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Transcending Borders Newsletter
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Policy Updates
New DOS Policies Impacting Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Visa Applications
The U.S. Department of State has announced significant policy changes that impact both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants.
Key Takeaways:
- The Department of State has indicated non-immigrant visa holders should schedule their visa interview appointments at a U.S. consular post in their country of nationality or residence, barring limited circumstances.
- DOS restricted the categories of applicants eligible for NIV interview waivers. Almost everyone applying for a U.S. visa, including children and elderly applicants, must now attend an in-person interview.
- Immigrant visa applicants can no longer choose third countries for interviews. Applicants are required to attend their interviews in the consular district corresponding to their country of residence, or, if specifically requested, their country of nationality.
- The constellation of the above factors will likely increase processing and visa interview wait times for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications.
TPS for Venezuela and Haiti
A Federal Court recently ruled that the Trump administration acted unlawfully when it attempted to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan and Haitian nationals earlier this year. The Court’s decision restores the extension of Venezuela’s TPS designation from January 2025. Venezuelan TPS holders who have not already re-registered must do so before September 10, 2025, to benefit from the extension.
Although TPS is restored for these individuals for right now, the future of the program remains uncertain, as the Department of Homeland Security is expected to appeal the Federal Court’s decision. During this period of legal uncertainty, it is essential to stay informed and to take timely action to preserve your status.
DOJ Expands Corporate Enforcement to Include Immigration Violations
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has broadened its corporate enforcement efforts to include violations of federal immigration laws, with a heightened focus on those involving employment-based visa programs like the H-1B. This follows a policy update in May 2025 under the DOJ’s “Corporate Whistleblower Pilot Program,” which now encourages reporting of immigration-related corporate misconduct.
Big Changes Ahead for the H‑1B Lottery
In July, the Trump administration revealed a draft rule that would overhaul how the H‑1B visa cap is filled. The new proposal would keep the current lottery structure but add another layer of preference based on salary level.
While this change is still a proposal, it marks a major
shift from a system based on chance (with some educational
preference) to one that puts a heavy thumb on the scale for
high-paying employers. As the rule moves through the review
process, it’s important for employers, students, and skilled
workers alike to understand how the landscape could change and how
to plan for what’s ahead.
New Visa Vetting Rules for International Students and Scholars
The U.S. Department of State has released new guidance to allow for processing of visa applications at U.S. overseas consular posts to resume for student (F-1), vocational (M-1), and exchange visitor (J-1) visa applicants. However, those who need visa interview appointments in these categories should expect to undergo expanded screening, including an in-depth review of social media and online presence. If you are applying for a student or exchange visa, these changes could affect the visa application process significantly.
State Department Reduces Visa Validity for Dozens of Countries
Effective July 2025, the U.S. Department of State has sharply reduced the validity of many nonimmigrant visas—including B, F, H, J, M, and O categories—for citizens of more than 50 countries. In most cases, new visas are now valid for only three months and allow a single entry, though previously issued visas remain valid under their original terms. These changes, based on reciprocity requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act, will have significant implications for students, workers, and travelers who may need to reapply for visas with each trip abroad.
Read more on NAFSA’s website here…
CBP Reminder: Green Card Holders Must Carry Proof of Status
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently reminded lawful permanent residents that they are required under U.S. law to carry their green card as proof of status at all times. While enforcement of this rule varies, failure to present a valid green card when requested can create complications when traveling or interacting with immigration officials.
This serves as a good reminder for lawful permanent residents to keep their documentation current and accessible, and to seek legal guidance if their card is lost, expired, or damaged.
Original Content
Harboring: Risks of Employer-Provided Housing in the Restaurant Industry
A recent federal case in Brownsville, Texas highlights an
important consideration for restaurant and hospitality employers:
the legal risks associated with providing housing to employees who
are not authorized to work in the United States.
In
this blog, Managing Partner
Becki Young
explains that under federal law, “harboring” can be interpreted
broadly to include conduct that substantially facilitates a
person’s ability to remain in the country, such as providing
housing or transportation, regardless of whether there is an
intent to conceal.
Preparing for Change: Business Immigration After the “Big Beautiful Bill”
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) after it passed through Congress. Although the bill is primarily framed as a measure to enhance border security and strengthen immigration enforcement, it also introduces a range of significant changes that directly impact employers and employment-based immigration.
In this blog post, attorney Valerie Mahoney explains the key implications for business immigration.
Understanding Trump v. CASA, Inc. and the Birthright Citizenship Cases
On the first day of Trump’s second term, he issued Executive Order (EO) 14160, which moves to restrict the eligibility of birthright citizenship in the U.S. This EO was quickly challenged in court by individuals, non-profits, and states alike. The legal battle that since ensued has been difficult to track.
In this blog post, Counsel
Jason Levy
explains the ongoing litigation surrounding birthright
citizenship.
How Pro Bono Cases Change Lives
Senior Attorney Nikki Whetstone authored “How Pro Bono Cases Change Lives” for the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) Think Immigration Blog. This blog details three pro bono cases that changed the lives of both the clients and attorneys involved.
Visitas y Operativos de HSI/ICE en el Lugar de Trabajo
Esta guía práctica escrita por Juliana Carvajal Yepes explica cómo los empleadores en Estados Unidos pueden prepararse y responder correctamente ante auditorías, visitas o allanamientos de HSI/ICE relacionados con el cumplimiento del Formulario I-9, destacando pasos clave, derechos legales y buenas prácticas para proteger a la empresa y a los empleados.
