On March 11, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the draft of its proposed new registration Interim Final Regulation (IFR) referenced in the announcement by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on February 25, 2025.[1] The IFR was published today in the Federal Register, March 12. Individuals who are required to register…

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has historically maintained a “sensitive spaces” or “protected areas” policy which restricted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents from making arrests in certain areas, including (1) schools (including primary, secondary, colleges, universities, daycare, preschools, school bus stops), (2) places of worship (includes religious or civil ceremonies or…

During the first Trump administration, worksite enforcement actions (aka raids) were focused in the Southeast and Midwest. The primary industries targeted were manufacturing and meat/poultry processing.[1]   In 2017, Thomas Homan was the acting director for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He directed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to increase worksite immigration enforcement…

As we approach 2025 with the threat of impending mass deportation[1] of those without legal immigration status in the United States (U.S.), it is important for foreign nationals lawfully here to remember what documents they are obligated to maintain in their possession under federal law. In addition, any assessment of legal status by law…

Effective December 2, 2024, certain applicants applying for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to permanent residence must now submit the required Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (I-693) concurrently with their I-485 adjustment application. This change by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was made to expedite processing times and reduce delays…

On November 1, certain Texas hospitals must comply with an Executive Order issued by Governor Greg Abbott on August 8, 2024 (Order), requiring them to document medical costs related to the care of individuals without legal immigration status. Governor Abbott provided the following statement explaining the reasoning behind his Order:
“Due to President Joe Biden…

In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended temporary immigration protections for Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States. These measures, which include Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), will provide critical relief to individuals affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Let us break…