- On Friday, a news report revealed that the administration is planning to rescind parole under the Process for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela program (CHNV). This move was expected following the president’s Executive Order rescinding all categorical parole programs, but nothing has been officially announced yet. Some advocates fear that revocation could make individuals an immediate removal priority unless they have a pending application. Individuals with parole under CHNV who have not yet applied for another status should consulate with an attorney to understand their options.
- On February 5, DHS published a notice in the Federal Register terminating status for Venezuelans who were granted TPS under the government’s 2023 designation. This will impact Venezuelan TPS holders with an expiration date of April 2, 2025 and will be effective April 7, 2025. This change will likely be challenged in court, and may not take effect. In the meantime, remember:
- Venezuelans who got TPS under the 2021 designation have protection until September 10, 2025. A decision about whether this will be extended is expected in July.
- Venezuelans who got TPS under the 2023 designation have protection until April 7, 2025.
- Individuals with TPS who have not yet applied for asylum should consult with an attorney to understand their options.
- We expect budget reconciliation to start in earnest in February and run through at least April. The House GOP was hoping to start the process this week, but are already having problems agreeing on spending cuts.
- In good news, a number of immigrant rights advocates filed suit against the Trump Administration seeking to stop government efforts to end asylum. The lawsuit filed by Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, RAICES, and the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project was filed on Monday in US District Court in Washington, DC.
- There are currently five lawsuits against the administration’s attempts to ignore the Constitution and restrict birthright citizenship.
- MA Attorney General Andrea Campbell and 17 other state AGs filed suit here in MA
- 4 other state AG filed a separate suit in Seattle, WA
- Lawyers for Civil Rights, Brazilian Workers Center, and La Colaborativa filed suit here in MA
- CASA and the Asylum Seekers Advocacy Project filed suit in Baltimore, MD
- American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of New Hampshire, ACLU of Maine, ACLU of Massachusetts, Asian Law Caucus, State Democracy Defenders Fund, and Legal Defense Fund filed suit in NH.
Federal judges in Washington and Maryland have already issued decisions temporarily blocking the administration’s attempt to redefine who is an American. A hearing in the case brought by Massachusetts non profits will have a hearing on Friday, and we could see another ruling against the administration before the weekend.