June 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

June 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

Want to keep up with newcomer policy updates in the U.S.? Every month, Global Cleveland publishes our newcomer policy update so that you can stay informed about the latest news.

This month’s Newcomer Update at a glance:

  • Social Media Must be Public for Certain Visas
  • Pause on Student Visas Ends
  • Immigration Enforcement Focus Shifted Away from Farms and Hospitality

Ohio HB1 in Committee, Protest Held in Columbus

  • A protest was held against House Bill 1 and its Senate companion bill SB 88 in Columbus.
  • The bill, currently in the public safety committee would prohibit the ownership of property by governments, companies, or people from several countries deemed foreign adversaries in much of the state.
  • The bill has attracted controversy as it would apply to property within 25 miles of critical infrastructure, a category that would include much of the state, including many areas in the Cleveland metro area.
  • https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2025/06/24/protestors-statehouse-hb1-and-sb88

How Proposed Big Bill Will Affect Immigration

  • The budget cut and border security bill that has been debated in Congress would have several impacts on immigration, including:
    • An increased budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement
    • $46.5 billion for border barriers
    • Increased spending on immigrant detention facilities
    • An expansion of the immigration court system, which has for years been overburdened with cases
    • An end to fee-free asylum applications, which will now cost $1,000
  • https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/4-ways-trumps-big-bill-could-change-the-u-s-immigration-system 

USCIS Announces Changes to Marriage-Based Green Card Procedures

  • The US Citizenship and Immigration Services have made several changes to the process for getting marriage based green cards.
  • Three forms have been revised, the I-485 (adjustment of status), Form I-29F (a visa for a fiancé) and a more minor change to the I-130 (petition for alien relative)
  • They also changed rules around medical form submission and payments must now be separately.
  • COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required.
  • https://www.boundless.com/blog/uscis-quietly-tightens-marriage-green-card-procedures/

Trump Directs ICE to Focus on Blue Cities

  • President Trump called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to expand their efforts on deportation in major cities with Democratic Party run city governments.
  • Trump specifically cited Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City in the announcement.
  • This comes in the wake of widespread protests, some of which turned violent, in Los Angeles over immigration enforcement raids
  • https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/16/politics/trump-immigration-democratic-deportation-efforts

Social Media Must be Public for Certain Visas

  • The US government announced changes to F, M, and J visas that will require applicants to adjust the privacy settings of all their social media to public
  • Applicants are also required to list all social media handles used in the past five years on the DS-160 form.
  • The change comes as the application for these visas have resumed after a pause. The state department has begun vetting social media of visa applicants earlier this year.
  • https://ml.usembassy.gov/u-s-requires-public-social-media-settings-for-f-m-and-j-visa-applicants/

Pause on Student Visas Ends

Administration Considering Dismissing Asylum Claims

Trump Shifts Immigration Enforcement Focus Away from Farms and Hospitality

  • In June, Trump administration officials pivoted away from immigration enforcement on the agricultural, hotel, and restaurant sectors.
  • President Trump publicly said that the crackdown was hurting American businesses in the agricultural and hospitality sector.
  • The Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins reportedly discussed the affects of immigration raids on American farms, echoing concerns by some in rural areas that the immigration crackdown there was having unintended consequences.
  • https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/us/politics/trump-ice-raids-farms-hotels.html

Executive Order Bans Travel from Several Countries

Report: Travel Ban Could Expand to 36 New Countries

  • A report indicated that the Trump administration may ban travel from up to 36 countries, following a ban on 12 countries announced earlier in June
  • Concerns cited for the restrictions included non cooperation with deportations and high rates of visa overstays.
  • The report stated that the countries could be subject to restrictions if changes were not made within 60 days
  • The 36 countries were: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-weighs-adding-36-countries-travel-ban-memo-says-2025-06-15/

Undocumented Students Lose in-State Tuition in Texas

  • Texas ended a practice of giving undocumented students in state tuition, siding with the Department of Justice who argued a law allowing it – the Texas Dream Act – was unconstitutional.
  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton supported ending the practice, but this effort has been met with opposition and a lawsuit by students affected
  • A legislative effort to repeal the Texas Dream Act failed to pass earlier this year.
  • https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/14/texas-undocumented-students-tuition-explainer/


May 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

May 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

Want to keep up with newcomer policy updates in the U.S.? Every month, Global Cleveland publishes our newcomer policy update so that you can stay informed about the latest news.

This month’s Newcomer Update at a glance:

  • Ohio Bill Restricting Foreign Owners of Property Sees Opposition in Hearings
  • International Student Interviews Paused, New Social Media Searches Proposed
  • Harvard Enrollment Executive Order Blocked in Court

Bipartisan Group Introduces Bill for TPS for Venezuelans

  • Congress has introduced the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025, which would designate Venezuelans in the US for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.
  • Citing the increased authoritarianism of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the deteriorating situation in the South American country, the group seeks to prevent the loss of status of Venezuelans who have fled their country.
  • TPS for Venezuela has been the subject of major debate, and multiple executive orders, over the past six months.
  • The group behind the bill includes Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican, and Democrats Darren Soto and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. All represent Florida, a state with a large Venezuelan International Newcomer population.
  • https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-salazar-soto-and-wasserman-schultz-introduce-legislation-designate-tps

Oklahoma Passes IMG Bill

  • Oklahoma became the latest state to enact international medical graduate related reform; with the state’s Governor Kevin Stitt signing House Bill 2050.
  • HB2050 is similar to legislation passed in states from Washington State to Florida over the past few years, offering an alternative pathway for experienced international physicians to be licensed in the state.
  • The bill had bipartisan support and near unanimous votes in favor in both houses of the legislator.
  • https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1788776

Ohio Bill Restricting Foreign Owners of Property Sees Opposition in Hearings

  • A proposed bill that would ban nationals of certain countries from owning property near critical infrastructure or military installations was heard by a committee, and faced criticism from many testifying.
  • The bill is intended to address concerns of overseas buyers from foreign adversaries – including China, Russia, and Iran, among others – from purchasing land near sensitive areas like military facilities or important civilian infrastructure.
  • The bill though would be expansive, and include residential property, and its broad definition of near critical infrastructure covers huge portions of Ohio. A previous bill, similar to House Bill 88, was vetoed by Governor DeWine.
  • Proponents view the bill as a vital national security measure, while critics say it is discriminatory and harms people with no connection to foreign governments and who pose no threat. Other states have passed similar legislation, but often have put further limits to exempt some from the restrictions, such as green card holders and duel citizens.
  • https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/05/28/hundreds-push-back-against-bill-prohibiting-foreign-nationals-from-buying-property-in-ohio/

