DACA Archives - Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq.

Critical Immigration Updates: Rights, Risks, and Family Protection

Martha Arias — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:32:32 +0000

Last week, I had the honor of joining Padre Alberto on Poderosa 990 AM to discuss urgent developments in U.S. immigration law. A federal judge has just blocked the recent executive order by President Trump that sought to halt asylum applications at the southern border. This decision is crucial, as it temporarily restores the right for those arriving at the border to request asylum, regardless of how they enter the country. The judge’s ruling allows a 14-day window—from July 2 to July 16—during which individuals may once again submit asylum requests while the government considers an appeal.

We also addressed widespread concerns about the sharing of Medicaid and health information between states and federal immigration authorities. Many states are now suing the federal government over confidentiality and the use of funds, reflecting just how complicated immigration issues have become.

Most importantly, we talked about the fears facing so many immigrant families: the risk of detention, the uncertainty of temporary protections like TPS and DACA, and—perhaps most distressing—the anxiety about what could happen to children if their parents are suddenly detained or deported. If you have U.S. citizen children, now is the time to get their passports and ensure a trusted friend or family member is authorized to care for them in an emergency. Proper legal documentation, signed and notarized, is essential for your children’s protection.

If you have questions about your immigration status or family safety, I encourage you to reach out to a qualified attorney who can help you prepare and safeguard your loved ones. For help, you can always contact my office at (305) 671-0018 or reach out to me on social media.

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SPANISH TRANSCRIPT:

Padre Alberto:
Señores, muy buenos días, gracias por estar con nosotros. En las noticias hoy hay mucho que hablar. Yo quiero invitar a la doctora Martha Arias, es abogada especialista en el tema de inmigración, que nos hable en los minutos en este programa sobre todas las noticias del día. Doctora, buenos días, ¿cómo está?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Muy buenos días, un saludo para usted y toda su audiencia en este día lluvioso hoy.

Padre Alberto:
Ay sí, pasado por agua. Lleve su sombrilla, por favor, doctora, no se moje. Bueno, le voy a decir, doctora, un juez frena orden del presidente Trump para restringir el asilo en la frontera. Explíqueme esa noticia, ¿de qué se trata esto?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Sí, efectivamente, a principios de este año, creo que fue el 20 de enero, si no estoy mal, el presidente Trump anunció una orden ejecutiva, sí, efectivamente fue el 20 de enero, donde dijo que los inmigrantes que llegaban a la frontera eran considerados como una invasión y, por lo tanto, no podían hacer peticiones de asilo, presentar sus peticiones de asilo.

Padre Alberto:
Eso se estaba haciendo por teléfono, ¿verdad? ¿Se estaba haciendo de una forma móvil o estoy equivocado?

Abogada Martha Arias:
¿No le entendí la pregunta?

Padre Alberto:
Había una forma como que la gente pedía citas por el celular, para que le aprobaran el asilo, ¿algo de eso?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Sí, bueno, sí, es una aplicación que el presidente Biden empezó que se llama CBP One, donde las personas entraban, hacían un registro y pedían una cita para llegar a la frontera a pedir su asilo, correcto.

Padre Alberto:
¿Ya eso se acabó ya?

Abogada Martha Arias:
El presidente Trump lo terminó a través de esta orden ejecutiva. Dijo que esas personas que se acercaban a la frontera no podían pedir asilo. Y terminó con esa aplicación CBP One.

Padre Alberto:
Entonces, legalmente, ahora ¿cómo una persona pide asilo?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Bueno, sí, entonces ahí va la información de contexto para que me entiendan el anuncio del juez. Entonces viene una asociación pro-inmigrantes y presentan una demanda en Washington D.C. pidiendo que se declarara inconstitucional esa orden ejecutiva del presidente. Porque se consideraba que era inconstitucional porque las personas, según el estatuto de inmigración y según la ley, pues tienen ese derecho a pedir ese asilo. El juez, el día de ayer, salió ayer, ese juez de Washington, el juez Radolf Moos, emite una orden donde dice que esa decisión o esa orden ejecutiva del presidente es inconstitucional y no tiene fundamento legal. Por lo tanto, a partir de ayer hasta el 16 de julio de este mes, o sea, desde este año, las personas que se acercaran o que se pudieran acercar a la frontera pudieran aplicar para asilo; porque el juez da un margen de tiempo de 14 días para que si el gobierno quiere apelar, apele. Entonces, en esta ventana de tiempo, es decir, desde ayer 2 de julio hasta el 16 de julio (14 días), las personas que lleguen a la frontera pudieran hacer peticiones de asilo basadas en esta decisión del juez del día de ayer.

El juez dice, entre otras cosas, que las personas pueden pedir asilo, no importa la forma en que entren. O sea, en otras palabras, como que hace una diferenciación de por qué una persona que entra por el aeropuerto podría pedir asilo, pero una persona que entra por la frontera no. Entonces el juez dice que no hay nada en la ley que limite que uno lo pueda hacer y el otro no.

Entonces, ese es uno de los argumentos en soporte a su decisión. El otro argumento dice que solamente la Constitución y las leyes federales son las que determinan esta ley o política migratoria, que el presidente no puede pasar por el Congreso para tomar estas decisiones sobre el asilo porque es un derecho que está en la ley de inmigración, perdón.

Padre Alberto:
Ahora también, doctora, hay 20 estados de la nación. Recordemos que hay 50 estados en Estados Unidos de América. Se pudiera decir que casi más de un 40 por ciento de los estados han demandado al gobierno federal por compartir datos de Medicaid, o sea, el sistema de Medicaid con el sistema de inmigración. Cuénteme, ¿qué está pasando ahí?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Sí, los estados. Pues lo que pasa es que esto es complicado y esa parte yo no me siento competente para decir si es correcta, no me imagino que es correcta la demanda, pero como todos sabemos el Medicaid y el Medicare es manejado por los estados, definitivamente, o sea, los estados son los que administran esos programas. Sin embargo, los dos programas, tanto el Medicare como el Medicaid, reciben fondos federales.
Ahora, la cantidad de fondos federales que cada uno de estos programas recibe es lo que yo no sé. Pero entonces, el estado, al ser el que administra el programa, es obviamente el estado el que tiene esa información de quién está recibiendo ese Medicaid. Y esa es la información que le están dando al gobierno federal. Entonces, la pregunta es que…

Padre Alberto:
Específicamente, doctora, al Departamento de Homeland Security, o sea que se está compartiendo información que es altamente confidencial, que tiene que ver con la salud de las personas. Se sabe que aquí hay leyes muy estrictas. Por ejemplo, yo llamo a un doctor, yo llamo a una oficina de una medicina o de algo del seguro. Yo quiero ayudar a mi esposa, por ejemplo, y quiero hablar de la salud de mi esposa y a mí no me autorizan si ella no lo ha autorizado. O sea, es tan estricto como eso. Si la persona no ha dado autorización de compartir la información de su salud con su esposo, su esposa, hasta con su propio médico, esa información no se puede compartir. Bueno, en este caso estos 20 estados están diciendo que se ha permitido que Medicaid, escuchen, que Medicaid tenga acceso a información médica sobre personas sin la autorización de las personas ni el sistema de Medicaid. O sea, que una cosa que siempre ha estado protegida por la confidencialidad que hay en un tema de la salud. Entonces ahora esto está fuerte. Eso está fuerte.

Abogada Martha Arias:
Exacto. Y otra noticia que vi también relacionada con 20 estados. No sé si es la misma demanda, la verdad. Demandaron al gobierno federal también por usar los fondos destinados a desastres públicos y transporte, como transporte, como es el FEMA, para el forzamiento de la ley de migración, que este es el centro nuevo de detención que se hizo aquí en la Florida, el Alcatraz, que se usaron dinero supuestamente de FEMA y del Departamento de Transporte para crearlo. Entonces, estos estados también están demandando y son Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin y Vermont. Ellos consideran que este uso también de esos dineros federales para el centro de detención o para el forzamiento de la inmigración no es correcto. Eso también es una demanda que existe por 20 estados.

Padre Alberto:
Bueno, doctora, lo que la gente quizás no sabe es que aquí todo se complicó en la época que se instituyó el HIPAA. Se sabe que el HIPAA, la Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, el HIPAA. Yo como sacerdote, por ejemplo, si voy a visitar un enfermo al hospital, a mí esa información del paciente no me la dan, a no ser que la familia haya dicho, el padre Alberto está autorizado para saber esta información, tienen que firmar un papel y decir, con la ley HIPAA, él está autorizado. Pero si tú no estás autorizado, incluso a veces estoy llamando a un hospital, tú no puedes ni saber si tú no tienes el nombre del paciente. Tú no puedes decir, ah, el paciente tal, yo estoy buscando una persona. No, no, no. Tú tienes que ser autorizado para tener información sobre esa persona. Si esa persona está en hospital, si está grave, si no está grave, si se está muriendo. Si no, antes yo llamaba a un hospital y podía hablar con la enfermera inmediatamente y la enfermera me daba información sobre el estado del paciente. Y eso se cambió después de la ley HIPAA. La ley HIPAA lo que hace es que protege al paciente de que su información aún salga al público. Así que imagínense que este caso es con el gobierno federal y lo están usando con el tema de las deportaciones. Obviamente ese es el gran tema.

Hoy 3 de julio, un día que es la vigilia de la independencia de los Estados Unidos de América. ¿Cuál es la complicación más grande en este momento para la mayoría de nuestros clientes en el tema de inmigración? ¿Cómo usted lo ve? Usted trabaja en esto todos los días.

Abogada Martha Arias:
Bueno, lo que veo es mucho miedo, mucho temor, mucha incertidumbre, angustia de las personas. Las personas tienen mucho temor de lo que pueda ser su futuro migratorio, particularmente aquellos que tienen unos estatus de protección temporal. Obviamente, los que están indocumentados siempre han vivido con la zozobra de estar indocumentados. Ahora, obviamente, se hace más grave porque obviamente las leyes migratorias están siendo enforzadas de una forma más fuerte.
Pero también los que tienen protección temporal como TPS, como DACA, esas personas también tienen mucho temor. Esa es la primer temor. El temor dos es el temor de ser detenidos en centros de detención, pues como los que están mostrando, el Alcatraz, o que sean enviados a terceros países, como El Salvador y como esos otros terceros países de África que acordaron con el gobierno federal recibir inmigrantes deportados de acá.
Ese es otro temor que tiene la gente. El tercer temor muy muy sentido es el de los hijos. Hay personas indocumentadas que tienen hijos ciudadanos americanos, hijos menores de edad, y tienen miedo de que en algún momento que sean detenidos, pues sus hijos queden desprotegidos, a la deriva, sin saber con quién quedarse.
Yo diría que esos tres, más que incluso la parte financiera, obviamente la gente se preocupa si tiene propiedades, casas, qué va a pasar con su casa, qué va a pasar con sus propiedades si les pasa algo. A lo último se convierte en el menos problemático de los dilemas. El dilema mayor son esos tres que menciono, sobre todo el de los hijos. Por eso yo le digo a las personas que es momento de que hablen con un abogado de familia, cómo proteger a sus hijos, cómo determinar si, por ejemplo, como ha pasado mostrando en la noticia, creo que la semana pasada, una señora que fue deportada con su hija mayor, pero la hija menor, un bebé que tenía como tres años, no se lo dejaron llevar, no se lo dejaron recibir, que era ciudadano americano, obviamente. Entonces, ahora ese bebé está con una familia mientras procesan cómo lo mandan. Pero acuérdense que los niños, para sacar un pasaporte de un niño americano, necesita la firma de los dos padres. Si no hay la firma de los dos padres, hay que seguir ciertas reglas que tiene el departamento de pasaportes o la agencia de pasaportes. Entonces, este es el momento para que esas personas tomen control de eso. Pídanle el pasaporte a sus hijos ahora que están aquí, que están libres, que pueden firmar. Sáquenle el pasaporte. Cosa de que, en alguna cosa mala pase, Dios no lo quiera, los deporten, por lo menos ese niño tenga un pasaporte, haya un familiar o un amigo cercano que pueda coger el niño con su pasaporte, ya con previa autorización escrita, notarizada, y llevar ese hijo a su mamá o a su papá, su país de padres. Esas son cosas que se tienen que ir haciendo. Lo de los pasaportes y lo de determinar, autorizar. Si va a haber un familiar o un amigo que es el que va a ser encargado, ese familiar o amigo debe tener un documento firmado y notarizado donde diga que está autorizado a sacar ese niño de los Estados Unidos porque nadie va a querer sacar un niño de aquí si no lo autorizan por escrito, qué miedo, es como si se estuviera robando un niño, ¿no?

Entonces todo eso tiene que estar legalizado, busquen un abogado de familia que los aconseje, hagan toda esa documentación, que eso minimiza esa ansiedad, por lo menos saben que están seguros, que tienen un plan para llevarse a sus hijos en caso de que pase una eventualidad de esto.

Padre Alberto:
Bueno, doctora, le agradezco tanto este tiempo y toda su sabiduría. Espero que la gente escuche. Señores, si ustedes están en una situación de esa, o un ser querido está en situación de esa. Este es el momento para buscar orientación. Háganlo con un profesional. Gracias, doctora.

Abogada Martha Arias:
Gracias a ustedes. Feliz día. Hasta luego.

ENGLISH TRANSCRIPT:

Padre Alberto:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, thank you for being with us. There is a lot to talk about in the news today. I want to invite attorney Martha Arias, a lawyer specializing in immigration, to tell us in these minutes on this program about all the news of the day. Attorney, good morning, how are you?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Very good morning, greetings to you and all your audience on this rainy day today.

Padre Alberto:
Oh yes, it’s pouring. Bring your umbrella, please, attorney, don’t get wet. Well, let me tell you, attorney, a judge has stopped President Trump’s order to restrict asylum at the border. Explain this news to me, what is this about?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Yes, indeed, at the beginning of this year, I think it was January 20, if I’m not mistaken, President Trump announced an executive order, yes, indeed it was January 20, where he said that immigrants arriving at the border were considered an invasion and, therefore, could not make asylum requests, could not present their asylum applications.

Padre Alberto:
That was being done by phone, right? Was it being done in a mobile way or am I mistaken?

Attorney Martha Arias:
I didn’t understand the question?

Padre Alberto:
There was a way, like people would request appointments through their cell phone, to get asylum approved, something like that?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Yes, well, yes, it’s an application that President Biden started called CBP One, where people would go in, register, and request an appointment to come to the border and request asylum, correct.

Padre Alberto:
That’s over now?

Attorney Martha Arias:
President Trump ended it through this executive order. He said that those people who approached the border could not request asylum. And he ended that CBP One application.

Padre Alberto:
So, legally, now how does a person request asylum?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Well, yes, so there goes the background information so that you understand the judge’s announcement. So a pro-immigrant association comes and files a lawsuit in Washington D.C. asking for that executive order from the president to be declared unconstitutional. Because it was considered unconstitutional since people, according to the immigration statute and according to the law, have that right to request asylum. The judge, yesterday, yes, that judge from Washington, Judge Radolf Moos, issued an order saying that that decision or that executive order from the president is unconstitutional and has no legal basis. Therefore, starting yesterday until July 16 of this month, that is, from this year, people who approach or who can approach the border can apply for asylum; because the judge gives a margin of 14 days so that if the government wants to appeal, it can appeal. So, in this window of time, that is, from yesterday, July 2, until July 16 (14 days), people who arrive at the border can make asylum requests based on this judge’s decision from yesterday.

The judge says, among other things, that people can request asylum, no matter how they enter. In other words, he makes a differentiation as to why a person who enters through the airport could request asylum, but a person who enters through the border could not. So the judge says there is nothing in the law that limits one from being able to do it and the other not.

So that’s one of the arguments supporting his decision. The other argument says that only the Constitution and federal laws determine this immigration law or policy, that the president cannot bypass Congress to make these decisions about asylum because it’s a right that is in the immigration law, sorry.

Padre Alberto:
Now also, attorney, there are 20 states in the nation. Let’s remember there are 50 states in the United States of America. You could say that almost more than 40 percent of the states have sued the federal government for sharing Medicaid data, that is, the Medicaid system with the immigration system. Tell me, what’s happening there?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Yes, the states. Well, what happens is that this is complicated and on that part I do not feel competent to say if it’s correct, I can’t imagine if it’s correct, but as we all know Medicaid and Medicare are managed by the states, definitely, that is, the states are the ones who administer those programs. However, both programs, Medicare and Medicaid, receive federal funds.
Now, the amount of federal funds each of these programs receives is what I don’t know. But then, the state, being the one that administers the program, is obviously the state that has the information about who is receiving that Medicaid. And that is the information they are giving to the federal government. So, the question is that…

Padre Alberto:
Specifically, attorney, to the Department of Homeland Security, that is, information is being shared that is highly confidential, that has to do with people’s health. You know that there are very strict laws here. For example, I call a doctor, I call a medical office or some insurance office. I want to help my wife, for example, and I want to talk about my wife’s health and they won’t authorize me unless she has authorized it. That’s how strict it is. If the person hasn’t authorized sharing their health information with their husband, wife, or even with their own doctor, that information cannot be shared. Well, in this case, these 20 states are saying that it has been allowed for Medicaid, listen, for Medicaid to have access to medical information about people without the authorization of the people or the Medicaid system. That is, something that has always been protected by confidentiality in the health field. So now, this is strong. That’s strong.

Attorney Martha Arias:
Exactly. And another piece of news I saw also related to 20 states. I don’t know if it’s the same lawsuit, honestly. They sued the federal government as well for using funds intended for public disasters and transportation, like transportation, like FEMA, for the enforcement of immigration law, which is this new detention center that was made here in Florida, Alcatraz, that supposedly money from FEMA and from the Department of Transportation was used to create it. So, these states are also suing, and they are Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. They consider that this use of those federal funds for the detention center or for immigration enforcement is not correct. That’s also a lawsuit that exists by 20 states.

Padre Alberto:
Well, attorney, what people may not know is that everything got complicated here when HIPAA was instituted. You know that HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA. As a priest, for example, if I go to visit a sick person in a hospital, that patient’s information isn’t given to me unless the family has said, Father Alberto is authorized to know this information, they have to sign a paper and say, with the HIPAA law, he is authorized. But if you’re not authorized, sometimes even when I’m calling a hospital, you can’t even know if you don’t have the patient’s name. You can’t say, oh, the patient such-and-such, I’m looking for a person. No, no, no. You have to be authorized to have information about that person. If that person is in the hospital, if they’re in serious condition, if not, if they’re dying. If not, before I would call a hospital and could immediately speak with the nurse and the nurse would give me information about the patient’s condition. And that changed after the HIPAA law. HIPAA law protects the patient so that their information doesn’t go out to the public. So imagine that in this case, it’s with the federal government and they’re using it with the issue of deportations. Obviously, that’s the big issue.

Today, July 3, a day that is the eve of the independence of the United States of America. What is the biggest complication right now for most of our clients in the immigration issue? How do you see it? You work on this every day.

Attorney Martha Arias:
Well, what I see is a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety, a lot of uncertainty, anguish of people. People are very afraid of what their immigration future may be, particularly those who have some sort of temporary protection status. Obviously, those who are undocumented have always lived with the anxiety of being undocumented. Now, obviously, it becomes more serious because, obviously, immigration laws are being enforced in a stronger way.
But also those who have temporary protection like TPS, like DACA, those people are also very afraid. That’s the first fear. The second fear is the fear of being detained in detention centers, like the ones they’re showing, Alcatraz, or being sent to third countries, like El Salvador and those other African countries that agreed with the federal government to receive immigrants deported from here.
That’s another fear people have. The third very deep fear is about the children. There are undocumented people who have American citizen children, minor children, and they are afraid that at some point if they are detained, their children will be left unprotected, adrift, without knowing who to stay with.
I would say those three, more than even the financial part, obviously people worry if they have property, houses, what’s going to happen with their house, what’s going to happen with their properties if something happens to them. In the end, it becomes the least problematic of the dilemmas. The main dilemma is those three that I mention, especially about the children. That’s why I tell people that it’s time to talk to a family lawyer, how to protect their children, how to determine if, for example, as happened showing in the news I think last week, a lady who was deported with her older daughter, but the younger daughter, a baby who was about three years old, they didn’t let her take her, didn’t let her receive her, who was obviously an American citizen. So now that baby is with a family while they process how to send her. But remember that children, to get a passport for an American child, need the signatures of both parents. If there is not the signature of both parents, you have to follow certain rules that the passport department or the passport agency has. So this is the time for those people to take control of that. Get your children’s passport now that they’re here, that they’re free, that you can sign. Get the passport. So that if something bad happens, God forbid, they deport you, at least that child has a passport, there is a family member or a close friend who can take the child with the passport, already with prior written, notarized authorization, and take that child to his or her mother or father, to their parents’ country. Those are things that have to be done. The passports and the authorizations. If there is going to be a family member or a friend who is going to be in charge, that family member or friend must have a signed and notarized document stating that they are authorized to take that child out of the United States because nobody is going to want to take a child out of here if it’s not authorized in writing, it’s scary, it’s as if they were kidnapping a child, right?

