USCIS Modifies Its Policy on the Collection of Biometrics for Individuals in Custody
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated Volume 1, Part C of its Policy Manual with the aim of discouraging frivolous filings and ensuring greater uniformity in its procedures. The new directive establishes that the Department of Homeland Security will generally not collect biometric data from detained foreign nationals unless they are in removal proceedings […]
The United States Creates a New Research Center to Strengthen Immigration Controls and Address Security Threats
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the creation of a specialized center that will enhance the capabilities of the immigration system to identify individuals who pose risks to national security, including terrorists, people with criminal histories, or applicants who have committed fraud. Located in Atlanta, this new unit will consolidate advanced verification processes and allow […]
The United States Adjusts the Validity of Work Permits and Strengthens Security Reviews for Foreign Nationals
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced new changes to its Policy Manual that reduce the maximum duration of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for various categories of noncitizens. These changes implement requirements established by recent legislation and seek to ensure more rigorous security investigations and background checks for those applying for permission to work in the […]
The United States Suspends Naturalization Ceremonies for Some Permanent Residents from Restricted Countries
Recent changes driven by the Trump administration have begun to directly affect the path to U.S. citizenship. Permanent residents from countries included on the list of migration restrictions have seen their naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies —the final step before becoming citizens— canceled without prior notice, generating uncertainty and fear among thousands of people who […]
The United States Expands Security Screenings and Requires Public Social Media Profiles for H-1B and H-4 Applicants
The Department of State announced that, starting December 15, the requirement to review the online presence of all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents will be expanded. This process, which previously applied only to students and exchange visitors, now requires those applying for H-1B and H-4 visas, as well as the F, M, and […]
USCIS Announces New National Security Measures Following Attack on National Guard Members Committed by an Afghan Citizen
USCIS announced new national security measures that tighten the way the agency will evaluate immigration applications that depend on discretionary analysis. From now on, immigration officers must consider specific factors related to the applicant’s country of origin—including limitations on issuing reliable documents or lack of sufficient information to conduct security checks—when reviewing applications from foreign […]
Trump states that the suspension of asylum decisions will last “for a long time”
President Donald Trump declared that the nationwide pause on asylum decisions will remain “for a long time,” following the attack in which an Afghan citizen allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House, causing the death of one of the victims. Trump asserted that there is no defined time limit for lifting the […]
United States to Review Pending Asylum Applications: Statements by the Secretary of Homeland Security Raise Concerns
In a context of significant adjustments to immigration policy, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, recently stated that asylum applicants with cases still pending could be subject to deportation proceedings. The statement, issued during a shared Q&A session on the platform X, confirms that the Government is reassessing the asylum system under stricter […]
With 35,000 Applications, USCIS Reaches the Highest Number of Job Submissions in Its Entire History
USCIS announced that it has issued hundreds of job offers and continues expanding its hiring process to bring in new “defenders of the nation.” Since the start of its campaign on September 30, the agency has received more than 35,000 applications, a figure that surpasses any previous record for a position within the institution. According […]
DHS Cancels Temporary Protected Status for Haiti
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an official notice in the Federal Register announcing the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. After consulting with various federal agencies, Secretary Noem determined that Haiti no longer meets the legal criteria required to maintain this designation. The decision was made following an assessment conducted by […]