International Student Interviews Paused, New Social Media Searches Proposed

Afrikaners Arrive in the US

  • The first group of Afrikaner Displaced Personss arrived in the United States by chartered plane this May. The group is the first major group of Displaced Personss approved for resettlement since the program was halted when the Trump administration took office earlier this year.
  • Afrikaners are an ethnic group found in Southern Africa, largely of Dutch origin, who the Trump administration has said have been the victim of violence and land seizures, allegations the South African government has denied.
  • It is believed additional Afrikaners will arrive in the US is in the coming months; the first group have been resettled in Minnesota, Nevada, and Idaho.
  • https://www.npr.org/2025/05/12/nx-s1-5395067/first-group-afrikaner-Displaced Personss-arrive

State Department to Revoke Visas for Chinese Students

  • Citing national security concerns, the US State Department announced it will “aggressively” move to revoke visas for Chinese students.
  • The move is expected to target the visas’ of students who are studying in critical fields that may be the target of espionage from China, as well as those with connections to the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
  • About 280,000 Chinese students are studying in the United States; it is not clear how many of them would be affected by this policy.
  • https://www.npr.org/2025/05/28/g-s1-69495/rubio-says-u-s-will-aggressively-revoke-visas-for-many-chinese-students

Administration Revokes Harvard’s Ability to Enroll Foreign Students

  • In the latest in a series of actions between Harvard and the Trump administration, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed Harvard Unvinersity administrators that they would no longer be allowed to enroll international students.
  • Noem criticized the campus for its coordination with China and its ruling party as well as for allowing for antisemitism on the campus. Harvard has been criticized by many, including those in the current administration, for its attitude towards campus protests critical of Israel since the outbreak of war in the Middle East in 2023.
  • Harvard criticized the action and vowed to fight it in court, saying it was unlawful (it was suspended by a federal judge, see below)
  • https://www.npr.org/2025/05/22/nx-s1-5407878/trump-harvard-international-students

Russian Scientist ordered Released by Judge

  • A judge ruled in favor or Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist employed at Harvard University, who’s detention has become a high-profile Migration case.
  • Petrova has been accused of illegally bringing scientific samples into the US.
  • The judge in the case said that there was no legal basis for the revoking of her visa, and that the biological samples were not harmful or dangerous.
  • Petrova, a critic of the Russian government, has said her life would be in grave danger if deported to Russia.
  • https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/science/russian-scientist-harvard-charges.html

Supreme Court Allows Trump Revocations to Stand

  • The US Supreme Court allowed a Trump Administration executive order ending the CMNH program to stand, following a similar ruling a few weeks ago involving Venezuelan migrants.
  • The ruling is not final and is subject to other cases working through the court system.
  • The program was started in 2022 by then-President Biden, and after a presidential executive order, Homeland Security Secretary Noem revoked the parole status of around 530,000 people.
  • https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/30/scotus-parole-Migration-trump/

Detained Student Ordered to be Released by Court

  • Tufts University student Rümseya Öztürk was released from a federal detention center after six weeks of detention. Federal Judge William Sessions ordered her release.
  • Ozturk, a native of Turkey, wrote an op-ed in the student newspaper that was highly critical of Israel and called for the university to divest from the country. She has not been charged with any crime related to her activities or op ed, and her attorneys challenged her detention on first amendment grounds.
  • This case is one of several high profile revocations of visas for international students, often ones who have made controversial remarks on Israel and the Gaza War.
  • https://splc.org/2025/05/court-orders-release-of-tufts-op-ed-writer-in-win-for-free-speech/

Harvard Enrollment Executive Order Blocked in Court

  • A federal judge instituted a temprorary block on an Executive Order banning Harvard from enrolling international students.
  • Citing first amendment grounds, Federal Judge Allison Burroughs issued a restraining order blocking the implementation of the ban, which had followed a lengthy series of disputes between the university and the Trump administration.
  • Harvard has around 7,000 international students, which comprise over a quarter of the university’s student body.
  • https://www.npr.org/2025/05/23/nx-s1-5408987/harvard-international-students-lawsuit-trump


April 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

April 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

Want to keep up with newcomer policy updates in the U.S.? Every month, Global Cleveland publishes our newcomer policy update so that you can stay informed about the latest news.

This month’s Newcomer Update at a glance:

  • More States Move Forward on IMG Bills

  • DHS to Screen for Antisemitic Activity Online

  • Supreme Court Blocks Deportations under Alien Enemies Act

Senator Visits Man Held in El Salvador, Moved to Different Facility

  • Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian man and Maryland resident who was deported to a prison in El Salvador due to an “administrative error”
  • Held in a high-security prison known as CECOT, Abrego Garcia was moved to a different detention center in El Salvador where he will have his own room.
  • Van Hollen has been outspoken in support of Abrego’s case, which has been the subject of a protracted legal battle in the US
  • https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/kilmar-abrego-garcia-transferred-el-salvador-maryland-van-hollen/

Tennessee proposed bill to ban presence of unauthorized International Newcomers, with major caveat

  • A controversial bill in Tennessee that would criminalize the act of being in the state without legal status passed a subcommittee.
  • The bill would require judges to issue a 72-hour warning to violators to leave the state
  • However, the bill would not go into effect even if passed; because of the prior supreme court present against states enforcing federal Migration law, the law would not be in effect unless the supreme court overturns the 2012 decision in Arizona v. US, a constitutional amendment is passed, or other states enact similar laws that are upheld in court
  • https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/03/26/bill-giving-International Newcomers-without-legal-status-72-hours-to-leave-tennessee-advances-in-house/

More States Move Forward on IMG bills

  • Vermont and Arkansas are two of the latest states to move forward on alternative pathway legislation for International Medical Graduates.
  • A majority of states in the US now either passed or introduced legislation on the subject, which has been a major trend across the US in the last two years.
  • States considering the legislation in the current session include Minnesota, Kentucky, Indiana, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming, Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Vermont.

