- Good news: CHNV parole remains valid! The Trump Administration had announced that individuals who entered under the CHNV parole program (also referred to as the “Biden program”) would lose protection and work authorization on April 24, 2025. A federal judge has put this on hold! This means that individuals who entered through CHNV and whose parole has not yet expired or been terminated, continue to remain in valid parole status for the remainder of their parole period, and their work permits also continue to be valid until their expiration dates. Litigation is ongoing so of course all of this is subject to change.
- Registration: Last Friday, April 11, the Trump Administration’s “registration rule” took effect despite ongoing court challenges. The rule requires noncitizens to carry proof of registration with them at all times. Under the rule, many noncitizens are already considered registered, including those who have a green card, entered with a visa or parole (even if now expired), have a work permit, or are in immigration court proceedings. The rule requires individuals who are not considered registered to complete a registration form (Form 325-R) through their USCIS account and then attend a fingerprinting appointment. This may include individuals who have not had contact with immigration and those who have applied for status but have not yet been fingerprinted.
The rule creates an impossible choice for many who are not yet considered registered. The Administration has made it clear that it is utilizing registration as a way to identify individuals unlawfully in the US. Therefore, registration may increase one’s risk of being identified for deportation and even of facing criminal charges for entering the US unlawfully. On the other hand, willful failure to register or failure to carry proof of registration, can also lead to criminal charges, and the Administration has indicated it will prioritize civil and criminal enforcement of this rule.
- The media has reported on information that the administration intends to end TPS protections for Afghanistan and Cameroon in the coming weeks, which would strip approximately 13,000 of protection. No formal announcement by the administration has been made.
- In news that may have gone unnoticed, the agency overseeing immigration courts issued a policy update directing immigration judges to review asylum applications currently pending before the court and “pretermit” without giving the applicant an opportunity to have a hearing on the asylum application if they deem the application to be “legally deficient.” This is especially troubling given the fact that many asylum applicants may have been forced to submit an application without the benefit of full legal representation.