Articles Posted in Undocumented

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Over the past month, a new wave of visa revocations has caused panic among F-1 international students at college campuses nationwide.

In this video you will learn about what is happening, which students are being impacted, and how you can protect your immigration status moving forward.

Here’s What We Know

Without any prior notification, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been revoking visas and terminating SEVIS records for the following individuals:

  • Students who have had encounters with law enforcement
  • Students with criminal charges that have been dismissed
  • Students with very old misdemeanors pre-dating their most recent visa issuance
  • Students who have engaged in pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses and
  • Where the government learns that a student is working without lawful authorization

School officials first became aware of terminated F-1 student records after conducting routine checks of the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Still others became aware of their SEVIS termination after receiving an email directly from the State Department.

Why it’s Important

A student’s visa is the key that allows students to enter the United States, but their SEVIS record (known as Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) is what determines their ability to remain inside the country. Students are allowed to remain until their “Admit Until Date” or D/S Duration of Status. This means a student can remain in the U.S. for as long as they comply with the terms of their F-1 visa.

Once an F-1 student’s SEVIS record is terminated, they automatically lose lawful status and are subject to removal from the United States if they do not leave the U.S. immediately. Under the Trump administration, F-1 visa holders admitted for “duration of status” begin accruing unlawful presence the day after their status ends.

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During these uncertain times in immigration, we bring you this informative video to summarize President Donald Trump’s recent thirteen executive actions on immigration.

Some of the highlights of this discussion include President Trump’s executive order affecting birthright citizenship, measures to enhance border security, mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, potential executive orders implementing new travel bans, and much more.

To learn more about these executive orders and how they may impact you, please keep watching.

Overview

What happened on day one of the Trump administration?

President Trump signed thirteen executive orders on the first day of his presidency, setting the tone for the start of his administration with new policies that create obstacles for certain immigrants.

EO #1 President Trump’s America First Priorities

The first of these executive orders is “President Trump’s America First Priorities,” which outlines the top priorities that we can expect to see from the Trump administration over the next four years.  

The major highlights of this order are as follows:

  • President Trump promises to take “bold action” to secure the U.S. border and protect communities by calling on the U.S. Armed Forces and National Guard to assist with border security
  • At the President’s direction, the State Department will have an “America-First” foreign policy
  • Ends Biden’s Catch-and-Release Policies

What it is: Catch-and-release authorized the release of individuals without legal status from detention while awaiting immigration court hearings.

  • Reinstates Remain in Mexico Policy

What it is: Known formerly as the Migrant Protection Protocol, this policy will require certain asylum seekers at the southern border to wait in Mexico for their hearings in U.S. immigration court.

  • Continues the construction of his southern border wall with Mexico
  • Prohibits asylum for individuals who have crossed the border illegally

What it is: Aims to end asylum and close the border to those without legal, to facilitate a more immediate removal process

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In recent months, President elect Donald Trump pledged to end birthright citizenship – a right that is protected by the 14th amendment.

In this video, Jacob Sapochnick answers an important question, can he really do it?

Keep on watching this video to learn more.

Overview

Donald Trump made national headlines during a recent interview with NBC news where he suggested he would end birthright citizenship with the passage of an executive order.

In his interview, he told the media, “We’re gonna have to get it changed, or maybe I would go back to the people, but we have to end it. We’re the only country that has it…I was going to do it through executive action…”

The Trump team is also reportedly seeking to crack down on birth tourism, a phenomenon, where expecting mothers travel to the United States to give birth for the purpose of obtaining U.S. Citizenship for their child.

What is Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship means that any person born on U.S. soil automatically becomes a U.S. Citizen. This right is enshrined in the 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Interpretation of the 14th Amendment

Trump allies believe that the 14th amendment has been misinterpreted and does not apply to children born in the United States to undocumented parents. They also take the position that birthright citizenship does not apply to noncitizens entering the country on temporary visas like B1/B2 to give birth.

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The aftermath of the presidential election has sent shockwaves throughout the immigrant community.

In just 70 days, Donald Trump is set to become the next President of the United States. That means that major changes are coming to immigration law and policy.

In this video attorney Jacob Sapochnick explains what Trump’s victory means for immigration, including his promise to execute mass deportations throughout the United States, as well as other controversial immigration policies that he is expected to implement when he takes office on January 20, 2025.