Legislation Introduced Abolishing OPT

  • Rep Paul Gosar has introduced legislation, the Fairness for High Skilled Americans Act, which would abolish the OPT program.
  • Gosar said the OPT program “undercuts American workers” and also criticized the program for allowing employers to avoid having to pay FICA and Medicare taxes
  • The bill has eight co-sponsors, all of whom are republicans
  • https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8784

Ohio International Students See Visas Revoked

  • As of April 24th, over 60 international students across 14 Ohio colleges and universities have seen their visas revoked by the Trump administration
  • Several of these revocations are being challenged in court, some of these involve students with relatively minor charges on their records, or students who were charged with a crime, but later had those charges dropped.
  • The universities with the largest number of revoked visas are Youngstown State University, the Ohio State University, and Kent State University.
  • https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/04/ohio-visa-revocations-reach-61-international-students-across-14-colleges.html

DHS to Screen for Antisemitic Activity Online

  • The Department of Homeland Security will begin to monitor prospective International Newcomers and international visitors social media for antisemitic statements, the agency announced in early April.
  • The screening will also include support for antisemitic terrorist organizations; the announcement specified Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the group commonly known as the Houthis, and Hezbollah.
  • Under this new guidance, social media content that is deemed to be antisemitic will be considered a negative factor in analysis of their application
  • https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism

Changes to I-9 and E-Verify

  • US Citizenship and Naturalization Services updated both the I-9 form and E-Verify.
  • I-9s and the online E-Verify website are used by employers to verify a new employee’s work authorization in the US
  • The changes are relatively minor, but a significant aspect of the change includes updated wording for the List B documents, establishing a person’s identity
  • https://www.boundless.com/blog/form-i-9-e-verify-updates/

Gold Card

  • The “Gold Card” visa, a proposed visa for high net worth individuals, is moving forward after an announcement earlier this year.
  • The program would allow for foreign individuals to obtain residence in the United States after paying a $5 million fee to the government. The program would replace the existing EB-5 investor visa
  • While at the moment, the program is being created by an executive order, there is speculation it may not be upheld in court, and could require congressional legislation.
  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/10/gold-card-trump-lutnick-millionaires/83033022007/

Supreme Court Blocks Deportations under Alien Enemies Act

Appeals Court Rules Against DOJ in Abrego Garcia Case

Judge Grants TRO to Ohio-Based International Student

  • Judge Algenon Marbley granted an order in favor of Prasanna Oruganti, an Indian student studying agricultural engineering, reinstating her F-1 visa.
  • The government argued that Oruganti’s status was terminated because of a criminal history; Oruganti argued that this referred to a minor driving related charge, which came with a $300 fine, her attorneys argued this was an insufficient reason for loss of status.
  • The student’s case is one of several that are in court in Ohio, which has seen numerous revocations of student visas in recent months
  • https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2025/04/22/trump-Migration-ohio-state-student-visa-laws-federal-judge/83217297007/?tbref=hp

Judge Rules Khalil Can Be Deported

  • An Migration judge ruled in favor of the Trump administration in a high-profile case involving a Columbia University Grad Student.
  • The student, Mahmoud Khalil, had been a legal permanent resident, until his visa was revoked earlier this year. Khalil has been a prominent critic of the Israeli government and has played a major role in protests at Columbia that critics argue have been antisemitic.
  • It is expected that the case will continue to be litigated, with separate court cases playing out in both Louisiana and New Jersey
  • https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/13/us/mahmoud-khalil-deportation-ruling-appeals/index.html


Supporting International Newcomer Victims of Trafficking and Violent Crime

Supporting T & U Visas - Webinar Recap

Global Cleveland and the City of Cleveland partnered to host a webinar that featured an in-depth discussion on the unique challenges faced by nonInternational Newcomer victims of trafficking and violent crimes, along with the critical role law enforcement and local government officials played in supporting them. It provided insights into the barriers these victims encountered, the resources available to assist them, and the strategies city leaders and law enforcement implemented to enhance community safety and trust.

Watch the Webinar

Read the blog below to explore highlights from the webinar.


A Powerful Conversation on T & U Visas and Justice in Cleveland

At Global Cleveland, we believe in building a welcoming region where every resident—no matter where they were born—feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. As part of that mission, we recently hosted a thought-provoking webinar focused on a vital yet often misunderstood pathways to safety for International Newcomer victims of crime: the T& U visa.

This dynamic event brought together leading voices from Cleveland’s legal and law enforcement communities to demystify the T & U visa processes and highlight the collective responsibility we all share in creating a just and inclusive city.

The session opened with a reflection on Cleveland’s growth. For the first time in decades, more people are moving into our communities than leaving. Many of these new residents are International Newcomers—individuals and families who bring strength and resilience to our neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. As our population evolves, so too must our support systems.

Elena Boop, Chief Trial Counsel for the City of Cleveland, moderated the panel and brought deep insight into the city’s commitment to equitable legal access. She framed the conversation as a vital step toward building a justice system that reflects the city’s values of safety, inclusion, and dignity for all.

What is a T & U Visa? Why Do They Matter?

To open the webinar, Pat Espinosa, an attorney with Sus Abogados Latinos, provided a clear and compelling overview of the T & U visa: what it is, who it’s for, and why it’s vital for International Newcomer victims of crime.

Created by Congress in 2000, the T & U visa offers relief to individuals who have experienced serious crimes—such as domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault—and who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution. Espinosa emphasized that the T & U visa is a powerful tool for public safety because it encourages victims, especially those without legal status, to come forward without fear of deportation.

“This isn’t an automatic green card. It’s a rigorous process that requires cooperation, documentation, and often years of waiting due to the annual cap of 10,000 visas.”

“This isn’t an automatic green card,” Espinosa clarified. “It’s a rigorous process that requires cooperation, documentation, and often years of waiting due to the annual cap of 10,000 visas.” Still, for many survivors, it’s a transformative opportunity to move from fear to stability.

Espinosa also spoke to the deeper impact of the T & U visa. Beyond legal relief, it offers survivors dignity and a chance to reclaim control over their lives. “When someone who’s been hurt learns there’s a way to seek justice without fear, it changes everything,” he said.

In his work with Sus Abogados Latinos, Espinosa regularly helps clients navigate this path, often partnering with law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocates. He ended with a call to action: “It takes all of us—community groups, legal professionals, and city leaders—to ensure International Newcomer victims aren’t left behind. The T & U visa is one way we help restore safety and trust.”

Advocating for International Victims & Survivors

Nate Johnson, an attorney with ASIA Ohio (Asian Services In Action), emphasized the importance of centering International Newcomer victims’ voices in any conversation about justice and healing. Drawing from his legal work, Johnson reminded attendees that behind every T & U visa case is a person who has survived serious trauma—whether from domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking—and who often faces additional fears tied to their International Newcomer status.

“When we invest in victims’ healing, we invest in community safety.”

“These aren’t just legal cases,” he said. “These are people navigating trauma, fear, and uncertainty.” Johnson stressed that many survivors come forward not only for their own safety, but to protect others—often risking stigma, retaliation, or deportation in the process.

