may already be violating the court’s restrictions, citing new reports of unauthorized raids. Complicating matters, Penske Corporation publicly condemned ICE’s unauthorized use of its vehicles during one such operation. This legal battle highlights intensifying tensions over the administration’s aggressive immigration tactics in Southern California and the broader debate over constitutional limits on enforcement practices.

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Here’s How ICE Arrests Differ Between Red and Blue States, According to Data

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests differ sharply between red and blue states, with political leanings and local policies significantly shaping enforcement strategies. In red states, 59% of arrests happen inside jails due to stronger cooperation with ICE, including through agreements like 287(g), which allow local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement. By contrast, in blue states with sanctuary policies, 70% of ICE arrests occur in public places, often involving individuals without criminal records. These differences have become more pronounced under the Trump administration, which has added funding and staffing for ICE operations. Sanctuary jurisdictions, such as those in California and Illinois, often refuse ICE detainer requests or release individuals before agents can arrive, leading ICE to conduct more resource-intensive community arrests. As a result, immigrants face very different risks and outcomes depending simply on where they live, further deepening disparities in immigration enforcement across the country.

Photo by Max Klebba

US Border Agents Directed to Stop Deportations Under Trump’s Asylum Ban After Court Order, Sources Say

Border agents have been directed to halt deportations under former President Trump’s asylum ban following a federal court order. This decision came after a three‑judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court ruled that Trump’s proclamation could not fully suspend humanitarian protections for asylum seekers. As a result, Customs and Border Protection officials were instructed to resume processing migrants under existing U.S. immigration laws, including allowing asylum claims and applying protections like withholding of removal or the Convention Against Torture. Although expedited removal may be used for faster processing, individuals can still request asylum if they demonstrate credible fear of harm. For months, agents had dismissed this legal pathway under the proclamation, relying on its sweeping authority to deport migrants summarily. The Justice Department may attempt to appeal to the Supreme Court to reinstate the ban.

Photo by Neil Weinrib

Trump Official Says Administration Will Change Visa, Citizenship Test

Joseph Edlow, the new head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced plans to make the U.S. citizenship test more difficult by reinstating a tougher version introduced during Trump’s first term. He criticized the current test as too easy, allowing applicants to memorize answers without truly understanding the material. Edlow also said the administration intends to reform the H-1B visa program by prioritizing skilled workers who will earn higher wages, aiming to supplement rather than replace the U.S. workforce. The H-1B program has been controversial, with figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy defending it despite backlash from some Trump supporters. Alongside these changes, the Trump administration has aggressively pushed to deport immigrants and targeted legal immigration pathways. Additionally, a Customs and Border Protection app used under Biden to register asylum claims now enables immigrants to register voluntary departures if they choose to self-deport.

Photo by Max Klebba

Exciting Events at NawLaw: Stay Informed and Engaged!

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! 📣

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The Trump administration is ending TPS for over 80,000 Hondurans and Nicaraguans. A judge blocked expanded fast-track deportations, prote... See more

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About 100 detainees have been deported from Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz.” More people may leave the U.S. than enter this year, possibly ... See more

@neilweinrib

A Boston federal court is weighing if non-citizens can be deported for political speech, involving a green card holder and a student on an... See more

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