Want to know more? Just keep on watching

Overview

Mass Deportations

Throughout his campaign, Trump has called for mass deportations nationwide which he has said will be the “largest deportation effort in American history. “

It is said that his advisors are discussing whether they can declare a “national emergency,” to allow the government to call upon military officials to detain and remove undocumented migrant gang members from the United States. His campaign has also suggested ending sanctuary cities to remove suspected criminals, including drug dealers and cartel members from the population.

His promises also include hiring thousands of border patrol agents to secure the southern border to deter illegal immigration.

Trump’s Top Five Policies Targeting Immigration Law

The following are the top 5 areas where Trump’s policies will have the greatest impact in the lives of immigrants in the United States.

Immigrants should understand the potential challenges they could face under the Trump administration and consult with an experienced immigration attorney to create a plan of action in the months ahead. It is important to do so as soon as possible, because sensitive cases may call for immediate action before Trump is inaugurated.

#1 Asylum Restrictions

During Trump’s presidency in 2017, his administration was responsible for implementing widespread asylum restrictions. It is likely that his administration will re-implement many of his previous immigration policies, which limit asylum applications.

His policies are also likely to restrict asylum applications at the border, as they did during his first term in office.

Examples of Asylum Restrictions:

In 2020, the Trump administration published 7 final rules in the Federal Register to:

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In this video, attorney Jacob Sapochnick discusses the current status of parole in place applications under the Keeping Families Together program and how a new lawsuit will impact the approval of applications under the program.

To learn more, please keep on watching this video.

What is Keeping Families Together?

The Keeping Families Together program was recently established by presidential executive order to create a pathway to permanent residency for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, who entered the country without inspection, and have been continuously present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024.

Those granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together are given three years to apply for temporary work authorization and permanent residency from inside the United States. At least 500,000 spouses, and about 50,000 of their children are set to benefit from this program.

Parole in place simplifies the green card application process by eliminating the need for spouses to apply for an extreme hardship “waiver,” and to depart the United States to attend a visa interview at a U.S. Consulate abroad.

In doing so, this process prevents prolonged family separation and enables applicants to obtain permanent residency without departing the United States.

Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Parole in Place Program

On August 19, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting online applications for parole in place, using a new electronic form called Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.

Several days later, the state of Texas along with 15 other states filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the program.

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In this video, attorney Jacob Sapochnick discusses the new parole in place program for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. Citizens recently announced by the Biden administration.

In this video you will learn about the parole in place application process, who is eligible to apply, and what will happen to those with pending extreme hardship waivers with USCIS.

Overview

On August 19, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting applications for parole in place for undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. Citizens under a new program called Keeping Families Together.

Applications for this program may now be submitted online using a new online electronic form called Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, by creating a myUSCIS online account. Paper filings sent by mail will not be accepted by USCIS.

The fee to apply for parole is $580. No fee waivers or fee exemptions are available for this process at this time.

What is parole in place?

Parole in place is a discretionary authorization issued for a 3-year period, that allows certain noncitizens who are present in the United States without admission or parole to become “applicants for admission.”

If granted parole, these individuals may apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence (green card holder) during the parole period, without being required to leave the United States and be processed by a U.S. consulate overseas.

Previously, undocumented spouses of U.S. Citizens who entered without inspection, were required to travel outside the United States to legalize their status through an extreme hardship “waiver” process which required a face-to-face interview at a U.S. Consulate abroad. This process has been very challenging on families because approval of the hardship waiver can take several years and lead to prolonged family separation.

It is estimated that as many as 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens could be eligible for parole in place, and an additional 50,000 noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

What are the eligibility requirements for parole in place?

To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole in place under Keeping Families Together, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

If you are the noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must:

  • Be present in the United States without admission or parole (entered without lawful inspection);
  • Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing your request;
  • Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
  • Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
  • Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.

If you are the noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must:

  • Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
  • Be present in the United States without admission or parole (entered without lawful inspection);
  • Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing your request;
  • Have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday;
  • Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security*; and
  • Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.

Please read the frequently asked questions on the USCIS webpage here.

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In this video, we share some big news recently announced by the Biden administration.

The President has issued a new executive action on immigration that will soon allow undocumented spouses of U.S. Citizens to apply for permanent residence without having to depart the United States, if they have resided in the United States for at least ten years as of June 17, 2024.

