News in Brief

On Dec. 30, 2025, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end Temporary Protected Status benefits that had been granted for hundreds of South Sudanese nationals living in the United States. The ruling is a temporary victory for immigrant advocates and a setback for the Trump administration’s broader effort to curtail the humanitarian programs.
On Dec. 29, 2025, DHS announced a Federal Register notice that clarifies when aliens may be ineligible for asylum or withholding of removal because they pose a danger to the security of the United States due to certain public health emergencies.
On Dec. 12, 2025, USCIS announced it is issuing new guidance that limits the age of foreign nationals’ photos that can be used to create immigration documents to no more than three years.
On Dec. 12, 2025, DHS announced it is terminating all categorical family reunification parole (FRP) programs for aliens from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members.
On Dec. 12, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced her decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status designation of Ethiopia. She also announced in November her decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status designation of Haiti as well as Burma (Myanmar).
On Oct. 30, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued an order temporarily staying the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) implementation provisions by USCIS.