He also highlighted how emotionally difficult the T & U visa process can be, especially when victims are asked to revisit painful experiences. That’s why trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support is essential. “We can’t just walk clients through a checklist,” he noted. “We have to lead with empathy.”

At ASIA Ohio, Johnson and his team work holistically, providing legal guidance alongside access to counseling, translation, and basic needs. He closed by reminding attendees that true healing starts with being heard: “When we invest in victims’ healing, we invest in community safety.”

The Role of Prosecutors in the T & U Visa Process

One of the most pivotal parts of the U visa process involves the certification from law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies—a step that confirms the victim has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of a crime. During the webinar, Aqueelah Jordan, Prosecutor for the City of Cleveland, provided valuable insight into how her office approaches this responsibility.

Jordan began by explaining that her office frequently serves as the bridge between International Newcomer victims and the federal system. A T & U visa cannot proceed without the completion of Form I-918B, a certification form signed by a qualifying agency. This form doesn’t grant International Newcomer status, but it confirms that the victim’s cooperation in a criminal case is genuine and significant—a necessary foundation for a successful T & U visa petition.

She highlighted that her team carefully evaluates each certification request, taking into account the nature of the crime—such as domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault—and the victim’s involvement in the case. Importantly, Jordan stressed that their review process is designed to avoid retraumatizing victims and instead aims to affirm their role as contributors to community safety.

“When victims don’t feel safe reporting crimes, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects all of us.”

As a public servant deeply committed to equitable justice, Jordan acknowledged the very real fear many undocumented individuals face when engaging with the legal system. “Our goal is to support public safety through trust,” she shared. “When victims don’t feel safe reporting crimes, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects all of us.”

Jordan’s office also emphasizes transparency and accessibility. Her team works in collaboration with International Newcomer attorneys, victim advocates, and community organizations to ensure the T & U visa process is understood and approachable. This includes communicating clearly about what documentation is needed, how long the process may take, and what victims can expect throughout.

She closed by reinforcing a crucial distinction: the prosecutor’s role in the T & U visa process is not about enforcement—it’s about supporting justice. By certifying cases for eligible victims, Jordan and her team help turn fear into hope and create a path toward healing, safety, and stability.

On-the-Ground Perspectives from Law Enforcement

Detective Durst, a veteran officer with experience handling violent crime and trafficking cases, offered a grounded perspective on how law enforcement can better support International Newcomer victims.

He acknowledged that many undocumented individuals fear reporting crimes, worried that contact with police could lead to deportation. “We hear it all the time—people are scared we’re going to turn them over to ICE,” he said. “Our job is to protect people.”

Detective Durst emphasized that trust is essential for public safety. When victims don’t feel safe coming forward, crimes go unreported and communities suffer. The T & U visa, he explained, helps bridge that gap, offering International Newcomer survivors protection and encouraging cooperation with investigations.

"Our job is to protect people.”

He shared real-world examples of how knowledge of the T & U visa empowered victims to report abuse and assist in cases that led to arrests and dismantled trafficking operations. These moments, he said, underscore the importance of combining legal tools with compassionate policing.

Durst also stressed the need for ongoing training for officers on trauma-informed practices and cultural sensitivity. “If we dismiss a victim early on, we lose their trust—and the case,” he noted.

Building safety starts with building trust, and law enforcement must be part of a broader community response to support and protect International Newcomer survivors.

A Call to Action

Justice for International Newcomer victims of crime is not a solo endeavor. It requires collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to standing with those who have suffered or are suffering.

At Global Cleveland, we are proud to be part of that effort. We are dedicated to ensuring that every newcomer to our city knows their rights, understands their options, and is embraced as a valued member of our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our panelists, attendees, and all who continue to advocate for a more just and welcoming Cleveland. Together, we can shape a Northeast Ohio where everyone, regardless of status, origin, or circumstance, has the opportunity to feel safe, respected, and at home.


Access Resources

Global Cleveland cumulated a list of resources for victims and survivors of trafficking and violent crime.

Access Resources

Resources for Victims & Survivors of Trafficking and Violent Crimes

Watch the Webinar

Resources for Victims & Survivors of Trafficking and Violent Crimes


Download a PDF of the Below Resources

1. Sus Abogados Latinos:

https://susabogadoslatinos.com/

A full Spanish-speaking law firm in Painesville, Ohio, offering cost-effective legal services in Migration, legal defense, family, and civil law. Led by attorney, Patrick Espinosa, the firm prioritizes personalized attention, cultural understanding, and positive outcomes for clients.

2. The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:

https://collabtoendht.org/

Dedicated to eradicating human trafficking through advocacy, education, and coordinated community responses. The Collaborative offers resources, training sessions, and opportunities for community engagement to raise awareness and support survivors.

3. The Renee Jones Empowerment Center:

https://www.rjecempower.org/

Provides holistic restorative services for minor and adult victims of human trafficking and sexual assault. Their mission includes empowering individuals through personal, social & professional development, while actively engaging the community in prevention and education efforts.

4. The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center:

https://clevelandrapecrisis.org/

Supports survivors of sexual abuse and rape in NEO, promoting healing, prevention and social change through counseling, advocacy, and education programs. Their services are available to individuals of any gender identity or age and loved ones.

5. Family Justice Center:

https://cuyahogacounty.gov/psjs/divisions/witness-victim-service-center/family-justice-center

Assists individuals with complex cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and stalking. Services include help with protection orders, communication with law enforcement, and access to counseling.

6. Journey Center for Safety and Healing:

https://www.journeyneo.org

Provides information and services for domestic violence and child abuse, including emergency housing, counseling, and advocacy. They offer a 24-hour crisis hotline for immediate assistance.

7. ASIA Inc.:

https://www.asiaohio.org/

Health and human services agency operating two Federally Qualified Health Centers in Cleveland and Akron. Provides culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare and comprehensive social services to support the International Newcomer community.

8. Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center:

https://www.ocvjc.org/

Provides resources, including safe housing options, counseling services, child advocacy centers, and rape crisis centers. They also offer a Victims Rights Toolkit and assistance with legal processes.

9. Thrive Peer Recovery Services:

https://thrivepeersupport.com/

Connects individuals struggling with mental health, substance use disorders, and peer recovery support services, offering programs like one-on-one support, community linkage, and health systems peer support. Their mission is to empower individuals throughout their recovery journey by embracing all pathways that foster trusting relationships, community engagement, and personal growth.

10. Cuyahoga County Witness Victim Service Center:

https://cuyahogacounty.gov/psjs/divisions/witness-victim-service-center

Offers crisis intervention, counseling, support, advocacy, information, and referrals to victims of violent crimes.


