Humanitarian protection

USCIS opened a new asylum office in San Antonio, Texas on May 28, 2026. Asylum applicants living in the Houston Asylum Office jurisdiction can now choose to be interviewed at either the Houston or San Antonio location. This expansion aims…

USCIS has discovered widespread fraud in applications from immigrants claiming to be juveniles, potentially affecting thousands of pending cases. The agency is reviewing claims and may deny or delay benefits for applicants found to have…

Lebanon's Temporary Protected Status designation has been automatically extended for six months, through November 27, 2026, due to rapidly unfolding security events in the country. No action is required by current TPS beneficiaries, but…

DHS has automatically extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon for six additional months, from May 28, 2026, through November 27, 2026. This extension occurs because DHS did not issue a decision on whether Lebanon still…

DHS is implementing new measures to identify and prevent fraudulent asylum claims. The agency is focusing on applicants who misrepresent facts or submit false documentation to gain asylum protection. These steps aim to speed up case…

The Trump administration has maintained a policy of zero migrant releases at the southern border for a full year, meaning all apprehended individuals are either detained or removed rather than released into the United States pending legal…

DHS is implementing new fees and requirements for asylum cases under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act of 2025. The agency has announced consequences for applicants who fail to pay annual asylum fees. This interim final rule affects asylum…

DHS is terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, with the designation expiring on March 3, 2026. The Secretary of Homeland Security determined that Yemen no longer meets the conditions required to maintain TPS status after…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, meaning Yemeni nationals currently holding TPS will lose their protected status. Affected individuals will face deportation unless they obtain…

DHS is proposing a new rule designed to reduce fraudulent asylum applications and limit work authorization abuse. The rule would strengthen screening procedures for asylum seekers to verify the legitimacy of their claims. Public comments…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Yemeni nationals currently holding TPS will need to explore alternative immigration…

DHS is terminating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Somalia, effective March 17, 2026. The Secretary determined that country conditions no longer meet TPS criteria. Somali nationals currently under TPS must begin…

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, effective March 17, 2026. Somali nationals currently protected under TPS will need to seek alternative legal status or…

DHS and USCIS have launched Operation PARRIS in Minnesota, a large-scale investigation that will reexamine thousands of refugee cases using new background checks and intensified verification procedures. This initiative signals a heightened…

A 2020 rule clarifying when asylum applicants posing a public health risk are ineligible for asylum and withholding of removal will take effect on December 31, 2025, after multiple delays. The Department of Homeland Security and Department…

DHS and DOJ have announced a new rule that bars asylum eligibility for foreign nationals who pose security threats or public health risks to the United States. The rule clarifies when aliens may be ineligible for asylum or withholding of…

USCIS is updating its guidance on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) program after discovering widespread fraud. The updates to Volume 3 of the USCIS Policy Manual aim to restore integrity to a program that provides immigration benefits…

The Department of Homeland Security is terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia, with the designation expiring on December 12, 2025. The Secretary determined that Ethiopia no longer meets the conditions required for TPS…

The Department of Homeland Security is terminating all family reunification parole programs for nationals from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their family members. This eliminates a humanitarian…

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia, ending protection for Ethiopian nationals currently in the U.S. under this program. The decision was made after review of…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, ending the humanitarian protection that allowed Haitian nationals to live and work legally in the United States under this program. Current TPS…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for South Sudan effective immediately or on a date specified in the Federal Register notice. South Sudanese nationals with TPS must now find…

A Tibetan man was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $170,000 in restitution for operating a scheme to file fraudulent asylum applications on behalf of other individuals. The case underscores USCIS enforcement efforts…

USCIS has implemented a new fee for immigration parole, a humanitarian program that allows individuals to enter the United States outside normal visa categories. This fee requirement was mandated by Congress under the H.R. 1 reconciliation…

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria, ending legal protections for Syrian nationals currently in the United States under this program. Affected individuals will face removal…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela that was put in place in 2021. This means Venezuelan nationals currently protected under this status will need to find…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela, effective September 10, 2025. Venezuelan nationals currently covered by TPS will lose their legal status and work authorization on that date…

