Asylum Processing, Enforcement Tools and Third-Country Deportations
On September 30, I joined Univision TV to discuss several immigration developments that are creating understandable questions for families and applicants across the United States.
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One important development concerns USCIS processing for certain applicants affected by agency holds. On August 24, a federal court ordered USCIS to resume normal adjudication of applications covered by two USCIS policy memoranda. The certified class includes certain nationals or natives of 39 countries, as well as the Palestinian Authority, who have pending asylum applications or other USCIS benefit applications affected by those holds. USCIS announced on August 28 that it would comply with the court’s order while litigation continues.
For people with affected pending USCIS cases, this is an important time to make sure supporting documents, translations and evidence are organized and current. A court order allowing processing to resume does not mean every case will move immediately or that a particular application will be approved.
We also discussed California’s new legislation restricting the use of wearable electric-shock devices by law enforcement. The law was signed on September 29 after ICE awarded a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 electric-shock gloves. The scope and enforceability of California’s restrictions as applied to federal immigration officers may continue to be litigated.
Finally, we discussed the Supreme Court’s September 29 action concerning removals to third countries. The Court temporarily stayed a lower-court judgment and agreed to hear the case, with oral argument expected during the December 2026 argument session. Importantly, this was not a final ruling on whether the government’s third-country removal policy is lawful. That question remains before the Court.
Immigration policy is changing quickly, and court decisions can affect what agencies are permitted or required to do while litigation continues. Thanks to Univision for giving me the opportunity to explain these developments and what they may mean for immigrant communities.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Immigration cases depend on individual facts and circumstances.
Martha L. Arias, Esq.
Immigration Law Attorney
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Immigration policy can change quickly, and the right next step depends on the facts of your case. Arias Villa, PLLC represents individuals, families, and businesses in Miami, throughout the United States, and internationally. If you have questions about your immigration matter, reach out to my office or schedule your consultation today.
