For those planning to travel internationally, many will opt to renew their U.S. passport online so long as they meet certain eligibility requirements. However, once a passport application has been filed online, the old passport will be automatically cancelled and cannot be used for travel. So, if you plan on renewing your passport online, be sure to submit your application at least 6 weeks before any planned travel.

Who is Eligible to Renew Their Passport Online?

There are several requirements if you are planning on renewing your passport online:

• You must have the passport in your possession
• Your passport must not be damaged
• Your passport must not have been reported lost or stolen
• You must be located in the United States when you submit the application
• You are not changing your personal information (name, sex, etc.)
• You must be at least 25 years of age
• The passport must either be expiring within 1 year of have expired less than 5 years ago
• The passport being renewed must have been valid for 10 years
• Your are trying to renew the current type of passport that you currently have (i.e. - you cannot renew a passport card and get a passport book)

Do I Have to Mail in My Old Passport if I am Renewing Online?

No, if you applied for a passport renewal online, you do not need to mail in your old passport. You can keep your old passport - however, it will automatically be cancelled once you submit the renewal application.

How Far in Advance Before Traveling Should I Submit My Renewal Application?

If you are trying to renew your passport online before traveling internationally, you should submit your renewal application no less than 6 weeks before your travel dates.

How Can I Track the Status of My Online Renewal?

You can check the status of your passport renewal here: https://passportstatus.state.gov/.

Starting in February 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a fee of $45 to air travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. The fee is intended to cover the cost of alternative identity verification.

Earlier this year, we wrote that the REAL ID Act went into effect. As of March 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification has been enforced as a requirement for domestic air travel. However, since that time, TSA has offered travelers without a REAL ID the opportunity to get through security after undergoing additional screening.

With this announcement from TSA, travelers without a REAL ID will need to show another valid form of identification in order to travel, such as an unexpired passport, permanent resident cards, military ID cards, or photo IDs issued by federally-recognized tribal nations. Without an additional form of identification, travelers will not be able to pass through airport security without paying the $45 fee and completing the alternate identify verification process.

REAL ID is a set of enhanced security requirements for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards that were initially mandated in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. After several significant delays, the requirements are now in effect and being enforced.

The $45 fee covers the cost of undergoing alternative identity verification process through the TSA's "Confirm.ID" system. Payment of the fee does not guarantee that the travelers will successful pass the screening process, however. If TSA is unable to verify the traveler's identity, they will not be permitted to pass through security. A successful verification through this new system is valid for 10 days. Travelers can pay the fee prior to arriving at the airport or can pay the fee in-person once arriving at the security screening area. The alternative verification process can take up to 30 minutes.

It is important for you to consider identification requirements before traveling domestically, especially if you are not a naturalized U.S. citizen. If you have any questions about the REAL ID process or require assistance to prepare for domestic or international travel, please don't hesitate to contact the immigration legal professionals at the Law Offices of Spojmie Nasiri, PC.

Our office previously wrote about changes that USCIS would be making to the Naturalization Civics Test that applicants are required to pass in order to become a U.S. citizen. That updated citizenship test is now in effect, as of October 20th, 2025.

Applicants who submitted their Form N-400 prior to October 20th will be subjected to the previous testing guidelines. Anyone who filed their Form N-400 on or after October 20th, 2025 must meet the updated standards, which includes passing the updated civics test by answering 12 out of 20 questions correctly. The questions are randomly selected from a bank of questions that has been expanded from 100 to 128.

The pass/fail test is administered orally, and an immigration officer will stop the test once the applicant has passed the threshold of 12 correct responses or 9 incorrect responses. Applicants who are unsuccessful may retake the test, but failing the test twice results in an automatic denial of the citizenship application.

The other core requirements for becoming a naturalized citizen include providing proof of living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), the ability to read, write, and speak English, evidence of good moral character, and taking an oath of allegiant to the U.S. Constitution.

Lawful permanent residents who are 65 years or older and have been in the United States for at least 20 years are subjected to modified testing guidelines that only require answering 10 questions correctly that are randomly selected from a bank of 20 possible questions.

You can download the updated bank of 128 questions and answers by clicking here.

The full study guide for the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test can be found here.

The immigration legal team at the Law Offices of Spojmie Nasiri, PC has extensive experience assisting immigrants through the entire naturalization process, including helping applicants prepare for the citizenship test. Please don't hesitate to contact our office with any questions or assistance.