So all that has to be legalized, look for a family lawyer to advise you, do all that documentation, that minimizes that anxiety, at least you know you are safe, that you have a plan to take your children in case something like this happens.

Padre Alberto:
Well, attorney, I thank you so much for this time and all your wisdom. I hope people listen. Ladies and gentlemen, if you are in a situation like that, or a loved one is in a situation like that, this is the time to seek guidance. Do it with a professional. Thank you, attorney.

Attorney Martha Arias:
Thank you all. Have a nice day. Goodbye.

The post Critical Immigration Updates: Rights, Risks, and Family Protection appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

TPS for Venezuelans, Parole, New Updates in Immigration Law

Martha Arias — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:15:36 +0000

Hello everyone, I hope you caught my recent interview with Carlos & Agustín Acosta on “Cada Tarde” at Actualidad Radio yesterday. We spent quite some time answering your immigration questions regarding new TPS updates, parole, and the ongoing legal immigration news impacting Venezuelans, Cubans, and other communities. It’s clear that, today the U.S. immigration law is more complex than ever. My goal is always to offer clarity and help you feel more confident about your legal status.

During the interview, we discussed the evolving situation of TPS for Venezuelans, the court decisions from California, and how certain policies are still in limbo. I know it’s not easy to navigate all these changes, and that’s why I believe it’s so important to seek professional guidance if you have immigration concerns. My office number is 305-671-0018, and you can also reach us on social media as well. If you ever feel confused by what you’re hearing or reading about changes in immigration, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Let’s walk through this together.

Thank you for listening, thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more updates. I appreciate Carlos and Agustín Acosta for their kindness and the great questions from all the callers. Until next time, stay informed and stay safe.

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Original Transcript

AGUSTÍN:
Bien, seguimos adelante. Son las 4 de la tarde con 39 minutos. Nos mantenemos observando lo que está ocurriendo en la Casa Blanca para llevarles a ustedes más detalles a medida que el presidente concluya su alocución. Pero vamos a hablar un poco, Carlos, de inmigración. La inmigración sigue siendo un tema de mucha atención y de mucho interés aquí en el sur de la Florida, y casi todos los días hay diferentes cosas que ocurren en los tribunales, donde se han radicado demandas por distintas razones: el TPS, los paroles humanitarios, la residencia, las deportaciones, todo eso. Queremos que la doctora DRA. MARTHA ARIAS Arias nos ponga al tanto si ha habido algún cambio desde su última visita acá a la radio.

CARLOS:
Bienvenida, doctora. Gracias por estar con nosotros. Y queremos, con su permiso, darle también la posibilidad a la audiencia de que se comunique con nosotros si pronto surge alguna duda al respecto, para que usted, desde su experiencia y conocimiento, nos ayude a despejarla. Buenas tardes. Bienvenida.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Buenas tardes, Carlos y Agustín. Un saludo para ustedes y toda la audiencia de Actualidad Radio. Y claro, cómo no, con mucho gusto estamos aquí para contestar las preguntas de los oyentes.

AGUSTÍN:
Desde la última vez que conversamos, ¿hay algo nuevo que haya cambiado, algún cambio que haya venido por vía de algún dictamen tanto de un Tribunal Federal como de una Corte de Apelaciones?

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Bueno, ahí sí quiero explicar un poco más esa decisión de la corte de California acerca del TPS, si me lo permiten.

AGUSTÍN:
Claro que sí.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
A ver, la decisión inicialmente —antes de leer la orden completa— yo pensaba que solamente aplicaba al TPS del 2021, pero al leerla en su totalidad, entendí que realmente esta orden se aplica a los dos TPS: el de 2021 y el de 2023. Yo creía originalmente que solo obligaba al de 2023. ¿Cuál es la razón? El presidente Biden, al extenderlo hasta octubre de 2026, unió en una sola fecha el TPS de 2021 y el de 2023. Como había dos TPS con dos fechas distintas, decidió unirlos para que todos los TPS de Venezuela tuvieran la misma fecha de renovación, y así fue como quedó extendido hasta octubre de 2026.

Cuando la secretaria del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional emitió una orden para eliminar (vacate) la decisión del presidente Biden, básicamente dijo: “anulamos el TPS de 2023 por completo y, en cuanto al TPS de 2021, les avisaremos el 12 de julio.” Esa fue la orden de la secretaria del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional. Entonces, al poner pausa el juez a esa decisión de la secretaria, regresamos a la decisión del presidente Biden de unificar las fechas de ambos TPS. Eso significa que en este momento los dos TPS, el de 2021 y el de 2023, no pueden ser cancelados y pueden ser renovados.

De hecho, ayer algunos colegas me comentaban que habían intentado renovar el TPS de 2021, el que vence en septiembre, y el sistema se los permitió. Personalmente no lo he hecho, pero varios abogados, colegas míos, sí, y el sistema permite pagar. Eso es una buena noticia para las personas que tengan cualquiera de los dos TPS. Si el sistema lo permite, entonces que hagan sus renovaciones.

CARLOS:
Hay una pregunta concreta, porque existe una expresión que a mí me parecía un adefesio en el castellano, pero existe para ustedes los abogados: ¿Todos los beneficiarios de TPS deben “registrarse”?

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Deberían, sí. De todos modos, esta es una opinión personal. En este momento creo que lo deben hacer y, si el sistema lo permite, que lo hagan. Hasta el día de hoy (estamos a 2 de abril), no hemos escuchado ningún comunicado oficial de USCIS (el Departamento de Citizenship and Immigration Services) acerca de cómo van a implementar o a obedecer la orden de este juez. No han dicho nada. Entonces, si la persona no se siente cómoda haciendo esa extensión por ahora, puede esperar a un comunicado oficial; pero si no hay, yo sí instaría a las personas a que hagan el registro, porque es una protección que van a tener. Esperemos a ver qué pasa con la decisión de USCIS.

CARLOS:
Bien. Si lo permite, doctora, tenemos bastantes llamadas y gente esperando en línea. Quiero pedirle, por favor, a nuestra audiencia que sea absolutamente precisa en la pregunta, para que todos tengan la oportunidad de participar. Recibimos las llamadas a través del 305-410-1040.

AGUSTÍN:
Adelante, Ernesto. Buenas tardes.

ERNESTO:
Hola, sí, buenas tardes, es grato escucharles. Hay un principio que creo que es universal en el derecho: el administrado no tiene por qué acarrear las culpas en las que ha incurrido el administrador. Y yo creo que parte de esto tiene que ver con cómo se hizo el periodo pasado en materia administrativa para los inmigrantes. Lo cierto es que hay un grupo de venezolanos y de otras nacionalidades que están en un limbo jurídico, y en estos tiempos el tiempo vale oro. Yo simplemente quiero clamar, por este medio, por mis hermanos venezolanos. No todos son delincuentes, todo lo contrario…

CARLOS:
Gracias por su participación. Eso lo tenemos súper claro, lo hemos reiterado. Y hasta ahora no ha habido —doctora, corríjame si me equivoco— ninguna información de que la Fiscalía o la Secretaría de Homeland Security quiera impugnar o apelar la decisión del juez Edward Shea.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Hasta ahora no hay ningún comunicado oficial del gobierno sobre una apelación de esa medida cautelar. Uno, y dos, para contestarle también al oyente que acaba de participar, en la decisión el juez menciona que el número de venezolanos en Estados Unidos tiene un nivel educativo alto y también que contribuyen a la fuerza laboral de este país de manera significativa. Es decir, son trabajadores que están aportando al sistema laboral, además de tener un nivel educativo elevado.

AGUSTÍN:
Además, las condiciones que imperaban cuando se emitió el decreto del TPS no han cambiado; más bien se han empeorado en Venezuela, la situación política. Si me dijera, por ejemplo, en Siria, donde se les hubiera dado TPS a los sirios mientras estaba Al-Assad, y ahora hay un gobierno mejor, uno podría argumentar que las condiciones han mejorado y que, por tanto, los sirios podrían regresar. Pero en Venezuela no es el caso, tampoco en Cuba ni en Haití, porque en Haití no hay una dictadura de gobierno per se, pero hay una dictadura de pandillas criminales que están matando a cuanta gente. La ingobernabilidad de Haití hoy es peor que cuando se otorgó el TPS en primera instancia.
Ana, buenas tardes.

ANA:
Buenas tardes. Un saludo para todos. Doctora, mi pregunta no es sobre el TPS, pero con la situación tan difícil en inmigración, quiero saber qué puedo hacer. Yo soy ciudadana y pedí a mi hija hace mucho tiempo. Como vino la pandemia, el proceso se demoró dos años más. Después de nueve años, ella llegó con sus dos hijos, que son menores, gemelos de 15 años ahora. A mi hija le entregaron un papel cuando llegó al aeropuerto, en el que decía que con ese papel podía sacar el seguro social y que en 180 días (seis meses) le llegarían las green cards. A ella le llegó su green card, pero la de los hijos no llegó. Y quiero saber qué se puede hacer, porque nos da miedo ir a Inmigración o que confundan papeles o algo así. Es una situación alarmante.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Gracias por su pregunta. No hay necesidad de ir a ninguna oficina local de inmigración porque no los van a dejar entrar sin cita. Lo que debe hacer es llamar al número 800 de Inmigración. Se lo repito: es el 1-800-375-5283. Tenga a la mano la factura con la que pagaron los 220 dólares que cobra Inmigración cuando a uno le otorgan la residencia a nivel consular. Ese pago se hace por internet con una tarjeta de crédito, y uno recibe un recibo. Tenga ese recibo (que generalmente comienza con la letra “I”) y también el número de residencia o alien number de los niños, que aparece en el pasaporte donde está sellada la visa de inmigrante. Con esos datos, llame y comuníqueles que no han recibido la tarjeta. Es común que a veces se demore, pero con esa llamada le van a dar seguimiento y resolver.

AGUSTÍN:
Las residencias modernas continúan comenzando con la letra “A” o no.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Sí, todas comienzan con la letra “A.” Lo que pasa es que antes eran ocho dígitos, y si uno solo tenía siete, había que poner un cero al principio. Ahora, en cambio, son nueve números directamente, y no hay que ponerles nada.

AGUSTÍN:
Perfecto. Vamos con Juan. Juan, buenas tardes.

JUAN:
Buenas tardes, “el Caballo de Troya,” señor Carlos. Un gusto. Gracias por la oportunidad.

CARLOS:
Adelante, Juan. Muchas gracias por escucharnos. Lo escuchamos.

JUAN:
Doctora Arias, gracias. Tengo una pregunta. Yo no soy afectado, pero hay mucha gente afectada. El TPS era para varias nacionalidades: nicaragüenses, cubanos, algunos cubanos, hondureños, salvadoreños, venezolanos. ¿Eso lo han suspendido para esas nacionalidades, aparte de que ya se interpuso un litigio en las cortes con los venezolanos? ¿Quiere decir que la otra gente, las otras nacionalidades, perdieron su TPS?

AGUSTÍN:
Buena pregunta. Vamos a esperar la respuesta. Él pregunta si las personas de otras nacionalidades que recibían TPS quedan incluidas o excluidas de este litigio de California.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
No, ellas no están incluidas en este litigio. El litigio lo interpusieron siete demandantes venezolanos y la organización National TPS Alliance, centrada específicamente en el TPS para Venezuela, aunque en la sentencia también se menciona el TPS de Haití. Pero los TPS de otros países —El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal— no han sido mencionados específicamente, hasta donde sabemos no los han ni cancelado ni extendido. No hay información oficial del gobierno sobre eso.

CARLOS:
A través de nuestro canal de YouTube, una persona pregunta: si alguien solicitó TPS antes de que venciera su parole humanitario, ¿esa persona está acumulando tiempo ilegal en Estados Unidos?

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
No. Si pidió TPS antes de que venciera el parole, primero estuvo protegida con el parole y al pasarse al TPS sigue protegida. Mientras no haya un hueco de tiempo entre uno y otro, no acumula presencia ilegal. El TPS la protege.

AGUSTÍN:
Y en ese mismo orden, voy a hacer una pregunta genérica, pero parecida. Una persona de Venezuela o de Cuba presentó un asilo político cuando todavía no se habían otorgado los TPS. De pronto, Biden otorga TPS. Muchas de esas personas con asilos presentados se acogen al TPS. Si al final de este asunto legal se eliminan esos TPS o llegan a su fin, ¿las personas que tienen papeles de asilo pueden revertir al asilo o el asilo queda desestimado al acogerse al TPS?

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
No, el asilo no se desestima simplemente porque la persona pide TPS. Ese asilo sigue ahí, y si el TPS termina, la persona continúa protegida por la petición de asilo que tenga pendiente. Obviamente, ese asilo debe estar todavía pendiente, pero sí mantiene esa protección.

CARLOS:
Doctora, por lo que hemos escuchado de la audiencia, algunas personas nos comentan que los permisos de trabajo tienen categoría C8, C11, C10… algunos se derivan del TPS y otros de una solicitud de asilo. Si un funcionario de migración le pide a alguien que muestre su permiso de trabajo, ¿cuál es el válido?

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Esa es una buena pregunta, y es uno de los retos que tendrán las autoridades policiales cuando detengan a alguien y esta persona muestre un permiso de trabajo. Por ejemplo, si la persona tiene TPS y Asilo y tiene dos permisos: uno con la preferencia C08 (Asilo) y otro con A12 o C19 (TPS). Si en algún momento eliminan el TPS, la persona puede aún tener una tarjeta que diga “Válido hasta tal fecha,” pero ya el TPS no existe. Entonces, si el oficial sabe lo que hace, dirá: “No, ese permiso de trabajo es del TPS que ya se eliminó, muéstreme si tiene uno por Asilo.” O al menos la persona debe mostrar que tiene un asilo pendiente para demostrar que sigue protegida. Hay gente que tiene un permiso de trabajo, pero en realidad se lo negaron en la corte y ya tiene orden de deportación; sin embargo, la tarjetita aún dice que está vigente por dos o tres años más. Técnicamente no es válida. Por eso las autoridades deben estar bien entrenadas para verificar no solo el documento, sino también la situación legal de la persona en su sistema.

AGUSTÍN:
Ahora le toca al señor Nilo. Adelante, Nilo, buenas tardes.

NILO:
Buenas tardes, Agustín y a todos. Quiero hacer dos preguntas. Si yo tuviera un asilo y lo desestimo porque me acojo al TPS, y en algún momento eliminan ese TPS, ¿puedo retomar el asilo o quedo a la deriva? Esa es la primera. La segunda: yo soy ciudadano americano y tengo un hijo que tenía una aplicación abierta de DACA que sigue pendiente porque la última vez que hubo reinscripción la hicimos, pero la bloquearon. Él tiene TPS también, y yo le hice la petición de padre ciudadano a hijo mayor de edad. Me preocupa por el TPS, porque no sé qué estatus va a tener mi hijo en ese caso.

AGUSTÍN:
Una pregunta para que la doctora pueda discernir bien: ¿su hijo es mayor de edad hoy, pero cuando fue lo del DACA era menor?

NILO:
Bueno, era menor de edad, pero cuando aplicó, ya era mayor. Antes estaba en grado 8 o algo así, y no pudo aplicar siendo tan niño.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Bueno, son varias cosas. Para contestar rápidamente: lo del DACA que él aplicó fue la “segunda generación,” digámoslo así, y todos sabemos que ese DACA fue demandado y lo declararon no válido. Así que, aunque él lo haya tenido pendiente, como no fue aprobado, no le dio protección.
Lo que sí lo protege es el TPS, que le sigue dando cobertura hasta que la petición de usted (padre ciudadano a hijo mayor) entre en vigencia. Imagino que es hijo adulto. Él, si está aquí, no va a poder cambiar a residencia dentro de EE. UU. directamente; tendría que salir, hay que ver si necesitará perdón, etc. Si el TPS expira y esa petición no está lista, él quedaría sin estatus y acumularía presencia ilegal.
En cuanto a retomar un asilo que la persona retiró, depende. No siempre se puede hacer. Hay casos en que sí se puede retomar y hay manuales que explican cómo los abogados pueden retomar ciertos asilos. Por ejemplo, gente que entró por la frontera, le asignaron asilo en la corte y por alguna razón el juez terminó ese caso para que siguieran con USCIS. O personas que presentaron con USCIS y la corte, y luego el juez cerró el asunto. Existen casos específicos en que se puede reabrir, pero no todos califican. Si usted pidió asilo en USCIS y lo retiró, podría solicitar una reapertura, pero no es tan fácil que reconozcan la fecha original. Hay un memorándum de la corte que indica cómo hacerlo, pero repito, no todos los casos encajan.

CARLOS:
Doctora, entiendo que el TPS ampara o amparaba a los venezolanos que estaban en Estados Unidos hasta julio del 21, si no me falla la memoria.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Sí, ese es el de 2021.

CARLOS:
Ok, si alguien estaba en el territorio hasta julio del 21 y no aplicó para el TPS por cualquier razón, ¿podría hacerlo ahora?

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Buena pregunta. Ya no aplicaría para el TPS de 2021 porque la fecha de corte terminó. Entraría para el TPS de 2023, que técnicamente sigue abierto por esta pausa que puso el juez, pues regresamos a la orden de Biden de enero 12, la que unificaba los dos. Técnicamente, podría solicitarlo.

AGUSTÍN:
Y la última pregunta la hago yo, sobre los cubanos. Un cubano entró por la frontera y recibió parole humanitario o tal vez pidió asilo. Los asilos están para el día menos pensado, porque las cortes están abarrotadas. Pasa un año y un día, y ya califica bajo la Ley de Ajuste Cubano de 1966. ¿Eso resuelve su residencia, aunque el asilo todavía no se haya decidido?

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Sí, si tiene parole y ya cumplió el año y un día, puede aplicar al ajuste. Hay que ver si está en la corte, para pedir la terminación de ese proceso y que USCIS tenga jurisdicción.

AGUSTÍN:
Hay que cerrar el caso del asilo, para pasarlo a la vía administrativa.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
No necesariamente cerrar el asilo, pero sí el caso en la corte, porque si está en la corte, el juez tiene la jurisdicción. Uno tiene que terminar ese proceso judicial, a no ser que en el documento de entrada figure como “arriving alien,” que es otra categoría. Pero en la mayoría de los casos hay que cerrar el proceso en la corte.

AGUSTÍN:
Perfecto, amigos. Quiero cerrar, aunque la doctora no me lo ha pedido, pero lo hago con mucho gusto, porque la hemos molestado por más de media hora, sacándola de su día de trabajo para contestar preguntas de nosotros y de ustedes. Lo menos que podemos hacer es dar su teléfono. Fíjense que la situación de inmigración en este momento está muy complicada, cada caso es distinto y requiere de maniobrabilidad experta. Nosotros los hispanos tendemos a “automedicarnos” con un cocimiento, un jarabito, pero no estamos para eso ahora. Aquí hay que buscar ayuda profesional porque un error podría costar la oportunidad. Así que voy a dar el teléfono de la doctora DRA. MARTHA ARIAS Arias para quien necesite ayuda profesional. Es el 305-671-0018. DRA. MARTHA ARIAS Arias, 305-671-0018. Bueno, muchísimas gracias, doctora. Gracias, hasta el próximo lunes.

DRA. MARTHA ARIAS:
Igualmente, feliz resto de semana y muchas gracias por la invitación.

AGUSTÍN:
Claro que sí. Gracias a usted por el tiempo.

English Translation

AGUSTÍN:
All right, let’s move on. It’s 4:39 pm. We’re keeping an eye on what’s happening at the White House to bring you more details as the President finishes his address. But let’s talk a bit, Carlos, about immigration. Immigration continues to be a topic of a lot of attention and great interest here in South Florida, and almost every day different things happen in the courts, where lawsuits have been filed for different reasons: TPS, humanitarian paroles, residency, deportations, all of that. We want attorney Martha Arias to update us on whether there has been any change since her last visit to the radio station.

CARLOS:
Welcome, attorney. Thank you for being with us. And we’d like, with your permission, to also give our audience the chance to contact us if at some point they have any doubt about this, so that you, with your experience and knowledge, can help clear it up. Good afternoon. Welcome.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Good afternoon, Carlos and Agustín. A greeting to you and to the entire Actualidad Radio audience. And of course, with pleasure, I’m here to answer the listeners’ questions.

AGUSTÍN:
Since the last time we spoke, has there been anything new that has changed, any change that has come via a ruling from either a Federal Court or an Appeals Court?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Well, I do want to explain a bit more about that decision from the California court regarding TPS, if you’ll allow me.

