Predictions: U.S. Immigration in the New Presidential Administration
No doubt, the U.S. immigration system will change in many ways, as it did during Trump’s first presidency. Here are our best guesses about what to expect and how we plan to help you, our valued immigrant clients and their employers.First Steps:
Seek out the most secure immigration status that you are eligible for. If you hold temporary immigration status, investigate green card options. If you are a green card holder and eligible, apply for U.S. citizenship.
Our employer clients can ensure every foreign-national employee is included in our law firm reports. By ensuring we know of every employee, we can alert you to immigration changes and assess recommendations. If your workforce includes foreign-nationals that are not currently represented by our law firm, contact us to verify our reports are complete.
Immigration changes can begin on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025. Below are some changes to expect during Trump’s presidency. The new administration will use scare tactics to discourage immigrants and employers. But, we…are…NOT…scared!
Longer Government Processing Times: It will take longer for the government to make decisions on applications. There will be decreased staff, extraneous requirements, and erroneous rejections. So, we are alerting clients farther in advance of necessary actions. We also argue for expedited processing for urgent applications.
Unreasonable Questioning of Immigration Applications: In the anti-immigrant climate, the government agencies will unnecessarily scrutinize applications and issue excessive Requests for Evidence. We are familiar with this game and proactively make strong arguments in applications. Even if there is a Request for Evidence, we are unstoppable.
Worksite Raids and I-9 Audits: In its hunt for unauthorized employment, the government will visit all sorts of American companies to determine compliance with immigration laws. We can provide advance guidance to minimize employer liability and protect employee rights.
More Green Card Interviews: The government will require interviews for many more types of applications, including for employment-based green cards and family-based green cards. Our attorneys attend interviews to facilitate a smooth success.
Travel Ban: The president has the authority to suspend entry of certain non-U.S. citizens. Nobody knows definitively whether there will be a travel ban, who it will impact, or when it will take effect. To be on the safe side, at least the following folks may want to be back in the United States before Inauguration Day: citizens of predominantly Muslim countries, DACA recipients, and green card holders who are outside of the United States on a trip lasting one year or more.
H-1B Spouse (H-4) Employment Authorization Document Instability: Renewals of these employment authorization documents will be at risk. If you have a U.S. sponsoring employer, we may be able to apply for more secure immigration status.
DACA Instability: The DACA program to protect immigrants brought to the U.S. as children will be at risk. In some cases, we can apply for stronger immigration status.
We are here to help our valued immigrant community!