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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!

Trump Announces Travel Ban and Restrictions on 19 Countries Set to Go Into Effect Monday

President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban affecting 12 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, and imposing restrictions on seven more, citing national security and visa overstay concerns. The ban, taking effect Monday, revives a controversial policy from his first term and follows a directive requiring assessment of countries with "hostile attitudes" toward the U.S. Critics argue the policy targets vulnerable populations and lacks a true security rationale, especially as some affected nations like Afghanistan and Haiti face severe instability. Trump tied the policy to a recent terror attack, though the suspect's country, Egypt, was not included in the ban. The move has drawn sharp backlash from refugee advocates and veterans, especially over Afghanistan’s inclusion despite its citizens’ support for U.S. forces. The original 2017 travel ban faced legal battles before being upheld by the Supreme Court, and this new version builds on that precedent while expanding its scope.

Trump Bans Harvard from Admitting New International Students

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order revoking Harvard University's ability to host incoming international students, citing national security concerns. He accused Harvard of discrimination and failing to protect Jewish students from pro-Palestinian protests, as well as criticized the university's past use of race in admissions. The order follows earlier threats by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to shut down Harvard’s international programs, which were temporarily blocked by a federal judge. Trump argued that excessive enrollment of foreign students reduces opportunities for American students and claimed Harvard is no longer a suitable place for foreign education. The policy impacts new international students and may extend to revoking visas of current ones, pending review by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This move marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the Trump administration and Harvard over campus policies and protest responses.

Trump Officials Crafting Rule to Prevent Asylum Seekers from Getting Work Permits

The Trump administration is considering a regulation that would block most asylum-seekers from obtaining work permits, significantly shifting long-standing U.S. policy and further tightening immigration enforcement. Under current law, asylum applicants can request work permits 150 days after applying and receive them after 180 days, but the proposed rule would delay eligibility to one year and suspend new permits until USCIS can decide claims within that average timeframe. Given the massive backlogs — with millions of cases pending and many unresolved for years — the new rule could effectively halt work authorization for most asylum applicants. DHS officials argue the change is needed to prevent abuse of the asylum system, which they say is exploited by economic migrants seeking jobs. Advocates and immigration groups warn the proposal could push asylum-seekers into illegal work and harm communities that rely on them, noting many already fill vital roles in healthcare and other essential sectors. This plan follows other Trump policies aimed at curbing asylum access, including a sweeping deportation order and earlier efforts to limit work permits.

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Let Him Deport Migrants to South Sudan

The Trump administration has filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal judge’s injunction requiring enhanced due process for immigrants facing deportation to third countries. The ruling by Judge Brian Murphy mandates that detainees be informed of their destination, given 10 days to raise safety concerns, and 15 days to appeal, which the administration argues disrupts diplomatic efforts and national security. Solicitor General John Sauer contends the detainees had already received adequate legal process and accused the judge of overstepping his authority. The injunction originated from a case involving migrants slated for deportation to South Sudan who claimed they were denied a fair opportunity to raise fears of torture. While the administration claims compliance with the Convention Against Torture, the judge found that detainees had no real chance to object. The case highlights broader legal tensions around due process for immigrants and the limits of judicial power, with the Supreme Court already considering the scope of nationwide injunctions and the rights of non-citizens under U.S. law.

ICE Agents Detain Several People at Immigration Supervision Program Site in Chicago

A chaotic ICE operation unfolded in Chicago's South Loop, where several immigrants were detained after being summoned to the BI Incorporated office under the pretense of routine check-ins. Many of those detained were reportedly asylum seekers who had followed legal procedures, some even accompanied by attorneys, raising concerns about deception and due process violations. The surprise arrests sparked outrage from local leaders and community activists, who condemned the heavily masked agents' tactics as inhumane and likened them to “Gestapo-style” abductions. The operation came just hours after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered a crackdown on visa overstays, citing a recent terror attack as justification. Local unions and officials, including several alderpersons, expressed strong opposition, calling the arrests a betrayal of Chicago's values and demanding transparency and accountability. ICE has not released details about the number or identity of those detained, further intensifying frustration and fear within immigrant communities.

These Venezuelans are in the U.S. Legally, but a Supreme Court Order is Upending Their Lives

A recent Supreme Court order has thrown the immigration status of 350,000 Venezuelan Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders into uncertainty, sparking fear and anxiety in affected families across the U.S. The ruling allows the Trump administration to move forward with ending TPS for Venezuelans, reversing protections granted under President Biden in 2023. Many TPS holders, including families in New York, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, now face the risk of deportation despite having complied with all legal requirements and building stable lives in the U.S. Advocates and immigrants describe feelings of betrayal and distress, especially as conditions in Venezuela remain dire, despite Department of Homeland Security claims of improvement. Grassroots leaders like Niurka Meléndez are working to combat fear in the community by spreading reliable legal information and support. Immigration experts warn that while expedited removals may be on the horizon, TPS recipients should preserve documentation, seek legal advice, and explore other immigration options to avoid being swept up in mass deportations.

Client Q&A and Testimonials

Q. “I saw that shortly after our call, it was announced that the administration has paused the scheduling of new student visa appointments. I was wondering if you think this could have any impact on the broader climate around F-1 reentry. Just to make sure we’re on the same page, I currently hold a valid F-1 visa from 2021, which I renewed during OPT that expires in January 2026. My current I-20, however, is from my day-one CPT program.” - An Indian national currently holding a valid F-1 visa and pursuing a CPT U.S. master’s program

A. To date, we have not seen any unusual issues involving returning F-1 students. However, you should be aware that CBP is checking cell phones, laptops, social media, and luggage to see if incoming travelers are bringing contraband into the U.S. – such as the recent case involving the Russian PhD. student at Harvard who was arrested and is still being detained by ICE for seeking to bring lab samples into the U.S.

Q. “I’m thinking about traveling to an event in Charleston SC, in a couple of weeks, and I’m wondering what you guys have been hearing lately as far as flying domestically.” - An Irish national in the process of applying for adjustment of status to green card

A. To date, we have not heard of any efforts by DHS to regulate domestic flights and the vetting of passengers other than the Real ID travel requirements.

Q. “I arrived at USA on 11th May and I did not have a return ticket. The immigration officer mentioned that I can stay only till 30th May, where as no visas are stamped on passport to confirm.” - A visitor from India, having a valid B-1/B-2 visa

A. You should always have a return ticket to prove you intend to return to your country of origin or nationality -this is a very basic requirement to show conformity with federal regulations.

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!

🌟🌟🌟🌟

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President Trump has announced a new travel ban affecting 12 countries, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. Another 7 countries, li... See more

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After the Boulder terrorist attack, DHS ordered a crackdown on visa overstays. Secretary Christina Noem vowed to deport and prosecute any... See more

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The Supreme Court allowed the Trump admin to suspend Biden-era TPS protections for 500,000+ immigrants. A judge denied Mahmoud Khalil’s re... See more

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