AGUSTÍN:
Of course.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Let’s see. Initially —before reading the order in its entirety— I thought it only applied to the TPS from 2021, but after reading the judge’s entire order, I realized that in fact this order applies to both TPS, 2021 and 2023. At first, I believed it only affected 2023. What is the reason? When extending it until October 2026, President Biden also unified the 2021 TPS and the 2023 TPS on one single date. I mean, since there were two TPS with two different dates, he decided to merge them so that all Venezuelan TPS would have the same renewal date, and that’s how he extended it until October 2026.

When the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security came and issued an order to eliminate (vacate) that decision from President Biden, the official term is “vacate,” by overturning it she said, “We’re scrapping the TPS from 2023 entirely, and as for the TPS from 2021, we’ll let you know on July 12.” That was the Secretary of Homeland Security’s order. So then, by the judge pausing that decision from the Secretary of Homeland Security, we basically go back to Biden’s decision to have a single date for both TPS. So we go back to that, meaning at this time, both the 2021 TPS and the 2023 TPS cannot be canceled yet; they can be renewed.

In fact, yesterday some colleagues told me they tried to renew the 2021 TPS, the one expiring in September, and the system allowed them to do so. Personally, I haven’t done it, but some of my lawyer colleagues have, and the system is allowing them to pay. That’s good news for people who have either of those two TPS. If the system allows it, they should renew.

CARLOS:
There’s a specific question, because there’s an expression that seemed odd to me in Spanish, but it exists for you lawyers: Do all, all TPS beneficiaries have to “register”?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Yes, they should register. Either way, that’s my personal opinion. At this moment, I think they should, and if the system allows it, they should do it. Up until today (we’re on April 2), we haven’t heard any official announcement from USCIS, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services, about how they will implement or comply with the judge’s order. They haven’t said anything yet. So if someone doesn’t feel comfortable extending right now, they can wait for some official statement. But if there is none, I would urge people to register because that’s a protection they’ll have, and then we’ll see what happens with the USCIS decision.

CARLOS:
Okay. If you allow it, attorney, we already have quite a few calls and people waiting on the line. I want to ask our audience, please, to be absolutely precise in their questions so that everyone has the opportunity. First, for you to respond, and second, so everyone gets to participate. We’ll take calls at 305-410-1040.

AGUSTÍN:
Go ahead, Ernesto. Go ahead, Ernesto, good afternoon.

ERNESTO:
Hello, yes, good afternoon, it’s nice to listen to you. There’s a principle I believe is universal in law, which says that the administered person shouldn’t have to bear the guilt or the failing committed by the administrator. And I think that part of this has a lot to do with how the administrative matter was handled in the past period for immigrants. The truth is that there’s a group of Venezuelans, from other nationalities too, who are in a legal limbo, and time in these times is worth gold. I simply want to call out, through this medium, for my Venezuelan brothers. They’re not all criminals, far from it…

CARLOS:
Thank you for your participation. We’re absolutely aware of that, we’ve said it repeatedly, and so far there hasn’t been —and correct me if I’m wrong, attorney— any information that the Attorney General’s Office or the Homeland Security Secretary wants to challenge or appeal this decision by Judge Edward Shea.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
So far, there is no official announcement from the government about appealing that preliminary injunction. One. And two, also to answer the listener who just participated, in the judge’s decision he also says that the number of Venezuelans in the United States is highly educated and that they also contribute significantly to the United States workforce. I mean, they’re workers who are contributing to the labor system, and they have a high level of education.

AGUSTÍN:
Moreover, the conditions that prevailed when the TPS decree was issued haven’t changed; rather they’ve gotten worse in Venezuela. The political situation. If you told me, for example, in Syria, if they had given TPS to Syrians while Assad was in power, and now there’s a much better government, well, one could argue that conditions have improved, and so Syrians can return to their country, no longer under the former dictatorship. But that’s not the case in Venezuela, nor in Cuba, nor in Haiti either, because in Haiti there isn’t exactly a government dictatorship, but there is a dictatorship of criminal gangs killing whoever. So the lack of governance in Haiti is worse today than when TPS was originally granted. Ana, good afternoon.

ANA:
Good afternoon. Greetings to all. Attorney, my question isn’t about TPS, but given how difficult the immigration situation is, I want to know what I can do. I filed for my daughter, I’m a citizen. I filed for her a long time ago, and with the pandemic, the process took two more years. So after nine years, she arrived with her two children who are minors, twins, 15 years old right now. When my daughter arrived at the airport, they gave her a paper saying that with it she could get a Social Security card, and that in… that she’d get her green card in 180 days, six months. Her green card arrived, but the children’s did not. And so I want to know what can be done, because we’re afraid to go to Immigration or that they might mix up our papers. It’s a very alarming situation.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Thank you for your question. There’s no need to go to any local immigration office because they’re not going to let you in either. That’s not how it works anymore, you need an appointment. What you should do is call the Immigration 800 number. It’s a phone line… let me look it up. And I’ll say it over the radio, but you can also look it up. It’s 1-800-375-5283. I repeat, 1-800-375-5283. That’s Immigration’s number. Have on hand two important numbers, ma’am: the receipt for the $220 that Immigration charges when they grant you residency at the consular level. When they grant you consular residency, people have to pay $220. I imagine your daughter paid it, and she should have gotten a receipt because that’s paid online with a credit card. You get a receipt that typically starts with the letter “I.” Have that receipt with you, number one, and also the residency or alien number they gave the child or children, which is in the passport where the immigrant visa is stamped. Those two numbers are important, plus the name and date of birth. And you call Immigration to say you haven’t received the card. Usually we’re told to wait at least 45 days; if after 45 days it hasn’t arrived, call as I said, have your documents, and follow up on the card. It’s very common that sometimes it’s delayed, but you call and they’ll resolve it.

AGUSTÍN:
Modern green cards continue starting with the letter “A,” right?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Yes, they all begin with “A,” except before there were eight digits, and if you only had seven, you had to add a zero at the beginning. Now they’re nine numbers, so no zero is needed, they’re just nine. They’re still nine.

AGUSTÍN:
Okay, great. Let’s go with Juan. Juan, good afternoon.

JUAN:
Good afternoon, “El Caballo de Troya,” Mr. Carlos, nice to have the opportunity.

CARLOS:
Go ahead, Juan, thanks so much for listening to us. We’re listening.

JUAN:
Attorney Arias, thank you. I have a question. I’m not personally affected, but there’s a lot of people who are. TPS was for many nationalities: Nicaraguans, Cubans —some Cubans too— Hondurans, Salvadorans, Venezuelans. Did they suspend it for those nationalities aside from the lawsuit for the Venezuelans in court? Does that mean the other people, the other nationalities, lost it?

AGUSTÍN:
Good question. Let’s wait for the answer. He’s asking if people from other nationalities who received TPS, in light of the California lawsuit, are included or excluded?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
No, they’re not included in this lawsuit. The lawsuit was by seven Venezuelan plaintiffs and the National TPS Alliance, a TPS alliance, but they specifically referred to Venezuelan TPS. Although in the ruling they also mention Haiti’s TPS, but for the TPS of other countries —El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal— the government hasn’t said anything, so as far as I know, they haven’t canceled or extended them.

CARLOS:
Through our YouTube channel, someone asks: A person requested TPS before their humanitarian parole expired. Is that person now accruing illegal presence in the United States?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
No. If they filed for TPS before the parole ran out, they were first with parole, protected, and upon switching to TPS they remain protected. As long as there’s no gap, no presence is accrued; TPS protects them from accruing unlawful presence.

AGUSTÍN:
Along that same line, I’ll ask a generic question, but similar. Someone from Venezuela or Cuba filed for political asylum back when TPS wasn’t granted yet. Suddenly, Biden grants TPS. Many of those people who had asylum documents already filed embrace TPS. If in the end, legally, those TPS are eliminated or expire, can people who have asylum documents go back to the asylum, or was the asylum dismissed once they got TPS?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
No, the asylum isn’t dismissed just because the person applies for TPS. That asylum is still there, and if TPS ends, the person can continue under the pending asylum petition. Obviously, that asylum must still be pending, but yes, they maintain that protection.

CARLOS:
Attorney, from what we’ve heard among the audience, some people approach us. Work permits have categories like C8, C11, C10, and some of those work permits come from TPS and others come from an asylum application from someone who did what Agustín said. They have an asylum application and their work permit is from that asylum, but now they’ve taken TPS. If an immigration officer asks them for their work permit, which one is valid for the officer?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
That’s a good question, and let me tell you, I think it’s going to be a challenge for law enforcement when they stop someone and that person shows a work permit as identification. Because if someone, for example, has both TPS and asylum, and they have permits from both benefits —a permit with category C08 (asylum) and also a permit with category A12 or C19 (TPS)— that person can show them all. But let’s say TPS is removed. The person might still have a little card that says they have a work permit with TPS valid until some date that might not have passed yet, but if TPS is eliminated, that TPS is also eliminated. So if the officer knows what they’re doing, they’ll say, “No, that work permit you have under TPS doesn’t exist anymore. Show me if you have one for asylum.” If they do, they can show it. If not, they’ll at least have to show a pending asylum so the officer knows the person is still protected by some petition. Because often people have a work permit, but that permit might be invalid if it was denied in court, or if the court gave them an order of deportation. But the person still carries a card that says it’s valid for two or three more years. Technically, that is not valid. So the police officer must be well trained, not just to look at the document but also to do an online check to see if that case is still open or not.

AGUSTÍN:
Now it’s Mr. Nilo’s turn, or maybe it’s time for him. This was the question… Here comes Nilo. Mr. Nilo, go ahead, good afternoon.

NILO:
Good afternoon, Agustín, and everyone. I wanted to ask two questions. If I had asylum, and I drop the asylum because I take TPS, and at some point they end TPS, can I go back to asylum or am I left hanging? That’s the first one. The second: I’m a US citizen. I have a son who has an open DACA application that’s still pending because the last time we did the renewal, they blocked it or stopped it. He has TPS, an older TPS, and I filed a petition for him as a citizen father to an adult child. I was worried about the TPS because I’m not sure what status he has in that situation.

AGUSTÍN:
One question so the attorney can clarify properly: your son is of legal age now, but when it was time for DACA he was underage, right?

NILO:
Well, he was underage, but when he applied, he was already an adult, because when he was underage he was quite young, like in eighth grade.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Well, there are a lot of details here. To answer quickly: about that DACA, from what you say, it was the “second generation,” so to speak, the one the government re-approved. We already know that DACA was challenged in court and declared invalid, so even if it was pending and not decided, that DACA doesn’t protect him because it wasn’t approved, and in fact the government said that program wasn’t properly authorized. So he has no protection from that. The protection he does have is TPS, which can continue to protect him until your petition —father, a US citizen to an adult child— becomes current. But presumably he can’t get residency in the US, he’d have to leave, and we have to check how long until that petition is available, and if TPS is still in force all that time. Otherwise, he’d be out of status, accruing unlawful presence, and would need a waiver.
Now, regarding asylum, whether you can get back an asylum that you withdrew, it depends, you can’t always do it. There are situations where you can, and indeed the court had issued some manuals on how we attorneys can re-open certain asylums. For example, many people entered through the border, applied for asylum in court because they were sent to court. But for some reason, maybe minors or certain conditions, the judge closed that asylum case so they could continue with USCIS, or people who filed with both USCIS and the court. In those situations, the judge ended it and the person carried on with USCIS. So yes, there are specific cases where if they withdrew it, the court can resume it at USCIS. But not all cases are the same. If you filed with USCIS and withdrew that case, you could try to request a reopening, but it’s kind of difficult for them to pick it up with the same earlier filing date. There is a court memorandum about how we can do it, but I repeat, not all cases fit that category.

CARLOS:
Attorney, I understand TPS covered or covers Venezuelans who were in the US until July of ‘21, if my memory isn’t failing me.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Yes, that’s the one from 2021.

CARLOS:
Okay, if someone was in the territory or had arrived by July of ‘21 and didn’t file for TPS for whatever reason, can they do it now?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
That’s a good question, but they’re no longer able to file for the 2021 TPS because that cutoff date passed. They’d be applying for the 2023 TPS, which is technically still open because of the pause that the judge put in place, as we revert to Biden’s January 12 order, which unified the two. So technically, yes, they could do it.

AGUSTÍN:
And the last question, from me, is about Cubans. A Cuban entered through the border and was given humanitarian parole, or maybe he applied for political asylum. We know asylums are for who knows when, because the courts are swamped. A year and a day passes, and they qualify under the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966. That resolves the residency issue if asylum still hasn’t been decided, right?

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Yes, if they have parole and already have a year and a day, they can apply for adjustment. What one should do is check if the case is in court, so you ask for that case to be terminated, so that Immigration has jurisdiction.

AGUSTÍN:
You have to close out the asylum case to move it administratively.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Not necessarily close out the asylum, but if the case is in court, that’s the judge’s jurisdiction. So you have to end the court case, unless the person was labeled an Arriving Alien when they were sent to court. That’s a different box. But in most cases you have to terminate the court process.

AGUSTÍN:
Perfect, friends. I want to end, though the attorney didn’t ask me to, I gladly do it because we’ve bothered her for over half an hour, pulling her away from her workday to answer questions from us and from you. The least we can do is give out her number. Notice that the immigration situation is very grave right now, extremely complicated, and each case requires expertise and extraordinary maneuvering. Not all cases are the same. I say this because we Hispanics have a tendency to self-medicate with a home remedy, some little concoction, but that’s not where we stand. When you have a situation like this, you have to seek professional help, because if you slip up, you might lose the chance and have no way to fix it. I’ll give you the attorney’s phone number, for anyone who thinks they need professional help: you see she’s mastered the topic thoroughly. It’s 305-671-0018, Martha Arias. 305-671-0018. Well, thank you very much, attorney. Thanks, until next Monday.

ATTORNEY MARTHA ARIAS:
Same to you, have a great rest of the week, and thank you very much for the invitation.

AGUSTÍN:
Of course. Thank you for your time.

The post TPS for Venezuelans, Parole, New Updates in Immigration Law appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

USCIS Issues New Form Editions Without Grace Period

Martha Arias — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:17:14 +0000

In early 2025, USCIS released new editions of numerous immigration forms (including Form I-485, I-918, I-134, G-325A, and others) and required their use effective immediately, initially with no grace period for prior versions aila.org. This abrupt change meant older form editions would be rejected upon rollout of the new forms uscis.gov, catching many applicants and attorneys by surprise.

Substantively, the new form editions reverse certain inclusivity measures introduced in recent years. Notably, the “Another Gender Identity” option has been removed, leaving only binary “Female” or “Male” choices for gender on these forms. Additionally, USCIS has reinstated the term “alien” in place of “noncitizen” or “foreign national” throughout the forms and instructions. These terminology changes align with policy shifts under the new administration and mark a return to traditional legal language.

The immediate enforcement of new forms without an overlap period caused confusion, delays, and concern among applicants and legal practitioners. Applicants who unknowingly filed older versions risked rejection of their applications. In response to advocacy (including litigation by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, AILA), USCIS acknowledged the concerns. By March 8, 2025, USCIS updated its guidance to allow a short one-month grace period for these forms, meaning prior editions would be accepted until specified dates in March/April 2025.

This late concession provided some relief, but the window is brief – emphasizing the need for immediate compliance. Overall, the changes highlight a shift in administrative priorities (focusing on traditional terminology and data collection) and serve as a reminder that applicants must stay vigilant for sudden procedural updates.

Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Gender Identification
Terminology and Wording
Public Charge and Other Content
Structural Format
Instructions and Other

Form I-485 Supplement A – Adjustment under Section 245(i)

Purpose – Content Changes – Format

Form I-485 Supplement J – Confirmation of Job Offer (for Employment-Based Applicants)

Purpose – Content Changes – Formatting

Form I-918 – Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

Gender Field – Terminology – Other Content – Format/Structure

Form I-914 – Application for T Nonimmigrant Status

Gender Field – Terminology – Content – Formatting

Form I-192 – Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant

Purpose – Changes – Formatting

Form I-134 – Declaration of Financial Support

Purpose – Changes – Structural/Formatting

Form G-325A – Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)

Purpose – Changes – Formatting

Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (now titled “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records”)

Title and Scope – Gender Field – Content/Use – Formatting

Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization

Gender Field – Terminology – Other Content – Formatting

Form I-356 – Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond

Purpose – Changes – Formatting

Employment-Based Applicants

Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Supplement J (Job Offer Confirmation)
Nonimmigrant Workers and Sponsors
Nonbinary / Transgender Applicants in EB category

Family-Based Applicants

Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Financial Support Forms (I-864 vs I-134)
Biographic Information (G-325A)
Immigrant Visa (Consular) Applicants

Asylum Seekers and Humanitarian Applicants

Form I-589 (Application for Asylum)
Form I-131
Form I-918 (U visa for crime victims)
Form I-914 (T visa for trafficking victims)
Form I-192 (waiver of inadmissibility)
Form I-134
Form I-821 (Temporary Protected Status)
Form I-821D (DACA recipients)
Form I-589 (Asylum Seekers)
U Visa Applicants (Victims of Crime)
T Visa Applicants (Victims of Trafficking)
VAWA Self-Petitioners
Humanitarian Parole Programs
Refugee/Asylee Derivatives & Travel

Investors and Entrepreneurs

International Entrepreneur Parole (Form I-941)
EB-5 Investors (Form I-526 and I-829)
E-2 Investors or Other Entrepreneurs

Other Relevant Categories and Applicants

Naturalization Applicants
DACA Recipients
Students and Exchange Visitors
Attorneys and Preparers

Recommendations for Applicants

1. Always Use the Latest Form Version
2. Double-Check Filing Instructions and Fees
3. Fill Out Forms Completely and Accurately (No Blanks for Gender)
4. Anticipate and Prevent Rejection Issues
5. Plan for the End of Grace Periods
6. Leverage USCIS and Legal Resources
7. Prepare for Potential Processing Delays
8. Stay Informed on Future Changes
9. Consider Impact on Personal Situation
10. Monitor Your Case Status and Correspondence

The following is a side-by-side comparison of the old and new versions of each major form affected by the updates. It highlights structural modifications, content updates, formatting adjustments, and other notable differences introduced in the edition dated 01/20/2025 (now the current edition for all forms below). In general, most changes across forms are consistent – mainly the removal of non-binary gender options and the return of the term “alien” – but specific forms have unique adjustments as detailed:

Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Gender Identification:

Old Version – Allowed three gender options (“Male,” “Female,” and “Another Gender Identity”) for the applicant’s sex/gender.

New Version – The form now permits only binary options (“Female” or “Male”), eliminating the nonbinary/“Another Gender Identity” choice. The field label itself was changed from “Gender” to the more biological term “Sex,” reflecting the narrowed options.

Terminology and Wording:

Old Version – Used the word “noncitizen” (or “foreign national”) in various questions and instructions when referring to the applicant or others (consistent with the prior administration’s language policy).

New Version – Reverts to the term “alien” in all references to individuals who are not U.S. citizens. For example, instructions regarding inadmissibility and public charge now refer to “the alien” instead of “the noncitizen,” and any mention of immigration status uses the statutory term “alien.” This change appears in sections related to public charge determinations and military service exemptions, among others, but otherwise does not alter the legal criteria being discussed.

Public Charge and Other Content:

Old Version – Reflected the 2022 public charge rule (with relatively limited evidence requirements) and did not use the term “alien.”

New Version – No change in substantive eligibility questions or evidence requirements for public charge; however, wording in the form instructions and any relevant form items now uses “alien” consistently. The content of questions (e.g. regarding criminal history, security, immigration violations) remains the same. There is no new eligibility criterion introduced on the form; the changes are primarily linguistic.

Structural Format:

Old Version – The form had the gender question with a third checkbox and used labels like “USCIS Online Account Number” alongside “A-Number.”

New Version – With the removal of one checkbox, the overall layout is slightly adjusted (the space for the gender question now has two checkboxes instead of three). Question numbering and section ordering on Form I-485 remain unchanged aside from this omission – for instance, the questions that followed the gender question keep the same numbers. Any references to an “USCIS Account Number” vs. “Alien Registration Number” are now standardized to just “Alien Registration Number (A-Number)” in the form and instructions (the form explicitly uses the legal term “Alien” again). These formatting tweaks are minor; the form’s length and section structure are essentially the same as the previous edition.

Instructions and Other:

Old Version – Included inclusive language and possibly FAQs about the gender field (since the “Another Gender Identity” had been introduced in 2023).

New Version – Instructions no longer mention the third gender option and may instruct applicants to select a sex that matches their documents. All occurrences of “noncitizen” in the instructions (for example, in explaining eligibility categories or grounds of inadmissibility) are replaced with “alien”. No additional instructions or evidentiary requirements were added. Filing instructions (addresses, fee amounts) remain the same except that applicants must use this 01/20/25 edition; USCIS explicitly notes that as of April 3, 2025, it will reject prior editions of Form I-485 uscis.gov.

