Department of Homeland Security Resumes Processing Benefits for Humanitarian Parolees
June 10, 2025
In a significant development for immigrants admitted to the United States under Biden-era humanitarian parole programs, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reopened the processing of benefits, including applications for asylum and employment-based green cards. This move, authorized by Angelica Alfonso-Royals, the acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was outlined in a memo issued earlier this week and reported to a federal district court.
The memo specifically addresses immigrants who have been paroled through programs such as Uniting for Ukraine and the Family Reunification Parole, as well as processes involving parolees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This decision comes as a response to litigation initiated by a group of immigrants and U.S. citizen sponsors, who challenged the previous administration's efforts to dismantle these programs and a February 14 memo that had paused the adjudication of benefits for recipients.
While the new directive allows for the processing of parole renewals, it's important to note that initial claims and sponsor applications remain on hold, as indicated by a declaration from USCIS.
Supreme Court Halts District Court Order on CHNV Parole Programs Termination
May 30, 2025
In a significant legal development on Friday, May 30, the Supreme Court decided to grant the Trump administration's request to pause the April 15, 2025, order from the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts (case No. 1:25-cv-10495). This pause relates to the administration’s planned termination of the CHNV Parole Programs. The Supreme Court's decision effectively suspends the District Court's ruling, maintaining the status quo until all appeals and possible Supreme Court reviews are fully exhausted.
What Does This Mean for CHNV Parole Programs?
Procedurally, this case is now advancing through the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals. Importantly, the stay that previously prevented the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from terminating the CHNV Parole Programs, including work authorization, is no longer in place. This means that DHS has the authority to proceed with the termination of these programs, impacting many individuals and organizations.
USCIS to Resume Processing of Immigration Benefit Applications for U4U and OTHER Humanitarian Parole recipients
May 28, 2025
A federal judge in Massachusetts has mandated the Trump administration to reinstate the processing of immigration benefits for individuals granted lawful status through humanitarian parole programs, including Uniting for Ukraine (U4U). This ruling is crucial in ensuring that USCIS resumes processing a wide range of immigration-related benefits for these beneficiaries.
Department of State Expands Social Media Vetting for Visa Applicants
Date: May 27, 2025
A recent report by Politico has unveiled a new Department of State (DOS) cable titled "Action Request: Expanding Screening and Social Media Vetting for Visa Applicants – Part 1." A screenshot of this cable has been circulating online, highlighting significant changes in the visa application process.
Key Directives from the DOS Cable
The DOS has issued directives to its consular posts to reassess their operations and processes, with a focus on expanding social media vetting for all F, M, and J visa applicants. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance screening measures. Here are the main points from the DOS cable:
Limiting Appointment Capacity
Consular posts have been instructed not to increase interview capacity for student visas. They are also advised to remove any unscheduled appointment slots until further guidance is issued by the DOS.
Current Appointments
Visa appointments that have already been scheduled can proceed under the current guidelines until new instructions are provided.
Pending Guidance
Further guidance regarding these changes is expected to be released in "the coming days." Until then, F-1, J-1, and M-1 visa applicants should be prepared for potential difficulties in securing appointments.
Implications for Visa Applicants
Visa applicants, particularly those applying for F, M, and J visas, should be aware of the following potential impacts:
Appointment Availability
Due to the directive to limit interview capacity, securing visa appointments may become more challenging in the immediate future.
Processing Delays
Even after attending a visa interview, applicants might face delays in visa processing due to administrative reviews as the new social media vetting guidelines are implemented.
Uncertain Impact on SEVIS Records
There remains uncertainty regarding how this new directive will affect students whose SEVIS records were previously terminated and later restored due to litigation. The implications for these students will become clearer as further guidance is released.