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IMPORTANT NOTE - October 1, 2025: While the U.S. government is currently shut down, there is no funding for the Department of Justice lawyers who are advocating for the government in the DACA legal case. As a result, deadlines that were previously scheduled in the case have been postponed. Once the government is reopened, more information will be available about deadlines in the case and whether or not the judge will accept the government's proposal to begin accepting new DACA applications.

Pending the final approval of U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Texas Andrew Hanen, the Department of Homeland Security plans to begin processing new applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA.

DACA is a program initially created by the Obama Administration that provides protection against deportation for those who were brought into the country illegally by their parents. The program allows for applicants to remain in the United States and to obtain a two-year, renewable work permit, so long as they meet the eligibility requirements, which includes not being convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanor.

Over 533,000 people are currently enrolled in DACA, and it is estimated that over 1 million people could be eligible to submit a first-time application, should the judge approved the government's plan. New applications for DACA have been suspended since 2021, when Judge Hanen of the Southern District of Texas ruled that DACA was illegal. His order allowed for DACA recipients to renew their status, but included a nationwide injunction that prohibited new applications from being processed and approved.

However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in January issued a mixed ruling that limited the initial court order to Texas, and held that the government could extend protections against deportation. The Appeals Court remanded the case back down to the District Court, and the government proposed accepting new DACA applications in order to comply with the Appeals Court order. However, litigation about the future of DACA will likely continue, so the future of the program remains uncertain.

If the judge accepts the government's plan, USCIS will begin accepting and processing new applications for DACA nationwide, which would entitle applicants to protection against deportation and a two-year work permit. Those in Texas, however, would receive protection against deportation but would not be eligible to receive a work permit. Under the proposed plan, current DACA participants in Texas would be able to renew their work permit for just one more renewal period, and any DACA participants who move into the state would be stripped of their work permit.

If you are eligible to apply for DACA, there could be an opportunity later this year to submit an application. Contact the immigration lawyers at The Law Offices of Spojmie Nasiri, PC to discuss what the requirements are for applying for DACA and how you can begin preparing should the government begin processing new applications.

Our office will provide the latest updates on the program as soon as they are made available.

USCIS Podría Comenzar a Aceptar Nuevas Solicitudes de DACA Más Adelante Este Año

NOTA IMPORTANTE – 1 de octubre de 2025: Mientras el gobierno de los Estados Unidos permanece cerrado, no hay fondos disponibles para los abogados del Departamento de Justicia que representan al gobierno en el caso legal de DACA. Como resultado, los plazos previamente establecidos en el caso han sido pospuestos. Una vez el gobierno reabra, se dispondrá de más información sobre las nuevas fechas límite y sobre si el juez aceptará o no la propuesta del gobierno para comenzar a recibir nuevas solicitudes de DACA.

Pendiente la aprobación final del Juez de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Sur de Texas, Andrew Hanen, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) planea comenzar a procesar nuevas solicitudes bajo el programa de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia, mejor conocido como DACA.

DACA es un programa creado inicialmente por la Administración Obama que brinda protección contra la deportación a las personas que fueron traídas al país ilegalmente por sus padres. El programa permite a los solicitantes permanecer en los Estados Unidos y obtener un permiso de trabajo renovable por dos años, siempre que cumplan con los requisitos de elegibilidad, los cuales incluyen no haber sido condenado por un delito grave o un delito menor significativo.

Actualmente, más de 533,000 personas están inscritas en DACA, y se estima que más de un millón de personas podrían ser elegibles para presentar una solicitud por primera vez si el juez aprueba el plan del gobierno. Las nuevas solicitudes de DACA han estado suspendidas desde 2021, cuando el juez Hanen del Distrito Sur de Texas dictaminó que DACA era ilegal. Su orden permitió que los beneficiarios actuales renovaran su estatus, pero incluyó una medida cautelar a nivel nacional que prohibió el procesamiento y la aprobación de nuevas solicitudes.

Sin embargo, en enero, la Corte de Apelaciones del Quinto Circuito emitió una decisión mixta que limitó la orden inicial a Texas y determinó que el gobierno podía continuar otorgando protecciones contra la deportación. La Corte de Apelaciones devolvió el caso al Tribunal de Distrito, y el gobierno propuso comenzar a aceptar nuevas solicitudes de DACA para cumplir con la orden del tribunal de apelaciones. No obstante, los litigios sobre el futuro de DACA probablemente continuarán, por lo que el futuro del programa sigue siendo incierto.

