Student Visa Revocations as Potential Grounds for Legal Status Termination

Employees of SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) were sent a memo on April 26^th indicating plans to broaden ICE’s ability to terminate international students’ legal status by considering visa revocations grounds for status termination.

Over the last two months there have been widespread SEVIS record terminations, often without explanation or due process. SEVIS records are used to monitor international students’ activity and ensure they maintain legal status in the country. When a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, they are no longer able to remain in the United States. If a student’s visa is revoked but their SEVIS record is not terminated, they still have legal status in the United States; they would simply be unable to re-enter the country if they traveled abroad. The memo sent to SEVP employees, however, outlined ICE’s intent to modify this. According to the memo, visa revocations would now constitute grounds for legal status termination which would grant ICE increased power to rescind international students’ legal status in the United States. This memo follows several lawsuits contesting SEVIS record terminations and thousands of recent SEVIS record reinstatements across the country.

We will have to see if ICE follows through with this approach.  Our office will keep you posted.

The Philippines Announces Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers

President of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos, announced a new digital nomad visa for non-immigrants who want to work remotely in the Philippines for a limited time. The digital nomad visa would be valid for one year but could be renewed for an additional year upon its expiration. Individuals interested in applying for the visa must meet the following criteria for eligibility:

• Individuals must be at least 18 years of age and have no criminal record.
• They must provide proof of remote work requiring digital technology to complete, with adequate income to support their temporary residence in the Philippines.
• They must have valid health insurance through their entire stay.
• They must not pose a national security threat.

This digital nomad visa is meant to help boost tourism and the Philippine’s economy. While it’s not yet available, it is an exciting new option for individuals who are employed remotely and would enjoy engaging in their work from a new, unique location.

Completing Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card

If you are an alien residing in the United States, you are required to notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days of when you moved. This is done utilizing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. There are two ways you may notify USCIS:

• Submitting an electronic change of address via your USCIS account online.
• Submitting a paper Form AR-11 to USCIS.

The preferred method of submitting a change of address is via your USCIS account online. This method provides an almost immediate update to your address in the USCIS system. However, a paper Form AR-11 is acceptable for individuals who prefer this option.

Willful failure to comply with the AR-11 requirement can lead to fines or a misdemeanor charge resulting in jail time.

For more information on Form AR-11 and change of address, see-- https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11

Traveling as a Green Card Holder?

With the Trump Administration’s increasingly assertive immigration approach, immigrants and non-immigrants alike are wary of travel and fear being denied entry into the United States. Green Card holders (also referred to as Legal Permanent Residents) are no exception. If you are planning to travel as a Green Card holder, here are some things to consider:

• Limit the amount of time you plan to be overseas. Extended periods of travel are more likely to raise suspicions at the Port of Entry.
• Apply for a re-entry permit. Re-entry permits are used when Green Card holders plan to travel for extended periods of time and indicate that the holder is planning on maintaining their LPR status.
• Apply for the Global Entry Program – a Customs and Border Protection program, Global Entry facilitates a Green Card holder’s entry into the United States by pre-approving them for entry.
• Go through all social media accounts, text messages, and search history. CBP officers may request to see your phone at the Port of Entry.

Although we cannot guarantee a particular experience at the Port of Entry, if you have questions or concerns regarding travel, contact us and we would be happy to speak with you

Judges Continue to Challenge New Immigration Policies

Since President Trump entered office for his second term in January 2025, an aggressive immigration policy approach has resulted in numerous deportations, visa revocations, and mass uncertainty over the future of foreign nationals in the United States.

The Trump Administration’s immigration stance is not without opposition, however. The judicial branch has been regularly contesting immigration policies put out by the new administration on various grounds including visa revocations without due process, illegal deportations, unfair legal status terminations, and more. Many international students’ SEVIS records have been reinstated following a class action lawsuit, allowing them to continue their studies in the United States. A federal judge found that migrants could only be deported to their home countries unless written notice was provided with enough time to contest the order. The US 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals recently challenged the transportation of a Turkish international student to a Louisiana immigration detention center and ordered her transfer back to Vermont, where she was first detained.

We understand that the current immigration climate is uncertain and unsettling for many. While immigration policies are constantly changing, we are closely monitoring new developments. If you have any questions, contact us and we would be happy to speak with you.

China Relaxes its Visa-Free Transit Policy

China has relaxed its Visa-Free Transit Policy, under which eligible foreign nationals can travel in and to China without a visa for a limited period. Changes include increased ports of exit and entry into China, additional permitted travel locations, and an increase of the maximum amount of time travelers are allowed to remain in China. 

Click the link below for more information.

Elon Musk Announces the "Quiet Trial" of New Gold Card Visa is Underway

In February 2025, President Trump released a statement where he announced plans to create a Gold Card Visa. This 5-million-dollar visa would replace the current EB-5 visa and become a path to permanent residency in the United States for eligible foreign nationals.

Elon Musk, serving as a special government employee, recently wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the government is in the process of conducting a “quiet trial” to evaluate the Gold Card Visa system before it is open to the public. No additional information was provided.

If you have any questions about the Gold Card Visa, contact us and we would be happy to speak with you.