USCIS assisted federal, state, and local law enforcement in a coordinated operation targeting a human trafficking ring operating at hotels in the Omaha area. The operation demonstrates interagency cooperation to combat human trafficking…

A Colombian national has pleaded guilty to orchestrating dozens of fraudulent asylum applications submitted to USCIS, with significant agency assistance in the investigation and prosecution. This criminal case highlights fraud risks within…

USCIS is updating its Policy Manual to clarify interview criteria and vetting standards for asylees, refugees, and their family members applying for permanent residence via Form I-485. The updated guidance strengthens screening procedures…

USCIS released a report documenting significant security and integrity problems in the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program, which provides green card pathways for abused, neglected, or abandoned children. The findings identified…

Five Louisiana men, including four current or former law enforcement officers, were indicted for bribery, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, and mail fraud following a USCIS investigation. The scheme involved corrupt officers exploiting…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua, effective July 5, 2025. This ends a protected designation that has been in place for 25 years. Nicaraguans currently benefiting from TPS…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras, citing improved country conditions as required by law. Hondurans currently benefiting from TPS will lose their legal status and work…

Haiti's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation will be terminated effective September 2, 2025. Haitians currently protected under TPS should begin exploring other lawful status options immediately, such as asylum, employment-based…

A former Haitian mayor was sentenced to nine years in prison for lying to immigration authorities about his involvement in political violence and human rights violations. The case underscores that concealing past crimes or abuse during…

USCIS updated its policy guidance on the validity of marriages for principal asylees and refugees seeking to include a spouse as a derivative beneficiary. All marriages must now be legally valid under the law of the jurisdiction where the…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal, effective after a statutory notice period. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined that country conditions in Nepal no longer meet legal…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon after determining that country conditions no longer meet statutory requirements. Cameroonians with TPS will lose work authorization and legal…

A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison for operating a smuggling and labor trafficking scheme and illegally reentering the United States. USCIS assisted federal investigators in the case. The conviction addresses human…

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, effective July 12, 2025. Afghan nationals currently holding TPS designation will lose protection and must depart or seek…

USCIS published a Federal Register notice establishing application procedures for Hong Kong residents under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid through February 5, 2027. Eligible…

USCIS assisted in a major investigation into the 2022 San Antonio alien smuggling tragedy that killed 53 people and injured 11 others. Two men have been convicted and a third has been extradited as a result of the investigation. This case…

The Department of Homeland Security has partially canceled the July 2024 notice that extended Haiti's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, creating immediate uncertainty for approximately 307,000 Haitian nationals currently…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Venezuela's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation that was issued in 2023, determining that country conditions no longer warrant protection. This decision will affect thousands of…

Immigration judges will now conduct a fuller review of asylum officers' credible fear and reasonable fear determinations, including checking whether applicants face bars to asylum or removal. This technical clarification ensures judges…

DHS has finalized a rule that applies mandatory bars during fear screenings for noncitizens encountered at the border who lack legal status. The rule was proposed in May 2024 and is now in effect. DHS reports this is part of efforts that…

DHS designated Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, allowing eligible Lebanese nationals already in the United States to live and work without fear of deportation. TPS provides protection from removal to nationals of…

USCIS has updated its policy to make medical examination documentation valid indefinitely for certain Afghan nationals who arrived under Operation Allies Welcome. This change simplifies the immigration process for eligible Afghan evacuees…

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual guidance for T visas to align with a final rule on trafficking victim protections and eligibility. This clarification helps trafficking survivors better understand the requirements and process for T…

DHS is announcing temporary immigration protections for eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States, allowing them to request work authorization. This new action provides temporary relief during the ongoing crisis in…

USCIS published procedures allowing Liberians under Deferred Enforced Departure status to apply for work authorization valid through June 30, 2026. This Federal Register notice establishes the formal application process for eligible…

USCIS opened a new international field office in Quito, Ecuador on September 10, 2024, to increase refugee processing capacity and facilitate family reunification. The office will support the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and help…

