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 In some cases, even permanent residents have come under scrutiny for minor or outdated infractions.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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March 2022 Visa Bulletin Update

The Department of State has issued its March 2022 Visa Bulletin.  This month’s bulletin includes more advancement in final action dates for India in the EB-2 preference category, which will advance by 4 months to May 1, 2013.  Final action dates for India EB-3 and China EB-2 and EB-3 professionals and skilled workers will remain the same as in February.  All other countries under EB-2 and EB-3 will remain current, and EB-1 also remains current for all countries including India and China.  EB-5 remains current for all countries, but Regional Center cases are awaiting reauthorization. If reauthorized in March, the EB-5 Regional Center cut-off date will be November 22, 2015.  DOS also indicates that Non-Regional Center cases may see cutoff dates imposed for China as early as April 2022. Relatedly, if there is sufficient demand in EB-5 cases, DOS also indicates that there may be retrogression as early as April 2022 for India in the EB-2 preference category, which would have utilized any otherwise unused EB-5 numbers. USCIS has indicated that it will continue to require the use of the dates for filing chart in March, and the dates for filing in March remain unchanged from the previous month for […]

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USCIS IMMIGRATION FILING FEES INCREASE EFFECTIVE APRIL 1

CONDITIONAL EB-5 PERMANENT RESIDENTS WHO FILE FORM I-829 REMOVAL OF PETITIONS BEFORE APRIL 1, 2024, CAN SAVE $5,775 By Joey Barnett This final rule increasing the government filing fee is effective April 1, 2024. Any benefit request postmarked on or after this date must be accompanied by the new fees established by this final rule. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-01427.pdf Three things to know for EB-5 immigrant investors and Regional Centers: The increase for Form I-829 petitions will be from $3,750 to $9,525. Avoid wasting another $5,775 if you file your removal of conditions before April 1, 2024, and during the 90-day filing window. 2. New I-526/I-526E Filing Fee is $11,160.  The increase for Form I-526 (direct) and Form I-526E (regional center) petitions will increase from $3,675 to $11,160. Avoid wasting $7,485 by filing before April 1, 2024. 3. New I-956 Filing Fee is $47,695.  The filing fee for Form I-956, Application for Regional Center Designation will increase from $17,795 to $47,695. Save $29,900 by filing for a new Regional Center Designation before April 1, 2024. To schedule a consultation with a WR Immigration attorney to discuss your EB-5 case, please schedule here!

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