March 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

March 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

Want to keep up with Migration news in the U.S.? Every month, Global Cleveland publishes our Migration update so that you can stay informed about the latest Migration news.

This month’s Migration Update at a glance:

  • White House Considers ‘Gold Card’ Visa as EB5 Replacement

  • Indiana Introduces IMG Bill

  • Federal Judge Halts Alien Enemies Act Deportations

White House considers ‘Gold Card’ visa as EB5 replacement

  • President Donald Trump floated a new investment visa, dubbed the “Gold Card” that would be designed to attract high-net worth individuals who may invest in the country.
  • The new visas, which would offer a path to citizenship, would cost $5 million.
  • It is believed that the EB-5 visa would be replaced by the new gold card. The EB-5 has additional requirements, including that the holder must create or preserve at least ten full time jobs in the country; it is not clear that this will be required in the new visa
  • https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-gold-card-eb5-visa-5-million-Migration-oligarch-cbs-news-explains/

Postal Service may have leading roll in the next Census

USCIS to examine social media

Haiti TPS to end in August

  • The Department of Homeland Security announced that the temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian nationals would end in August of 2025, six months earlier than previously announced
  • The change, announced on February 20th by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, would leave many Haitian born International Newcomers without status, unless they can transfer to another visa
  • TPS for Haiti was originally dedicated in the aftermath of the 2011 Earthquake that devastated the country, and was maintained since as the country has been embroiled in a political and humanitarian crisis.
  • https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-on-tps-for-haiti#:~:text=The%20announcement%20amends%20the%20period,3%2C%202025

Indiana introduces IMG bill

  • Indiana is the latest in a growing group of states who have proposed alternative pathways bills for internationally educated doctors
  • Republican State Rep Beau Baird introduced the proposal, who said that it would help address the state’s doctor shortage.
  • The bill would have an especially profound impact on rural Indiana communities, Baird told reporters
  • Like many other states, the bill would allow for an experienced physician to bypass residency if he or she had sufficient training and experience. The bill, which was supported by the Indiana State Medical Association, requires 5 years of post practice experience.
  • https://www.953mnc.com/2025/02/18/indiana-bill-aims-to-combat-shortage-of-medical-professionals/

New York House Reps introduce Conrad 30 expansion

  • Representatives Mike Lawler and Yvette Clarke, both of New York, introduced the Doctors in Our Borders Act, which would expand the Conrad 30 program in an effort to combat an ongoing healthcare workforce shortage
  • The waivers allowed under the Conrad 30 program would more than triple if the bill was passed
  • The bill has a sizable bipartisan group supporting it, and is also backed by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)
  • https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3738

Federal Judge Halts Alien Enemies Act Deportations

  • The White House issued an executive order to expediate deportations of suspected members of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuela-based crime syndicate, under the Alien Enemies Act
  • Suspected members of the gang were removed from the country and sent to El Salvador and Honduras, but the implementation of the order was blocked by a federal judge
  • Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order blocking the implementation for 14 days, after a lawsuit which argued that the law could only be invoked in wartime, and not against nationals of a country (Venezuela) that we are not at war with.
  • Several planes did leave the US before the order, and some have accused the government of deporting those not affiliated with Tren de Aragua
  • https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/15/trump-alien-enemies-act-deportations

Bid to Curtail Birthright Citizenship Rejected in Appeals Court

  • A late February decision allowed a lower court ruling to stand that blocked a Trump administration policy that would no longer recognize birthright citizenship to the children of people in the country without legal status, as well as those here with a certain non-International Newcomer visas
  • The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held that the order violated the 14th amendment of the Constitution.
  • The three judge panel included two Republican appointees, one of which, who issued a concurrence, was appointed by President Trump in his first term, though the ruling itself was written by Judge William Canby, an appointee of Jimmy Carter.
  • https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-appeals-court-rejects-trumps-bid-curtail-birthright-citizenship-2025-02-20/

Palestinian Activist Detained

  • Mahmoud Khalil, a student at Columbia University in New York, was arrested by Migration and Customs Enforcement. Agents said they were revoking Khalil’s Green Card.
  • Khalil was a leader of protests against Israel on Columbia’s Campus, and the arrest was on the grounds that Khalil’s activities had been antisemitic and supportive of a listed terrorist organization
  • The case has received national attention, and defenders of Khalil have argued the revocation of his green card was unlawful
  • https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-mahmoud-khalil-ice-15014bcbb921f21a9f704d5acdcae7a8

Citizenship Proof Added to BMV Voter Registration


3 Years Since the War; Ukrainians In NEO

Valentyn Panchenko

Valentyn Panchenko came to Cleveland from Ukraine last summer with his wife and two children. Through a sponsor, Valentyn and his family settled in Maple Heights and were ready to embrace the American experience, but he needed to find work. That’s when Global Cleveland Board Member and Mayor of Maple Heights Annette Blackwell stepped up.

Mayor Blackwell is a champion for all her residents and understands the value of embracing newcomers. She was invested in keeping Valentyn and his family in Maple Heights and fought for his belonging. With the Mayor’s help and full support, Valentyn now works for the city and provides for his family.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who was involved in my public service application process. [Mayor Blackwell]’s help has given me the opportunity to become a part of American society, for which I am eternally grateful. I am happy”.


Natalia Penko

Natalia Penko was an English teacher in Ukraine before resettling in Parma last year. She knew she needed work but wasn’t sure where to get started. Thanks to a connection from Global Cleveland, Natalia was able to find the perfect job for her skillset and her experience as a newcomer.

Natalia has been working as an ESL teacher and tutor at the Incarnate Word Academy in Parma Heights since last fall, starting her employment less than a month after arriving in Northeast Ohio. Her position allows her to support newly arrived Ukrainian students who need help easing into an English-speaking school.

"I'm so happy to be working as a teacher in the United States, just as I did in Ukraine. Thank you to Global Cleveland and Zachary for helping me find work so quickly! I'm glad to continue working in my field and to help children here learn English, just like I did back home."


Ihor Kinal

Ihor Kinal came to Cleveland in June 2024, shortly after his third child was born. Ihor worked as an Anesthesiologist in Ukraine, but prior to reaching out to Global Cleveland he was employed as a maintenance worker at a local apartment complex in Parma. Ihor was grateful to have a job, but he wanted to work in his field as he pursues his license in the U.S.

With the help of Global Cleveland, Ihor discovered that his job applications at hospitals were being filtered out due to a misunderstanding of his license status in the U.S. Once the problem was corrected, Ihor was immediately invited to interview and has been working at the Cleveland Clinic since September.

