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Dear Readers,

We’re excited to have you back at the NawLaw Report, where we bring you the latest announcements from the firm and keep you up to date on the most recent developments in the immigration world. With all that’s happened in the last couple of weeks, it can be tough to keep up, but don’t worry! NawLaw has your back!

U.S. Visa Bulletin Released for July 2024

The U.S. State Department has recently released the Visa Bulletin for July 2024. The bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during July for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center. Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website (link provided below), individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS must use the “Final Action Dates” charts below for determining when they can file such applications. When USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, USCIS will state on its website that applicants may instead use the “Dates for Filing Visa Applications” charts in this Bulletin.

Stand-Off Between Feds and Oklahoma as New Migrant Ban Blocked

Oklahoma's new law, HB 4156, which criminalizes being in the state without legal immigration status, has been blocked by U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones. The law, which imposes penalties including jail time, fines, and expulsion from the state within 72 hours, faced legal challenges from the U.S. Department of Justice and the ACLU. The ACLU argued that the law would separate families and lead to racial profiling, as many undocumented migrants have deep roots in Oklahoma. Governor Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond defended the law as necessary due to federal immigration enforcement failures. However, critics pointed out that data shows migrants commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans. The law remains on hold pending further legal proceedings.

U.S. to Pay for Flights to Help Panama Remove Migrants Who May be Heading North

The United States has agreed to support Panama in managing migrant flows by covering the cost of flights and providing other assistance to repatriate migrants who enter Panama illegally through the Darien Gap. This agreement was signed during Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas's visit to Panama for the inauguration of President José Raúl Mulino. The aim is to reduce the number of migrants being smuggled through the Darien Gap, which is often used as a route to the U.S., and to disrupt smuggling networks. The U.S. will provide Panama with equipment, transportation, and logistical support, and help train Panamanian personnel to manage migrant removals. This collaboration aligns with Panama's immigration laws and will be fully controlled by the Panamanian government. The initiative comes as part of broader efforts by the Biden administration to address immigration and border security challenges.

SCOTUS Overturns Chevron: Implications for USCIS and Immigration Adjudications

The Supreme Court has recently overturned the long established Chevron Doctrine, which since 1984 required courts to defer to federal agency interpretations of ambiguous laws. This decision, made in the Loper Bright and Relentless cases, now shifts power to judges to scrutinize and potentially override agency decisions. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) warns that this could hinder the executive branch’s ability to update immigration policies and jeopardize benefits not explicitly grounded in statutory language. While this ruling may open new avenues for immigrants and employers to challenge unfavorable interpretations, it also imposes greater legislative responsibility on Congress to create clear laws. The decision's impact extends beyond immigration, affecting federal regulations in various sectors such as environmental protection, healthcare, and labor laws.

Migrant Apprehensions Have Dropped Over 40% Since Biden Announced Asylum Restrictions, DHS Says

Since President Joe Biden's executive action barring asylum at the US southern border, the seven-day average of migrant apprehensions has dropped over 40% to less than 2,400 encounters per day. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports this decrease is a sign of early success. The executive order will remain until daily encounters fall below 1,500. DHS has also reported a 65% reduction in migrants released into the country pending immigration proceedings and has enhanced efforts to identify and detain gang members. However, the ACLU has expressed concerns that migrants with credible danger claims are being denied asylum screenings. The issue remains politically significant, with upcoming debates and recent violent crimes by undocumented individuals adding to the urgency.

Trump Unlikely to Pass Immigration Law to Admit All College Grads

Donald Trump, despite a record of blocking high-skilled immigrants, recently stated in a podcast that he favors granting green cards to all foreign graduates of U.S. universities. However, during his presidency, he never proposed increasing the admission of college-educated immigrants and enacted numerous restrictions on H-1B visa holders. The likelihood of Trump passing such legislation if elected is low due to expected opposition from his immigration advisers. Stephen Miller, a key adviser, has historically worked to reduce legal immigration and would likely oppose this policy. Additionally, political and practical obstacles, including resistance from both Democrats and Republicans, would hinder the proposal's implementation.

Firm Announcement! 📣

We Are Your Trusted Source for U.S. Immigration!

About NawLaw: NawLaw, a very established law firm around U.S., boasts over 40 years of experience providing winning legal solutions for U.S. immigration cases nationwide and globally assisting companies abroad in transferring key personnel to the U.S. With a client-focused approach and a tremendous reputation for success, NawLaw is fully dedicated to helping its clients achieve the American Dream. We take U.S. immigration to the next level! At NawLaw, we think outside the box! All Immigration Law Firms are not the same, Nawlaw is distinctly different!