To Our Clients and the Immigrant Community,

The attorneys and staff at Van Der Hout LLP recognize that the results of the election are challenging for many of us. The campaign before the election contained a great deal of rhetoric that was anti-immigrant and threatened the reversal of many long-standing principles of immigration law. The outcome of the election was disappointing because we have already seen, the last time that the incoming President was in office, how anti-immigrant policies harmed the immigrant community (and many other communities). In the coming months, we can expect that the returning incoming President will once again bring significant changes in immigration law and policy impacting the adjudication of benefits and in enforcement priorities.

We expect that there will be disruption in travel to the U.S. on or after January 20, 2025, and targeted travel bans may restrict or deny entry to the U.S. for some foreign nationals. We also expect disruptions and delays in visa processing and adjudication of benefits; and some pathways for temporary or permanent legal status in the U.S. may be restricted or eliminated. For example, some applications for green cards or naturalization, will take longer, will require more documentation, and will face significant challenges to securing approval. Work options may be restricted (e.g. H-1B visas) or eliminated altogether (e.g. STEM practical training and H-4 work authorization). Some visas will also be denied, revoked or delayed causing significant interruption in international travel. Additionally, some enforcement operations, like removal efforts, will be more aggressive. Some benefits, like DACA, TPS, and DED, may come to an end, leaving many people in limbo – although, as in the past, we expect lawsuits challenging the drastic changes.

Please know that we are ready and available to continue the ongoing fight to defend your rights, and those of your family, friends, and employees, before the federal agencies and before the courts.

While we do not yet know the precise nature of the changes to come and how those changes will impact each individual case, we can discuss how you and your loved ones should prepare for the challenges ahead.

If you are a current client and you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the paralegal or attorney handling your matter so we can schedule a call to review your case strategy and discuss any potential changes (if any are appropriate).

If you are not a current client and would like to schedule a consultation to learn about your options, we invite you to contact our office. The cost of a one- or two-hour consultation varies based on the attorney and the complexity of the specific matter.

All of us at Van Der Hout LLP stand with the immigrant community.