“Thanks to Global Cleveland, I can continue my journey to become a licensed Doctor of Anesthesiology in the United States. It will be a lot of work, but I am committed to bringing my skills to the Cleveland Clinic at my full capacity. Being an Anesthesia Technician allows me to stay current with my skills, learn everything there is to know about the American medical system, and prepare to take my licensing exams.”

Help Global Cleveland continue building a stronger, more vibrant economy by connecting international talent with opportunities that drive our region forward.

Get Involved. Donate Now.

Expanding Housing Solutions for International Newcomers

Housing Solutions for International Newcomers

Northeast Ohio has long been a place of opportunity, diversity, and community. As the region continues to welcome newcomers from around the world, Global Cleveland works to ensure that the International Newcomer community feels supported and connected to the services that can make their transition as smooth as possible. Over the years, our team has addressed the critical needs of International Newcomers and Displaced Personss, including connecting individuals with workforce and healthcare access, legal assistance, education, and social services. However, one need that unites everyone, regardless of background, is the fundamental need for a home.

Global Cleveland expanded its efforts in the past year to address the pressing need for stable, affordable housing for newcomers. Our organization has deepened its collaboration with community partners to create scalable housing solutions that not only provide newcomers with a roof over their heads but also offer a foundation for successful integration into their new home in Northeast Ohio.

Scalable Housing Solutions

Affordable housing is a cornerstone of successful resettlement, yet it can be a challenge for many newcomers to secure safe, quality housing where they can begin to establish their new lives. Global Cleveland has taken strategic steps to address this challenge by working closely with housing developers, resettlement agencies, and local stakeholders to create housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of International Newcomers and Displaced Personss.

One of our key initiatives has been exploring the guidelines set forth by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and helping developers navigate the process of accessing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). By doing so, Global Cleveland has enabled developers to include resettlement organizations in their housing proposals, creating a competitive advantage for these projects. In turn, resettlement agencies gain confidence knowing that the housing they refer newcomers to will be available, safe, and accommodating. This partnership approach is a win-win for both developers and resettlement agencies, as it ensures that some of the community’s most vulnerable International Newcomer individuals and families can secure dignified, long-term housing.

Educating Stakeholders on Newcomer Housing

An important part of Global Cleveland’s work in housing is bridging the knowledge gap between newcomers, private landlords, and housing developers. Understanding the intricacies of housing eligibility and the cultural considerations needed to create inclusive housing spaces is essential for ensuring that newcomers can truly feel at home.

To assist in this effort, Global Cleveland has developed the Newcomer Housing Guide. This guide serves as an educational tool for private landlords and developers, helping them understand the specific needs and eligibility of different International Newcomer groups. It also provides guidance on creating housing spaces that consider the cultural and economic needs of newcomers, ensuring their successful integration into the community.

By offering a clear overview of how newcomers access housing and begin their lives in the region, the guide fosters greater cultural competency and understanding. It levels the playing field for landlords and developers, enabling them to better serve the diverse populations arriving in Northeast Ohio.

Building Partnerships and Raising Awareness

Global Cleveland’s efforts to connect newcomers with housing opportunities have not been done in isolation. Our team has worked hand-in-hand with local partners to bring key stakeholders together and raise awareness of the housing challenges facing newcomers. These partnerships are essential in creating sustainable solutions that benefit both newcomers and the broader community.

One of the notable successes in this area is the collaboration between The NRP Group and The May Dugan Center, Cleveland’s newest resettlement agency. This partnership has resulted in the development of a new LIHTC project, which has already received approval and is scheduled to open in 2025 in University Circle. The project will provide much-needed housing for newcomers in a central, accessible area of the city.

In addition, Global Cleveland is currently working with developers Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation and Wallick Communities, alongside resettlement agencies Catholic Charities and USCRI, to bring two additional housing projects to life. These initiatives are still in the application phase, and Global Cleveland is optimistic about their success, as they will contribute to the region’s housing capacity and offer affordable housing options for International Newcomers who need them most.

Continued Momentum for Housing Solutions

As the need for affordable, quality housing continues to grow, Global Cleveland remains committed to expanding its efforts. The organization is working to establish a Global Cleveland Housing Committee, which will bring together stakeholders to focus on long-term housing solutions for newcomers. The committee will promote further LIHTC opportunities, build capacity with private landlords, and explore new training programs for the building trades, allowing newcomers to actively participate in the region’s growth.

Through continued collaboration, education, and advocacy, Global Cleveland is working to create a region where newcomers can not only find a home but also thrive. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to providing the support and resources that will ensure that International Newcomers have a place to call home in Northeast Ohio.

Have an idea for collaboration? Want to get involved?

Reach Out to our Team

February 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

February 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

Want to keep up with newcomer policy updates in the U.S.? Every month, Global Cleveland publishes our newcomer policy update so that you can stay informed about the latest news.

This month’s Newcomer Update at a glance:

  • We break down the Trump Administration’s executive orders impacting Migration
  • Displaced Persons Program Suspension Challenged in Court
  • Proposed House Bill 42 would require the collection and reporting of data related to Migration status, citizenship status in crimes

Executive Order Breakdown

Initial Recissions of Executive Orders and Actions

  • This order overturned five Executive Orders from the Biden Administration, including those that:

    • Focused enforcement priorities on national security and public safety threats.
    • Established a process for the orderly handling of asylum seekers.
    • Aimed to reunite families separated during Trump’s first term.
    • Enhanced support for workforce and language access for individuals involved in the Migration process.
    • Worked to rebuild the US Displaced Persons Admissions Program.

Securing Our Borders

There are two main themes in this order: one focuses on border wall construction and increased enforcement, while the other aims to complicate the asylum process and end parole programs.

  • Section 3: Calls for the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to build barriers to achieve “complete operational control” of the southern border.
  • Section 4: Directs DOD, Department of Justice (DOJ), and DHS to deploy personnel to further ensure complete operational control. This will likely lead to increased militarization of the border and prioritization of funding for the border wall.
  • Section 7(a): Focuses on ending the CBP One App, which allowed parolees, asylum seekers, and others to easily request entry to the US and inform Migration officials of their intended time and port of entry. This app helped manage appointments and streamline the Migration process.
  • Section 7(b): Terminates “categorical parole” programs, which provided temporary legal status and work authorization for individuals from specific countries without offering a path to citizenship. Examples of impacted programs include the 2022 Humanitarian Parole for Venezuelans, the 2022 Uniting for Ukraine program, the 2021 Afghan Placement and Assistance program, and the 2014 Central American Minors program.

