USCIS Reduces Maximum Validity Periods for Certain Employment Authorization Documents

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Effective for applications filed or pending on or after December 5, 2025, the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs will be shortened from 5 years to 18 months for the following categories:

• Aliens admitted as refugees;
• Aliens granted asylum;
• Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal;
• Aliens with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal;
• Aliens with pending applications for adjustment of status under INA 245; and
• Aliens with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.

In addition, under the H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act, EADs will also be valid for only one year—or the shorter of the authorized parole or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) period—for refugees, parolees, TPS recipients, those with pending TPS applications, and spouses of entrepreneurs on parole. Families should plan ahead and stay on top of renewals to avoid gaps in work authorization.

USCIS Pauses All Asylum Applications for Comprehensive Review

Effective immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has placed a hold on all pending Forms I‑589, the Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, regardless of the applicant’s country of origin. This pause applies to both new and existing asylum requests and is part of a broader re-review initiative to assess national security, public safety, and other admissibility factors. Each case will undergo an individualized evaluation, which may include interviews or re-interviews, to ensure a thorough assessment. This pause is expected to cause processing delays for asylum applicants. If this affects you, call our offices with any questions — we’re here to help.

DHS Terminates TPS for Haiti — What Haitian Nationals in the U.S. Need to Know

On November 26, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Federal Register notice ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Haiti — a protection that has allowed thousands of Haitians to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation. The termination takes effect February 3, 2026. Beneficiaries with valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will remain work-authorized until that date. Unless they qualify under another lawful status, Haitian TPS holders should make plans accordingly.

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Burma Effective January 26, 2026

On November 24, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma (Myanmar) will end on January 26, 2026. Following a required review with interagency partners, DHS determined that Burma no longer meets the statutory criteria for TPS due to notable improvements in governance and stability, including the end of the state of emergency, planned elections, ceasefire progress, and strengthened local governance. USCIS concluded that country conditions now allow Burmese nationals to safely return home, leading to the termination decision.

USCIS Halts Immigration, Citizenship & Green Card Processing for Nationals of 19 Countries

In a sweeping move on December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a memo pausing all immigration applications — including green cards, naturalization, asylum, and other benefits — for individuals from 19 high-risk countries previously designated under the 2025 travel ban. The freeze affects both pending and new cases and also suspends oath ceremonies and interviews for citizenship candidates from those countries. According to the agency, the measure is a “temporary hold” while government officials conduct a comprehensive rereview to evaluate national security and public safety risks. USCIS says the step is needed in response to a recent shooting in Washington, D.C. and reflects a broader push to tighten vetting — potentially expanding restrictions to more than 30 countries.

USCIS Announces New FY 2026 Fee Increases for Select Immigration Applications

USCIS has announced inflation-based fee increases that will take effect January 1, 2026, affecting several commonly used family-immigration forms. These adjustments reflect inflation from July 2024 through July 2025. Any application postmarked on or after Jan. 1, 2026 that uses one of these forms must include the updated fee amount. Additional annual adjustments will continue under H.R. 1.

Fees Increasing in FY 2026

• Annual Asylum Application Fee (currently stayed by court order)
• $100 → $102
• Form I-765 – Initial Work Permit for Asylum Applicants
• $550 → $560
• Form I-765 – Initial Parole Work Permit
• $550 → $560
• Form I-765 – Renewal or Extension of Parole Work Permit
• $275 → $280
• Form I-765 – Initial TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Work Permit
• $550 → $560
• Form I-765 – Renewal or Extension of TPS Work Permit
• $275 → $280
• Form I-131 (Part 9) – Work Permit Issued with New Period of Parole (Re-Parole)
• $275 → $280
• Form I-821 – Application for TPS
• $500 → $510

Fees Remaining the Same

• I-589 – Initial Asylum Application Fee: $100
• I-765 – Renewal/Extension of Asylum Applicant Work Permit: $275
• I-360 – Special Immigrant Juvenile Petition Fee: $250

If you or a family member plan to apply for or renew a work permit, TPS benefits, or other immigration relief, Monty & Ramirez LLP can help ensure you are using the correct forms and fees.