From the IPP
Updates from the International Protection Practice
What the U.S. Can Do to Address Transnational Repression Within Its Borders
Sandra Grossman, Ted Bromund, and Bradley Jardine recently co-authored a report, “What the U.S. Can Do to Address Transnational Repression Within Its Borders” for the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy.
This report offers actionable policy recommendations to help the U.S. confront the rising threat of foreign governments targeting dissidents and diaspora communities on American soil. The authors call for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, covering law enforcement, immigration, diplomacy, and congressional action.
Read the full article here.
Legal Remedies for Prolonged Detention and Extradition: The European Court of Human Rights’ Approach to INTERPOL Red Notices
In her article, law clerk Victoria Foley examines how the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) addresses serious abuses resulting from the misuse of INTERPOL Red Notices—such as prolonged detention and forced extradition. She explains that the Court has increasingly relied on Articles 3 and 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights to provide meaningful remedies to victims, ranging from compensation to blocking deportation when there’s a threat of inhumane treatment.
Firm News
GYH Welcomes Jason Levy, former Senior Attorney in the DHS Office of the General Counsel
Jason Levy brings nearly three decades of experience advising clients in employment-based, family-based, and citizenship matters and providing counsel on high-impact policy development, litigation, and administrative law matters. Before joining GYH, Jason served as Senior Attorney and Attorney Advisor with the Office of the General Counsel, Immigration Law Division at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for more than 15 years.
View the press release here.
Firm Webinars
Past Webinars
This webinar was the third in a quarterly series of sessions addressing the way Trump administration initiatives are impacting immigration policy and the rule of law. You can find the first two webinars in the series linked below.
- Immigration Policy Developments Under Trump 2.0 #2 – February 24, 2025
- Immigration Policy Developments Under Trump 2.0 #1 – November 22, 2025
A special thanks to our co-sponsors The Renew Democracy Initiative and Abrahamic House for their important work and ongoing support.
Firm Accolades
Grossman Young & Hammond is proud to announce that 12 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. These honors highlight the firm’s deep bench of talent and commitment to excellence in immigration law.
Five attorneys were named to The Best Lawyers in America®:
- Sandra Grossman – Immigration Law
- Denise C. Hammond – Immigration Law
- Adriana Robinson – Immigration Law
- Patrick Taurel – Immigration Law
- Becki L. Young – Immigration Law
Of Counsel, Mary Pivec, was also recognized in Best Lawyers for the 36th year running!
Seven attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America:
- Hallie A. Cohen – Immigration Law
- Valerie Mahoney – Immigration Law
- Ariel Rawls – Immigration Law
- Anne R. Rowley – Immigration Law
- Marcela Villeda Sanchinelli – Immigration Law
- Lauren Twist – Immigration Law
- Nikki Whetstone – Immigration Law
These honors, based on rigorous peer review, highlight the trust and respect our attorneys have earned within the legal community.
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
- On September 11, Of Counsel Dree Collopy is speaking at the AILA Fall Conference in Boston on panel: “Beyond the Basics: Constructing Strong PSG and CAT Claims in Complex Cases.”
- On September 12, Managing Partner Sandra Grossman is speaking at the Defense Extradition Lawyers Forum (DELF) Annual Conference in London on the topic of “Right Wing Populism in the US: What’s next for the rule of law?”
- In September, Counsel Anne Rowley is speaking at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy to their master’s students on immigration trends with international students.
- On November 3, Managing Partner Sandra Grossman and Of Counsel Charlie Magri are speaking at the International Bar Association’s Annual Conference on the topic “The far-reaching impact of INTERPOL red notices: strategies and solutions for immigration, arbitration, mining, and investment disputes, and white-collar/business crime.”
- On November 14, Of Counsel Dree Collopy is speaking at the AILA DC Chapter Annual Conference on the panel “Crafting and proving PSGs”
- On November 14, Partner Patrick Taurel is speaking at the AILA DC Chapter Annual Conference on the topic: “Nuts and Bolts of an Immigration Court Hearing”
GYH About Town
Becki Young, Managing Partner, and Mary Pivec, Of Counsel, were interviewed for the September/October 2025 issue of D.C. Bar’s Washington Lawyer about challenges immigration lawyers are facing under the current administration. Read the article here.
Attorney Ariel Rawls presented a Know Your Rights Training for immigrants, community members, and allies as part of AILA DC’s Pro Bono Committee.
Counsel Anne Rowley spoke at the AILA Paralegal Conference on a panel covering Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Categories.
Senior Attorney Gianna Borroto was interviewed by Bloomberg Law for an article about changes to protections for vulnerable immigrant youth. DHS recently terminated a deferred action policy for youth approved for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) – a status reserved for young people who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Read the article here.
In August, Of Counsel Dree Collopy met with religious leader Mariann Budde to discuss the need to re-humanize immigrants and the U.S. immigration system.
In July, GYH celebrated its annual Summer BBQ,
bringing together our team for an afternoon of connection and
celebration. This year, the event had some especially adorable
guests: adoptable dogs from our friends at the
Humane Rescue Alliance!
HRA joined us onsite with several sweet pups looking
for their forever homes. We’re so grateful to HRA for the
incredible work they do, and for sharing these lovable companions
with the GYH family.
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