It is unclear how these changes will affect parolees already in the United States, particularly those from Afghanistan and Ukraine, who number in the thousands.

Protecting the United States from Foreign Nationals and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats

  • This Executive Order introduces stricter screening requirements and mandates that:
    • The Department of State (DOS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Director of National Intelligence report jointly within 60 days on any countries where vetting and screening information is so inadequate that it may justify suspending the admission of nationals from those countries (Section 2(i)).
  •   The report also requests information on:
    • How many nationals from those countries have been admitted to the United States since January 21, 2021 (Section 2(ii)).
  •  Migration advocates anticipate that this could lead to the imposition of travel bans.
  • Early analysis suggests that individuals from countries failing to meet the screening standards may be deemed inadmissible, meaning they should not have been allowed entry in the first place and could potentially be subject to removal.

Protecting the American People Against Invasion

  • The Executive Order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other agencies to take broad action to enforce Migration laws against all “inadmissible and removable” noncitizens.

  • It largely empowers DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to increase Migration enforcement, including:

    • Deputizing cooperating state and local law enforcement to assist with enforcement.
    • Prosecuting cities that refuse to cooperate with federal Migration enforcement.
    • Expanding the use of Expedited Removal, a process for quick deportation.
  • Key provisions to increase enforcement include:

    • Section 4: Establishes the primary mission of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations division as enforcing the Migration and Nationality Act (INA) and federal laws related to illegal entry and unlawful presence of noncitizens.
    • Section 11: Authorizes state and local law enforcement, under a voluntary agreement with DHS, to perform Migration officer duties, such as investigating, apprehending, and detaining noncitizens, to the full extent allowed by law.
    • Section 21: Directs DHS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), USCIS, and other agencies to significantly increase hiring of Migration officers.
  • Other measures include the authorization of legal actions against sanctuary cities:

    • Section 17: Instructs DHS and DOJ to pursue criminal and civil action against sanctuary cities, which would result in those cities losing access to federal funds.
    • Section 9: Expands DHS’s authority to use Expedited Removal, which allows for the swift deportation of certain noncitizens. Key concerns include the risk of erroneous deportation, insufficient protection for asylum seekers, and lack of judicial review.

Increased Arrest Quotas

  • Reports indicate ICE arrest quotas have increased by as much as three or four times in response to Federal pressure.

Sanctuary Cities Enforcement Working Group

  • The DOJ has formed a group to prosecute cities that refuse to cooperate with Migration authorities or federal Migration policies.

  • The House Oversight Committee has started an investigation into sanctuary cities and has requested that the mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City testify.

“Off-Limits Areas” Enforcement

  • A 2011 ICE memo defined schools, hospitals, places of worship, sites of funeral, wedding, or religious ceremony, or public demonstration as places where Migration enforcement officials may not conduct arrests, interviews, searches, or surveillance absent clear danger.
  • A new DHS directive rescinds those protections, and was followed by a Federal lawsuit in Maryland on behalf of several Quaker organizations who claim DHS would be in violation of their First Amendment rights.

Adjudication of Asylum Claims Within 180 Days

  • A new agency directive includes three policy memoranda related to the processing of asylum claims:
    • One memo instructs Migration Judges to decide asylum claims within 180 days of the application, significantly speeding up the decision-making process.
    • The memo also clarifies that “good cause” alone does not justify postponing asylum proceedings beyond 180 days. This means that cases that would typically qualify for an extension may be canceled at the 180-day mark, potentially denying qualified asylum seekers protection.
  • Another focus of the memo is on employment authorization:
    • Asylum seekers are currently eligible for employment authorization (EADs) 180 days after applying for asylum.
    • The intent of this policy is to deny legal work authorization to anyone submitting an asylum application, limiting their ability to work legally in the U.S. during this period.

Termination of 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela

  • Venezuela was initially designated for Temporary Protected Status in 2021, and was redesignated by the Biden Administration in 2023 and January 2025. Current Secretary of DHS vacated the January decision, which means Venezuelan TPS is set to expire on April 2nd, with a report on February 1st formally terminating the program.
  • Benefits under this program including legal presence and work authorization are set to expire April 7th, 2025.
  • Venezuela has been undergoing a period of severe economic and political crisis that has grown more severe in the last year after the Venezuelan government announced the reelection of Nicolás Maduro, despite election results that many observers reported actually indicated a victory for Maduro’s opponent.

1,500 Active-Duty Troops to Border

  • Military forces along the border are set to drastically increase and are being tasked with supporting detection and monitoring efforts and continuing border wall construction.

Stop Work Order for Federally Funded Legal Service Providers

  • Through The Executive Office of Migration, certain legal service providers including Migration Court Helpdesk, Family Group Legal Orientation Program, and Counsel for Children receive federal funds in their efforts to serve vulnerable populations moving through the Migration system.
  • On January 24th, a stop-work order was issued to organizations who have agreements with the State Department and Bureau of Populations, Displaced Personss, and Migrants.
  • Order urges “The Recipient (of State Department and PRM funds) must cancel as many outstanding obligations as possible.” These obligations include initial resettlement support, fast-track financial assistance and employment programming, intensive case management for those with chronic illness or other acute barriers to self-sufficiency, support for survivors of torture, and entrepreneurship programming, among many other program areas.
  • Displaced Persons resettlement funding falls under PRM programs, and the impact this order and funding freeze has fundamentally upended the provision of support to individuals on a legal pathway already within the United States.

Laken Riley Act Passes

  • The Laken Riley Act was passed with significant bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump in early 2025. The law mandates that Migration authorities detain undocumented individuals charged with robbery, larceny, theft, or shoplifting, and requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue a detainer in these cases.

  • The bill is named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year. Her suspected killer was an undocumented International Newcomer from Venezuela who had previously been arrested but released on theft-related charges.

  • The law also includes a provision that allows states to sue the federal government to force the use of expedited removal and enables state-led lawsuits challenging federal parole authority.

