Federal Updates
- A US District Judge in New Hampshire joined judges in Washington and Maryland in issuing a preliminary injunction against the administration’s efforts to ignore the Constitution. The suit, brought by NH Indonesian Community Support with the support of the ACLU and others, seeks to block Trump’s executive order that limits birthright citizenship in violation of the 14th Amendment. 2 other suits filed in Boston had their first hearing on Monday, and we are still waiting for that court to issue a decision.
- National organizations have also filed suits to block the administration’s attempts to end asylum and reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy. MIRA will provide updates as these cases progress.
- We are still waiting for official word from the Administration regarding various categorical parole programs, which Trump has called for ending. News reports indicated that a draft announcement regarding the parole program for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela was already circulating among officials in Washington, but nothing has been made public yet. 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.
- Congressional Republicans are still divided on how to move forward with large parts of the administration’s agenda, including increased funding for immigration enforcement. Senate leadership is looking to move two bills, with immigration, energy, and defense spending coming first, followed by a package dealing with tax cuts and spending cuts. House leadership is hoping to move forward with a single package as soon as this week, but are having a hard time reaching agreement among themselves about the details of a package. With a very slim majority in the House, GOP leadership need near unanimity within their caucus to move any package. MIRA will provide updates as this progresses.
- The Trump administration has announced that it will move to quickly deport individuals who entered without permission and have been in the US for less than 2 years without the giving them the opportunity to go in front of an immigration judge unless they pass an initial asylum screening.
What to know if immigration tries to detain you:
- If you’ve been in the US more than 2 years, carry proof of that- such as proof of residence, or school/work/medical records.
- If you’ve been in the US for less than 2 years but are already in deportation proceedings, have valid parole status, or have an application pending, carry evidence of that.
- If you have a pending immigration court case- check on the status every day to check for any changes. Contact your lawyer or seek legal services if you see any changes.