The Laken Riley Act became law on January 29, 2025. This changes the immigration law allowing for detention of non-citizens who are charged with or commit burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assault on a law enforcement officer or any other crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.
All posts by Theodore Murphy
Asylum for Unaccompanied Minors Class Membership Deadline is February 24
The final day for filing an asylum application for individuals who entered the United States as unaccompanied minors, before their 18th birthday, is just 4 days away.
On November, 25, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted final approval of the settlement agreement reached by the parties in J.O.P. v. DHS, No. 8:19-CV-01944-SAG (D. Md.). On the same day, the J.O.P. settlement agreement took effect, starting a 90-day window for certain noncitizens with prior unaccompanied child (UC) determinations to file their asylum applications with USCIS in order to become J.O.P. class members. To become a J.O.P. class member, eligible individuals must file their asylum applications with USCIS by Monday, February 24, 2025.
COVID Vaccine Cancelled for Green Card Applicants
Effective January 22, 2025 the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), waived all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident get the COVID-19 vaccination.
USCIS will not issue any request for evidence or notice of intent to deny for failure to provide proof of vaccination. USCIS will also not deny any adjustment application based on failure to get the vaccination.
Venezuela TPS Extension Cancelled
The Temporary Protective Status “TPS” extension issued on January 10, 2025 has been cancelled effective February 3, 2025. The 2023 TPS registration period expires on April 2, 2025.
The Secretary of Homeland Security must determine, by February 1, 2025, whether to extend or terminate the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation and must also determine, by July 12, 2025, whether to extend or terminate the 2021 Venezuela TPS designation.
USCIS will not accept any new TPS re-registration applications or associated work permits. For applications for re-registration already filed will not be processed and refunds issued for fees paid. Work permits issued with October 2, 2026 expiration dates will be invalidated.