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Author: Jessica Chicco

Featured Author: Jessica Chicco

Policy Updates – 10/22/2026

DHS indefinitely extended TPS for Ukraine and Sudan on Monday; those with protections will retain status for the time being. TPS for these countries was set to expire on October 19, but the agency declined to announce any decision on the future of over 100,000 people impacted, only saying that an announcement “will be made … Continued

Advancing Policy Solutions for Immigrant Mental Health

Immigrant and refugee families in Massachusetts are carrying an enormous weight. Increased enforcement, the loss of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many families, including many with children who are U.S. citizens, and constant federal policy shifts are taking a real toll on mental health. Meanwhile, people seeking help face long wait times, language gaps, insurance … Continued

TPS for Ukraine and Sudan still valid

TPS for Ukraine and Sudan still valid Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections are still in effect for TPS holders from Ukraine and Sudan. The TPS designation for Ukraine and Sudan was set to expire on October 19, 2026. However, the Trump Administration has not announced whether the designation will be terminated or extended. Until further … Continued
Policy Update Federal

Policy Update – Pause in Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries (1/16/26)

News Policy Updates

Pause in Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries This week, the media reported that the Trump Administration has issued new guidance instructing consular officers to suspend processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries. Interviews will continue but cases will then be placed in an administrative hold. The guidance cites concerns related to “public … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update – Expanded Travel Ban 12/16/2025

News Policy Updates

Expanded Travel Ban The Trump administration has announced an expansion of the existing travel ban, adding to the following to the already existing list of 12 countries impacted by full restrictions on issuance of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas: Burkina Faso Mali Niger South Sudan Syria Individuals holding Palestinian-Authority issued documents Laos (previously subject to partial … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update – TSA Sharing Air Traveler Information (12/16/2025)

News Policy Updates

TSA Sharing Air Traveler Information The news media has reported that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is regularly providing lists of air travel passengers to ICE. This includes information about individuals traveling on domestic flights inside the United States. ICE reviews the lists to identify individuals with final deportation orders or who it believes are … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Changes to Work Permits – 12/4/2025

News Policy Updates

Changes to Work Permits Immigration has announced that starting today it is shortening the validity of certain work permits. The changes will affect any pending applications for new or renewal of work permits, but will not affect work permits that have already been issued. Under the policy: Work permits will be valid for 18 months … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Pause in Asylum Decisions – 12/2/2025

News Policy Updates

Pause in Asylum Decisions On November 28, immigration announced that they were pausing all decisions on asylum cases pending before a USCIS Asylum Office. This means that during the pause, the Asylum Office will not be entering any grants or denials of asylum. Asylum interviews will continue to take place and be scheduled. This pause … Continued

Policy Update Federal

TPS for Haiti (12/1/2025)

News Policy Updates

TPS for Haiti The Trump Administration has formally announced that TPS for Haiti will end on February 3, 2026. Even without TPS, you may still be able to remain in the United States if you are pursuing other types of immigration status. Individuals with TPS who have not yet applied for asylum should consult with … Continued

Policy Update Federal

End of Automatic Extensions for Work Permits – 10/29/2025

News Policy Updates

End of Automatic Extensions for Work Permits Immigration has announced that it will no longer automatically extend the validity of a work permit while a renewal application is pending. This new policy will be in effect for work permit renewal applications received by USCIS on or after October 30. The policy includes some narrow exceptions. … Continued

Policy Update Federal

New Fee for Parole Grants – 10/20/2025

News Policy Updates

New Fee for Parole Grants – 10/20/2025 Immigration will now collect a $1000 fee when individuals receive parole. The fee applies to grants of humanitarian parole, grants of re-parole, grants of parole-in-place, and entry on advance parole (including for DACA holders who travel). The fee does not need to be paid when a parole application … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update: Status of Immigration Courts During Federal Government Shutdown 10/1/25

News Policy Updates

Status of immigration courts during federal government shutdown Despite the federal government shutdown, immigrants with upcoming immigration court hearings should plan to participate in their hearings. As of today, October 1, 2025, the Boston and Chelmsford immigration courts in Massachusetts are holding all scheduled hearings. It is possible that individuals will receive formal notifications that … Continued