Pabian Law Clients,
I hope everyone had a nice week! Below, please find our latest update on the recent immigration actions that have occurred in the last two weeks:
U.S. Supreme Court allows the Administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti and Syria
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Administration could end TPS for Haitian and Syrian nationals. The Court held that the plain text of the TPS law bars judicial review of all claims brought under federal law and that federal judges overstepped their authority in questioning the Administration’s decision to terminate TPS. For more details, please refer to the Client Alert [Taylor, please link yesterday’s client alert] we sent yesterday.
This decision will surely have negative consequences for other ongoing TPS litigation now that the Administration has the authority to proceed with removing all TPS protections. We strongly urge employers who are currently employing Haitians or Syrians on TPS, to reverify their work authorizations immediately. For now, TPS and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) remain valid through July 1st; however, we expect U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to issue an official termination notice soon.
U.S. Department of State (DOS) to reduce visa processing posts in Africa
On June 1st, there were reports of an internal DOS memo outlining the Administration’s plan to reduce the number of U.S. consulates and embassies in Africa that can process visa applications. The plan would be to reduce the nearly fifty (50) current posts to just twenty (20).
This proposal aligns with the Administration’s continued efforts of tightening access to certain immigration benefits through enhanced screening and stricter administration of immigration pathways.
USCIS proposal to increase application fees for Naturalization
On June 23rd, USCIS published a notice proposing an increase in filing fees for applications for Naturalization. An Application for Naturalization is for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who seek to become U.S. citizens. The proposed fees would increase by $570. USCIS is accepting comments on the proposal until August 24th.
This proposal also aligns with the Administration’s broader approach to immigration policy by making pathways more expensive and restrictive.
We hope that you find these resources helpful as we all try to make sense of what is really happening in the world of immigration law.
Thanks, everyone, and have a great weekend!
Best regards,
Keith and the Pabian Law Team