Si el juez aprueba el plan del gobierno, USCIS comenzará a aceptar y procesar nuevas solicitudes de DACA en todo el país, lo que permitiría a los solicitantes obtener protección contra la deportación y un permiso de trabajo por dos años. Sin embargo, en el estado de Texas, los solicitantes recibirían protección contra la deportación, pero no serían elegibles para obtener un permiso de trabajo. Según el plan propuesto, los actuales beneficiarios de DACA en Texas podrían renovar su permiso de trabajo solo por un período adicional, y cualquier beneficiario de DACA que se traslade a dicho estado perdería su autorización de empleo.

Si usted es elegible para solicitar DACA, podría haber una oportunidad más adelante este año para presentar una solicitud. Comuníquese con los abogados de inmigración en Las Oficinas Legales de Spojmie Nasiri, PC para conversar sobre los requisitos para solicitar DACA y cómo puede comenzar a prepararse en caso de que el gobierno empiece a procesar nuevas solicitudes.

Nuestra oficina proporcionará las últimas actualizaciones sobre el programa tan pronto como estén disponibles.

The United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) has announced that it will implement a new civics test for those applying for naturalization. Beginning in the middle of October 2025, those applying for citizenship will be required to correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions that are randomly selected from an updated bank of 128 questions.

The questions are intended to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and the civics test is required under U.S. law. Applicants are asked each question orally and they must provide a correct response. The questions are not multiple choice, though often there are multiple answers that could be correct.

Previously, applicants would only have to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly, and they were provided a pool of 100 questions to study. With this change, the number of possible questions increases to 128, and applicants will be required to answer twice as many questions correctly.

Another change as part of this update is the way in which the test is administered. Previously, applicants were asked all questions regardless if they had already reached the threshold of correct answers. Starting in October, if the applicant has already answered the requisite number of correct questions, they won't be asked any further questions. So, once 12 correct answers are provided, the immigration office will stop administering the test. The opposite is also true: if the applicant has provided 9 incorrect answers, the test will stop and they will have received their

Special consideration is given to applicants over the age of 65 who have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years. In this special case, the applicant will only be required to answer 10 correct questions from a specially-selected bank of 20 test questions.

The civics test is one of the core requirements for becoming a naturalized citizen. The other requirements include proof of living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), the ability to read, write, and speak English, evidence of good moral character, and taking an oath of allegiant to the U.S. Constitution.

At the Law Offices of Spojmie Nasiri, PC, our immigration legal team assists immigrants every step of the way towards applying for U.S. citizenship, including preparing for the civics test.

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The state of California provides stronger protections for undocumented immigrants than many other states. But it’s still critical to know your rights and be prepared.

Here’s what you and your loved ones need to know:

1. Know Your Rights – Regardless of Immigration Status

Stay Silent: You have the right to remain silent. You can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Don’t Open the Door: ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. They often show an “ICE warrant” (Form I-200 or I-205) — these are NOT valid for entry. Slide a note under the door or speak through the door: “I do not consent to entry. Please slide the warrant under the door.”

Do Not Sign Anything: You have the right to refuse to sign any document ICE gives you — especially voluntary departure or deportation papers — without first speaking with an attorney.

2. Carry These Key Documents (if applicable):

Keep copies with you in a safe place and accessible to someone you trust:

• Work Permit, Green Card, DACA card, TPS approval
• California state ID or driver's license
• Copy of pending immigration applications (e.g. I-130, I-485, asylum)
• Know Your Rights card (available in English, Spanish, Dari, Pashto, etc.)
• Emergency contact info and your attorney’s name & phone number

Memorize key phone numbers in case your phone is taken or not available.

3. What to Do During a Stop (Street, Workplace, Public Transit)

• You do not have to show ID or answer questions about your status.
• Ask if you are free to go. If they say yes, calmly walk away.
• If detained, say clearly “I want to remain silent and speak to a lawyer.”
• Do not show false documents or lie — that can hurt your case later.

4. Home Raids – Do Not Open the Door

• Ask them to show a judicial warrant signed by a judge (not just ICE).
• Do not let them pressure you to open the door. Record the interaction if safe.

