This is a summary of the most important immigration news from May 1 to 14, 2025. During this period, the Trump administration furthered its immigration agenda with new executive orders, restaurant raids, and measures to suspend legal services such as applications for permanent residency.
Recent News
Trump asks Supreme Court to revoke legal status of immigrants with parole: The government asked the Supreme Court to overturn a federal judge’s order preventing the cancellation of humanitarian parole granted under the previous administration.
- What we know: The Trump administration seeks to end the humanitarian parole program for more than 500,000 immigrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua, arguing that the program, implemented by Biden, encouraged irregular immigration. Judge Indira Talwani had blocked this measure, stating that case-by-case review is required.
- Why this is important: If the Supreme Court approves the mass revocation, thousands of people could lose their work permits and be at risk of immediate deportation.
- What you can do: People with parole should consult an attorney to learn about their options. You can access the NDWA attorney directory (NDWA is the partner organization of La Alianza), at the following link: https://www.domesticworkers.org/resources/immigrant-rights/find-legal-help/ There you can find information about where to access legal aid near your home.
Government suspends some permanent residence (green card) applications: USCIS temporarily halted processing of certain green card applications, including those for refugees and asylum seekers, as part of an “enhanced review” process.
- What we know: The agency indicated that the pause is in response to an executive order requiring examination of potential security risks. However, organizations such as the American Immigration Council have requested information to provide the public with more details about this suspension and whether or not enhanced background checks are being applied to the refugees and asylum seekers in question.
- Why this is important: Through the approval of green cards, individuals obtain legal permanent residence in the United States and are one step closer to obtaining citizenship. This suspension leaves people in limbo who have already met all legal requirements. It could also increase delays in immigration processes.
- What you can do: Those affected can consult a lawyer about their legal rights, regardless of their immigration status.
ICE launches operations in Washington, D.C. restaurants: Agents visited more than 100 businesses to verify employment documents, without making any arrests in the city.
- What we know: The visits included requests for I-9 forms and warnings about future inspections. Some restaurants closed as a precaution. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed concern about the impact of these raids.
- Why this is important: Although there were no arrests, the raids cause fear in immigrant communities and affect the local economy. Representatives from the food industry warn of consequences across the sector.
- What you can do: Employees and employers should learn what their rights are during a labor inspection. Check out this ACLU guide: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights.
- Impact on immigrant communities: The operations are anxiety-provoking and can also discourage immigrants from going to work for fear of being questioned or detained.
New proposed fees for immigration services: A legislative plan proposes charging $550 every six months to renew work permits, $1,000 to apply for asylum, and eliminating fee waivers. Although this is not yet law, it is causing concern about the economic impact on immigrant families.
- What we know: The proposal, spearheaded by members of the House Judiciary Committee, seeks to fund immigration enforcement operations through increases in fees for legal immigration services. It would affect asylum seekers, TPS beneficiaries, and humanitarian parolees.
- Why this is important: If approved, it would be the first time that a fee would be charged for seeking asylum in the US and would limit access to essential services for those who cannot pay. Low-income waivers would also be eliminated, making it even more difficult to obtain legal permits.
- What you can do: For now, the current forms and fees remain in effect. It is important to stay informed and avoid unauthorized intermediaries.
- Impact on immigrant communities: The measure would jeopardize the immigration status of thousands of people who would be unable to afford the new fees, and could increase their exposure to precarious working conditions or deportation proceedings for failing to renew their permits on time.
Trump will offer $1,000 to those who self-deport: The government announced a program with the stated intention of paying $1,000 to people without legal status who decide to “self-deport” to their countries of origin.
- What we know: According to the announcement, immigrants would supposedly receive a financial incentive to leave the country through CBP One. The program would include assistance with airline tickets and promises “to not prioritize” their arrest.
- Why this is important: Immigration lawyers warn that registration could increase deportations and that, without changes to current immigration laws and statutes, leaving the country could harm pending applications and limit future legal opportunities. To date, there is no concrete evidence of compliance with the incentives and promises associated with this new program.
- What you can do: Before registering or accepting any self-deportation program, we recommend that you consult an immigration lawyer, as there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the program.
- Impact on immigrant communities: The measure may increase confusion and fear among people with pending cases. It can also divide families and affect the economic stability of people who have been living and working in the United States for years.
Developing Stories and Local News
- 2026 Visa Lottery Results: The results are now available on the official website of the US Department of State. Those selected will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency (a green card), but must complete all steps by September 30, 2026. You can only check your status through the online system using the confirmation number you received when you registered. Notifications will not be sent by postal mail or email.
- ICE expands its authority to deport students: Court documents reveal that the Trump administration is implementing a new internal policy that allows immigration agents to cancel the immigration status of international students with less judicial oversight. According to filings in an Arizona federal court, termination of registration in SEVIS (the system that manages student visas) would be authorized for broad reasons such as “noncompliance” or visa revocation, even without proven violations or judicial review.
- Judge halts deportations to Libya: A federal court in Boston has temporarily stayed the Trump administration’s plans to deport immigrants to Libya. The judge determined that the measure could violate a previous order requiring notification and an opportunity for individuals with a final deportation order to defend themselves. The decision halts deportations while the risk of abuses such as torture or arbitrary detention is assessed.
The Numbers
- President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to increase the number of agents responsible for deportations across the country to 20,000 through an executive order.
- According to data updated on May 9, 2025, there are 49,037 people in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Of that group, 44.9% are classified as “other immigration violations,” which includes irregular stay or entry without inspection; 31.0% have prior criminal convictions, while 24.5% face pending criminal charges.
Resources
- For more help, visit the National Domestic Workers Alliance’s “Know Your Rights” hub. It includes immigrants’ rights, immigration options, and a legal aid directory, among other resources. To access the information, visit ndwa.us/immigrant.
Note: The National Domestic Workers Alliance is the partner organization of La Alianza
- To identify reliable information, visit: How to identify fake news about immigration and avoid misinformation.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney to assess your specific situation.