Form I-485 Supplement A – Adjustment under Section 245(i)

Purpose:

Supplement A is used by certain applicants adjusting status under INA 245(i) (typically those with old immigration violations who pay a penalty fee). The changes mirror those on the main I-485.

Content Changes:

Old vs New – The gender item removal and terminology switch to “alien” apply here as well. If the supplement collects any biographic information from the applicant, it now only recognizes male/female. Any reference in instructions to the person (such as “the immigrant under 245(i)”) now uses “alien.” No changes to the eligibility questions about grandfathering under 245(i) were made – the supplement still asks about the petition or labor certification date, etc., in the same manner.

Format:

No significant structural alterations; the supplement remains a short form to be filed with the I-485 if needed. The edition date is updated to 01/20/25, and USCIS set the same April 3, 2025 cutoff for using old versions uscis.gov.

Form I-485 Supplement J – Confirmation of Job Offer (for Employment-Based Applicants)

Purpose:

Supplement J is filed to confirm a bona fide job offer or request portability to a new job under INA 204(j) for certain employment-based adjustment applicants.

Content Changes:

Old vs New – This supplement primarily collects the applicant’s and employer’s information and a job description. The new edition does not appear to add or remove any sections; however, if there were any fields for gender/sex of the applicant or other parties, they would now be limited to male/female (most likely, Supplement J did not ask for gender since it’s focused on the job offer). The main change is in terminology: any mention of the applicant as a “foreign national” or “noncitizen worker” in instructions is now “alien.” For example, the form’s certification wording might now read “confirm that the job offer to the alien remains available…” whereas previously “to the noncitizen” might have been used.

Formatting:

The structure (sections for applicant info, petitioner info, job details) remains identical. The edition date updated to 01/20/25; USCIS initially required immediate use, then allowed prior versions until April 3, 2025 uscis.gov.

Form I-918 – Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

Gender Field:

Old Version – Allowed “another gender identity” option for the petitioner (applicant) and any derivatives’ gender, in addition to male/female.

New Version – Allows only “Male” or “Female,” removing any non-binary option. U visa petitioners must now select one of the two, aligning this form with the new binary-only standard.

Terminology:

Old Version – Used terms like “self-petitioner” or “applicant” and generally avoided “alien” in favor of “individual” or “person.”

New Version – Replaces references with “alien” where applicable. For instance, in instructions regarding inadmissibility waivers (many U applicants also file Form I-192), the text now refers to the “alien petitioner”. However, the core requirements for U visa eligibility (proof of being a crime victim, helpfulness to law enforcement, etc.) remain unchanged.

Other Content:

No new questions were added to Form I-918. The certification from law enforcement (Form I-918, Supplement B) remains required and unchanged in substance. The primary differences are linguistic – aligning terms with statutory language – and ensuring the form reflects the updated edition date.

Format/Structure:

No structural changes (same sections for applicant info, qualifying crime details, etc.). The edition date is 01/20/25, and after an initial announcement of no overlap, USCIS is allowing the prior edition through May 5, 2025 uscis.gov (a slightly longer grace period for U visas, likely recognizing the complexities in coordinating certification documents) before rejecting old versions.

Form I-914 – Application for T Nonimmigrant Status

Gender Field:

Old Version – Included an “Another Gender Identity” option for applicants (victims of trafficking).

New Version – Only “Male” or “Female” may be selected, removing any third option. This mirrors the change on Form I-918 and I-485.

Terminology:

Old Version – Used “applicant” or “individual” language;

New Version – Refers to the applicant as “alien” in formal instructions. For example, statements about eligibility (being physically present on account of trafficking, etc.) would now describe “the alien” instead of “the applicant” in legal reasoning sections, to conform to standard legal terms.

Content:

No substantive eligibility changes – the form still asks about the trafficking circumstances, cooperation with law enforcement, etc., exactly as before. Evidence requirements (such as providing personal statements and supporting documentation) are unchanged. Only the descriptors have changed (gender and terminology).

Formatting:

No new sections or reordering. The form’s edition is 01/20/25; USCIS originally required immediate use but now accepts the prior edition until March 24, 2025 uscis.gov.

Form I-192 – Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant

Purpose:

This form is a waiver application for certain inadmissible noncitizens (now aliens) who need permission to enter the U.S. temporarily. It’s commonly used by U and T visa applicants, VAWA self-petitioners, and others ineligible for a visa or admission without a waiver.

Changes:

Old vs New – The title and purpose remain the same, but language is adjusted. Notably, the form’s instructions now refer to the applicant as an “alien” seeking advance permission instead of “person” or “nonimmigrant” in a general sense. If the form asked for gender (applicant’s biographical info), it is now binary-only (consistent with all other forms). There were no structural additions; the form still requires explanation of inadmissibility and supporting evidence (e.g. why a waiver is merited) just as before.

Formatting: Minimal change besides the edition date update (01/20/25). The prior edition of Form I-192 is accepted until April 3, 2025 aila.org.

Form I-134 – Declaration of Financial Support

Purpose:

Form I-134 is an affidavit of support used in certain circumstances (for example, sponsors of visitors or parolees use it to show they will support the beneficiary financially; it’s also used for K-1 fiancé(e) visa sponsors).

Changes:

Old vs New – The content of the financial support declaration remains the same (sponsor provides information about income, assets, and the beneficiary). However, any fields capturing personal information of the sponsor or beneficiary adhere to the new standards. If the form collected the gender of the beneficiary or sponsor, those fields are now just “Male” or “Female” (the previous edition had an option for “Another Gender Identity” if it collected gender – it likely did, as it asks biographical info of the person being supported). Now, the sponsor must designate the beneficiary’s sex as either male or female. All references to “person being supported” in instructions might now say “alien” if referring to the immigrant benefiting from support. For example, where it might have said “the individual for whom you are providing support,” it could now read “the alien for whom you are providing support,” aligning with the reinstated terminology.

Structural/Formatting:

No major structural changes; Form I-134 is still a relatively short form. One notable clarification is that USCIS has distinguished Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) from the newer Form I-134A (Online Request to be a Supporter for parole) – the update of I-134 does not affect I-134A, which is a separate process. The edition date updated to 01/20/25 and prior editions are accepted through April 3, 2025 aila.org.

Form G-325A – Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)

Purpose:

Form G-325A was historically used to collect biographical data (such as names, birth dates, addresses, and employment history) for certain applications. It was discontinued for most cases a few years ago (with information collected directly on main forms), but USCIS has reintroduced G-325A specifically for Deferred Action cases aila.org. The new edition is dated 01/20/25.

Changes:

Old vs New – The old version of G-325A (last used widely before being retired) included fields for name, alias, date of birth, gender, marital status, residence and employment history, etc. The new G-325A is likely very similar in content, but updated to current standards. The gender field on G-325A is now binary-only (previously, when last used, it only had male/female; it never had a nonbinary option because it hadn’t been updated during the brief period those options were introduced elsewhere). The main change is that USCIS is now requiring this form again for certain Deferred Action requests – a structural change in process. For example, beneficiaries of approved family-based visa petitions who receive deferred action, or those in U visa backlog granted deferred action, may need to submit the new G-325A for background checks.

Formatting:

The form remains one page long (as in the past) and captures the biographic data in a standardized format. The edition date is 01/20/25 and USCIS will not accept previous (obsolete) versions after April 3, 2025 aila.org. Essentially, this is a revival of a form that had been phased out; its reintroduction itself is a notable change, aimed at ensuring USCIS collects detailed background info for deferred action cases.

Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (now titled “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records”)

Title and Scope:

The new edition of Form I-131 has an expanded title, explicitly referencing Parole Documents and Arrival/Departure Records aila.org. This suggests a slight broadening or clarification of the form’s scope.

Old Title – “Application for Travel Document” (covering re-entry permits, refugee travel documents, advance parole).

New Title – “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records,” indicating the form may now also be used to request or replace an I-94 (arrival/departure record) in certain cases. The inclusion of “Arrival/Departure Records” is new and may relate to processes for those seeking a documented entry record or parole entry documentation.

Gender Field:

Old Version – Included a gender field (likely with Male/Female/Other if updated under the prior admin’s inclusivity policy).

New Version – Binary only (Male or Female) for the applicant’s sex, consistent with other forms. Applicants for re-entry permits or advance parole must now choose one of the two, as the “X” or third option is removed.

Content/Use:

The core uses of Form I-131 remain: applying for a re-entry permit (for permanent residents), a refugee travel document (for asylees/refugees), or advance parole (for those with pending applications needing to travel). The new mention of “Parole Documents” likely covers humanitarian parole requests as well, and “Arrival/Departure Records” could mean if someone needs a replacement I-94 or official evidence of entry, they might use I-131 instead of the older Form I-102. However, no major new sections were added – the form still asks for the class of document requested and supporting information (dates of travel, purpose, etc.). Instructions have been updated to use “alien” terminology where appropriate. For instance, when explaining eligibility for a re-entry permit, it might now say “If you are a permanent resident alien who will be outside the U.S. for over a year…” etc.

Formatting:

Aside from the title change and removal of the nonbinary checkbox, formatting is similar. The edition is 01/20/25; prior editions (which were dated 08/24/22, for example) are acceptable only until April 4, 2025 uscis.gov. After that, any submission must use the new form or it will be rejected.

Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization

Gender Field:

Old Version – The N-400 asks for the applicant’s gender as part of their biographical information. Under the 2023 edition, it likely offered “Male,” “Female,” or “Another Gender Identity.”

New Version – Only “Male” or “Female” can be selected, removing the inclusive option. This is a straightforward change on the form’s first page.

Terminology:

Old Version – Generally, the N-400 form and instructions refer to the applicant as “you” (since it’s filled out by the applicant themselves) and didn’t often use the term “noncitizen” except perhaps in describing eligibility (e.g., “a noncitizen national of the U.S. may also use this form”).

New Version – Any references in instructions to “noncitizen” or “foreign national” are replaced with “alien.” Importantly, the USCIS Policy Manual on citizenship was updated to use “alien” for lawful permanent residents where appropriate uscis.gov, and the N-400 instructions align with that. For example, discussion of continuous residence might refer to time the “alien has spent outside the US” in legal terms. The oath and substantive eligibility questions (about good moral character, loyalty, etc.) are unchanged.

Other Content:

No new questions were added to the naturalization application. The controversial 2020 civics test changes were already dealt with separately; this form update does not introduce anything new on that front. It is purely an edition update for consistency with the new administration’s standards.

Formatting:

The form retains the same number of pages and sections (information about residence, employment, trips abroad, moral character, etc.). The edition date is updated to 01/20/25, and USCIS will require this version for any applications post-April 4, 2025 (with the previous edition accepted through April 3, 2025) uscis.gov.

Form I-356 – Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond

Purpose:

This form is used to cancel a public charge bond that was posted on behalf of an immigrant. (Public charge bonds were seldom used in recent years, since the 2019 public charge rule that introduced them was vacated; however, a few cases might still have bonds in place, and the new administration could use this mechanism again in future policy.)

Changes:

Old vs New – The content remains focused on requesting bond cancellation, which requires showing the immigrant has either naturalized, left the U.S., died, or has been a resident for 5 years without becoming a public charge uscis.gov. The new edition likely updates terminology, referring to the bonded individual as an “alien” (e.g., “once the alien has become a U.S. citizen, you may request cancellation of the bond”). The form did not have a gender field in the past (it primarily identifies the individual by name and A-Number), so the gender binary issue is not directly relevant here. No structural changes were made; it’s a simple form.

Formatting:

Same format, with updated edition date 01/20/25. Initially, only the new form would be accepted, but after outcry, the prior edition is accepted until March 24, 2025 aila.org. The mailing address and filing instructions remain the same. The instructions continue to cite the legal authority for bond cancellation (INA 213, 8 CFR 103.6) uscis.gov and direct where to file uscis.gov, unchanged except for using “alien” consistently.

Aside from the specific points above, all these forms now carry the edition date 01/20/25, reflecting approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on that date. USCIS typically prints the edition date at the bottom of each page of the form. Applicants must ensure all pages of the form they submit are from the same edition and that none are missing uscis.gov. USCIS has warned it will reject filings that mix pages from old and new editions or have missing pages. In summary, the old versions vs. new versions differ mainly in two areas: (1) removal of certain fields/options (gender identity) and (2) word substitutions (alien vs noncitizen). Structurally and legally, the forms ask for the same information and have the same filing scope as before, with minimal formatting tweaks (such as revised titles or updated form numbers on each page). Applicants and petitioners must use the new versions going forward, as prior editions will be rejected after the brief grace periods noted above aila.org.

The recent form changes affect a wide range of applicant categories in the U.S. immigration system. Below is an analysis of how different groups are impacted:

Employment-Based Applicants

Forms Affected:

Employment-based immigrants and nonimmigrants are primarily touched by changes to Form I-485 and its supplements (for those adjusting status based on a job offer or labor certification) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole for those with pending employment-based AOS). Additionally, if they later naturalize, the N-400 changes apply. Employment-based applicants filing petitions like Form I-140 or Form I-129 are indirectly affected to a lesser extent (those forms had been updated earlier for the 2024 fee rule uscis.gov and already use “alien” in their titles, e.g. Petition for Alien Worker).

Adjustment of Status (I-485): Many high-skilled workers (H-1B, L-1, etc.) transitioning to permanent residence through employer sponsorship must file Form I-485. These applicants now need to use the updated I-485 edition aila.org. Substantively, there is no change to eligibility – their ability to adjust status is the same. However, they should be aware that if they previously would have selected an “X” gender marker, they no longer can. In practice, most employment-based applicants will simply check “Male” or “Female” as appropriate, so this change has minimal impact on the majority, except for non-binary individuals (discussed below). More significantly, employment-based filers (and their attorneys) must ensure they submit the correct form edition, since any old version filed after the cutoff date will be rejected, potentially jeopardizing time-sensitive green card processes. This is especially critical for cases nearing visa number availability deadlines or age-out situations. In short, the impact is mostly procedural – they need to download and use the new forms immediately to avoid delays.
Supplement J (Job Offer Confirmation): Applicants with pending employment-based I-485 cases changing jobs under AC21 portability or completing the process must submit Supplement J. The changes here (terminology) do not affect the substance of job portability or verification of an offer. Employers and immigrants just need to use the new form and will notice the language now refers to the worker as an “alien” again. There is no policy change in how USCIS adjudicates job offer validity; it’s purely a formality of using the new edition.
Nonimmigrant Workers and Sponsors: Forms like the I-129 (used for H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) were not part of this immediate update cycle (they were recently updated in 2024 for new fees). However, employers petitioning for nonimmigrant workers should keep an eye on form instructions and policy terminology – USCIS policy guidance now uses “alien” throughout, which could signal future form revisions for these categories as well uscis.gov. For now, the main impact on nonimmigrant employment-based cases is indirect: if any supporting forms (e.g., an I-134 for a work visa holder’s dependents or an I-131 for travel on advance parole) are needed, those must be the new versions.
Nonbinary / Transgender Applicants in EB category: A small but important subset of employment-based applicants – those who identify as nonbinary or transgender – could feel a personal impact. If an applicant’s gender identity does not fit “male” or “female,” they must now choose one for the purposes of the form. This could cause discomfort or concern about mismatched records. For example, a transgender applicant who has an “X” gender on their passport might now have to select “Male” or “Female” on the I-485, which could create a discrepancy. USCIS has not issued specific guidance for this scenario, but the practical advice is to select the gender that corresponds to other official documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.) to minimize confusion. While this is a cross-cutting issue affecting all categories, employment-based applicants tend to have representation (lawyers or employer HR) who can guide them through it. They should also be aware that leaving the gender field blank is not advisable – it could trigger a rejection or RFE. In summary, for EB applicants, compliance with the new form versions is the key impact; their substantive immigration process (priority dates, eligibility for visas) is unchanged.

Family-Based Applicants

Forms Affected:

Family-based immigrants use many of the updated forms as well: Form I-485 (for those applying for green cards through marriage, parents, children, etc.), possibly Supplement A (245(i) cases in family context), Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative, which notably already uses “Alien” in its title – it wasn’t updated in this round, but it’s worth noting the terminology was always traditional there), Form I-134 (used by some family-based applicants for financial support in cases where the I-864 is not required, such as K-1 fiancé(e) visa stage or certain parole programs), and Form I-131 (advance parole for those with pending family AOS, or re-entry permits for LPRs). Also, if they later naturalize, N-400 changes apply.

Adjustment of Status (I-485): Spouses, parents, children, and other relatives adjusting status in the U.S. must use the new I-485 edition aila.org just like employment-based applicants. The impact here is procedural (use the correct form) and linguistic. There is no change to who qualifies for adjustment (e.g. immediate relatives remain immediate relatives), and the form questions are the same. Family applicants should be mindful that if they prepare forms in advance (for example, some applicants might have filled out an I-485 weeks or months ago while gathering documents), they will need to discard any old version and refiled on the new 01/20/25 version or risk rejection. Given that family-based cases often involve petitions and forms for multiple people (e.g., a U.S. citizen petitioner, a beneficiary, possibly derivative children), using the latest forms for each is critical – although the I-130 petition itself was not part of this specific update, the I-485 and others are. The use of “alien” on the I-485 may feel jarring to applicants (especially since the previous administration had shifted to the friendlier “noncitizen”), but there is no negative legal effect – it’s a stylistic/regulatory term. Applicants might notice terms like “alien registration number” on forms and instructions, which had been called “USCIS number” by some – this is essentially the same A-Number they’ve always had.
Financial Support Forms (I-864 vs I-134): The primary affidavit of support for most family immigrants is Form I-864, which was not updated in this batch (and it already uses “sponsor” and “alien” terminology mandated by law). However, Form I-134 was updated. Family-based applicants may encounter I-134 in certain situations: for example, a U.S. citizen petitioner brings a fiancé(e) on a K-1 visa – at the visa interview the petitioner must provide Form I-134 to show capability to financially support the fiancé(e). Those petitioners now must use the new I-134 edition (with “alien” language and no third gender option). Similarly, if a family-based immigrant is paroled into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons, sponsors may have used I-134 (as was done under programs like Uniting for Ukraine or parole for Venezuelans, etc. before I-134A existed). Going forward, any use of I-134 must be on the new form. The impact on these family sponsors is minor: they need to download the new form and fill it out, and they might notice the language shift (the person being supported is referred to as an “alien” on the form). There’s no change in the financial criteria or required evidence (pay stubs, bank statements) for support.
Biographic Information (G-325A): In the past, spouses filing I-130 petitions had to submit Form G-325A for themselves and the beneficiary to provide biographic history. That requirement was eliminated a few years ago when forms were streamlined. The G-325A is now back but only for deferred action cases – typical family-based applicants do not need to submit a G-325A with an I-130 or I-485 in 2025 (the biographic info is already captured in those forms). So for most family-based immigrants, the reissuance of G-325A has no direct impact. It’s targeted to deferred action contexts (likely U visa waitlists, etc.).
Immigrant Visa (Consular) Applicants: Those pursuing family visas via consular processing aren’t directly using USCIS forms like the I-485, but they might use I-864 and DS-260 (State Department forms). The DS-260 (online immigrant visa application) is a State Department form that did allow an “X” gender marker. If the State Department follows the lead of USCIS and the administration’s policy, consular applicants might see changes in the visa application process as well (though as of this update, the State Department had already removed the “X” from passports). For now, the main effect is if a consular applicant’s petitioner had to submit any USCIS form (e.g., an I-130 or I-864 or I-134) – they need to ensure those are on current editions. Petitioners for family visas should double-check the USCIS Forms Updates page before sending forms to NVC or USCIS.

Overall, family-based applicants experience similar impacts as employment-based: the need to comply with new form editions immediately, and a reversion in language. There may be an emotional or psychological impact for some – for instance, some applicants or petitioners might feel the return of the word “alien” is less welcoming. Practically, however, their cases will not be judged differently because of these form changes. It’s crucial they use the new forms to avoid rejections that could separate families or delay reunification.

Asylum Seekers and Humanitarian Applicants

Forms Affected:

Asylum seekers and refugee applicants are not directly filing forms like I-485 or I-918 at the initial stage, but humanitarian categories are broadly impacted by several updated forms:

Form I-589 (Application for Asylum) was not updated in this batch (asylum seekers continue to use the existing edition). However, if an asylum seeker later applies for a green card after one year of asylum status, they will use the updated I-485 (with the new requirements).
Refugees and asylees applying for a Refugee Travel Document use Form I-131, which is updated as described (binary gender only, new title) and must be the new edition.
Form I-918 (U visa for crime victims) and Form I-914 (T visa for trafficking victims) were directly updated and have significant humanitarian applicant populations.
Form I-192 (waiver of inadmissibility) is often filed by U and T applicants (and VAWA self-petitioners if they need a waiver) – this form is updated and affects those populations.
Form I-134 could be used by supporters of certain humanitarian parole programs (for example, family reunification parole or others) – those supporters now need the new form.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status) applicants use Form I-821 (not in this update cycle) and DACA recipients use Form I-821D (also not updated now). But if TPS holders adjust status or apply for advance parole, the new forms apply.
Asylum Seekers (Form I-589): No immediate change to the asylum application form itself at this time. Asylum seekers can continue to file the existing I-589. However, they should be aware of the broader policy environment: the USCIS Policy Manual and communications now refer to applicants as “aliens” again uscis.gov, which could signal future form or policy tweaks. More pressing is for asylees/refugees who need to travel: they must use the new I-131 for Refugee Travel Documents – a critical document for those who fled persecution and need a passport-substitute. Using an outdated I-131 could result in rejection and loss of travel opportunity.
U Visa Applicants (Victims of Crime): U visa seekers (who are often in the U.S. waiting in a long backlog) must now ensure any new Form I-918 they submit (or any re-filing) is on the 01/20/25 edition uscis.gov. For those already with pending cases, the main impact is if they had an RFE or need to submit an updated form (or if filing for extension of status, etc.) – they should use the new form. The removal of the gender identity option can be sensitive: LGBTQ+ individuals, including some U visa applicants who are victims of hate crimes or domestic violence, may have identified as nonbinary or transgender. They will now face the same challenge of selecting a binary gender on forms. This could cause distress or fear that their identity is not recognized by the system. While this doesn’t change the merits of their case, it’s an additional hurdle in an already difficult process. Advocates may need to counsel these applicants to choose the option that best aligns with their other IDs to avoid confusion, and possibly note it in a cover letter if relevant. The use of “alien” in U visa instructions (for example, discussing inadmissibility waivers or eligibility requirements) does not change any benefits – U applicants are still eligible for work permits, deferred action, etc., as before. It’s largely a shift in tone and language.
T Visa Applicants (Victims of Trafficking): Similar to U applicants, T applicants (often also vulnerable individuals) must use the new I-914 form. The considerations are alike: making sure attorneys and organizations assisting trafficking victims are aware of the edition change (to avoid old forms being sent, which could lead to rejection of a trafficking victim’s application – a grave outcome if missed). The content changes won’t affect how a trafficking claim is evaluated; they’re administrative. T applicants often also file Form I-914, Supplement B (law enforcement endorsement) – that supplement likely did not change, but it should be submitted with the principal form which did change. So, coordination is needed to ensure the principal I-914 is current. As with U’s, nonbinary trafficking victims will now not see themselves represented in the gender field, which is an unfortunate step back inclusivity-wise and could be disheartening, though it does not reduce their eligibility.
VAWA Self-Petitioners: VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitioners use Form I-360 to petition. Form I-360 was not listed among the updated forms in this batch. However, VAWA beneficiaries often file for adjustment of status (I-485) or for advance parole (I-131) or inadmissibility waivers (I-601, I-212 if needed – those forms weren’t mentioned either). So indirectly, once a VAWA self-petitioner is filing for a green card, they face the new I-485 with the same gender/terminology changes. Additionally, if a VAWA self-petitioner has an approved petition but must wait for a visa number, they might use deferred action in the meantime – USCIS could require the new G-325A for deferred action cases, which might include some VAWA cases. So that is a potential impact: such individuals may be asked to submit a G-325A biographic form now, which previously wasn’t required, to facilitate background checks while on deferred action.
Humanitarian Parole Programs: In recent years, USCIS rolled out special parole programs (for Ukrainians, Venezuelans, family reunification, etc.) using either Form I-134 or I-134A. The I-134 change (new edition) means supporters/sponsors in these programs must submit the new form where applicable. If they mistakenly use an old I-134, their sponsorship could be rejected, delaying parole for someone abroad in need. The impact is mainly on the paperwork side; there’s no change in criteria to be a supporter. It’s worth noting that these programs emphasized inclusivity before; now the language might be less so (using “alien” for beneficiaries), which could signal a shift in tone by the administration towards even humanitarian entrants.
Refugee/Asylee Derivatives & Travel: Refugees abroad and asylee/refugee family reunification cases (Forms I-730) are not directly changed. But a refugee who adjusts to a green card (after 1 year) uses I-485 (updated), and an asylee who needs to travel uses I-131 (updated). The impact on them is straightforward: use new forms, and be aware of terminology. Asylees and refugees generally are familiar with being called “aliens” in law, so that may not be surprising. Removing the “X” gender marker could be more impactful if any asylee had their sex listed as “X” on some documents (the State Department’s removal of “X” on passports might have already forced many to revert to binary for travel docs).

In summary, humanitarian applicants are impacted in ensuring form compliance and facing a less inclusive form format. The humanitarian category often has representation from non-profit legal service providers; those providers have had to mobilize quickly to update form packages and inform clients. The lack of a grace period initially was particularly concerning for this group – e.g., a pro se asylum seeker could easily mail an old I-131 and lose precious weeks. The slight grace period now in effect (till late March or early April for most forms) is helping mitigate immediate fallout, but going forward the new norms will apply to all humanitarian filings.

Investors and Entrepreneurs

Forms Affected:

The investor/entrepreneur community is primarily affected by the update to Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole aila.org. Additionally, some might use Form I-485 (for EB-5 investors adjusting status to permanent residence) and Form I-131 (if obtaining a re-entry permit or advance parole), and eventually N-400 for naturalization.

International Entrepreneur Parole (Form I-941): This form, used by startup founders to request parole to work on their startup in the U.S., was updated to the 01/20/25 edition aila.org with immediate effect (and now a short grace period to March 24, 2025).
Impact: Entrepreneurs applying for this program must use the new form; old editions will be rejected. The content changes mirror others: the form likely asks for the applicant’s biographical information including gender – now restricted to male/female. Any references to the entrepreneur in instructions (previously “individual” or “applicant”) might use “alien” (e.g., “alien entrepreneur”). The criteria for the parole (like ownership stake, capital investment raised, etc.) remain exactly the same, so the rule and evidence needed (proof of investment, proof of role in the startup) are unaffected. For many, the impact is minor: this is a relatively small population of highly educated entrepreneurs who will adapt to the form change easily. They should, however, ensure they have the correct edition when applying, especially since some may have been preparing applications under the assumption of the previous form. Any delay from using an outdated form could disrupt timing (for example, if someone’s NIV status is expiring and they need parole quickly).
EB-5 Investors (Form I-526 and I-829): Interestingly, the main investor green card forms (I-526 petition for investor and I-829 petition to remove conditions) were not part of this update. They likely still use their prior editions. However, EB-5 investors already see the term “alien” in the title of Form I-526 (“Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur”) – which was always there by statute. So in a sense, EB-5 processes already used traditional terminology and are unaffected by the language reversion. If an EB-5 investor is adjusting status in the U.S., they use Form I-485, which as described has changed. This means their adjustment application must be on the new form and if the investor was someone who would have used an “X” gender marker (perhaps rare in this category, but possible), they cannot now.
Impact on EB-5 cases: minimal beyond using the new form. Similarly, if an investor travels on advance parole or applies for a re-entry permit (many EB-5 investors travel frequently), they’ll need the new I-131.
E-2 Investors or Other Entrepreneurs: While not a USCIS immigrant benefit, some entrepreneurs in E-2 status might apply for a change of status or extension using Form I-129. The I-129 was updated last year for fees and likely already dropped the “gender identity” option or never had it. That aside, if any of these entrepreneurs have to file forms like I-131 (for travel documents) or eventually adjust status through a different category, they face the same changes as others.

In summary, investors and entrepreneurs face a straightforward adjustment: ensure the forms they use (notably I-941 for parole) are the latest version. They tend to have counsel and resources to stay updated, so the risk of using an old form is lower. The substantive requirements for their immigration benefits have not changed at all with these form updates.

Other Relevant Categories and Applicants

Beyond the groups above, a few additional categories worth mentioning:

Naturalization Applicants: Applicants for U.S. citizenship (often former employment-based or family-based immigrants) must use the new Form N-400 uscis.gov. The impact on them is minimal in terms of eligibility (no changes to requirements or questions), but they should be careful to use the new form to avoid rejection. Many citizenship applicants file on their own without attorneys, so they should double-check the form edition on USCIS’s website before filing. Those who might have difficulty with the binary gender requirement (e.g., a nonbinary legal permanent resident who waited to naturalize hoping to see “X” recognized) will have to select M or F now. This could also impact how they are scheduled for oath ceremonies (historically, some oath ceremony letters have “Mr.” or “Ms.” which correspond to gender on the form). It’s a small administrative detail, but one to be aware of.
DACA Recipients: While not directly touched by these updates (Forms I-821D and I-765 for DACA weren’t updated in this batch), DACA recipients often apply for Advance Parole using Form I-131 to travel abroad. So, DACA recipients seeking Advance Parole for educational or humanitarian reasons must use the new I-131. They should note the form’s new title includes “Parole Documents” explicitly, reaffirming that mechanism. The removal of the “gender identity” option is a setback for DACA recipients who identify as LGBTQ+, given DACA has a significant number of LGBTQ+ recipients. They must now navigate that issue like others. It’s possible USCIS will update the DACA forms in the near future similarly, so they should stay tuned.
Students and Exchange Visitors: F-1 or J-1 applicants don’t typically file USCIS forms to obtain status (they use consular DS-160/260 and SEVIS I-20/DS-2019). However, if they marry and file I-485, or if they later work and file for OPT EAD (Form I-765, which likely will be updated soon to remove the third gender option if it hasn’t already), they will encounter these changes. At present, Form I-765 was not listed, but we expect similar updates across all forms in due course. The impact on them is indirect but notable when it comes to OPT or change-of-status filings – they should be cognizant that USCIS forms are in flux and always verify they have the latest version.
Attorneys and Preparers: Though not an “applicant category,” it’s important to note the impact on legal preparers. Immigration attorneys and accredited representatives have had to scramble to update form software, inform clients of new signature requirements on different pages, and adjust filing practices within a matter of days. The lack of a grace period meant they risked filings getting rejected en masse. Many attorneys report that these abrupt changes caused anxiety for clients whose filings were already sent or about to be sent. The subsequent allowance of a short grace period (one month) has mitigated immediate harm aila.org, but lawyers must still quickly transition all their form templates to the new editions. In the short term, this has slightly increased legal costs or turnaround times, as extra care is needed to ensure compliance.

In conclusion, every category of immigrant or nonimmigrant is affected in the sense that USCIS forms now have a new baseline format and language. The most affected on a personal level are nonbinary and transgender applicants who lost a recognition option, and the most affected on a logistical level were those who had pending form filings during the change (they had to react swiftly). For most, the impact is manageable with proper attention: their eligibility for benefits is unchanged, but the administrative hurdle of using the correct and current form is now firmly in place for all.

Recommendations for Applicants

Given these changes, applicants and petitioners should take proactive steps to adapt. Below are actionable recommendations to ensure compliance and avoid delays or rejections:

1. Always Use the Latest Form Version:

As a rule, download fresh forms directly from the official USCIS website immediately before filing. Do not rely on old form packets or saved PDFs from previous filings. USCIS maintains a Forms Updates page uscis.gov and each form’s page lists the current “Edition Date.” Before submitting, verify that date against your form. If it’s not the current edition, obtain and fill out the new version. This practice is critical, as USCIS has made clear it will reject outdated forms after the grace period aila.org. For example, if you are applying for adjustment of status, ensure your Form I-485 is labeled “01/20/25” at the bottom. If using paper, make sure all pages show that same edition date uscis.gov. Keeping up with form updates can be challenging, so consider subscribing to USCIS email updates or regularly checking the USCIS Forms Updates page for announcements.

2. Double-Check Filing Instructions and Fees:

Review the form instructions for any changes in filing procedure. While the recent updates didn’t overhaul filing locations or add new evidence requirements, it’s wise to see if instructions have been revised. Sometimes even subtle wording changes can affect how you prepare your packet. For instance, if instructions now use certain terms, make sure any cover letter or explanation you provide aligns with those terms (e.g., use “alien” in referring to yourself if responding to a question in that language). Also, confirm the filing fee on the current USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055), which was updated alongside these forms uscis.gov. New forms might reference different fee amounts if a fee rule change occurred. (In this case, fees largely remained as set by the April 2024 Fee Rule, but it’s good practice to check the Fee Schedule for any updates or the edition date of the fee list itself.) Using the wrong fee or an outdated fee schedule can lead to rejection just as surely as using an outdated form.

3. Fill Out Forms Completely and Accurately (No Blanks for Gender):

With the removal of the “Other” gender option, some applicants might be tempted to leave the gender question blank if they feel neither “M” nor “F” fits. Do not leave it blank. USCIS may view an unanswered required field as incomplete and could reject the application. The best practice is to choose the gender that matches your other official documents (passport, birth certificate, driver’s license) to maintain consistency. If you have an “X” gender marker on some documents, you may want to use the gender that appears on the majority of your IDs or on the ID you plan to use for immigration (like your passport). This helps avoid confusion in identity verification. If necessary, you can include a brief cover note explaining that you identify differently but selected the closest option for purposes of the form – though USCIS hasn’t said this is required, it could be helpful for your own peace of mind and to have it on record. Overall, ensure every required field on the form is answered; for any that truly don’t apply, follow the form instructions (some say write “N/A” or “None” where appropriate). Meticulous completeness will guard against rejections for “insufficient information.”

4. Anticipate and Prevent Rejection Issues:

Even with the grace period now in effect, treat the transition as immediate. USCIS has indicated it will use discretion to not reject older versions for a “reasonable period” aila.org, but that is not a guarantee. To avoid any risk:

- Purge old forms: Remove any old edition forms you have printed or saved, to prevent accidentally using them.
- Check A-Number format: The new forms emphasize the “Alien Registration Number.” Make sure you list your A-Number accurately and in the correct field. If the form now explicitly asks for an A-Number where an older form might have had a different label, be sure to provide it.
- Keep pagination intact: When printing, ensure that all pages are present and in order for the new form edition. USCIS scanning systems will reject packets with missing pages or mixed editions uscis.gov. For example, the I-485 is 20 pages in the new edition – include all 20, even if some sections don’t apply (mark them “N/A” rather than removing them).
- Sign and date: A new form edition still requires a signature. It sounds basic, but with changes afoot, applicants might forget a signature on a revised page. USCIS will reject any unsigned form immediately uscis.gov. So double-check that you (and your petitioner or sponsor, if applicable) have signed the correct lines on the new forms.

5. Plan for the End of Grace Periods:

The one-month grace periods for old forms are quickly closing (most end late March or early April 2025 uscis.gov, with a couple extending to early May for certain forms). If you have a filing deadline or expiring status that falls around those dates, aim to file well before the deadline with the new forms. Do not wait until the last day of the grace period; if USPS or courier delays your package, you could slip past the acceptance date and face rejection. It’s safest to immediately switch to the new forms. If, for instance, you have a response to an RFE due and you originally filled out an old form as part of that response, update it to the new version before sending. After the grace period, USCIS will reject prior editions outright aila.org, and you may not get a second chance if a deadline passes.

6. Leverage USCIS and Legal Resources:

Take advantage of available guidance:

- USCIS Resources: The USCIS website often provides alerts or news releases about form changes (e.g., the March 1, 2024 alert about new forms for the fee rule uscis.gov and subsequent updates). Review the “Newsroom” and “Alerts” section for any announcements related to forms. Also, each form’s page has a wealth of information – for example, the Form I-131 page details where to file and the last updated date uscis.gov, which can clue you in to changes. If confused about a form question (say the wording changed slightly and you’re not sure what they want), read the form’s instructions PDF thoroughly; USCIS updated them too and they often have examples or definitions.
- Legal Advice: If you are unsure how to complete the new forms, especially in light of these changes (e.g., you’re a transgender applicant worried about how this might affect your case), consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative. Many legal professionals have closely tracked these changes – AILA, for instance, issued practice alerts and even took legal action to ensure a smoother transition aila.org. Attorneys can provide personalized guidance, such as advising which gender marker to use in tricky situations or ensuring that using the term “alien” on forms has no adverse effect on any parallel processes (for example, some fear using “alien” could affect public charge perception, but attorneys can clarify that it will not – it’s just terminology). If cost is a concern, look for non-profit organizations or legal clinics; USCIS’s website has a “Find Legal Services” section with low-cost or free providers
  uscis.gov.
- Community and Official Q&A: USCIS sometimes hosts public engagements or publishes FAQs. For instance, with a major fee rule, they published FAQs which noted no grace period for certain new forms uscis.gov. Keep an eye out for any FAQ documents or USCIS social media posts clarifying these updates. They might address common concerns (such as “What if I already sent the old form? Do I need to refile?”). Early reports indicate USCIS was accepting some old forms in March 2025 as a courtesy aila.org, but this shouldn’t be relied upon. If you’re in that boat (having filed an old form recently), you might call the USCIS Contact Center to confirm if you need to take any action or if your filing will be accepted under the discretionary grace period.

7. Prepare for Potential Processing Delays:

Whenever forms change, USCIS intake operations may slow briefly as staff get used to new forms or as initial rejections get sorted out. Be mentally prepared for possible slight delays in receipt notices or even occasional mistaken rejections. If you receive a rejection that you believe is in error (for example, you used the correct form but it was rejected for wrong edition), act quickly: consult an attorney and re-submit with an explanatory note or contact USCIS. Keep copies of everything you send, including a copy of the form showing the edition date. Generally, by adhering strictly to the new requirements, you will minimize the chance of delay. Also, file as early as possible for time-sensitive benefits. For instance, if your work permit is expiring and you need to file a renewal, do it at the earliest eligibility date with the new form, so if something goes wrong, you have time to fix it.

8. Stay Informed on Future Changes:

These form updates came swiftly due to new executive directives. It’s possible there will be additional changes in the near future – for example, proposals to collect social media handles on immigration forms have been announced. That could lead to new form editions or supplements. Also, other forms not in this batch (like I-765 for employment authorization, or I-130) might be updated to align with the terminology policy. Regularly check USCIS announcements or follow reliable immigration news sources. For instance, the USCIS Policy Manual updates page shows the policy shift to “alien” uscis.gov, which foreshadowed the form changes – keeping an eye on such updates can give you a heads-up. Subscribing to organizations like AILA (if you’re a practitioner) or community newsletters, or even USCIS’s own email lists, can ensure you won’t be caught off guard by future updates.

9. Consider Impact on Personal Situation:

If you are an applicant who is directly affected by the language change (e.g., a nonbinary asylum seeker or a transgender immigrant in the middle of a process), consider reaching out to support networks. While it’s not a “form instruction,” taking care of the personal aspect is important. Advocacy groups have decried the removal of gender-inclusive options. They may offer resources or letters that can accompany your application to explain discrepancies in gender markers, etc. Though USCIS hasn’t provided a mechanism for that, being proactive in explaining and documenting your situation (where appropriate) might help down the line. For example, if your documentation is inconsistent (passport says “X” but you had to check “Female” on the form), keep evidence of why you chose what you did (maybe a copy of older USCIS guidance or this analysis) in case it’s ever questioned.

10. Monitor Your Case Status and Correspondence:

After filing with the new forms, watch for any USCIS notices. If USCIS accepts your application, you’ll get a receipt. If there’s an issue, they will send a rejection notice explaining why. Given the transitions, ensure your mailing address is up to date and check your mail (and email, if you filed online or provided it) frequently. Some applicants who filed just as the new forms rolled out might receive Requests for Evidence (RFEs) if anything was missing or unclear. For example, if you left the gender question blank, expect an RFE or rejection. Respond promptly to any RFE, and if it’s about something related to these changes (say an RFE asking to confirm a detail that changed on the form), respond with the requested info and reference the new form/instruction as needed. The key is to keep your case moving and address any hiccups caused by the transition.

By following these best practices, applicants can smoothly navigate the new form requirements. The overarching themes are: stay informed, be proactive, and pay attention to detail. While the form changes introduced some inconvenience and symbolism (like the return of “alien”), they need not derail your immigration journey. With careful preparation and perhaps guidance from legal professionals, you can ensure your application meets the new USCIS requirements and avoid the pitfalls of this transition period aila.org. Remember, USCIS ultimately wants the correct form with the correct fee – give them that, and you set the stage for your petition or application to be processed without unnecessary delay.

Finally, keep an eye on official USCIS channels for any further clarifications. If USCIS issues new guidance (for example, an official grace period announcement or FAQ), incorporate that into your plans. As of now, the best approach is to assume the new forms are mandatory and act accordingly. By doing so, you will position yourself for success despite the evolving administrative landscape.

Good luck with your application process, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice for your specific situation if needed. With over two decades of experience in immigration law, me and my team is ready to assist you on your immigration journey. Call us for any questions at (305) 233-3110.

