• Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Ban for Children of Noncitizens
• DHS Ends TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua
• DOJ Increases Fines for Immigration-Related Violations

Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Ban for Children of Noncitizens

On July 10, 2025, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of a Trump administration executive order that sought to deny U.S. citizenship at birth to children born on or after February 20, 2025, to certain noncitizen parents. The order targeted families where the mother was either undocumented or present on a temporary visa, and the father was not a U.S. citizen or green card holder.

The court certified a class of impacted children and found the policy likely violates the Fourteenth Amendment, which has guaranteed birthright citizenship for over a century. The judge emphasized the potential for immediate and irreversible harm if the order were enforced.

Impact: This ruling temporarily protects U.S. birthright citizenship nationwide for children of foreign national employees on temporary visas. Employers should monitor developments, as changes could affect dependent eligibility, assignment planning, and long-term workforce mobility strategy.

DHS Ends TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua

On July 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua, effective September 8, 2025 – 60 days after official notice in the Federal Register. After that date, TPS holders from these countries will lose their protected status and work authorization in the U.S.

The government is offering limited support for voluntary departures, including complimentary flights, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential eligibility for future legal immigration pathways via the CBP One app.

Impact: Employers should assess work authorization risks for affected employees and prepare for potential disruptions. Impacted individuals may need alternative immigration solutions or transition plans to remain work-authorized in the U.S. beyond September 8.

DOJ Increases Fines for Immigration-Related Violations

Effective July 3, 2025, the Department of Justice issued a final rule increasing civil penalties for a range of immigration-related violations. The updated fines apply retroactively to violations occurring after November 2, 2015, under the Bipartisan Budget Act.

Increased penalties affect violations such as:

• Hiring unauthorized workers
• Failing to act on final E-Verify nonconfirmations
• Committing document fraud
• Engaging in unfair immigration-related employment practices

Impact: Employers should ensure strict compliance with Form I-9 and E-Verify processes and review internal protocols to minimize risk. Higher penalties increase legal and financial exposure for noncompliance across immigration and HR functions.