The transcript version of our weekly Q&A livestream for corporate immigration professionals. Join our Immigration News Digest Newsletter for more immigration updates.
By Kimberley (Best) Robidoux & Miki Kawashima Matrician
🔥 Question: What is the current status of the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) Parole Programs?
Response: USCIS recently announced that the CHNV Parole Programs will be revoked as of April 24, 2025. However, there’s uncertainty surrounding employment authorization for impacted individuals. Employment authorization might be terminated when parole ends or when individuals are notified directly of its termination. Some individuals have already received such notices via their myUSCIS accounts, stating that parole will end in 15 days unless contested. This change raises concerns for employers trying to determine which employees—especially those with C11 category work authorization—may be affected. Strategies for handling this situation should be customized and discussed with counsel. A lawsuit challenging the termination is underway, and more information is expected soon.
🔥 Question: What’s the update on Venezuela Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Response: A court postponed the termination of Venezuela TPS, originally scheduled by DHS, as of April 2. This reverts TPS to the status outlined in the January 17, 2025 redesignation and extension. For TPS holders whose status was set to expire on April 2, 2024, it’s now automatically extended through April 2, 2026. Those who haven’t yet registered can still apply, and individuals awaiting new EADs (valid through October 2, 2026) can qualify for a 540-day automatic extension. To demonstrate continued work eligibility, affected individuals must present their expired or valid EAD along with a Form I-797 receipt for their I-765 application in category A12 or C19. Employers should be aware of these documentation requirements to ensure compliance.
🔥 Question: Why are F-1 students suddenly experiencing visa revocations and terminations of status?
Response: Over 500 F-1 students have recently received notices of visa revocations and SEVIS terminations. These actions appear to stem from several factors, including minor or dismissed criminal charges and, more controversially, involvement in protests or speech perceived as opposing U.S. foreign policy. In some cases, the Department of State is revoking F-1 visas due to arrests—even those without convictions. Additionally, ICE is terminating SEVIS records without clear notice to students or schools, leading to confusion and disruption.
🔥 Question: Is protest activity being used as grounds for visa revocation?
Response: There is growing concern that F-1 students who have participated in protests—particularly in support of Palestine or critical of Israeli government actions—are being targeted. Authorities are allegedly citing speech that contradicts U.S. foreign policy as justification for visa revocation, raising serious First Amendment issues. Students who post on social media or engage in peaceful protest are finding their visa status challenged.
🔥 Question: Could criminal history or recent legislation be influencing these revocations?
Response: Yes. Beyond protest-related speech, revocations may also be connected to criminal history under the recently passed Laken Riley Act. This legislation mandates federal detention of undocumented immigrants charged with crimes such as theft or assault, and it may be impacting lawful F-1 students with past arrests or convictions—even in cases that didn’t lead to prosecution.
🔥 Question: What options do affected F-1 students have?
Response: Options vary based on individual circumstances. Students should consult with immigration counsel immediately. Some may benefit from legal action, such as filing a temporary restraining order against SEVIS termination. Others may consider applying for reinstatement of F-1 status or departing the U.S. to reapply for a visa. Careful evaluation with an attorney is essential before proceeding.
🔥 Question: Is the United for Ukraine (U4U) program also being revoked?
Response: Some individuals received emails stating their participation in the U4U program had been terminated. However, CBP has clarified that these emails were sent in error. A correction email should now have been issued to affected individuals. As of now, the U4U program remains intact.
🔥 Question: What are the recent changes to Form I-9 that employers need to know?
Response: USCIS released a new version of Form I-9 on April 2, with an effective date of January 20, 2025. While there are no major structural changes, the terminology has been updated—“noncitizen national” was reverted to “alien,” and references to “gender” have been replaced with “sex” in document descriptions. IT is recommended that employers using the printed Form I-9 begin using this new version immediately. Web service providers have until May 2026 to update their systems. Employers should stay updated and ensure proper usage to remain compliant.
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