Protecting Your Immigration Status: Social Media and Travel Tips for International Travel

When traveling internationally, immigrants should be aware that U.S. border agents may review social media activity and conduct electronic device searches without a warrant. These inspections may include manually reviewing content (contacts, photos, messages, social-media apps) without suspicion. More intrusive “advanced searches” — where data may be copied for further analysis — require “reasonable suspicion” or a security concern, and approval by senior officers. Refusing a search can result in denied entry or seizure of your devices, even for U.S. citizens. Keep a clear record of your travel documents, social media handles, and any communications with immigration officials. If you encounter difficulties, such as visa denial or entry refusal due to social media, seek legal assistance immediately to address the issue. Staying informed and cautious with your online presence can help ensure a smoother travel experience and protect your family’s immigration status.

Social Media Tips for International Travel:

• Review and adjust your social media privacy settings to limit public visibility.
• Avoid posting content that could be interpreted as political activism, unauthorized employment, or visa violations.
• Refrain from posting about travel plans or visa status before and during your trip.
• Be prepared for possible device searches.
• Document any incidents or communications related to travel or social media scrutiny.
• Consult with an immigration attorney promptly if denied entry or visa status is challenged.

 Federal Court Reinstates SIJS Deferred Action Policy, Restoring Protections for Immigrant Youth

A recent federal court ruling has ordered the reinstatement of the 2022 Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) deferred action policy, restoring vital protections and work permit eligibility for thousands of vulnerable immigrant youth. The decision—issued on November 19, 2025—temporarily reverses the Trump administration’s June 2025 move to end automatic consideration of deferred action and employment authorization for SIJS applicants stuck in years-long visa backlogs. While the legal challenge continues and the government has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the ruling, this reinstatement provides immediate relief to an estimated 200,000 young immigrants who rely on SIJS protections for safety, stability, and the ability to work lawfully in the United States.

USCIS Establishes New Vetting Center for Centralized Immigration Screening

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the creation of a new USCIS Vetting Center, headquartered in Atlanta. The center is designed to centralize and enhance the agency’s screening and vetting processes for immigration applications. Once fully operational, the unit will consolidate vetting resources, incorporate classified and nonclassified screening tools, and use advanced technologies—including artificial intelligence—to review pending and previously approved applications. The goal is to provide a more coordinated approach to identifying potential security, fraud, or public safety concerns within the immigration system.

Understanding the Authorization Agreement for Adult Caregivers in Texas

Prepare Now with a Plan

The Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver in Texas is a legal document that allows a parent or legal guardian to temporarily grant another adult the authority to care for a child and make important decisions without going through the courts. This agreement permits the caregiver to consent to medical, dental, and psychological treatment, enroll the child in school or daycare, approve extracurricular activities, and handle matters such as obtaining identification or applying for public benefits. It does not terminate parental rights; however, the agreement is valid for six months or until agreed upon date and automatically renews unless revoked in writing.

This agreement provides protection to children by ensuring they remain with a trusted adult and continue receiving care, education, and medical attention if a parent is detained or unable to be present. By having this agreement in place, families can reduce disruption and protect the child’s well-being without immediate court intervention.

At Monty & Ramirez LLP, we believe preparation is power. There’s no magic fix for immigration challenges—but with Plan Prepárate, the Prepare and Protect Plan, families gain something stronger: a real plan and rapid access to experienced legal defense when it matters most. Call 281-493-5529 today to see if you or your family member qualifies for Plan Prepárate, the Prepare and Protect Plan.

USCIS to Enforce Consequences for Aliens Who Falsify Information

USCIS has announced stricter rules for people who provide false information on immigration applications, especially false claims of being a U.S. citizen. Lying or using fake documents to get an immigration benefit can result in very serious consequences, including being found inadmissible to the United States. The updated guidance makes clear that immigration fraud will not be tolerated, and USCIS officers will carefully review cases to determine if someone knowingly provided false information. This policy is effective immediately and applies to all current and future applications.December 2025 Visa Bulletin

Dates for Filing: