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

New USCIS Signature Rule

Martha Arias — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:51:21 +0000

New USCIS Signature Rule:

Why Every Immigration Form Must Be Reviewed Carefully Before Filing

A USCIS signature rule taking effect on July 10, 2026, is a reminder of something very simple but very important in immigration law: every signature matters.

The Department of Homeland Security has amended its regulations to clarify that if USCIS accepts an immigration benefit request and later determines that it does not have a valid signature, USCIS may, in its discretion, reject or deny the request. The rule is intended to clarify USCIS procedures for handling benefit requests that do not meet signature requirements.

This may sound like a technical issue, but for immigrants, families, employers, and investors, a missing or incorrect signature can have serious consequences. Immigration filings often involve strict deadlines, supporting evidence, filing fees, and legal eligibility questions. When a form is rejected or denied because of a signature issue, the person may lose valuable time, miss a deadline, or face unnecessary stress.

This rule can affect many different types of immigration filings, including family petitions, green card applications, work permit applications, naturalization applications, asylum-related filings, and employment-based immigration requests.

What should applicants do now?

First, never assume that a form is complete simply because the answers have been filled in. Before filing, every page should be reviewed carefully. The correct person must sign the correct form in the correct place. If a parent, legal guardian, preparer, interpreter, petitioner, beneficiary, employer, or attorney must sign a particular section, that section must be handled properly.

Second, applicants should be careful when using older forms, copied forms, online templates, or incomplete packets. USCIS forms and instructions can change, and one missing signature can create avoidable problems.

Third, families should understand that immigration paperwork is part of a legal process. A signature generally confirms that the person understands the filing and certifies that the information is true and correct.

For employers and business immigration cases, this rule is also important. A company representative, petitioner, applicant, or attorney may each have different signature responsibilities depending on the case type.

My advice is simple: before sending any immigration filing to USCIS, review the entire packet carefully. Make sure the correct edition of the form is being used and that all required signatures are present.

Martha L. Arias, Esq.
Immigration Law Attorney

Schedule a Consultation with Immigration Attorney

Immigration law is already stressful enough. A person should not lose time or opportunity because of a preventable filing mistake.

If you are preparing an immigration filing and are unsure whether your forms, documents, or signatures are complete, it is wise to speak with an immigration attorney before submitting the case.

For professional and dedicated immigration legal services, reach out to our team at Arias Villa, PLLC. Schedule your consultation today and let us help you achieve your immigration goals.

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This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, and the information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. Every case is unique, and you should not rely on this information as a substitute for personalized legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, you should consult with a qualified immigration attorney.

The post New USCIS Signature Rule appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

Federal Judge Vacates $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

Martha Arias — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:57:35 +0000

A federal judge has vacated the $100,000 fee that the government had imposed on certain new H-1B visa petitions. This is an important development for employers, professionals, universities, healthcare organizations, and skilled workers who rely on the H-1B visa program.

The H-1B visa is commonly used by U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations, including technology, education, healthcare, engineering, finance, and other fields that often require a bachelor’s degree or higher.

According to the court, the administration did not have the legal authority to impose this $100,000 payment requirement through the challenged policy. For now, this means employers should not be required to pay that additional $100,000 fee when filing affected H-1B petitions.

However, this matter may not be over. The government may appeal the decision, and employers should continue to follow official USCIS and Department of State updates before filing or making business decisions.

For businesses, investors, and professionals, this ruling is a reminder that immigration rules can change quickly. Before filing an H-1B petition or planning a hiring strategy, it is important to review the most current requirements and understand how they apply to the specific case.

Martha L. Arias, Esq.
Immigration Law Attorney

Martha L. Arias, Esq.

Business & Employment Immigration Attorney

If you are an employer, investor, entrepreneur, or professional exploring U.S. business immigration options, the right legal guidance can help you understand the visa strategy, filing requirements, timing, and potential risks before you move forward.

Arias Villa, PLLC assists clients with business visas, investor visas, employment-based immigration, H-1B matters, and related immigration planning. To discuss your options, contact immigration attorney Martha Arias and her team at Arias Villa, PLLC. Schedule your consultation today and let us help you achieve your immigration goals.

CALL NOW

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules may change, and each case should be reviewed individually.

The post Federal Judge Vacates $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

5 Immigration Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Case in 2026

Martha Arias — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:26:04 +0000

In my work as an Immigration Law Attorney, I often see people try to handle immigration matters with good intentions but outdated information. In 2026, that can be dangerous. Immigration rules are shifting, filing requirements are being updated, and small misunderstandings can lead to larger problems than many people expect.

Very often, the issue is not carelessness. It is reliance on old advice, incomplete information, or assumptions that no longer match current government guidance. A wrong fee, an incorrect belief about TPS, a poorly planned trip, or an ignored notice can create delays, denials, or even the loss of important benefits.

1. Filing With the Wrong Fee

One of the most common mistakes I am seeing in 2026 is filing with the wrong USCIS fee. USCIS announced an FY 2026 inflation increase for certain immigration-related fees effective January 1, 2026. USCIS also maintains Form G-1055, Fee Schedule, which applicants should review before filing.

This matters because many people still rely on older fee charts, screenshots, or prior filing experiences. That is risky. If the fee is incorrect, the filing can be rejected or delayed, depending on the filing type and circumstances.[1][2]

Before submitting anything to USCIS, it is wise to confirm the exact form, category, and current fee directly through the official USCIS fee schedule.

2. Assuming TPS Automatically Renews

Another serious mistake is assuming that Temporary Protected Status, or TPS-related work authorization, renews automatically in every case. That is not how it works. USCIS explains that DHS may extend a TPS beneficiary’s employment authorization either through a Federal Register notice or by an individual notice sent to the beneficiary.[3]

This is especially important because TPS rules vary by country and by the specific government notice in effect. For Venezuelans, USCIS has published guidance tied to current court orders, including a notice that certain TPS Venezuela beneficiaries who presented qualifying EADs must be reverified before they start work on April 3, 2026.[4]

That is exactly why no one should assume that a work permit or TPS benefit continues automatically without checking the current USCIS guidance for that country and category.

3. Traveling Without Proper Documentation

Travel is another area where people make costly mistakes. Some individuals believe that a pending immigration case by itself protects them if they leave the United States. Others believe they can return using documents that do not actually authorize reentry.

For adjustment of status applicants, USCIS states that if an applicant fails to obtain advance parole before departing the United States, USCIS deems the adjustment application abandoned.[5]

USCIS also makes clear that advance parole does not guarantee reentry into the United States.[6]

This is one of the most painful mistakes because it can interrupt a pending case and create serious complications at the border. Before leaving the United States, a person should review whether travel is permitted in that specific case and whether a particular travel document is required.

Quick Practical Tips

If you are dealing with an immigration matter in 2026, a few simple habits can protect you from bigger problems later.

Keep copies of your most important documents with you.
If you go out regularly, it is wise to have a copy of a photo ID, any current immigration receipt notice, work permit, or other proof of lawful process or status that applies to your case.

Open every government letter immediately.
Do not leave USCIS, DHS, or immigration court notices sitting unopened. A short deadline can become a serious problem very quickly.

Check before you travel.
Do not assume a pending case allows you to leave and return safely. Travel rules depend on the exact type of case and document involved.

Verify filing fees before sending anything.
Never rely on an old screenshot, an old checklist, or what someone else paid before. Check the current USCIS fee schedule first.

Get legal guidance early if something looks unclear.
Waiting rarely makes an immigration problem easier. Early review can help prevent mistakes that are much harder to fix later.

4. Ignoring USCIS, DHS, or Immigration Court Notices

Ignoring a government notice is one of the most damaging mistakes a person can make. USCIS explains that Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny come with response deadlines, and USCIS states that the maximum response time for a NOID is 30 days.[7]

EOIR also states that respondents must update their contact information with the immigration court or Board of Immigration Appeals within five working days of a change.[8]

That means a missed notice can become a missed deadline, a denial, or a missed hearing. Government correspondence should always be treated as time-sensitive.

5. Delaying Legal Advice Until the Situation Becomes Urgent

A final mistake I see too often is waiting too long to get legal advice. Immigration law is highly procedural. Once a deadline passes, a filing is rejected, a hearing is missed, or a travel mistake is made, the situation can become much harder to fix.

The official government sources themselves show how deadline-driven immigration cases are. USCIS sets response windows for important notices, and EOIR requires prompt updates to contact information so respondents do not miss official correspondence.[7][8]

That is why early legal review matters. In many cases, prompt advice can help prevent a rejection, clarify travel risks, confirm document validity, or explain what a notice really means before the problem grows.

Conclusion

In 2026, some of the most serious immigration problems begin with very ordinary mistakes: filing with the wrong fee, assuming TPS auto-renews, traveling without proper documentation, ignoring notices, or delaying legal advice.

These are often preventable problems. But they are preventable only if people are working with current, accurate information. Immigration law does not reward assumptions. It rewards careful attention to detail and timely action.

If you or a loved one may be affected by one of these issues, this is a good time to review your situation carefully before taking the next step.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently, and every case depends on its own facts. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. To schedule a confidential consultation, call 305-671-0018.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USCIS reject a filing if I use the wrong fee?

It can. USCIS requires applicants to use the correct current fee, and using the wrong amount can create filing problems, including rejection.[1][2]

Does TPS always automatically extend my work permit?

No. Automatic extensions depend on official government action, the country involved, and the specific notice in effect.[3][4]

Can I travel if I have a pending immigration application?

Not always. For adjustment of status applicants, USCIS states that departing without advance parole can result in the application being deemed abandoned. USCIS also states that advance parole does not guarantee reentry.[5][6]

What happens if I miss a government notice?

That depends on the notice, but it can lead to missed deadlines, denials, or missed hearing information. USCIS and EOIR both make clear that deadlines and updated contact information are important.[7][8]

How quickly do I need to update my address with immigration court?

EOIR states that respondents must update their contact information within five working days of the change.[8]

[1] USCIS, USCIS Announces FY 2026 Inflation Increase for Certain Immigration-Related Fees: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2026-inflation-increase-for-certain-immigration-related-fees

[2] USCIS, Form G-1055, Fee Schedule / Forms Updates: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
and https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-updates?items_per_page=50

[3] USCIS, Temporary Protected Status: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status

[4] USCIS, Update: Ninth Circuit Court Order TPS Venezuela: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-related-news/update-ninth-circuit-court-order-tps-venezuela
and https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-related-news/update-ninth-circuit-court-order-tps-venezuela-0

[5] USCIS Policy Manual, Chapter 12 – Travel Outside the United States: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-3-part-b-chapter-12

[6] USCIS, Keeping Families Together: https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether

[7] USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 and related USCIS policy text on NOID response times: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-e-chapter-6
and https://www.uscis.gov/es/book/export/html/68600

[8] EOIR Respondent Access, Change Contact Info: https://respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/

The post 5 Immigration Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Case in 2026 appeared first on Miami Immigration Lawyer - Attorney Martha L. Arias, Esq..

Humanitarian Parole Resumes for Certain Nationalities Amid Confusing New Restrictions

Martha Arias — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:39:52 +0000

This morning on Noticias 990 AM, I had the opportunity to discuss the latest developments affecting beneficiaries of Humanitarian Parole and recent travel restrictions to the United States.

USCIS has lifted the suspension on pending Humanitarian Parole applications for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. This means cases that were already filed before the program ended may now proceed, though new applications are not being accepted. However, the overall situation remains confusing: while those abroad may be able to enter if their parole is approved, the program remains terminated for those already inside the United States.

I explained that every case is different. Some people may continue their asylum processes, others may be eligible for residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act, while others without options may face risks of unlawful presence and even deportation. I also described the challenges in seeking bonds for detained asylum seekers, as prosecutors often argue that “bare-bones” or weak asylum claims present a risk for absconding.

We also discussed new travel restrictions affecting countries such as Cuba and Venezuela. People from these countries with visas issued before June 9 can still enter, but those with visas issued after that date cannot. There are strict exceptions, but immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, as well as green card holders, are still eligible to enter.

If you have questions about your immigration status or need personalized guidance, my office is here to help. Call us at 305-671-0018.

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SPANISH TRANSCRIPT:

Eduardo:
Amigas, amigos, vamos a hablar en esta parte de Noticias 990 de inmigración. Hemos invitado precisamente a la abogada Martha Arias, especialista en inmigración. Abogada Arias, buenos días. Gracias por estar con nosotros. Muchísimas gracias por atender nuestra llamada. Uno de los temas de inmigración por estas horas tiene que ver con el Parol Humanitario. La administración, el gobierno ha reanudado los trámites para los beneficiarios del Parol. El Departamento de Inmigración y Ciudadanía, USCIS, ha levantado la suspensión sobre las solicitudes de Parol Humanitario que benefician a cubanos, haitianos, nicaragüenses y venezolanos. ¿Cuál es el impacto de esta medida? ¿Qué esperan ustedes, abogados de inmigración, que suceda en los próximos días?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Sí, efectivamente. Gracias, Eduardo. Lo que está pasando es que una juez ordenó que se reanude el trámite de esas peticiones de parol que ya habían presentado las personas, estaban en proceso cuando se terminó ese parol humanitario por parte de la nueva administración. Entonces, el proceso debe reanudarse para llegar a una decisión.
Sin embargo, hay una petición, por ejemplo, si la persona apenas va a aplicar para la I-134A, que es el affidavit de soporte que presenta ese sponsor o ese patrocinador, esas peticiones sí no se van a procesar, las nuevas. Es decir, son peticiones que ya están pendientes al momento que se terminó el parol. Esas son las que tengo entendido que se van a comenzar o se van a reanudar el procesamiento.

Aaron:
¿Se puede saber en cuánto tiempo se van a procesar, abogada, estas peticiones?

Abogada Martha Arias:
No, no sabemos en cuánto tiempo. Lo que sí dice el comunicado es que se va a seguir el proceso regular de investigación porque usted sabe que cada proceso tiene una investigación donde se revisan antecedentes penales, se revisa todos los antecedentes de las personas en todas partes del mundo. Entonces, no sabemos cuánto va a ser el tiempo, pero pues sí sabemos que dijeron que va a ser una investigación de cada caso.

Aaron:
Mientras tanto, ¿esta gente está protegida, tiene que tomar alguna medida especial, abogada, por cualquier eventualidad?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Bueno, acuérdense que estos son procesamientos de peticiones de parol de personas que están fuera de los Estados Unidos. Es este parol humanitario para que ellos entren a los Estados Unidos. O sea que estas personas están fuera del país. El parol, por eso es que es confuso. El parol humanitario lo terminó el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional y fue apelado, hubo una pausa. Después la Corte Suprema el 30 de mayo dijo que el presidente sí tenía la autoridad o el Ejecutivo de terminarlo y el juicio continúa. Pero lo que es el parol humanitario en sí para esas personas que están aquí dentro de los Estados Unidos, incluso que se les vencía a finales de año, el año entra, esto sigue terminado. Por eso es que es confuso. Está terminado para los que están aquí, pero entonces van a procesar los casos de los que están apenas para entrar. Como que no tiene mucho sentido para mí, por lo menos no tiene lógica. Porque vamos a suponer que a un cubano o un venezolano le aprueben este parol. Entonces apenas entre, ¿qué va a quedar, terminado apenas entre? O sea, serviría no más para el propósito de entrar, pero después una vez aquí no va a estar activo. Es un poquito, me parece, contradictorio. Todo es confuso porque no le veo la lógica a esto.

Eduardo:
Ahora, ante esta confusión, abogada, ¿qué pasa con aquellos que usted menciona que están aquí adentro, que el parol ya no está activo para ellos? ¿Hay alternativas? ¿Qué es lo que usted le recomienda en la oficina?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Bueno, cada caso es distinto. Por ejemplo, yo tengo clientes que tienen un asilo pendiente y pueden continuar con este caso de asilo. No van a incurrir en presencia ilegal porque ese asilo los protege para no incurrir en presencia ilegal, tienen permiso de trabajo. Ese es un grupo de personas.
Hay otro grupo de personas que, por ejemplo, son cubanos, entonces ya completaron el año y un día o están a punto de completar el año y un día y pueden aplicar entonces a su residencia a través del Ajuste Cubano.
Hay otro grupo de personas que no tienen nada, ni asilo, ni TPS del 2021, que es el que está vigente este septiembre, no tienen peticiones familiares. Esas son las personas que están en un peligro porque esas personas sí están incurriendo en presencia ilegal y pues pueden ser sujetas a una detención y a una deportación.
Hay otro grupo de personas que se casaron con ciudadano americano o con residentes y esas personas están en proceso de residencia a través de sus peticiones. Esas también están protegidas por esa petición de residencia que está en trámite.
Entonces, como usted ve, los casos son distintos dependiendo de cada persona. Yo en mi oficina he aconsejado a los que, por ejemplo, le doy un ejemplo, un caso de una pareja. Él entró con el parol humanitario, la esposa es residente, no ciudadana, y lo pidió. Y la petición está más o menos a unos seis meses de salir. Esa persona decidió inteligentemente salir del país para no incurrir en presencia ilegal y no dañar su petición de residencia a través de la esposa. Esa persona va a salir y va a continuar su procesamiento consular. También, tal vez tenga que estar alejado seis meses, un año de su familia, pero la esposa puede viajar a visitarlo y continuar el proceso porque quedarse en el país es como someterse a una posible deportación que en el futuro le impida regresar más rápido.
Entonces, como te digo, cada caso es distinto.

Aaron:
Estamos conversando con la abogada de Migración Martha Arias y estamos viendo algunos casos en estas últimas horas, abogada. ¿Qué pasa si una persona es detenida por ICE? Pero esa persona ya tiene la solicitud de asilo, no tiene antecedentes criminales, tiene su permiso de trabajo activo. ¿Esto se considera una detención arbitraria? ¿Qué hace usted como abogada cuando se presenta un caso como este?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Cuando se presenta un caso como este, lo primero que uno tiene que pedir es una fianza para lograr que esa persona salga de detención y continuar su caso fuera de detención. Aquí hay que analizar porque hay personas que tienen el caso de asilo con la corte y otros que lo tienen con USCIS o con Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Entonces hay que analizar con quién lo tiene. Si el caso está con USCIS y los detienen y los mandan a la corte, es posible que entonces ese caso de asilo ya no continúe con USCIS sino que va a seguir con la corte. La verdad, cuando una persona entra por la frontera, si esa persona entró por la frontera, el estatuto dice que la persona que entra sin una admisión o sin un parol debe ser detenida. Entonces es posible que esa persona sea detenida mientras dura su proceso de asilo en la corte. Lo que pasa es que hay que tratar de pedir una fianza y le digo la verdad, no está fácil pedir fianzas, sobre todo aquí en el sur de la Florida, porque los fiscales, que son los que representan al Departamento de Seguridad Nacional y las Cortes de Inmigración, están oponiéndose a esas fianzas.
Y una de las cosas que yo he visto como se están oponiendo es que antes de eso le explico, cuando uno presenta una fianza para una persona que es detenida, la ley le exige al abogado probar dos cosas: uno, que la persona no va a ser un peligro para la comunidad y dos, que la persona no tiene riesgo de que se pierda o que se esconda y no se presente a la corte, en inglés se llama “risk of absconding”. Entonces nos toca probar esas dos cosas y ¿qué es lo que pasa cuando hay una persona que nunca ha tenido un delito, nunca ha sido arrestada, no tiene antecedentes? Obviamente nosotros argumentamos que no es un peligro para la sociedad porque no tiene ningún récord criminal. Y dos, cuando para probar que no se va a esconder uno muestra que tiene un esposo, que tiene dos hijos, esposa o que muestra el apoyo de su empleador o muestra lo que uno más puede.
¿Qué pasa en estos casos? Los argumentos que he visto últimamente que están haciendo los fiscales de inmigración es: “Ah, no, es que miramos la petición de asilo y la petición de asilo es muy débil. Ahí no hay evidencia, esta persona tiene una gran probabilidad de que no va a triunfar en su caso de asilo. Por lo tanto, un riesgo para tu país. Por lo tanto, esta persona sí presenta un riesgo de que se esconda y no se presente en el futuro.” O sea que esas personas que presentaron asilos débiles o simplemente la planilla así, como nosotros los abogados llamamos el “bare-bone petition”, o sea, lo esquelético, lo huesitos nomás, esa persona tiene un peligro de que no le den la fianza, diciendo que se va a esconder porque su petición de asilo es débil. Esos son los argumentos que estamos lidiando nosotros los abogados para lograr una fianza.
Si no se logra la fianza, entonces la persona debe continuar defendiendo su caso de asilo en la Corte de Inmigración bajo detención.

Eduardo:
Abogada Martha Arias, obviamente esta semana entró en vigor la restricción de entrada de viajes a Estados Unidos, esto digamos afecta directamente a países como Afganistán, Birmania, Chad, pero hay restricciones para Cuba, para Venezuela específicamente, son siete países que tienen restricciones de viaje. ¿Qué pasa con las personas que ya tenían un visado que les permitía entrar a Estados Unidos?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Las personas de Cuba y de Venezuela que ya tenían un visado pueden ingresar a los Estados Unidos si ese visado fue emitido antes de junio 9. No van a tener problema, de pronto es aconsejable que tengan toda la documentación al día y que pronto sepan que pueden experimentar retardos en el ingreso a los Estados Unidos, en su admisión, porque los cuestionarán y les harán preguntas, pero pueden ingresar. Los que tengan una visa de inmigrante o de no inmigrante, visa de inmigrante de la residencia, la visa emitida por los consulados o una visa de no inmigrante como la visa de turista, la visa de estudiante, la J, la M, que son de estudiantes, pero es práctico. Ellos tampoco van a poder ingresar si esa visa fue emitida después de junio 9.
En Haití la limitación sí es estricta. Ninguna persona con visa, incluso emitida antes, puede entrar. Entonces, el consejo sería que esperen a ver qué decisión porque si hay personas que tienen citas en los consulados para su residencia los próximos meses. Yo tengo, por ejemplo, un cubano que su esposa residente hizo la petición y tiene cita en dos meses en el consulado. Esa persona seguramente le van a cancelar sus citas según han anunciado porque como es cubano tiene la restricción de entrar, aunque le apruebe el cónsul la audiencia no va a poder entrar. La visa de residente. Entonces hay excepciones. Las excepciones son los que ya son residentes, ya tienen su tarjeta de “green card“. Esos sí van a poder viajar y volver a entrar sin problema, también aquellos esposos de o cónyuges de ciudadanos americanos.
Entonces, si por ejemplo hay un ciudadano que es americano, si a su cónyuge le toca la cita en dos meses, esa cita sí se va a dar y esa residencia sí puede ser emitida y la persona sí puede entrar. Los familiares inmediatos son los esposos de ciudadanos americanos, los padres de ciudadanos americanos y los hijos menores de 21 años. Esas personas van a poder entrar.

Eduardo:
Perfecto. Ahora, abogada, alguna persona que nos está escuchando en este momento y necesita asesoría de un abogado experto en inmigración, ¿dónde la puede localizar?

Abogada Martha Arias:
Mi oficina, el teléfono es 305-671-0018. Si van conduciendo, pues mi página web es ariasvilla.com. Ariasvilla.com o solo acuérdense de mi nombre Martha Arias con la intermedia estudio Martha y en todas las redes sociales me pueden encontrar Martha Arias.

Eduardo:
Muchísimas gracias por compartir este tiempo con nosotros.

Abogada Martha Arias:
Gracias a ustedes, feliz día.

Eduardo:
Igualmente, era la abogada de inmigración Martha Arias, estaba en Noticias 990.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

Eduardo:
Friends, let’s talk in this segment of Noticias 990 about immigration. We have invited immigration attorney Martha Arias, a specialist in immigration. Attorney Arias, good morning. Thank you for being with us. Thank you very much for answering our call. One of the immigration topics at this hour has to do with Humanitarian Parole. The administration, the government, has resumed the processing for beneficiaries of Parole. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship, USCIS, has lifted the suspension on applications for Humanitarian Parole that benefit Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. What is the impact of this measure? What do you, immigration attorneys, expect to happen in the coming days?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Yes, indeed. Thank you, Eduardo. What is happening is that a judge ordered that the processing of those parole applications already submitted by people, which were in process when that humanitarian parole was ended by the new administration, should be resumed to reach a decision.
However, there is a request, for example, if the person is just going to apply for the I-134A, which is the affidavit of support presented by that sponsor, those applications will not be processed, the new ones. That is, applications that were already pending at the time the parole was ended—those are the ones, as I understand, that are going to begin or resume processing.

Aaron:
Can it be known how long it will take to process these applications, attorney?

Attorney Martha Arias:
No, we don’t know how long it will take. What the statement does say is that the regular investigation process will be followed because you know that each process has an investigation where criminal backgrounds are checked, all the person’s background is reviewed worldwide. So, we do not know how long it will be, but we do know they said there will be an investigation for each case.

Aaron:
Meanwhile, are these people protected, do they have to take any special measures, attorney, just in case?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Well, remember that these are processing of parole petitions for people who are outside the United States. This is humanitarian parole for them to enter the United States. So, these people are outside the country. Parole, that’s why it’s confusing. Humanitarian parole was ended by the Department of Homeland Security and was appealed, there was a pause. Then the Supreme Court on May 30 said that the president or the Executive did have the authority to end it and the trial continues. But what is the humanitarian parole itself for those who are already here inside the United States, even those that were expiring at the end of the year, next year, that is still ended. That’s why it’s confusing. It’s ended for those who are here, but then they are going to process the cases of those who are just coming in. For me, at least, it doesn’t make sense. Let’s suppose a Cuban or a Venezuelan is approved for this parole. So as soon as they enter, it’s already ended, as soon as they come in. So, it would only serve for the purpose of entering, but after once here it will not be active. For me, it seems contradictory. Everything is confusing because I don’t see the logic in this.

Eduardo:
Now, given this confusion, attorney, what happens to those you mention who are here inside, for whom parole is no longer active? Are there alternatives? What do you recommend in your office?

Attorney Martha Arias:
Well, every case is different. For example, I have clients who have a pending asylum case and they can continue with that asylum case. They will not incur unlawful presence because that asylum protects them from incurring unlawful presence; they have work permits. That is one group of people.
There is another group, for example, Cubans, who have already completed one year and a day or are about to complete one year and a day and can then apply for their residency through Cuban Adjustment.
There’s another group who have nothing—no asylum, no TPS from 2021 (which is the one that is current this September), no family petitions. Those are the people who are in danger because those people are indeed accruing unlawful presence and may be subject to detention and deportation.
Another group are those who married a U.S. citizen or resident and are in the process of residency through their petitions. Those are also protected by that pending residency petition.
So, as you see, cases are different depending on each person. In my office, for example, I advised, let me give you an example, a couple’s case. He entered with humanitarian parole, the wife is a resident, not a citizen, and she petitioned for him. The petition is about six months from being ready. That person decided intelligently to leave the country to avoid accruing unlawful presence and not damage his residency petition through his wife. That person is going to leave and continue with his consular processing. Maybe he’ll have to be away from his family for six months or a year, but the wife can travel to visit him and continue the process, because staying in the country is like submitting to a possible deportation that in the future would prevent him from returning more quickly.
So, as I say, every case is different.

Aaron:
We are speaking with immigration attorney Martha Arias and reviewing some recent cases, attorney. What happens if a person is detained by ICE, but they already have an asylum application, no criminal background, their work permit is active. Is this considered an arbitrary detention? What do you do as an attorney in such a case?

Attorney Martha Arias:
When a case like this comes up, the first thing you have to do is request a bond to get that person released from detention and continue their case outside detention. Here, you have to analyze because there are people who have their asylum case with the court and others with USCIS or with Citizenship and Immigration Services.
So you have to analyze who has it. If the case is with USCIS and they are detained and sent to court, it is possible that the asylum case will no longer continue with USCIS but instead with the court. The truth is, when someone enters through the border, if that person entered through the border, the statute says that a person who enters without an admission or parole must be detained. So it is possible that person will be detained while their asylum case is pending in court. The thing is, you have to try to request a bond, and honestly, it’s not easy to request bonds, especially here in South Florida, because prosecutors who represent the Department of Homeland Security in Immigration Courts are opposing those bonds.
One thing I’ve seen is before, let me explain, when you present a bond for a person who is detained, the law requires the attorney to prove two things: one, that the person will not be a danger to the community and two, that the person is not a flight risk (that is, risk of absconding). So, we have to prove those two things. What happens when a person has never had any criminal record, has never been arrested, no background? Obviously, we argue that they are not a danger to society because they have no criminal record. And to prove they will not abscond, you show they have a spouse, two children, a wife, or employer support, or whatever else you can.
What happens in these cases? The arguments I’ve seen lately from immigration prosecutors are, “No, we look at the asylum petition and the asylum petition is very weak. There’s no evidence, this person has a high probability of not succeeding in their asylum case. Therefore, a risk for your country. Therefore, this person does present a risk of absconding and not appearing in the future.” So, those who filed weak asylums or just the form, as we lawyers call “bare-bone petition,” only the skeleton, just the basics, those people are in danger of being denied bond because they say they will abscond because their asylum petition is weak. Those are the arguments we attorneys are dealing with to try to get a bond.
If the bond is not granted, then the person must continue defending their asylum case in Immigration Court while detained.

Eduardo:
Attorney Martha Arias, obviously this week travel restrictions to the United States came into effect, this directly affects countries like Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, but there are restrictions for Cuba, for Venezuela specifically, there are seven countries with travel restrictions. What happens to people who already had a visa that allowed them to enter the United States?

Attorney Martha Arias:
People from Cuba and Venezuela who already had a visa can enter the United States if that visa was issued before June 9. They will not have a problem, maybe it’s advisable to have all your documents in order and to know you may experience delays upon entering the United States, at admission, because they will question you and ask questions, but you can enter. Those with an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, immigrant visa for residency, visa issued by consulates, or a non-immigrant visa like tourist visa, student visa, J, M, which are for students, but practically, they also cannot enter if that visa was issued after June 9.
In Haiti, the limitation is strict. No one with a visa, even issued before, can enter. So, the advice would be to wait and see what decision is made because there are people with consular appointments for their residency in the coming months. For example, I have a Cuban client whose resident wife made a petition and has an appointment in two months at the consulate. That person, as announced, will surely have their appointment canceled because, as a Cuban, he is restricted from entering even if the consulate approves the interview; he will not be able to enter. The resident visa. So, there are exceptions. Exceptions are those who are already residents, already have their green card. They can travel and reenter without problem, also spouses of U.S. citizens.
So, for example, if someone is already a U.S. citizen and their spouse has an appointment in two months, that appointment will be held, that residency can be granted, and the person can enter. Immediate relatives are spouses of U.S. citizens, parents of U.S. citizens, and children under 21. Those will be able to enter.

Eduardo:
Perfect. Now, attorney, anyone listening right now who needs advice from an expert immigration attorney, where can they reach you?

Attorney Martha Arias:
My office, the phone number is 305-671-0018. If you’re driving, my website is ariasvilla.com. Ariasvilla, with a lowercase v, ariasvilla.com, or just remember my name Martha Arias with the middle name estudio Martha, and on all social networks you can find me as Martha Arias.

Eduardo:
Thank you very much for sharing this time with us.

Attorney Martha Arias:
Thank you, happy day.

Eduardo:
Likewise, that was immigration attorney Martha Arias, on Noticias 990.

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