Who does this apply to?

This order applies to undocumented spouses of U.S. Citizens who entered the country without inspection and have continuously resided in the United States since their entry.

Later this summer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement Biden’s new program called “parole in place” which will allow such undocumented spouses to apply for their green cards.

Those who are approved for “parole in place” will be given a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. During this period, spouses can remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization.

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Former President Donald J. Trump has launched his campaign for a second presidential term in 2024. His announcement creates important implications for immigration considering that he is likely to win the Republican nomination in the presidential race.

In this video attorney Jacob Sapochnick tells you all you need to know about his contentious new immigration plan, ahead of the election.

Overview

It is no secret that during his presidential term Donald Trump took a hardline stance on immigration which led to restrictive immigration policies that impacted thousands of immigrants and nonimmigrants worldwide.

As part of his presidential campaign, Trump recently unveiled his immigration proposals, including new measures that would create further challenges for immigrants to obtain visas to the United States. If he were to be re-elected to the office of the President, such measures would be concerning for people everywhere.

What are some of Trump’s immigration proposals if he were re-elected in 2025?

Among Donald Trump’s immigration proposals, he seeks to prioritize securing the U.S. border to prevent illegal immigration to the United States from Mexico, as well as passing a host of controversial policies limiting legal immigration.

Getting Tough on the U.S. Mexico Border

  • Trump proposes a naval blockade by the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy to stop drug smuggling boats in U.S.-Latin America waters.
  • Drug cartels would be designated as “unlawful enemy combatants,” which would allow U.S. military intervention in Mexico.
  • Completion of the Southern border wall which was part of his immigration agenda as President

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In this video, attorney Jacob Sapochnick answers one of your frequently asked questions: Can undocumented immigrants open their own business in the United States?

If you would like to know more about this topic, please keep on watching!

Overview

This is one of the most widely misunderstood topics of discussion in immigration. The answer is yes, any person whether documented or undocumented can start a business in the United States.

Individuals can form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or any other corporate structure irrespective of their legal status in the United States. This is because the LLC or corporate entity is a separate entity from the individual. The LLC can obtain an Employer Identification Number, also known as an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the purpose of tax administration. To obtain an EIN, the principal business must be located in the United States or U.S. territories, and the member applying for the EIN must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number, such as a Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or EIN.

However, if you are employed by the LLC or corporate entity without lawful authorization to work in the United States, you will be in violation of the law, however the business registration in and of itself is legal.

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In this video, attorney Jacob Sapochnick tells you everything you need to know about a brand-new government proposal seeking to issue national identification cards to undocumented immigrants as part of the “ICE Secure Docket Card Program.” Under the program, those who regularly cross the U.S. Mexico border, and those without legal status would be eligible to receive temporary identification cards, granting them access to their immigration files and information relating to removal court proceedings entirely online.

Did you know?

The Biden administration is planning to test the Secure Docket Card Program by first providing temporary I.D. cards to unauthorized immigrants who are still waiting for a final decision on their cases.

Want to know more about this exciting new proposal? Just keep on watching.

Overview

What is this new proposal all about?

The Biden administration has been busy working on a brand-new initiative to introduce a new national identification card specifically for the undocumented immigrant population. The program known as the “ICE Secure Docket Card program,” would initially grant temporary ID cards to migrants crossing the U.S./Mexico Border and then expand issuance to other types of immigrants without legal status in the United States.

What will the card include?

While the details of the pilot program are still being finalized, we know that the ID cards (known as Secure Docket Cards) will include the individual’s photo identification, biographical information including country of nationality, and contain a unique QR code that will allow the holder of the card to access immigration court information and immigration documents entirely online. This is an important step in helping modernize the immigration process, as well as making it easier for immigrants to obtain important information regarding their immigration process in the United States. The QR code will allow individuals to gain access to a portal where they can easily and conveniently update their information and check in with USCIS.

Additionally, individuals who did not previously possess a form of photo identification, can use the Secure Docket Card to access important state benefits such as health care, a driver’s license, housing, etc. The government is also calling upon the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow travelers to use these cards as a form of identification when traveling by plane within the United States. It is also expected that the Secure Docket Cards will be made available to immigrants currently in detention.

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