5. California’s Sanctuary State Protections

Under SB 54, California limits local police and sheriff collaboration with ICE. That means:

• Local jails typically cannot notify ICE when someone is released (except for certain serious crimes).
• California DMV does not share info from AB 60 driver’s licenses with ICE.
• Schools, hospitals, and courthouses are sensitive locations — ICE is restricted from enforcement there, though not fully prohibited.

6. Make a Safety Plan

• Appoint someone to care for your children if needed
• Keep all important immigration and identity documents in one place
• Create a plan with your family or roommates on what to do if ICE comes

  7. Connect with the Law Office of Spojmie Nasiri, PC at (925) 520-5195

• Never go to your interview or court without consulting a licensed immigration attorney.
• Avoid notarios — they are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice.

Protect yourself and your community. Knowledge is power.
Save this page, share with your family and friends, and follow trusted legal organizations for more updates.

QUÉ HACER SI SE ENCUENTRA CON ICE EN CALIFORNIA

California ofrece protecciones más sólidas para los inmigrantes que muchos otros estados. Sin embargo, sigue siendo fundamental conocer tus derechos y estar preparado.

Esto es lo que tú y tus seres queridos deben saber:

1. Conozca sus derechos – Independientemente de su estatus migratorio

Guarde silencio: Tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio. Puede decir: “Estoy ejerciendo mi derecho a permanecer en silencio.”

No abra la puerta: ICE no puede entrar a su hogar sin una orden judicial firmada por un juez. A menudo muestran una “orden de ICE” (Formulario I-200 o I-205), pero estas NO son válidas para ingresar. Deslice una nota por debajo de la puerta o hable a través de la puerta: “No doy mi consentimiento para que entren. Por favor, deslicen la orden por debajo de la puerta.”

No firme nada: Tiene derecho a negarse a firmar cualquier documento que ICE le entregue — especialmente papeles de salida voluntaria o deportación — sin antes hablar con un abogado.

2. Lleve Estos Documentos Clave (si aplica):

Guarde copias en un lugar seguro y accesible para alguien de su confianza:

• Permiso de trabajo, tarjeta de residencia (Green Card), tarjeta de DACA, aprobación de TPS
• Identificación del estado de California o licencia de conducir
• Copia de solicitudes migratorias pendientes (por ejemplo, I-130, I-485, asilo)
• Tarjeta de “Conozca sus derechos” (disponible en inglés, español, darí, pastún, etc.)
• Información de contacto de emergencia y nombre y número de teléfono de su abogado

* Memorice números de teléfono clave en caso de que le quiten el celular o no lo tenga disponible.

3. Qué Hacer Durante una Detención (en la calle, trabajo, transporte público):

• No tiene que mostrar su identificación ni responder preguntas sobre su estatus migratorio.
• Pregunte si puede irse. Si le dicen que sí, aléjese con calma.
• Si lo detienen, diga claramente: “Quiero guardar silencio y hablar con un abogado.”
• No muestre documentos falsos ni mienta — eso puede perjudicar su caso más adelante.

4. Redadas en el Hogar – No Abra la Puerta:

• Pídales que le muestren una orden judicial firmada por un juez (no solo por ICE).
• No deje que lo presionen para abrir la puerta. Grabe la interacción si es seguro hacerlo.

5. Protecciones de California como Estado Santuario

Bajo la ley SB 54, California restringe la colaboración entre la policía local y los alguaciles con ICE. Esto significa que:

• Las cárceles locales generalmente no pueden notificar a ICE cuando alguien es liberado (excepto en ciertos delitos graves).
• El DMV de California no comparte información de las licencias de conducir AB 60 con ICE.
• Las escuelas, los hospitales y los tribunales son lugares sensibles — ICE tiene restricciones para actuar en esos lugares, aunque no está completamente prohibido.

6. Haga un Plan de Seguridad

• Designe a alguien que pueda cuidar de sus hijos si es necesario.
• Guarde todos tus documentos importantes de inmigración e identidad en un solo lugar.
• Crea un plan con su familia o compañeros de casa sobre qué hacer si llega ICE.

7. Contacte la Oficina Legal de Spojmie Nasiri, PC al (925) 520-5195

• Nunca vaya a su entrevista o corte sin consultar con un abogado de inmigración con licencia.
• Evite los notarios — no son abogados y no pueden dar asesoría legal.

Protéjase a usted mismo y a su comunidad. El conocimiento es poder.
Guarda esta publicación, compártala con su familia y amigos, y siga a organizaciones legales confiables para más actualizacione.

The demand for immigration lawyers has grown significantly over the past few years, and the trend is only expected to continue with a shortage in the marketplace. As law students prepare for their legal career, selecting a law school is one of the most important decisions a future lawyer has to make.

Recently, immigration attorney Spojmie Nasiri was interviewed by U.S. News & World Report regarding her suggestions and tips for law students when selecting a law school.

She discussed the importance of law students participating in practical training opportunities, such as legal clinics and legal externships, to learn the real-world application of what they are learning in class. Spojmie also talked about the incredible value of mentorship in law school.

You can read the full article here: How to Pick a Law School for an Immigration Law Career

After years of delays and push backs, the REAL ID Act will finally be in effect on May 7, 2025. This new law will have a significant impact on how Californians and all U.S. travelers use their identification for domestic travel and federal access.

What is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act is a law that was passed in 2005 that set higher security standards for identification cards issued by states. In order for a REAL ID to be compliant with the Act, the identification cards (such as drivers licenses) will have a gold star or similar marking indicating compliance. Once in effective, identification cards that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted for many purposes, including:

• Accessing most federal facilities, including military bases
• Passing through TSA security checkpoints at airpots
• Boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft

Effective May 7th, federal agencies are prohibited from accepting licenses or identification cards that do not meet the standards outlined by the REAL ID Act.

How does the REAL ID Act Impact Californians?

On May 7, Californians will need to have a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card in order to board a domestic flight, enter federal facilities, or access military bases. If you do not have a REAL ID, you'll be required to provide another form of identification approved by TSA, such as a valid passport or permanent resident card.

Who is required to have a REAL ID?

All U.S. citizens will be required to have a REAL ID driver's license or state identification card, for the purposes outlined above. Without a complaint form of ID, citizens will be prevented from accessing federal facilities or flying domestically.

Non-citizens and lawful permanent residents should also make sure that identification cards are compliant for air travel.

What about people who overstay a visa or have a deportation order?

If you are overstaying any type of visa or if you are currently under an order of deportation, you could be at risk of detainment, further questioning, or referral to immigration enforcement if you present a non-compliant form of ID or outdated documents at TSA checkpoints. Before doing any kind of travel - especially domestic air travel - make sure that you have a valid form of ID that is compliant with the REAL ID law.

What do I do if my ID card is not REAL ID compliant?

If your form of identification is not complaint with the security standards under the REAL ID act, you will need to visit your local California DMV office to apply for a REAL ID. You will be required to provide the following in order to apply for a REAL ID:

• Proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate
• Proof of social security number, such as a social security card
• Proof of California residency, such as a lease or utility bill in your name

Plan Ahead and Travel Safely!

You can avoid last-minute stress and possible delays while traveling if you plan ahead and make sure that you have a compliant form of identification before traveling!

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If you are in California and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (known as ICE) comes knocking or you spot them on the streets, stay calm and know your rights!

Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself and your loved ones:

ICE at your door?

• ICE must have a Judicial Warrant signed by a judge, not just an Notice to Appear in Court document.
• Ask for ID to confirm they are ICE, not the police.
• If ICE leaves any kind of card or other information under your door, please take a photo of it and share it with your attorney.

On the streets?

• If ICE asks where you're from or your status, do NOT run or talk.
• Stay silent and say, “I want to speak with my lawyer.”
• Keep your immigration status documents (birth certificate, passport, etc.) safe and show them on your phone.

Important Tips to Remember

• NEVER say you are a U.S. citizen.
• Save the number of a trusted attorney and keep it in your phone.
• If you’re detained, your Alien Number will help family find you online.
• Make sure your documents are in a safe place, and someone knows where to find them.

Rapid Response Networks

• Local networks are available 24/7 in many California counties. If ICE is active in your community, CALL the HOTLINE and notify the network. For more information, visit: https://www.ccijustice.org/rapid-response

Stay Informed & Stay Safe!

Learn about potential changes in immigration practices and prepare by keeping all your legal documents organized and up to date. Always consult with a legal expert if you face complications or have questions about your case.