The post USCIS Issues New Form Editions Without Grace Period appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

Court Ruling on Asylum & Florida Sheriffs’ ICE Partnership

Martha Arias — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:25:26 +0000

In my latest interview on Actualidad Radio, I discussed two key topics:

A federal court ruling that temporarily blocks an executive order restricting asylum applications at the border.

An agreement signed by 67 Florida sheriffs with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, expanding local enforcement of immigration laws.

Federal Court Ruling on Asylum Restrictions

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking an executive order that sought to halt asylum applications at the U.S.-Mexico border. The ruling states that while the President has authority over immigration policy, it cannot override established U.S. asylum laws and international obligations.

Key Points:

Asylum seekers arriving at the border can still apply while the case proceeds in court.
CBP One remains operational for scheduling asylum interviews, though policies have changed. More details here.
The case is in a Washington State federal court and may proceed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals if appealed.

Florida Sheriffs’ Agreement with ICE

67 sheriffs in Florida have signed 287(g) agreements with ICE, allowing local law enforcement officers to assist in immigration enforcement. More details here.

How This Works:

Officers can check immigration status during arrests.
Applies to both serious crimes and minor infractions, like driving without a license.
Individuals without legal status may be referred to ICE and face deportation

Advice for Immigrants in Florida

Carry valid ID and legal documents.
Know your rights—you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
If detained, contact an immigration attorney immediately.

Stay Informed & Protect Your Rights

If you have questions about asylum, immigration enforcement, or legal status, contact my office:

Call us at: (305) 671-0018

My team and I are here to guide you through these changes and protect your rights in the U.S.

The post Court Ruling on Asylum & Florida Sheriffs’ ICE Partnership appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

New Alien Registration Law: What You Need to Know

Martha Arias — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 20:06:28 +0000

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce immigration registration laws more strictly. Specifically, the order mandates compliance with Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302), this new Alien Registration Law requires “aliens” present in the United States for 30 days or more to register with the government. Additionally, failure to comply with this requirement has now been classified as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the new measures, who is affected, and the process for registration.

Legal Requirements for Alien Registration
Addressing Registration Gaps
Who Has Already Registered?
Who Must Apply for Registration?
Who Is Not Registered?
How to Register
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Legal Requirements for Alien Registration

Under Section 262 of the INA, with limited exceptions, all non-citizens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa must register with the government if they remain in the United States for more than 30 days. Additionally, parents or legal guardians must ensure that children under the age of 14 are registered.

Furthermore, once an alien child turns 14 years old, they must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting within 30 days of their birthday.

After successful registration and fingerprinting (unless waived), DHS will issue evidence of registration. Any alien over the age of 18 must carry this evidence at all times.

Failure to comply with these legal obligations may result in criminal and civil penalties, including misdemeanor prosecution and fines.

Addressing Registration Gaps

While most aliens in the United States have already complied with this requirement, a significant number have not had a direct method to complete their registration obligations. To facilitate compliance, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is introducing a new form and process that will allow unregistered aliens to fulfill their obligations under INA 262.

Registration is not an immigration status.
Registration documentation does not establish work authorization, visa status, or any other benefit under U.S. law.

Certain individuals are exempt from this requirement, including:

American Indians born in Canada who entered the U.S. under Section 289 of the INA.
Members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who entered the U.S. under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act.

Who Has Already Registered?

Individuals who have received specific DHS-issued immigration documents have already fulfilled the registration requirement. These individuals include:

Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders).
Aliens paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5) (even if their parole has expired).
Nonimmigrant visa holders who received Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if their visa has expired.
Aliens who received immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before arriving in the United States.
Aliens placed in removal proceedings by DHS.
Individuals with employment authorization documents (EADs).
Applicants for lawful permanent residence who have submitted:
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status),
- Form I-687 (Legalization Application),
- Form I-691 (Legalization Continuation Application),
- Form I-698 (Adjustment of Status for Temporary Residents),
- Form I-700 (Special Agricultural Worker Application),
- Even if their applications were denied.
Aliens issued Border Crossing Cards.

Who Must Apply for Registration?

Aliens who fall under any of the following categories must apply for registration:

Aliens aged 14 or older who were not registered when they applied for a visa and who remain in the United States for more than 30 days must apply before their 30-day period expires.
Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 years old who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days must ensure their children are registered within that timeframe.
Any previously registered alien who turns 14 years old must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Who Is Not Registered?

Individuals who have not been issued official evidence of registration from DHS and have not submitted the required registration forms are considered unregistered. This category includes:

Aliens present in the United States without inspection, admission, or parole.
Canadian visitors who entered through land ports of entry and were not issued registration evidence.
Individuals who applied for specific immigration benefits not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including:
- Applicants for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
- Applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- Those who have not received evidence of registration.

How to Register

To comply with the registration requirement, DHS will implement a new form and process for aliens who have not yet registered. The official process is expected to be announced soon, and it will be facilitated through USCIS online accounts.

Beginning February 25, 2025, individuals subject to the registration requirement should create a USCIS online account in preparation.

Once the new registration system is implemented, individuals required to register will be able to submit their applications online.
Parents and legal guardians will be able to submit registrations on behalf of children under 14 years old.
For more information on setting up an account, visit the official USCIS How to Create an Online Account page.

Conclusion

The Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order reinforces long-standing legal obligations regarding alien registration under INA Section 262. While most aliens in the U.S. have already met their obligations, the new USCIS process aims to close compliance gaps and ensure full adherence to the law.

Failure to register can lead to civil penalties and criminal prosecution, making it imperative for all non-registered aliens to comply with the law as soon as the new registration system becomes available.

For further updates on the registration process, individuals should regularly check the official USCIS website and prepare by creating a USCIS online account before February 25, 2025.

F.A.Q.s

What happens if an alien registers but later loses their registration documentation?

If an alien loses their registration documentation, they must request a replacement through USCIS. Failure to carry the registration evidence may result in penalties.

Does registering under this rule provide any form of legal status or protection from deportation?

No, registration is not an immigration status and does not provide protection from removal or any legal benefits under U.S. law.

Can undocumented immigrants who register under this rule still be deported?

Yes, registration does not grant any immunity from deportation. If an alien is unlawfully present in the U.S., they may still be subject to removal proceedings.

If an alien has applied for an immigration benefit but has not received registration evidence, do they need to register?

Yes, if they have not received one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR 264.1(b), they are still required to register.

Do visitors with B-1/B-2 visas need to register under this rule?

No, they do not need to register separately. B-1/B-2 visa holders are issued Form I-94 upon entry, which fulfills the registration requirement. Even if their period of stay expires, their initial registration through the I-94 remains valid.

How will the government verify whether an alien has complied with the registration requirement?

DHS may verify compliance through immigration databases, employer records, and other government data sources.

Will aliens be required to renew their registration periodically?

No, registration is a one-time requirement unless an alien turns 14 years old and needs to re-register.

What should aliens do if they have difficulty accessing or creating a USCIS online account?

They should contact USCIS for assistance or visit a USCIS office for in-person help with the registration process.

Are asylum seekers or refugees required to register separately under this rule?

Asylum seekers and refugees typically receive documentation as part of their process, which may count as registration. However, those without such documentation must comply.

What are the consequences of failing to register if an alien is otherwise eligible?

Noncompliance may lead to civil penalties, fines, misdemeanor prosecution, and could negatively impact future immigration applications.

The post New Alien Registration Law: What You Need to Know appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

Latest Immigration Updates: My Interview on Nueva La Poderosa 670 AM

Martha Arias — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:59:39 +0000

Latest immigration updates: this morning, I had the opportunity to speak with Aaron Glantz and Eduardo Aleman on Nueva La Poderosa 670 AM about some of the most pressing immigration issues facing our community. We covered a range of topics, including the dangers of human trafficking, stricter asylum rules, marriage fraud risks, immigration court delays, and DACA renewals. Here’s a summary of the key points we discussed.

The Risks of Human Trafficking and Dangerous Border Crossings

Many people are still risking their lives to enter the United States, sometimes traveling in unsafe conditions, such as hiding inside cargo trucks or crossing with smugglers, also known as coyotes. These traffickers profit off human tragedy, and unfortunately, many migrants do not survive the journey.

I emphasized during the interview that this is human trafficking, and those making these journeys are putting their lives and their children’s lives at great risk. Meanwhile, border security is tighter than ever, making it even more dangerous for those attempting to enter this way.

Asylum Cases: Stricter Rules and ICE Detentions in Court

A major topic of discussion was the new challenges asylum seekers face. Many are trying to seek protection in the U.S., but the rules to prove persecution have become much stricter.

One of the biggest changes is that ICE is now allowed to detain individuals in court, including state and immigration courts. Under new ICE guidelines, people can be detained if they fall into one of these five categories:

Individuals associated with gangs
People considered a threat to public or national security
Individuals previously deported who did not comply with their removal orders
People who were deported and illegally re-entered the U.S.
Those with certain criminal convictions.

However, state cooperation is required for ICE to carry out these arrests. For example, in New York, state law prohibits ICE from detaining people inside state courts, but this protection does not exist in most states.

If you have an immigration court hearing, you must attend—but you should also be aware of your rights.

Marriage Fraud: The Serious Consequences of Marrying for Immigration Benefits

We also discussed reports of marriages happening at the border with the goal of obtaining legal status. I want to be very clear—this is a terrible idea and comes with serious consequences.

There is a very specific rule stating that if a person gets married within 30 days of entering the U.S., it is presumed to be marriage fraud. This means that:

The couple will have to prove twice as much evidence as a regular marriage case.
If the immigrant entered illegally, meaning without a visa or parole, they cannot apply for a green card from within the U.S. and will have to leave the country.
Marriage fraud is a federal crime with severe penalties:
- Up to 5 years in prison for both the U.S. citizen and the immigrant.
- A $250,000 fine—which, if unpaid, can lead to more prison time.
- Permanent inadmissibility—if found guilty of marriage fraud, the immigrant will never be eligible for any U.S. visa or green card for the rest of their life.

I strongly advise against risky shortcuts like this. Immigration law is complex, and making a wrong decision can have life-long consequences.

Immigration Court Delays: What You Need to Know

During the interview, we also talked about the severe backlog in immigration courts. As of late last year, there were over 3 million cases pending. This has created long wait times, especially for asylum seekers and those in deportation proceedings.

At USCIS, there have been some improvements. Last year, I noticed that green card renewals and adjustment of status applications were being processed faster. However, with recent staff reductions—including the dismissal of 20 immigration judges—I am concerned that wait times may increase again.

If you have an open case, I recommend staying informed and making sure you follow up on your application status.

DACA Renewals: Processing Times and Possible Policy Changes

Finally, we discussed DACA renewals. Unlike other immigration processes, DACA renewals are moving quickly. In my office, I have seen them processed in one to three months, sometimes as fast as one month.

As for possible policy changes, I do not believe the current administration is actively working to eliminate DACA. In fact, there have been discussions about providing a more permanent legal solution for DACA recipients. While nothing has been finalized yet, I remain hopeful that a better path to legal status will be made available.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Avoid Costly Mistakes

It was a pleasure to speak with Aaron Glantz and Eduardo Aleman about these important immigration issues. My main advice to anyone navigating the immigration system is to stay informed and seek proper legal guidance.

If you have questions about your asylum case, marriage-based petitions, or any other immigration matter, I encourage you to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. Making the right decisions now can protect your future and help you avoid costly mistakes.

For more information, call my office at (305) 671-0018, and follow me on YouTube and social media for ongoing updates on immigration law.

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New Florida Immigration Law: What You Need to Know

Martha Arias — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 23:45:01 +0000

The immigration landscape in Florida is shifting dramatically, leaving many members of our community in a state of concern and uncertainty. Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss these changes on Univision TV with journalist Félix de Bedout. This law, spearheaded by Governor Ron DeSantis, aligns with policies from President Trump but has sparked considerable debate, with many experts—including myself—raising concerns about its constitutionality and its impact on immigrant communities.

Key Changes Introduced by the New Florida Law

This new legislation introduces a series of measures that make life increasingly difficult for immigrants in Florida. Among the most concerning changes:

1. Law Enforcement’s New Role in Immigration Enforcement
Traditionally, enforcing immigration laws has been the responsibility of federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, this law grants local police the authority to stop individuals and inquire about their immigration status. Police officers will receive training to determine whether someone is legally residing in the U.S., which is a significant and worrisome shift from the standard enforcement process.

This raises serious legal concerns, as immigration status is a federal matter. The involvement of state and local law enforcement in immigration checks could lead to racial profiling, increased fear in immigrant communities, and a reluctance to report crimes due to the fear of being questioned about immigration status.

2. The Death Penalty as a Consequence for Undocumented Status?
Another highly controversial aspect of this law is its potential connection between undocumented status and the death penalty. In Florida, violent crimes can already result in capital punishment. However, what is unprecedented is the possibility that being an undocumented immigrant could be considered an aggravating factor in criminal cases, potentially increasing the severity of sentencing—including eligibility for the death penalty.

This is a deeply concerning legal precedent. Typically, aggravating factors in criminal cases involve intentional and particularly harmful actions, such as violence against pregnant women or elderly individuals. Suggesting that simply being undocumented is a comparable aggravating factor challenges fundamental principles of justice.

From a constitutional perspective, this is highly problematic. The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law, and it prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Undocumented immigration is a civil matter, not a criminal offense, which makes the idea of linking it to the death penalty particularly disturbing.

Higher Education Costs for Immigrant Students
Another major issue under this law is its impact on immigrant students. Previously, undocumented students who had lived in Florida for years could qualify for in-state tuition rates at public universities. This law eliminates that possibility, forcing them to pay out-of-state tuition rates, which can be more than $12,000 higher per year.

Unfortunately, this policy is harder to challenge legally because tuition regulations fall under the control of state governments. Unlike other provisions of the law that may be deemed unconstitutional, this measure is within the state’s authority to implement. However, this will have devastating consequences for many students who have lived in Florida for most of their lives and now face financial barriers to continuing their education.

Legal and Constitutional Challenges Ahead

As I emphasized in my Univision interview, this law is likely to face numerous legal challenges. Some of its provisions may violate constitutional protections related to equal treatment, due process, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. We expect lawsuits to be filed in the coming weeks, particularly against the law’s more extreme measures.

However, while legal battles take time, it is crucial for immigrants and their families to stay informed and understand their rights. If you or someone you know is affected by this law, it is important to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney as soon as possible.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you are concerned about how this law might affect you or your loved ones, here are some steps you can take:

Stay Informed – Follow trusted legal sources, news updates, and community organizations that advocate for immigrant rights.

Know Your Rights – If you are stopped by police, remember that you have the right to remain silent and are not required to disclose your immigration status.

Seek Legal Assistance – If you are uncertain about how this law affects you, consult with an immigration attorney. Do not wait until an emergency arises.

Get Involved – Community advocacy plays a significant role in shaping policies. Support organizations that are fighting for immigrant rights and make your voice heard.

Martha L. Arias, Esq.
Immigration Law Attorney
(305) 671-0018

Final Thoughts

This new Florida immigration law is one of the most restrictive measures we have seen in years. While it is likely to face legal challenges, it is already causing fear and hardship among immigrant families. Now, more than ever, it is essential to be informed, prepared, and proactive in protecting your rights.

I will continue monitoring this law closely and providing updates on its legal challenges and implications. If you have questions or need legal guidance, contact my office for a consultation.

Together, we can navigate these uncertain times and work toward a more just and fair immigration system.

You can watch my interview on Univision TV here on my YouTube channel.

The post New Florida Immigration Law: What You Need to Know appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

Cambios Migratorios Bajo Trump

Martha Arias — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:19:22 +0000

En la entrevista, destaqué que las políticas migratorias bajo la administración del presidente Trump han venido cambiando rápidamente, abarcando desde la ciudadanía por nacimiento hasta las redadas dirigidas a personas indocumentadas. Expliqué la importancia de que las personas busquen asesoría únicamente de abogados de inmigración con licencia en Estados Unidos, pues muchos notarios y ‘tramitadores’ pueden ofrecer información engañosa y perjudicar sus casos. También hablé sobre las extensiones de TPS, recomendando a quienes se beneficien de ese estatus que empiecen a buscar soluciones permanentes, como el ajuste de estatus por medio de peticiones familiares o laborales, antes de que se cumplan los plazos. Finalmente, advertí que incluso delitos menores, como el hurto en tiendas, pueden traer consecuencias migratorias graves bajo las leyes actuales o propuestas que contemplan detenciones obligatorias. Mi intención fue aclarar el panorama, promover la responsabilidad y enfatizar la necesidad de mantenerse al tanto de los cambios y contar con el respaldo de un abogado debidamente acreditado.

The post Cambios Migratorios Bajo Trump appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

¡Hablemos de Inmigración! – 12.3.2024

Martha Arias — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:32:37 +0000

HABLEMOS DE INMIGRACIÓN CON MARTHA ARIAS
12.03.2024

This week, I had the pleasure of joining Juan Camilo on Instagram Live for Actualidad Radio, where we discussed key topics in immigration, including the I-485 application process, recent updates on medical exam requirements, and the intersection of tax filings with immigration cases. I also addressed questions about options for DACA recipients, the importance of disclosing legal issues, and processing times for family petitions. It was a great opportunity to answer your questions live and provide valuable insights. If you missed it, you can watch the replay and stay informed!

Míralo en YouTube

Míralo en Instagram

¿Tienes preguntas sobre las nuevas leyes de inmigración en Florida? Contáctanos.

LLAMAR

Mon & Thu | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tue & Wed | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

ENVIAR CORREO

Los correos serán respondidos debidamente.

LET’S TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION

A live program, where every Tuesday at 5 pm, Juan Camilo Gómez from Actualidad Radio team up with immigration law attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq. to clear all your doubts about immigration issues. Tune in Actualidad Radio on 1040 AM and 103.9 FM.

WATCH US ON INSTAGRAM

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS

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English Transcript

Juan Camilo:
Hello, hello everyone. How’s it going? Thank you for joining us for another Instagram Live on Actualidad Radio. In just a few minutes, we will be connecting with immigration attorney Martha Arias. So, we invite you in advance to join this conversation, and if you have any questions about immigration, please leave them below in the comments section, as we will be answering your questions live with attorney Martha Arias.

This Instagram Live from Actualidad Radio is to discuss immigration topics. If you’re watching this, it’s probably a replay. If not, welcome, and we are now live with attorney Martha Arias. Attorney, thank you for joining us again on Actualidad Radio.

Martha Arias:
Thank you, Juan Camilo. A special greeting to you and to all the audience here on Actualidad Radio’s Instagram and on mine as well. My account, let me remind you, is Martha_Arias98.

Juan Camilo:
Attorney, how was your Thanksgiving?

Martha Arias:
It went well, thank you. This year, we decided not to cook turkey because we always miscalculate. We always end up making a turkey that’s too big, and we’re left with turkey for two weeks. So, we decided to do something different and made a traditional Colombian ajiaco for Thanksgiving.

Juan Camilo:
Wow, a truly Bogota-style ajiaco, right?

Martha Arias:
Yes, a classic Colombian-Bogotan ajiaco. It was delicious.

Juan Camilo:
For those of you just joining, thank you for tuning in again. We’re on Instagram Live with Martha Arias. For those unfamiliar with her, she is a highly recognized immigration attorney who serves clients in South Florida and throughout the country.

We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to leave your questions in the comments section, as we’ll be answering them live during this session on immigration. Later, in other Instagram Lives, we’ll talk about other topics, but today’s focus is immigration.

If you have questions about what might change, whether there will be any modifications once the new president takes office on January 20, or about the individuals being selected for key positions, or even what’s going to happen with deportations—whether they will happen or not—feel free to ask. Any question, or if you have a case that’s delayed, take advantage of the fact that we have Martha Arias with us.

Also, let me remind you that you can call her office. We’ll add the phone number here so you can contact her. The number is 305-671-0018, and her website is AriasVilla.com, where you can also find plenty of information on immigration.

About the I-485 Application and Medical Exam

Juan Camilo:
Attorney, for those submitting an I-485 application, what is this application, and what does the medical exam involve?

Martha Arias:
Sure, Juan Camilo. The I-485 application is for individuals applying for residency, meaning it’s the application for a Green Card or permanent residency for those already in the United States.

The I-485 application, as of April 2024, costs $1,440. It increased this year, as the cost was $1,225 until April. Now it’s $1,440. Additionally, if someone is applying for a work permit, they also have to pay an extra $260. Previously, the work permit was included in the $1,225 fee, so applicants didn’t have to pay extra for it. Now they do.

The news you mentioned, Juan Camilo, is that yesterday, USCIS—the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services—announced that the medical certificate or exam required for residency must be submitted together with the I-485 application. This means applicants will now need to send it along.

Why Submit the Medical Exam with the Application

Many people don’t submit a complete residency package and wait to send the medical exam later or bring it to their interview. But keep in mind that many residency applications are being approved without interviews.

What happens in these cases? Immigration ends up requesting the medical exam, the applicant has to submit it, and this delays the process even further.