USCIS has updated procedures to protect the confidential addresses and personal information of individuals covered under confidentiality laws (8 U.S.C. 1367). These protections apply to vulnerable immigrants including VAWA…

USCIS has extended work permits for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan through March 9, 2025. This extension allows these workers to continue employment authorization without…

USCIS announced that confidentiality protections under 8 U.S.C. 1367 end when an immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization. This means naturalized citizens who were previously VAWA self-petitioners, T visa holders, or U visa…

USCIS updated its policy manual to clarify in-person filing procedures for certain Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitioners submitting Form I-360. The guidance explains which SIJ petitioners and their representatives may file their…

USCIS moved processing of Form I-730 refugee following-to-join petitions from the Asylum Vetting Center to the International Operations Division, effective May 6, 2024. This reorganization affects refugees seeking to petition for family…

USCIS opened a temporary additional asylum office location in Oakland, California, effective May 15, 2024, to serve applicants under the San Francisco Asylum Office's jurisdiction. Asylum applicants may now receive interview notices for…

USCIS centralized intake processing of Form I-360 VAWA self-petitions and related filings at the Nebraska Service Center effective April 1, 2024. This consolidation applies to abused spouses, children, and parents seeking special immigrant…

DHS and USCIS announced a final rule strengthening the T nonimmigrant visa program for trafficking victims. The rule enhances integrity protections and ensures eligible victims of human trafficking can access benefits more quickly. This…

USCIS published procedures allowing Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid through August 13, 2025. Eligible Palestinians can now request work permits under…

Ethiopia's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended and redesignated for 18 months, through December 12, 2025. The extension is due to ongoing armed conflict and conditions that make it unsafe for nationals to return. Eligible…

Burma (Myanmar) has been granted an 18-month extension and redesignation for Temporary Protected Status, keeping coverage in effect through November 25, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security cited extraordinary and temporary conditions…

Beginning February 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members physically present in the United States can apply for re-parole to continue temporarily remaining in the country. This program allows Ukrainians…

Beginning February 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members physically present in the United States can apply for re-parole to continue temporarily remaining in the country. This program allows Ukrainians…

Eligible Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are physically present in the United States can now apply for re-parole, effective February 27, 2024. This allows them to temporarily remain in the U.S. and potentially extend…

Secretary Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through September 30, 2025. Syrian nationals currently under TPS can maintain their status for 18 additional months due to ongoing…

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the re-registration periods for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for six countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. TPS holders in these countries now have…

USCIS has updated its policy guidance for adjudicating Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions, effective immediately. SIJ status provides a humanitarian pathway for certain minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and…

USCIS will now consider two-year extensions of parole on a case-by-case basis for certain Afghan nationals under age 14 who were initially granted parole. This provides eligible Afghan minors with greater continuity of status and work…

USCIS has issued new instructions for people who want to file asylum applications after their removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The guidance clarifies the process and…

USCIS is extending and expanding fee exemptions and expedited processing for Afghan nationals on their immigration applications and petitions. The expansion of this program provides additional support to Afghan refugees and parolees.…

USCIS is extending the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to 5 years for refugees, paroled refugees, asylees, and people with withholding of removal. Previously, these documents had shorter validity periods. This…

Starting September 13, 2023, affirmative asylum applicants must bring their own interpreter to their USCIS interview if they are not fluent in English or want to conduct the interview in a non-English language. USCIS will no longer…

DHS has extended the re-registration window for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from 60 days to 18 months for six countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. This change gives TPS holders significantly more time…

Certain Afghan parolees are now authorized to work based on their parole status, effective June 8, 2023. This applies to Afghan parolees with a "PAR" class of admission on their I-94 arrival record, provided their parole has not been…

USCIS has changed where people must file certain affirmative asylum applications by mail, effective immediately. The agency updated filing locations and documentation requirements to streamline the process. Applicants should verify the…

USCIS now automatically creates and provides official documents proving immigration status to newly approved asylees and permanent residents once an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals grants their case. This eliminates…