Trump Immigration Bulletin 

USCIS reopened the online payment portal for certain individuals who missed the deadline to pay the annual asylum fee. It is unclear how long the portal will be open, so it’s important to pay the fee as soon as possible. Failure to pay the required fee may have serious consequences for a pending asylum application.

Effective immediately, USCIS may refer certain affirmative asylum applications directly to immigration court without first conducting an asylum interview. Whether a case is referred without an interview will be at the discretion of the USCIS asylum officer, although USCIS has not yet provided clear guidance on how this discretion will be applied. Because officers may rely more heavily on the written application, submitting a complete, accurate, and well-supported asylum application is more important than ever. The rule is likely to face legal challenges, so stay tuned for further updates.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the protections of the 14th Amendment, preserving the right of children born in the United States to U.S. citizenship. For countless families, this ruling brings clarity, stability, and hope.

A federal court has struck down USCIS's pause on immigration applications for individuals from 39 countries, finding the policy unlawful and allowing case processing to resume. The decision brings long-awaited relief to thousands of applicants and families whose immigration cases had been left in limbo for months.

USCIS recently issued a policy memorandum that could make it more difficult for some applicants to obtain a Green Card through adjustment of status inside the United States. Learn who may be affected, potential exceptions, and what this policy could mean for pending and future cases.

In light of nationwide DACA renewal delays, reported by media and unofficial sources, Antonini & Cohen recommends filing your DACA renewal at least one year before expiration to reduce risks of delays and allow time to resolve any issues. Processing times are increasingly unpredictable, raising the risk of gaps in work authorization and protection. Get started on your renewal early and contact Antonini & Cohen today.

USCIS has automatically extended the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Haiti TPS holders until further notice, following a federal court order. This applies to EADs issued under Haiti’s TPS designation with expiration dates ranging from July 22, 2017, through February 3, 2026. During this period, eligible TPS beneficiaries may continue working legally in the US. The Trump Administration is expected to appeal the ruling, but no next steps have been finalized yet.

A federal judge has indefinitely paused the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, blocking the Department of Homeland Security from ending the program while the case is under judicial review. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes ruled the termination is null, void, and of no legal effect during the stay. This preserves TPS protections, including work authorization and protection from removal and prevents TPS holders from being deported or denied work authorization while the case proceeds. More updates are expected as litigation continues.

Starting January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries (linked below) identified as high risk for becoming a public charge. This does not mean automatic denial, but cases may be delayed or placed on hold. According to DOS, this pause applies only to immigrant visas; it does not apply to nonimmigrant visas such as those relating to tourists, students, and exchange visitors. Nor does the DOS indicate that the pause will result in revocation of immigrant visas already issues. Citizens of the affected countries with upcoming consular interviews should contact Antonini & Cohen before traveling or making any plans.

USCIS has reduced the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) categories. Initial and renewal EADs for asylees, certain refugees, and individuals with pending or granted withholding of removal are valid for up to 18 months instead of 5 years. Parole-based categories, including refugee parolees and TPS applicants or holders, are valid for the authorized parole or TPS period, capped at 1 year.