Recordatorios Importantes Si Se Encuentra con ICE en California

¡Si estás en California y el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de EE. UU. (conocido como ICE) llega a tu puerta o los ves en las calles, mantén la calma y conoce tus derechos!

Aquí tienes lo que debes hacer para protegerte a ti y a tus seres queridos:

¿ICE en tu puerta?

• ICE debe tener una Orden Judicial firmada por un juez, no solo una Notificación de Comparecencia (NTA), que es una citación para presentarse en el tribunal de inmigración en el futuro.
• Pide una identificación para confirmar que son de ICE, no de la policía.
• Si ICE o los oficiales de inmigración dejan su tarjeta de presentación u otros documentos debajo de tu puerta, toma una foto y compártela con tu abogado.

¿En las calles?

• Si ICE pregunta de dónde eres o tu estatus migratorio, NO corras ni hables.
• Permanece en silencio y di: “Quiero hablar con mi abogado.”
• Mantén tus documentos de estatus migratorio (acta de nacimiento, pasaporte, etc.) en un lugar seguro y muestra copias en tu teléfono.

Consejos importantes a recordar

• NUNCA digas que eres ciudadano estadounidense.
• Guarda el número de un abogado de confianza en tu teléfono.
• Si te detienen y te asignan un Número de Extranjero (Alien Number), proporciónalo a tu familia. Esto les ayudará a encontrarte en línea.
• Asegúrate de que tus documentos estén en un lugar seguro y que alguien sepa dónde encontrarlos.

Redes de Respuesta Rápida

• Las redes locales están disponibles 24/7 en muchos condados de California. Si ICE está activo en tu comunidad, LLAMA a la LÍNEA DIRECTA y notifica a la red. Para más información, visita: https://www.ccijustice.org/rapid-response.

Mantente Informado y Mantente Seguro

Infórmate sobre posibles cambios en las prácticas de inmigración y prepárate manteniendo todos tus documentos legales organizados y actualizados. Consulta siempre con un experto legal si enfrentas complicaciones o tienes preguntas sobre tu caso.

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On November 7, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a final judgment striking down the Biden Administration's "Keeping Families Together" program. The judge ruled in favor of the 16 Republican-led states on the day following the presidential election that resulted in Americans putting President-Elect Donald Trump back in the White House.

The judgement held that the Biden Administration did not have the authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant parole to noncitizens who are already in the United States.

As a result of the ruling, USCIS is no longer accepting Form I-131F applications and pending adjudications have been halted. At a future date, USCIS will announce how they will be handing pending cases and paid application fees.

The Parole in Place program would have allowed eligible noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for their green cards without having to leave the U.S. to complete consular processing.

An appeal by the Department of Justice has not been announced.

We are greatly disappointed by the decision in the case. Our office will continue to monitor updates related to the Texas decision and communicate that important information to our network. As a result of the decision, our firm will no longer be assisting with filing Form I-131F applications.

Juez emite decisión final bloqueando el programa "Mantener a las Familias Unidas"

El 7 de noviembre de 2024, el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Este de Texas emitió un fallo definitivo anulando el programa "Manteniendo a las Familias Unidas" de la Administración Biden. El juez falló a favor de los 16 estados liderados por republicanos el día después de las elecciones presidenciales, en las que los estadounidenses eligieron al Presidente Electo Donald Trump para regresar a la Casa Blanca.

El fallo determinó que la Administración Biden no tenía autoridad bajo la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés) para otorgar Permisos de Permanencia Temporal (Parole) a no ciudadanos que ya se encuentran en los Estados Unidos.

Como resultado de la decisión, USCIS ya no está aceptando solicitudes del Formulario I-131F, y las adjudicaciones pendientes han sido suspendidas. En una fecha futura, USCIS anunciará cómo manejará los casos pendientes y las tarifas de solicitud pagadas.

El programa Permisos de Permanencia Temporal habría permitido a cónyuges e hijos no ciudadanos elegibles de ciudadanos estadounidenses solicitar sus tarjetas de residencia sin tener que salir de los Estados Unidos para completar el proceso consular.

El Departamento de Justicia no ha anunciado una apelación.

Estamos profundamente decepcionados por la decisión en este caso. Nuestra oficina continuará monitoreando actualizaciones relacionadas con la decisión de Texas y comunicará información importante a nuestra red. Como resultado del fallo, nuestra firma ya no asistirá con la presentación de solicitudes del Formulario I-131F.