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WR Immigration News Digest

Apr 16, 2025 | Immigration Updates

Court Blocks CHNV Parole Termination

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from revoking the legal status and work authorization of over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered the U.S. under the Biden-era CHNV parole program. The court ruled that mass terminations without case-by-case review violate due process, suspending DHS’s plan to require self-deportation by April 24.

The CHNV program allowed migrants to enter legally with U.S. sponsors and work for two years. While the policy has faced legal and political challenges, this ruling preserves their status for now.

Impact: CHNV beneficiaries may continue working lawfully, but uncertainty remains. Employers should verify work authorization of employees whose temporary work authorization is expiring based on the provide work authorization document.  Employers who are aware of employees that have CHNV parole may want to encourage them to explore longer-term options (e.g., asylum or TPS).  It is also recommended that employers stay in close contact with immigration counsel as policies evolve.

USCIS Scrutiny of Social Media Triggers Visa Revocations

USCIS has announced it will now consider antisemitic activity on social media as a negative factor in discretionary immigration decisions. This new policy has already led to the revocation of over 500 visas held by international students, faculty, and researchers, as well as termination of their status in the SEVIS portal, often without clear justification or prior notice. The shift raises due process concerns and reflects a broader enforcement trend under the Trump administration.

F-1 and J-1 visa holders are especially affected, with reports of sudden SEVIS terminations resulting in loss of status and work authorization under OPT, STEM OPT, and CPT. In some cases, even permanent residents have come under scrutiny for minor or outdated infractions. Several individuals have been detained or forced to leave the country with little warning.

Impact: Employers should review visa cases when notified by individuals that have had their status terminated, coordinate with counsel, and prepare for potential disruptions to student and intern pipelines. Proactive support and communication are key.

Trump Signals Possible Reentry Path for Undocumented Workers with Employer Support

At an April 10, 2025 cabinet meeting, President Trump suggested that undocumented farm and hospitality workers may be allowed to leave the U.S. and return with legal status if employers formally vouch for them. Under this concept, workers would exit the country voluntarily and reenter with legal authorization, provided they have a supporting employer. Trump framed the proposal as a way to support key industries and noted a potential 60-day window for individuals to depart before losing eligibility.

Impact: No formal policy has been issued, but employers should stay informed. If adopted, this could create a new, employer-driven path to work authorization though it may carry legal and compliance risks. Consult counsel before making plans or offers based on this concept.

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Site Visits & Compliance in 2025 | The Business Immigration Benchmark (040)

By Laura Bloniarz Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe here to get the latest updates on the Business Immigration Benchmark podcast and more! In this week’s episode of The Business Immigration Benchmark, I sat down with WR Immigration Managing Partner Bernard Wolfsdorf to discuss the latest compliance challenges, increased site visits, and what global mobility leaders should prepare for in 2025. With immigration enforcement ramping up under the new administration, ensuring compliance has never been more critical. For global mobility professionals navigating uncertainty, this episode provides actionable insights into how technology, compliance, and change management are shaping industry priorities. Key Takeaways: 1. Increased Site Visits & Audits: Employers should be prepared for heightened scrutiny, including worksite visits by FDNS officers, ICE audits, and I-9 inspections. Having clear internal protocols and training front desk staff on how to handle site visits is crucial. 2. Compliance Best Practices: Bernie emphasized the importance of maintaining up-to-date I-9s, H-1B public access files, and PERM documentation. Regular internal audits can help identify and correct errors before an inspection occurs. 3. Managing Foreign National Anxiety: With policy changes and increased enforcement, foreign national employees are facing higher uncertainty. Employers should proactively communicate updates, ensure petition […]

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Updates on Child Status Protection Act Age Calculation by USCIS

On February 14, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Alert, which contains policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update when an immigrant visa “becomes available” for purpose of calculation Child Status Protection Act age in certain situations.  In short, USCIS will now allow the Date for Filing chart to calculate these noncitizens’ ages As stated in the Policy Alert, this guidance is effective immediately on February 14, 2023, and applies to adjustment of status applications USCIS adjudicates on or after February 14, 2023. Therefore, noncitizens with pending adjustment of status applications based upon an immigrant petition in a preference category, on or after February 14, 2023, will benefit from this update. Background The CSPA is a United States federal law that was signed into law on August 6, 2002. The law was enacted to address the problem of immigrant children who “age out” of their eligibility for certain immigration benefits due to the lengthy processing times involved in the immigration system. The CSPA addressed this problem by changing the way that the age of a derivative child is calculated for immigration purposes. Under the CSPA, a derivative child’s age is “frozen” at the time […]

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