  • https://phillipslytle.com/congress-passes-laken-riley-act-wwith-controversial-Migration-provisions/

House Bill 42 Proposes Required Reporting of Migration Data

  • Introduced in the house, Bill 42 would require the collection and reporting of data related to Migration status, citizenship status in crimes
  • It would require law enforcement to report to the state the number of people detained/put into custody by them who are:
    • US Citizens
    • Noncitizens with legal status in the United States
    • Noncitizens without legal status
  • The bill has thirteen co-sponsors, all of whom are Republicans
  • https://legiscan.com/OH/bill/HB42/2025

House Bill 26 Mandates Local Authorities Report Migration Status of Arrestees

  • The bill would mandate local authorities
    • participate in any DHS program enabling them to report Migration status of arrestees
    • report the identity of any arrestee they believe to be unlawfully present to the relevant federal Migration authorities
    • detain someone unlawfully present upon receiving a legal federal request or order to do so
  • It also prohibits any “county, township, or municipal corporation or the law enforcement agency that serves the county, township, or municipal corporation” with enacting a range of policies that restrict its citizens or employees from doing the above, or from maintaining information about someone’s Migration status
  • Municipalities found to be noncompliant will have reduced funding from the state
  • Members of the general assembly have the power to bring charges of noncompliance, though the determination is made by the office of the attorney general.
  • This is the old House Bill 666, introduced in the previous session

Trump Birthright Citizenship EO Blocked in Court

  • Three federal judges blocked a Trump executive order limiting birthright citizenship on constitutional grounds
  • The 14th amendment states that all born in the US, and subject to the jurisdiction of the US, are US citizens from birth. Generally this has been taken to mean anybody in US territory, with some narrow exceptions, notably for foreign diplomats and their families, who are not subject to US law.
  • Trump’s order would’ve made children of undocumented International Newcomers as well as legal International Newcomers who are here on a non-Migration visa ineligible.
  • The issue is expected to end up at the Supreme Court
  • https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5135920-judge-blocks-trump-birthright-order/

Displaced Persons Program Suspension Challenged in Court

  • A coalition of Displaced Persons groups are suing in federal court to see the suspension of Displaced Persons admissions overturned.
  • The executive order “Realigning the United States Displaced Persons Resettlement Program” (discussed in detail above) suspended the program.
  • The groups say that the orders violate federal law, particularly the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Migration and Nationality Act, as well as the Constitution’s due process clause. They also say that the order usurps Congress’ legislative power
  • Groups backing the lawsuit included HIAS, Church World Service, and Lutheran Community Services Northwest, as well as individual Displaced Personss.
  • https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/02/rights-groups-challenge-trumps-executive-order-suspending-Displaced Persons-admissions-in-court/


January 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

January 2025 Newcomer Policy Update

Want to keep up with newcomer policy updates in the U.S.? Every month, Global Cleveland publishes our newcomer policy update so that you can stay informed about the latest news.

This month’s Newcomer Update at a glance:

  • TPS Extended for Four Countries
  • Proposed Changes to Citizenship Test Canceled
  • Courts Deciding Record Numbers of Migration Cases

TPS Extended for Four Countries

  • In his last weeks in office, President Biden extended temporary protected status for Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan.
  • President-elect Trump discussed ending the program altogether, making the extension, which lasts for 18 months, especially significant.
  • Those eligible re-enroll include 600,000 Venezuelans, 232,000 Salvadorians, 103,700 Ukrainians, and 1,900 Sudanese.
  • https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/Migration-temporary-protected-status-extensions-biden

Philippines-US Processing Partnership Starts

  • A program announced last year that enables visas to be processed abroad for Afghan Displaced Personss began operations in early January 2025
  • The Philippines agreed to host the program, with the US agreeing to pay for the costs to Displaced Personss.
  • The AP reported the program would be limited, only serving about 150-300 applicants.
  • https://apnews.com/article/philippines-afghans-us-International Newcomer-visa-2fbbc522321e3ab71b33d2cbcf58e9ac

Government to Refund Parole in Place Fees

  • $55 million in fees for the Keeping Families Together initiative will be refunded.
  • The initiative, which provided for a path to permanent residency for undocumented spouses of US citizens, was announced last year, but was suspended when a federal judge ruled that “the policy exceeded executive authority.”
  • USCIS announced the refunds and said that they would be processed automatically.
  • https://www.boundless.com/blog/u-s-refund-55-million-fees-blocked-parole-in-place-expansion/\

Proposed Changes to Citizenship Test Canceled

  • Federal Migration authorities canceled planned changes to the US citizenship test after the proposal received negative feedback
  • Public comments on the redesign criticized it for being an ineffective way to evaluate English language skills and was overly difficult for adult learners.
  • The naturalization test format in use since 2008 will continue to be used in the future, Boundless Migration reported.
  • https://www.boundless.com/blog/uscis-scraps-trial-new-naturalization-test/

Homan: Family Detention Centers Being Considered

Laken Riley Act Advances in Senate, would detain undocumented International Newcomers charged with crimes

  • The US Senate voted to advance the Laken Riley Act with large bipartisan support, 84-9, though some have suggested it may need to be amended before it will have the support for final passage.
  • The bill would require Migration and Customs Enforcement to take custody of those in the country without authorization who had been charged with theft and other similar crimes.
  • The bill was introduced after its namesake, a Georgia nursing student, was murdered, with the suspect in her murder being a Venezuelan man in the country without authorization who had previously been arrested on theft charges.
  • While mostly supported by Republicans, many Democratic Senators have also supported the bill.
  • https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-laken-riley-act-vote-illegal-Migration-rcna186775

Massachusetts IMG Bill Passes

House Rules Package Contains Migration Bills

  • The rules package passed in the new session of the House of Representatives, including several proposals for new Migration legislation
  • The measures include:
    • An amendment to the Migration and Nationality Act
    • The Laken Riley Act
    • Making assaulting a law enforcement officer a deportable offense
    • Imposing criminal penalties for fleeing a pursuing federal officer in a car
    • Restrictions on federal funding for sanctuary cities
  • https://rollcall.com/2025/01/02/house-republicans-look-to-tee-up-Migration-bills/

Tennessee Bill would exempt SROs from Migration enforcement

SCOTUS: No Judicial Review for Revoked Visas

  • The Supreme Court found that appeals to revoked visas cannot be heard in federal court because the USCIS is a discretionary agency.
  • The Court’s majority opinion, which was unanimous, was written by Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson.
  • The court found that USCIS’ decisions to revoke a visa were not mandatory (which would have meant that officials were required to follow specific rules) but discretionary, which they said makes them ineligible for judicial review in federal court
  • https://bizlegalservices.com/2024/12/12/supreme-court-confirms-no-judicial-review-for-revoked-visas/

Courts Deciding Record Numbers of Migration Cases

  • Amid attempts to reduce a backlog of Migration cases from the outgoing Biden administration, the Migration court system is deciding the most cases it has in years.
  • President Biden has implemented a “fast track” system to reduce the backlog which has been estimated at exceeding 3 million cases.
  • Syracuse University found that if this pace continues “Migration judges will rule on more deportation cases in 2025 than in any previous year.”
  • https://www.axios.com/2024/12/31/biden-Migration-courts-deportations