From now on, applicants must include the medical exam with their I-485 application. USCIS has said that if the exam isn’t included, the application will be rejected. Note that “rejected” (or “reject”) doesn’t mean denied. It simply means the package will be returned to the applicant to correct the omission and resend it with the medical exam.

Changes to Medical Exam Expiration

One more thing, Juan Camilo, regarding the medical exam. Previously, the medical exam had an expiration date. Initially, it was valid for one year, then extended to two years. Recently, this year, USCIS announced that the medical exam no longer has an expiration date.

This means applicants don’t need to worry about including it with their I-485 application, even if the application takes one or two years to process. The exam won’t expire.

In the past, people avoided attaching it to the application because they feared it would expire while waiting for an interview, which sometimes took over a year. That concern is no longer valid.

Vaccinations for the Medical Exam

Another important point about the medical exam: vaccinations. The doctors authorized by immigration know which vaccines are required.

Most attorneys don’t concern themselves with knowing these specifics because it’s the doctor’s role. However, if applicants already have their vaccination records, they should bring them to the medical exam. This will allow the doctor to verify the vaccines they’ve already received and avoid unnecessary vaccinations and charges.

For instance, I recently learned that a single vaccine can cost between $30 and $120. Imagine needing four vaccines at $120 each—how much would that cost for the medical exam?

COVID Vaccine and Exemptions

Another vaccine still required for immigration is the COVID-19 vaccine. Many people remain skeptical of this vaccine and don’t want to receive it.

In such cases, applicants must either provide medical proof of a contraindication to the vaccine or religious documentation to justify an exemption. These exemptions must be well-documented.

Juan Camilo:
This is great information, attorney. I think it’s a good idea to address these points because for people who are filling out this form or are in this situation, they might sometimes overlook broader advice that can affect anyone undergoing immigration processes, no matter what kind.

For example, as we approach the end of 2024, and people start filing their taxes in 2025, many might not consider the connection between their immigration process and their tax situation.

Does the issue of taxes impact someone who is pursuing an immigration case?

Martha Arias:
Yes, absolutely, Juan Camilo, it has a huge impact. This is an important topic to discuss, especially as we close one year and begin another. Let me explain why.

For example, if someone is already a U.S. resident and is applying for citizenship, they must demonstrate good moral character to qualify for citizenship approval.

One of the many factors that determine good moral character is that the person must be up-to-date with their taxes filed with the IRS—the Internal Revenue Service, which is the tax agency here in the U.S.

If someone owes money to the IRS, it doesn’t mean they can’t become a citizen. They still can, but they must demonstrate two key things:

That they have a payment agreement with the government. For example, if they owe $5,000, $10,000, or $100,000, they need to show proof of this agreement.
That they are current with those payments. For instance, if their monthly payment plan requires them to pay $100 or $200, they must demonstrate that they’ve made all these payments up to date.

How can someone prove they are paying? There are several ways:

They can create an account on the IRS website, where they can access their transcripts and download a document called Account Transcripts. This document shows how much they owe and includes a record of all payments made.
If payments are made via automatic bank transfers, they can request bank statements or access them online to download proof of their monthly payments.

They can then provide this documentation to immigration as part of their case.

Martha Arias:
That’s why taxes are critical, as they are part of demonstrating good moral character.

Another frequent issue is when someone applies for citizenship and files taxes separately from their spouse. Immigration might investigate the spouse’s tax filings. If the spouse has filed as Head of Household, this could raise concerns.

Head of Household status is for someone who is unmarried and solely responsible for maintaining a household. If a married individual files this way, it could create problems. Immigration might then require proof that the applicant is paying for child support or that they live with their children.

For example, if someone says they live with their spouse and children, but the spouse’s tax return shows them as Head of Household, it can look suspicious. Immigration might question whether they are filing taxes properly or trying to manipulate the system.

Sponsorship and Tax Requirements

Additionally, if a U.S. citizen marries someone and petitions for them as a spouse, they must show they have sufficient financial means as a sponsor. This ability is proven through their tax returns.

Immigration uses a chart to determine how much income a sponsor needs based on their household size, including dependents. If they don’t meet these requirements, they will need a joint sponsor to fulfill the financial obligations.

Martha Arias:
Lastly, here’s a tip about taxes: Be more analytical when seeking tax preparation services. Many issues I see happen when people work with non-CPAs, who sometimes make mistakes or file incorrectly.

For example, I had a client who was a U.S. resident and had committed some crimes. He was in deportation proceedings before an immigration judge, and I was preparing his waiver. Everything was going well until the government attorney asked about his taxes.

We provided his tax returns, but he had reported only $14,000–$15,000 in annual income. The judge asked him, “How much is your rent?” He answered, “$2,500 per month.”

Let’s do the math: $2,500 multiplied by 12 months is $30,000 per year. Then the judge asked if he was living alone or had roommates. The client said he lived alone. Next, the judge asked, “How much do you pay in child support?” The answer was $300 per month.

Now, adding up rent, child support, and other expenses like food, car insurance, and utilities, his expenses far exceeded $30,000 annually. The judge questioned how he could survive on just $14,000 per year.

This is why I always say: Don’t build a house of straw near a fire. If you have an immigration case or residency, be extremely careful about how you present your taxes, as they could lead to issues later.

Juan Camilo:
Excellent advice, not just for immigration purposes but in general.

Let’s take some time to address questions from our audience. If we don’t get to all of them today, don’t worry—we’ll have more opportunities in future Instagram Lives with attorney Martha Arias.

Remember, you can always call her office at 305-671-0018 to schedule a consultation. These Lives aim to share news and general advice, but they are not a substitute for professional legal counsel.

One question we received is from Ángel Arcini:
“Good afternoon. Is it true that DACA recipients, if they’ve completed a master’s degree, can apply for a special work visa?”

Martha Arias:
This is a great question. No, there is no special work visa for DACA recipients.

However, individuals with a master’s degree in the U.S. can apply for an H-1B visa, which is for professionals with a four-year degree or higher. Currently, there are an additional 25,000 visas annually set aside for those with U.S. master’s degrees.

This provides a priority or advantage over those without a master’s degree when applying for an H-1B visa.

Now, regardless of whether someone is a DACA recipient or not, if they have a U.S. master’s degree, they enjoy this privilege.

Another thing happening with DACA recipients is that if they have a job offer in the United States—let’s say they came as minors, stayed here, applied for DACA before turning 18, received it, worked, and studied—and now have a company willing to sponsor them, the company can file a petition.

The person will then need to leave for the U.S. consulate abroad to receive the visa. Before doing so, they must file a waiver to return to the U.S. legally. This process is often referred to as a D3 waiver, named after the relevant section of immigration law (212(d)(3) waiver).

Here’s an example: I had a client who had been working for a company for 3–4 years. The company wanted to sponsor him for an H-1B visa. He asked me, “Can I do this?” I told him, “Yes, of course. We’ll file the petition, but before you go to the consulate, we’ll file the D3 waiver.” Once approved, he went to the consulate, received his H-1B visa, and returned to the U.S.

It’s important to do it this way because if someone has DACA, they cannot directly change their status from DACA to H1B within the U.S. If they were previously undocumented or out of status before receiving DACA, they must leave the country, but only after securing the waiver to return.

Juan Camilo:
That makes perfect sense. The recommendation, of course, is to avoid relying on articles you read online or news someone forwarded you on WhatsApp. Always consult an expert immigration attorney to get professional advice and do things the right way.

Remember, in immigration matters, there’s very little room for error. We can’t afford to make mistakes when filling out a form, starting a process, or updating paperwork, as these errors can cause significant delays or cost thousands of dollars. That’s why we always stress these recommendations.

Legal Issues and Immigration

Juan Camilo:
Speaking of recommendations, attorney, what advice do you have for individuals who want to pursue an immigration process but have had legal trouble?

What happens in cases where someone was convicted of a major crime, a minor crime (misdemeanor), or even if someone was accused of something but the case was later dismissed and never went to court? Do these distinctions matter, or does everything count?

Martha Arias:
Everything matters. Every arrest, even traffic tickets or driving citations, must be disclosed. There are differences, though, depending on whether someone was arrested and later exonerated of charges.

If a judge’s ruling declares someone not guilty or dismisses the charges with a ruling of no action or dismissal, this helps the individual because it means they were not convicted for immigration purposes.

Still, the person must obtain the final disposition of the case from the court. This document, showing the judge’s ruling—whether it was not guilty, dismissal, or no action—will be necessary for immigration.

Even if there was no conviction, arrests must be reported to immigration and could still have consequences. Certain types of cases, especially those involving moral turpitude, can impact immigration status.

For example, if someone was only arrested but not convicted of a crime considered to involve moral turpitude, this could still create immigration issues. That’s why it’s critical to inform your attorney of any arrests, even if the charges were dropped.

Let me give you an example. I had a young client, about 19 or 20 years old, who came to my office very nervous because his citizenship application had been denied. The reason? Three years before applying, he had been arrested for possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana.

The case didn’t proceed, and the charges were dropped under what’s called nolle prosequi (a decision not to prosecute). However, this happened within the five-year good moral character period required for citizenship applications.

In these situations, immigration officers conduct a lawful act review to determine whether the arrest involved illegal behavior. Even without a conviction, the officer evaluates whether the incident indicates unlawful conduct.

Juan Camilo:
So even if charges were dismissed or the person was found innocent, this still matters?

Martha Arias:
Correct. In this particular case, during the interview, the immigration officer asked the young man about the arrest. The officer asked him to describe what happened, and he started writing down everything the client said.

The client later told me, “What I wrote wasn’t true. The officer told me to write that, but that’s not what happened.” I asked him, “Why did you write it, then?” He said, “I was scared. It was an immigration officer in front of me, and I didn’t know what to do.”

This is an example of why having an attorney is so important. We were able to reopen his case, challenge the document he had signed, and eventually get his citizenship approved.

Juan Camilo:
Thank you for sharing that example, attorney. Before we wrap up, let’s address one last comment from Iván:

“Good afternoon, Juan Camilo and Attorney Arias. My wife and I are residents, and we filed a petition for our daughter, who also lives here and is 18 years old. Her application was approved, and I submitted the I-485 for her. How long does it take for this I-485 to be approved? She already received her new work permit (category C9) and her travel permit. Thank you.”

Martha Arias:
In South Florida, the I-485 process generally takes about 6 to 12 months for approval. However, there’s something important to note here. Since the petitioner and his wife are U.S. residents, this means their daughter’s case is subject to annual visa quotas based on availability.

Immigration issues a visa bulletin every year, which determines the availability of visas. If there are no visas available, the I-485 process will take longer. Let me quickly check the December bulletin.

As of now, the category for children under 21 of U.S. residents is processing cases filed on or before January 1, 2022.

If the petition was filed after January 1, 2022, there will be a wait of around two and a half years before a visa becomes available.

Now, if the application was filed before January 1, 2022, it’s likely very close to being approved. For example, if it was filed in October or November 2021, the case is probably at the final stages because a visa would already be available.

This is the key difference between an I-485 filed by a U.S. citizen for their child and one filed by a U.S. resident for their minor child. Cases filed by residents often require waiting for visa availability, which can add more than two and a half years to the process.

For example, from January 2022 to January 2024 is two years. Since we’re in December, we’re looking at almost two years and 11 months of waiting.

Juan Camilo:
Patience, patience for many of these processes. If anyone still has questions, don’t worry. We’ll have more opportunities to do Instagram Lives with attorney Martha Arias.

Please share this video, as it will likely appear on your timeline and might interest many people. Also, follow attorney Martha Arias on her Instagram account, @Martha_Arias98, and visit her website AriasVilla.com. Her office phone number is 305-671-0018.

Juan Camilo:
Attorney, as always, thank you. We’ll see you in the next session.

Martha Arias:
Thank you, Juan Camilo. A greeting to you and all our audience. We’ll see each other next Tuesday, God willing. Please share these videos to help others stay informed, and subscribe to my Instagram page, @Martha_Arias98.

Juan Camilo:
Thank you, attorney. See you next time!

The post ¡Hablemos de Inmigración! – 12.3.2024 appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

¡Hablemos de Inmigración! – 11.19.2024

Martha Arias — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:06:39 +0000

HABLEMOS DE INMIGRACIÓN CON MARTHA ARIAS
11.19.2024

Hello everyone! During my recent Instagram Live with Juan Camilo on Actualidad Radio, we covered some key immigration topics, including the difference between credible fear interviews and asylum interviews—something that often gets confused. The credible fear interview is conducted when someone enters the U.S. and claims fear of returning to their country, while the asylum interview is a step further into their immigration process.

We also discussed the long delays people are experiencing in getting their asylum interviews—something that, while frustrating, may have options like requesting expedited processing, though this can be costly and not always effective. I also shared updates about USCIS clarifying derivative citizenship rules, particularly around custodial requirements for children when their parents become U.S. citizens.

I took a moment to reflect on my 21-year journey in immigration law, a field I chose because it allowed me to support my family while working closely with my community. As always, I encourage anyone with specific questions or concerns to reach out directly—you can find me at ariasvilla.com or follow me on Instagram at @Martha_Arias98.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Live and sent in their questions. Remember, if you have more doubts or need assistance, you can contact me at (305) 671-0018. See you next time!

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Transcripción en Español

JUAN CAMILO:
Hola a todos, gracias por acompañarnos en otro Instagram Live de Actualidad Radio. Hoy vamos a hablar sobre migración y en segundos vamos a conectarnos con Martha Arias. Ella es una muy reconocida abogada experta en asuntos migratorios. Si están viendo esto en su feed, seguramente es una repetición de algo que hacemos todos los martes alrededor de las 5 de la tarde hora de Miami para abordar algunos temas relacionados con inmigración.

Cuáles son las leyes más recientes, qué es lo que puede cambiar próximamente, qué es lo que está pasando con temas, por ejemplo, con el nuevo presidente que va a asumir el próximo 20 de enero. Donald Trump va a cambiar algunas cosas en materia de inmigración o va a seguir todo exactamente igual que tanto podemos ver deportaciones o no. Muchas preguntas que no entendemos del todo, que queremos entender mejor. Así que esta es una gran oportunidad porque también vamos a abrir para que la gente que tenga alguna pregunta sobre inmigración pueda compartir también sus inquietudes con nosotros.

Entonces, si tienen alguna pregunta de inmigración, vamos a aprovechar este espacio y vamos a dejarla en la casilla de los comentarios. Ahí la vamos a contestar en breve con la abogada Martha Arias. Background para conocer un poco sobre la abogada. Martha Arias es una muy reconocida experta en asuntos migratorios, es una personalidad de radio y televisión de acá del sur de Florida y es una abogada licenciada para ejercer como abogada en asuntos migratorios en todo el territorio nacional. Recuerden que la ley de inmigración es una ley federal, no es como los abogados de pronto civiles o penales que tienen que sacar las licencias en cada uno de los estados en ley migratoria en Estados Unidos, es una ley que es la misma a nivel nacional.

Entonces, por eso siempre consultamos con ella porque tenemos muchas personas que se conectan, que nos ven desde Texas, desde New Jersey, desde cualquier cantidad de estados o desde el exterior. Hay gente que se conecta desde Colombia, desde Venezuela, así que muy bueno que también resolvamos muchas de esas inquietudes acá en este espacio con la abogada Martha Arias.

Normalmente no alcanzamos a realmente contestar muchos porque siempre el tiempo es corto. Y abogada Martha Arias, con eso si no alcanzamos a responder sus preguntas, siempre podemos conectarnos con ella y siempre encontramos otros espacios para que puedan también dejarle sus mensajes y sacar una cita con ella. Y ahora tenemos acá con nosotros abogada Martha Arias, gracias por acompañarnos, bienvenida. Nuevamente Actualidad Radio. Gracias por acompañarnos.

MARTHA ARIAS:
Hola Juan Camilo, buenas tardes, un saludo para usted y toda la audiencia que ya tenemos aquí en Actualidad Radio y en mi Instagram. Feliz semana, ya está empezando a ser frío, ¿cierto Juan Camilo?

JUAN CAMILO:
Ya, ya está comenzando acá en Miami a sentirse un poco más el frío. Entonces, de antemano y desde ya les invitamos a que sigan la cuenta de Martha Arias, que la encuentran acá arriba. Es Martha_Arias98. Eso es algo que les puede ayudar mucho a ustedes, por ejemplo, estar bien informados si se perdieron parte de estos Instagram Live. Luego quedan ahí publicados. Así que bueno, de antemano la invitación para que la sigan.

Abogada, antes de comenzar con algunos de los temas vamos vamos a también, por supuesto, darle oportunidad a los oyentes que están o a los televidentes, a los seguidores que están participando de este live y por acá ya tenemos algunas preguntas comenzando. El jefo dice tengo 10 años esperando la entrevista de miedo creíble una vez pregunté si se podía agilizar el trámite y la ahogada me dijo que se le cortó la pregunta que deportar no agilizar el trámite ya que el miedo creíble debía ser actual; pero el retardo del trámite es debido a la administración y no a mí, porque ese exceso de tiempo me perjudica. Ya sabemos con casos como el del jefe, porque tiene un caso, una humildencia medio creíble o esperando una cita de miedo creíble, pero si el miedo creíble tiene que ser reciente y lleva muchos años esperándolo, que podemos contarle a esta persona.

MARTHA ARIAS:
Ay, Juan Camilo, yo no sé si el señor tiene claro que está esperando la entrevista de miedo creíble o más bien la entrevista de su asilo, de su petición de asilo, porque aunque están relacionados son dos cosas distintas. La entrevista de miedo creíble la dan los oficiales de CBP o incluso de ICE a personas que están entrando por la frontera esas personas que se cruzan a la frontera, incluso los que hacen la aplicación en el CBP-1, la aplicación esta que tienen, estas personas son las que le dan en la entrevista de miedo creíble. Es una entrevista donde el gobierno de los Estados Unidos sabe que esta persona puede ser deportable porque no tiene, está entrando por la frontera y no tiene un parol o una visa para entrar y la persona reclama miedo de volver a su país y entonces le hacen esa entrevista de miedo creíble y si pasa la entrevista de miedo creíble lo puede ver a un juez de inmigración más adelante para su caso de deportación.

Va a tener la oportunidad de procesar esa aplicación de asilo ante un juez. En otras palabras, el miedo creíble o la entrevista de miedo creíble es el primer para un caso de asilo. También hay una entrevista de miedo creíble que se puede dar a la persona que entra por el aeropuerto. Llegó con una visa, entró al aeropuerto y dice yo tengo miedo de regresar a mi país, voy a aplicar para asilo. Los oficiales en el aeropuerto le hacen esa entrevista de miedo creíble. Esa tiene que ser inmediatamente antes de que lo dejen entrar. Por eso yo pienso que esta persona de pronto no está usando los términos correctos. Eso por eso le explico ahora.

La entrevista de asilo es otra cosa. Esa es la entrevista que le hace USCIS, si el caso está con ellos, para determinar el mérito de su asilo, de su aplicación. También, una vez se la niegan, si es que se la niegan, el juez le va a hacer otra audiencia o le va a hacer un proceso de deportación donde la persona puede continuar con su reclamo de asilo.

Entonces… Esta persona si lleva 10 años esperando, lo que me hace a mí pensar es que está esperando su entrevista de asilo. Es cierto, se están demorando mucho. Hay personas que tienen peticiones que presentaron en el 2012 y 2013 y todavía siguen pendiente. ¿Qué hay que hacer? La mayoría no pueden hacer mucho, lo que puede hacer es tratar de mandar una carta pidiendo la agilización que de hecho yo tengo algunos casos donde he pedido esta agilización, en algunos casos lo conceden en otros no. Así que no hay nada certeza que podamos decir vamos a invocar esta ley para que nos den el asilo antes, no, eso no existe. Ahora sí, hay algunos abogados que están presentando algunas demandas en las cortes distritales bajo una causa de, de, de, de, se llama cost of action bajo alguna sección que pues, eh, básicamente es decirle a la corte, eh, a un juez que por favor nos de, nos lo obliguen a inmigración a procesar mi caso más rápido. Eh, pero estos son casos que son costosos, la mayoría de la gente no va a pagar por esto, son casos que le pueden costar a una persona 15, 20 o 25 mil dólares y eso siendo económico. Entonces nadie presenta casi esas demandas porque es muy costoso.

Entonces, Juan Camilo, eso quería aclarar con la pregunta del señor y pues puede mandar una carta a su abogado pidiendo la agilización y la razón. Pero yo no creo que el señor se esté refiriendo a una entrevista de miedo creíble porque eso tenía que haber pasado hace mucho rato.

