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NawLaw News: This Week's Highlights
Welcome Back! 👋🏼
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!
Table of Contents
Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Ending of Legal Protections for 1.1 Million Venezuelans and Haitians
A federal judge in San Francisco, Edward Chen, has blocked actions by the Trump administration that would have ended temporary legal protections for over one million immigrants from Venezuela and Haiti. These protections allowed individuals to live and work in the U.S., and their removal would have affected hundreds of thousands whose status had recently expired or was set to expire soon. Judge Chen criticized the decision by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as "arbitrary and capricious," arguing that it would force people back into dangerous conditions that even the State Department advises against. He concluded that Noem exceeded her authority and failed to provide sufficient justification for ending protections that had previously been extended under the Biden administration. The court emphasized that past administrations had relied on a thorough process involving consultation and evidence, which was not followed in this case. While the ruling was celebrated by immigrant advocates, there remains uncertainty about those who may have already faced deportation due to the policy shift.

Photo by Neil Weinrib
Immigration Appeals Court Expands Mandatory Detention for Millions
The Board of Immigration Appeals has issued a ruling that requires mandatory detention for anyone in U.S. immigration court proceedings who entered the country without inspection, regardless of how long they have been in the U.S. or any other factors previously considered. This decision reverses a prior practice under which people who overstayed visas or had long residence in the U.S. could sometimes request release on bond when they entered removal proceedings. The shift means that bond hearings before immigration judges will no longer be available to many of the undocumented immigrants apprehended under these conditions. Advocates warn this change could lead to the detention of millions of people, including some who have deep ties in the U.S. and no criminal history. The ruling represents a significant expansion of detention powers under immigration law, narrowing options for release while cases are pending. It also raises concerns about access to due process and the human impact of expanded detentions on individuals and communities.

Photo by Neil Weinrib
US Visa Applications to Change in November: What to Know
The U.S. Department of State will introduce new rules starting November 1, 2025, requiring immigrant visa interviews to be held in the consular district tied to the applicant’s place of residence or—if requested—their country of nationality. Applicants living in countries without regular consular services will be directed to specific alternative consular or embassy posts. Existing appointments are generally safe from rescheduling or cancellation, though those wanting to move their case to a different consular district may do so through the National Visa Center and must show documentation to support the request. Exceptions to the new district requirement are limited and include circumstances like medical or humanitarian emergencies or foreign policy considerations. The new standard will also apply to Diversity Visa applicants beginning with the DV‑2026 year. Applicants are advised to check embassy and consulate websites for details, plan ahead, and allow extra time for appointments, given the changes.

Photo by Max Klebba
US Immigration to Form New Police Force to Probe Visa Applications
US Citizenship and Immigration Services is planning to create a new law enforcement unit tasked with identifying and investigating fraudulent immigration applications. The force will include several hundred officers who will be trained to detect fraud, carry firearms, and have arrest powers not previously present in the benefits‑side of immigration operations. USCIS claims the measure is meant to target deceptive applications, not to discourage legitimate ones, with Director Joseph Edlow stating that the goal is to chill fraud rather than deter genuine applicants. The agency will also get new authority under changes pushed by Secretary Kristi Noem, including to expedite removal proceedings and enforce civil and criminal immigration law violations within USCIS’s jurisdiction. This is part of a broader shift under the current administration to strengthen enforcement within USCIS, which traditionally handled only “benefits” like visas, green cards, and citizenship, without law enforcement powers. Critics warn that this could blur long‑standing lines between adjudication and enforcement, possibly chilling free expression or overly burdening applicants.

Photo by Neil Weinrib
Trump Administration Sues Boston Over ‘Sanctuary’ Limits on Immigration Cooperation
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Boston, its mayor Michelle Wu, the city police department, and its commissioner over Boston’s “Boston Trust Act,” arguing that the city’s policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities violate federal law. Under the Trust Act, local law enforcement is barred from assisting with civil immigration enforcement—such as honoring ICE detainer requests or alerting ICE when someone is released from custody—except in serious criminal cases. The DOJ claims these limitations result in dangerous individuals being released from Boston custody who otherwise would have been subject to removal from the country, including people convicted of violent crimes and trafficking. Attorney General Pam Bondi described Boston as “among the worst sanctuary offenders,” accusing the city of undermining law enforcement and protecting undocumented immigrants from justice. Mayor Wu defended the law as a legitimate exercise of local authority aimed at preserving public trust and safety, saying Boston will vigorously defend it and that such policies have precedence both in Massachusetts law and in court decisions. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal push by the Trump administration to challenge sanctuary jurisdictions across the country, with the DOJ arguing that local laws which conflict with federal law are preempted under the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.

End of Summer - Photo by Neil Weinrib
Supreme Court Lifts Limits on Roving Immigration Patrols in Los Angeles Area
The Supreme Court has lifted a lower court's order that had blocked immigration agents from conducting certain patrols in Los Angeles based solely on factors like race, language, occupation, or geographic location. The original order, issued by a federal judge, found that these types of stops likely violated the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. In a 6–3 decision, the Court allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to resume these patrols while litigation over the constitutionality of such enforcement continues. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing in concurrence, argued that while these individual factors alone may not justify a stop, they could be relevant when considered alongside other context. Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, warning that the decision could legitimize racial profiling and erode civil liberties. The case has not been fully decided yet; the Court’s ruling is temporary and the broader legal challenge will proceed in lower courts.

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!
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Neil and Kim with Supermodel Green Card Holder



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@neilweinrib The Supreme Court approved renewed ICE patrols, with agents heading to sanctuary cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York City! ICE deten... See more
@neilweinrib 1.2M immigrants have left the U.S. labor force. In-person visa interviews now required! NYC, Chicago, Seattle, Portland: more raids coming... See more
@neilweinrib Due to a shortage of immigration judges, the Justice Department will temporarily appoint any lawyers to handle cases, bypassing usual rule... See more
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