JUAN CAMILO:
Realmente es la de asilo. Pero la mejor recomendación en esos casos es como bien dice la abogada consultar con abogados expertos en migración. Nosotros consultamos con Martha Arias porque tiene mucha experiencia en estos temas y dejamos el teléfono abajo para que ustedes la consulten, porque acá tratamos de brevemente contestar algunas inquietudes, pero siempre nos quedamos cortos. Entonces por eso ponemos abajo el teléfono del despacho de la abogada que es el (305) 671-0018; o su página web que es Ariasvilla.com.

Abogada, ¿qué nos puede contar sobre una actualización que hizo USCIS, USCIS, sobre la interpretación de algunos requisitos de la ciudadanía derivativa? ¿Esto qué significa y qué es lo que cambió?

MARTHA ARIAS:
Sí, a ver, no creo que haya cambiado tanto. De pronto sí se aclararon muchos puntos. Juan Camilo, La ciudadanía derivativa es la ciudadanía que adquieren los jóvenes o los niños que tienen menos de 18 años cuando sus padres se hacen ciudadanos. Salió una ley en el 2000 que se llama el Child Citizenship Act y esa ley estableció unos requisitos para poder ese niño recibir la ciudadanía derivativa de sus padres.

Uno de los requisitos a grandes rasgos son que el papá o la mamá se hagan ciudadanos antes de ese niño tener 18 años. Segundo, el niño haber entrado como residente de los Estados Unidos. Tercero, tiene que estar bajo la custodia de ese papá o mamá que se hizo ciudadano americano aquí en los Estados Unidos. Entonces hay algunos problemas de interpretación.

Le voy a dar un ejemplo. Entra María, hija de Pedro. Pedro se hizo ciudadano antes de María cumplir 18 años. Pedro pide a María. María recibe la residencia y entra a los Estados Unidos cuando María tiene 18 años y medio. Sí?.

Entonces María pide la ciudadanía derivativa porque va y le dice emigración. Mi papá se hizo ciudadano cuando yo tenía 16 años. Yo soy residente. Ya entré a los Estados Unidos. Yo estoy bajo la custodia, yo estuve bajo la, mi papá tenía mi custodia.

Mi papá tenía mi custodia en papel porque no, la niña no estaba aquí, María no estaba físicamente en los Estados Unidos antes de los 18 años, entró a los 18 años y medio. Entonces la interpretación a veces de la ley era María se considera que estaba bajo la custodia de Pedro sabiendo que tenía cuando entró 18 años y medio y nosotros sabemos aquí que la ciudad la mayoría de aquí se adquiere a los 18 años. Para para licor será los 21 para ciertas cosas de inmigración también será los 21; pero técnicamente la mayoría de edad se adquiere a los 18 años entonces después de los 18 años no hay custodia de los hijos de estos se acaba la custodia.

Entonces se considera que Pedro tenía la custodia de María antes de los 18 años, sabiendo que María vivía en su país y Pedro está en los Estados Unidos. Esa interpretación ha ocasionado problemas. Este tipo de actualización que hizo Inmigración hoy no es que cambie la ley, sino que está interpretando cuando la custodia de María se considera que Pedro sí la tenía si ella entró a los 18 años y medio, por ejemplo.

María venía cada año, cada dos años a los Estados Unidos, parezaba seis meses, ocho meses, estudiaba aquí. Bueno, ¿qué son los requisitos? Esa es la interpretación. Otra cosa, por ejemplo, hay personas que mandaban a hacer la modificación de la custodia de los padres. Si en el documento de custodia quedaba que la mamá de María, Juana, tenía la custodia de María, pero no mencionaba a Pedro.

Después, lo abogado fue, hizo una modificación a la custodia para que quedaran ese documento que Pedro también tenía la custodia de Juana. Y ese documento era el que presentaban a inmigración. Esta aclaración dice cuando Estados Unidos va a considerar que la custodia legal de ese padre tiene efectos retroactivos por si hubo alguna modificación que fue después de que se aplicó, me entiende, porque la gente hacía eso.

Entonces lo que hace inmigración con este documento que emitió esta semana es aclarar estas interpretaciones que son requisitos de la ley, pero que se prestan para interpretaciones erróneas o de distintos ángulos, y entonces inmigración está aclarando. Muy importante, consulten con su abogado, consulten a nuestra oficina; para decirle pues si usted está en un caso de esto esta nueva interpretación le favorece o no.

JUAN CAMILO:
Qué buena aclaración abogada y sobre todo porque muchas veces estos casos o estos procesos demoran muchos años uno comienza tramitando para los hijos con los menores de edad se hacen mayores de edad se hacen residentes luego quieren hacerse ciudadanos y resulta que en todo ese espacio cambiaron tres o cuatro veces las normas y de pronto uno se quedó pensando que las cosas siguen igual; a cuando el hijo tenía 10 años y resulta que no.

Entonces, por eso una gran recomendación es precisamente consultar con abogados expertos en migración para que nos ayuden a entender qué ha cambiado, qué tenemos que llenar mejor, qué tenemos que modificar y sobre todo cómo nos ahorramos tiempo, una cantidad de dinero y papeles que muchas veces solamente se pueden llenar una vez.

Así que si tienen alguna consulta o alguna pregunta, el teléfono que encuentran abajo es el teléfono del abogado Martha Arias, el (305) 671-0018 o su página web que es AriasVilla.com.

Abogada, ¿qué nos puede contar acá? Mamba Jota pregunta, ¿hay alguna aplicación, alguna diferencia para aplicar a asilo dependiendo de los países o cualquier país o algún ciudadano de cualquier país puede aplicar para un asilo?

MARTHA ARIAS:
En teoría, sí, cualquier país pudiera aplicar en teoría no hay que hacer un análisis, por ejemplo, le doy un ejemplo, si una persona viene de Inglaterra y va a aplicar asilo y lo va a aplicar por cuestiones políticas, bueno, tendríamos que ver qué es, cuál es el argumento, porque yo sinceramente que sea recientemente y podría cuestiones políticas tan graves, por ejemplo, en Inglaterra, para que una persona pueda calificar para ese asilo político.

Pero, por ejemplo, una persona viene de algún país del Medio Oriente y aplica para un asilo basado en cuestiones religiosas. Sabemos que la religión es un punto supremamente importante en estos países de Medio Oriente y que hay mujeres que pueden ser incluso asesinadas, si está en un país que tenga esas culturas religiosas tan arraigadas, que tengan que usar la burka y que tienen que taparse toda de negro y los ojos y el pelo.

Entonces, de pronto, una si los religiosos de un país de estos tienen más mérito. Entonces, la ley no dice estos países sí y estos países no, no. La ley establece unos requisitos y uno mira, yo por ejemplo le doy un ejemplo, yo tuve hace muchos años cuando Chile era la economía número uno a nivel de Latinoamérica, de Suramérica, era el país más estable económicamente de Latinoamérica, no me acuerdo en ese momento qué año fue, creo que fue alrededor de los 2006-2007, de hecho eso fue una de las razones que tuvo el gobierno de Estados Unidos para darle el visa waiver o la excepción de visado a Chile, su solidez económica.

Entonces había gente que venía y pedía, decía, yo soy chileno y quiero pedir asilo que por el gobierno. Y yo decía, pero bueno, pero por Dios, o sea, que así lo puedo, yo ayudarle a una persona a presentar de Chile, si es un país que está muy abundante y próspero en este momento y no hay en ese momento ningún conflicto político como que pueda ser meritorio a una si.

Entonces la mayoría de veces uno le dice no señor o sea yo no veo ningún caso de asilo en su caso o sea entonces bueno esos son los análisis que hace uno Juan Camilo para contestarle al señor no es que haya una lista esta si estas no sino que es toda una evaluación del país de la situación del reclamo de la persona a ver si encaja dentro de los requisitos de ese asilo.

JUAN CAMILO:
Interesante eso abogada y si tenemos alguna inquietud alguna duda. Lo mejor es que sigan consultando con la abogada Martha Arias. Nosotros dejamos el teléfono abajo porque es una abogada de mucha experiencia en asuntos migratorios que nos ayuda a entender muchos de estos temas. Y la idea es hacer un con algún problema migratorio o que quiere regularizar su situación o que quiere tiene algún problema que se está tardando mucho y quiere realmente como retomarlo. Así que muchas de estas alternativas las pueden encontrar con Martha Arias. Que además es una abogada que ya cuántos años ya ha estado usted ejerciendo abogada el derecho migratorio.

MARTHA ARIAS:
21 años Juan Camilo.

JUAN CAMILO:
En todo el país porque la ley migratoria es federal.

MARTHA ARIAS:
Es correcto. La ley de inmigración es federal. Quiere decir que aplican todo el territorio de los Estados Unidos en todos los estados. Sí, es cierto que hay ciertas interpretaciones de la ley de inmigración que varían dependiendo del circuito. Por ejemplo, aquí en el sur de la Florida es nosotros o en la Florida, pertenecemos al circuito 11. El circuito 11 puede tener una interpretación distinta de lo que es, por ejemplo, un delito por posesión de marihuana de menos de 30 gramos, porque la ley estatal que sanciona la posesión de marihuana está escrita de una forma distinta a, por ejemplo, un caso que está en Chicago. Entonces, la corte del circuito al que pertenece Chicago puede tener una interpretación distinta a la corte del circuito del circuito 11. Entonces ahí es donde uno como abogado tiene que tener experiencia. Porque si yo estoy en la Florida y tengo a un cliente que se llama Juanito. Juanito fue convicto de posesión de dos o tres posesiones de marihuana menos de 30 gramos en Chicago. Pero Juanito está en la Florida y lo mandaron a un proceso de deportación en la Florida.

¿Cuál es la ley del circuito o el precedente del circuito que yo debo mirar? La Florida o el que pertenece a Chicago. Creo que Chicago es el segundo circuito, si no estoy mal. Entonces yo tengo que ir a mirar la interpretación de Chicago porque la convicción fue allá. Aunque él esté en este circuito, yo tengo que mirar eso. Entonces eso es lo que uno como abogado tiene que saber para ubicarse en la defensa de las personas y ahí la experiencia es muy importante.

JUAN CAMILO:
tal vez para conocer un poquito más sobre usted abogada que siempre nos ayuda mucho a entender un poco lo que ocurre en materia migratoria. Cuéntanos en dónde estudió Derecho y cómo cómo se especializó en Derecho Migratorio.

MARTHA ARIAS:
Yo estudié Derecho aquí en la me grabe. Aquí hay un la carrera Derecho aquí se llama Juris Doctor. O sea, es un doctorado en leyes porque se supone que uno va al colegio de leyes; después de que obtiene un bachelor’s degree de cuatro, aquí la carrera son siete. Entonces yo fui a la Universidad de St. Thomas a ser mi Juris Doctor o el título de abogada de aquí, pero yo me gradué de abogada inicialmente en Colombia. Cuando vine aquí, hice la validación y me tocaba ir al colegio de leyes por los tres años, porque me vale mi título de Colombia como un bachelor y entonces voy al colegio de leyes tres años más. Pero yo también hice una maestría en leyes aquí en la Universidad de Miami. Entonces sí, son más o menos nueve años de leyes que estudié. De los cinco de Colombia más uno que uno hace una tesis en Colombia, yo diría seis. Y los tres de aquí sería nueve y el año de maestría sería uno.

Entonces, el total más o menos 10 años de estudio de leches. Eso ayuda mucho a la interpretación de la ley, cómo uno analiza los casos, Juan Camilo, porque, pues, obviamente, entre más estudia uno, como su mente analítica funciona distinto.

JUAN CAMILO:
Abogada, ¿y por qué? Porque se decantó por el derecho migratorio, porque no por habiendo tantas ramas penal, tributario, comercial. ¿Por qué dijo me vuelco a migración?

MARTHA ARIAS:
Esa es una buena pregunta y me alegra que estemos hablando en este momento de mi experiencia y de mi, vamos a decir, mis estudios y esta parte personal, porque también es importante que las personas que nos han escuchado y han visto por tanto tiempo acá, pues sepan quién es Martha Arias. La razón de que empecé a ejercer el derecho emigratorio, que ahora me encanta, digamos, esta rama de la ley, fue un accidente. Fue un accidente porque yo quería ejercer el derecho de impuestos, Taxation, y había trabajado en la universidad como haciendo investigaciones legales en impuestos por dos años y llevaba también muchos años haciendo y escribiendo artículos sobre derecho de impuestos, sobre todo relacionado con el Internet o lo que se llama el e-commerce. De hecho tengo un libro que escribí, bueno no escribí, lo ayudé a editar, yo no lo escribí, con una de las compañías que trabajaba editando esto. Pero entonces el derecho de impuesto, Juan Camilo, es muy demandante en el sentido de que uno entra a trabajar a las 8 de la mañana y sale a las 11 o 12 de la noche. Esa es como la vida de los abogados de impuestos que empiezan, por lo menos cuando yo empecé hace 21 años atrás. Hoy de pronto son más relajados, sobre todo después de la pandemia.

Pero yo tenía un hijo, tengo un hijo y en ese momento mi hijo tenía cinco añitos. Iba a empezar su colegio y entonces yo tuve que decidir entre ser una madre ausente dedicada al derecho, el derecho de impuestos; que no me iba a ver, yo creo que ni los fines de semana, porque imagínense yo para salir y estar en el trabajo a las ocho y llegar a las once, no iba a ver a mi hijo. Y si le iba a ver el fin de semana, me imagino que yo iba a estar muerta, agotada, que quería dormir y no lo quería ni ver.

Entonces, entre ser una madre ausente o una madre presente, pues decidí ser una madre presente. Y mi jefe de la maestría en impuestos que era donde trabajaba haciendo la investigación de legales de impuestos, me digo, si tú quieres estar en la casa y tener un trabajo de 9 a 5 como abogada, vaya a una oficina pequeña y sea algo de familia o inmigración. Y yo me quedé pensando, Juan Camilo, oh my gosh, me va a tocar cambiar el área. Y sí, efectivamente, que ejercía el derecho migratorio y ahí empecé y le cogí cariño y amor a la práctica y eso me permitió ser una madre presente, trabajar. Mientras mi hijo iba al colegio, yo veía a mis clientes y en la tarde, yo me encerraba en una oficina en mi casa a trabajar, terminaba a las seis, hacía las tareas con mi hijo, le hacía la comida, conversábamos y lo acostaba y a las diez seguía trabajando hasta la una de la mañana o dos. Y así fue que crecí mi práctica Juan Camilo, o sea, tratando de manejar los dos roles de abogada y de madre y bueno, creo que creo que lo logré con los dos.

JUAN CAMILO:
La abogada que gran historia. Gracias por compartirla un poco, porque siempre nos enfocamos tanto en su conocimiento, pero pero nos hacía falta también conocer un poco de dónde había venido y esa historia. Y ya entonces más de 20 años de experiencia en derecho migratorio.

MARTHA ARIAS:
Sí, esa experiencia es muy importante porque también a raíz de que yo alcance a trabajar nomás como un año con este abogado inicialmente, cuando empecé mi práctica como abogada ya independiente, obviamente me tuve que aprender mucho sola. Entonces por eso me tenía que acostar tan tarde porque me tenía que entrar a leer, ahí sí como decimos nosotros a devorarme los libros, los casos, obviamente tenía mentores, la Asociación de Abogados de Inmigración que también ayuda mucho cuando uno inicia esta carrera. Entonces una combinación de apoyo y de mentores y de mi propio esfuerzo por estudiar para poder uno adquirir el conocimiento. Y bueno, eso es lo que tenemos que hacer cuando empezamos una carrera, que nos ayuden a ponerles tenemos en en gente que nos

JUAN CAMILO:
Gracias por por compartir con Vimos que eh nos quedamos experiencia laboral de la algunas preguntas que nos alcanzar a abordarlas, pero no porque vamos a tener chance la Vemos que Miguel, que por acá mi lady o Adriana, creo que me pareció ver, tenían más preguntas. Vamos a abordarlas en una próxima oportunidad. Eso sí, si quieren tener una respuesta pronto, quieren realmente consultar en un espacio mucho más personalizado y realmente salir de dudas. Esto es algo que apenas hacemos como un abre bocas. Abajo encuentran el teléfono de la abogada Martha Arias. Es el (305) 671-0018 o pueden visitar su página web que es AriasVilla.com en Facebook su página Arias Villa Law también tiene mucha información y la recomendación por supuesto sigan la cuenta de Instagram. Acá arriba la encuentran Martha_Arias98, la información va a quedar aprovechen, compártanlo, y nos oportunidad con la abogada muchas más de esas preguntas. nosotros, y nos vemos la

MARTHA ARIAS:
Así mismo Juan Camilo, Dios semana, gracias a las personas enviaron sus preguntas, mi Instagram también les pido que se suscriban. Martha_Arias98 y en mi página web AriasVilla.com que está allí. También hay blogs y hay mucha información y también ponemos estos videos o estos Instagram y en AriasVillaLaw lo que es como estamos en Facebook y tenemos también unos programas de radio que damos aquí también en la ciudad de Miami y los estamos poniendo en Spotify. Así que también en Spotify no pueden encontrar y darle esos programas o esos audios a familiares o amigos que quieran ser interesados y escuchar las noticias de inmigración que damos cada semana.

JUAN CAMILO:
Muy bueno, muy bueno. Muchos ganas para estar conectados. Abogada, gracias. Nos vemos en una próxima oportunidad.

MARTHA ARIAS:
Gracias. Feliz resto de semana.

The post ¡Hablemos de Inmigración! – 11.19.2024 appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

DACA Archives - Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq.

Critical Immigration Updates: Rights, Risks, and Family Protection

TPS for Venezuelans, Parole, New Updates in Immigration Law

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Original Transcript

English Translation

USCIS Issues New Form Editions Without Grace Period

Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Form I-485 Supplement A – Adjustment under Section 245(i)

Form I-485 Supplement J – Confirmation of Job Offer (for Employment-Based Applicants)

Form I-918 – Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

Form I-914 – Application for T Nonimmigrant Status

Form I-192 – Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant

Form I-134 – Declaration of Financial Support

Form G-325A – Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)

Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (now titled “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records”)

Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization

Form I-356 – Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond

Employment-Based Applicants

Family-Based Applicants

Asylum Seekers and Humanitarian Applicants

Investors and Entrepreneurs

Other Relevant Categories and Applicants

Recommendations for Applicants

Court Ruling on Asylum & Florida Sheriffs’ ICE Partnership

Federal Court Ruling on Asylum Restrictions

Key Points:

Florida Sheriffs’ Agreement with ICE

How This Works:

Advice for Immigrants in Florida

Stay Informed & Protect Your Rights

New Alien Registration Law: What You Need to Know

Contents

Legal Requirements for Alien Registration

Addressing Registration Gaps

Who Has Already Registered?

Who Must Apply for Registration?

Who Is Not Registered?

How to Register

Conclusion

F.A.Q.s

What happens if an alien registers but later loses their registration documentation?

Does registering under this rule provide any form of legal status or protection from deportation?

Can undocumented immigrants who register under this rule still be deported?

If an alien has applied for an immigration benefit but has not received registration evidence, do they need to register?

Do visitors with B-1/B-2 visas need to register under this rule?

How will the government verify whether an alien has complied with the registration requirement?

Will aliens be required to renew their registration periodically?

What should aliens do if they have difficulty accessing or creating a USCIS online account?

Are asylum seekers or refugees required to register separately under this rule?

What are the consequences of failing to register if an alien is otherwise eligible?

Latest Immigration Updates: My Interview on Nueva La Poderosa 670 AM

The Risks of Human Trafficking and Dangerous Border Crossings

Asylum Cases: Stricter Rules and ICE Detentions in Court

Marriage Fraud: The Serious Consequences of Marrying for Immigration Benefits

Immigration Court Delays: What You Need to Know

DACA Renewals: Processing Times and Possible Policy Changes

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Avoid Costly Mistakes

New Florida Immigration Law: What You Need to Know

Key Changes Introduced by the New Florida Law

Legal and Constitutional Challenges Ahead

What You Can Do Right Now

Final Thoughts

Cambios Migratorios Bajo Trump

¡Hablemos de Inmigración! – 12.3.2024

HABLEMOS DE INMIGRACIÓN CON MARTHA ARIAS 12.03.2024

¿Tienes preguntas sobre las nuevas leyes de inmigración en Florida? Contáctanos.

LET’S TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION

English Transcript

About the I-485 Application and Medical Exam

Why Submit the Medical Exam with the Application

Changes to Medical Exam Expiration

Vaccinations for the Medical Exam

COVID Vaccine and Exemptions

Sponsorship and Tax Requirements

Legal Issues and Immigration

¡Hablemos de Inmigración! – 11.19.2024

HABLEMOS DE INMIGRACIÓN CON MARTHA ARIAS 11.19.2024

¿Tienes preguntas sobre las nuevas leyes de inmigración en Florida? Contáctanos.

LET’S TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION

HABLEMOS DE INMIGRACIÓN CON MARTHA ARIAS
12.03.2024

HABLEMOS DE INMIGRACIÓN CON MARTHA ARIAS
11.19.2024