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Transcending Borders Newsletter
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Policy Updates
New Proclamation Restricts Entry of Foreign Nationals from 19 Countries
President Trump issued a new executive order on June 4, 2025 imposing sweeping new restrictions on nationals of 19 countries, significantly impacting both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Temporary Pause on New F, M, and J Visa Appointments Due to Anticipated Social Media Screening Changes
The U.S. Department of State has issued an important update affecting individuals seeking F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas. Effective immediately, U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed not to schedule any new visa appointments for F, M, or J applicants until further guidance is provided by the U.S. Department of State. This temporary pause is part of the Department’s preparations for expanded social media screening and vetting of these visa categories.
USCIS Implements Stricter Vetting, Including Social Media Checks
In January, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” As a result of this order, USCIS will now scrutinize social media content endorsing antisemitic terrorism or organizations as a negative factor in immigration benefit requests.
Registration: What Noncitizens Need to Know
A new DHS rule implementing a recent executive order revives dormant registration requirements under Section 262 of the INA. Unless enjoined by a court, the rule will take effect on April 11, 2025. Certain noncitizens who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more may be required to register and submit fingerprints — or face civil and criminal penalties, including possible removal.
Parole Termination Notices
Starting in early April, several GYH clients have received parole termination notices from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in error. Other immigration attorneys also report their clients received similar notices.
Many of the individuals who received these notices are lawfully present in the United States, including green card holders and naturalized citizens. If you receive one of these notices, don’t panic, because yours could well have been sent to you in error. If you have questions about whether the notice applies to you, you should consult an immigration lawyer.
ICE Agents Are Visiting DC Restaurants — Here’s What You Need to Know
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly made unannounced visits to various restaurants around Washington, D.C. While not full-scale raids, agents requested information about workers and I-9 documentation. This uptick signals a broader return to worksite enforcement priorities, particularly in the hospitality sector, where many businesses rely heavily on immigrant labor.
President Trump Signs E.O. Prioritizing the Apprehension and Removal of the Undocumented in the D.C. Metro Area
On March 28, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) to form a federal task force named “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful.” This EO initiates a significant immigration enforcement campaign expected to impact employers in D.C., particularly in the restaurant, hospitality, and construction sectors. This blog by employer compliance specialist Mary Pivec breaks down what the EO actually says and how it may impact immigrants in DC.
Original Content
Lessons from the South San Diego Restaurant Raid: Insights for Employers on Possible Future ICE Enforcement
In May, ICE served over 100 I-9 audit inspection notices to DC area restaurant employers. Employers are understandably worried about potential consequences. The recent ICE raid on Buona Forchetta in San Diego may offer insights into what restaurants in D.C. and beyond could face. In this blog, employer compliance specialist Mary Pivec breaks down what led to the raid at Buona Forchetta and what happened during it.
Employer Best Practice: Preparing Employees on Work Visas for Risks of International Travel
As businesses continue global operations throughout the beginning of the new Presidential administration, employers should think about how travel abroad for employees may look different now than it once did. Especially for employees born outside the United States, it’s crucial for businesses to understand the potential risks associated with international travel and take proactive steps to ensure employee safety and compliance with legal requirements. This bulletin provides a framework for businesses to support their employees traveling internationally on work visas while addressing potential risks.
We Love Our Au Pair – Can They Stay?
It’s not uncommon for a host family to form a deep bond with their au pair—and when the program winds down, families often ask, “Is there a way for them to stay?” Before we explore what may be possible, it’s important to understand the legal foundation of the au pair program.
Understanding Marijuana’s Impact on U.S. Immigration Status
The landscape of marijuana legality in the United States is undeniably complex. While many states have moved to legalize or decriminalize cannabis for recreational or medical use, it is crucial for non-U.S. citizens, including Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) and nonimmigrant visa holders, to understand that federal law governs all immigration matters, superseding state marijuana statutes. This means that even if it is legally permissible to purchase and use marijuana as a U.S. citizen in your state, if you are not a U.S. citizen, engaging in such activities can have severe and lasting consequences for your immigration status.
Don’t Forget to File Your Change of Address with USCIS: It’s Not Just a Good Idea—It’s the Law
As attorneys, we’re often asked by foreign national clients: Do I really need to notify USCIS if I move? The answer is an emphatic yes—and failure to do so can have serious consequences. The importance of compliance cannot be overstated in the current climate of heightened scrutiny for immigrants.
From the IPP
Updates from the International Protection Practice
INTERPOL’s Repository of Practice
Few institutions wield as much influence over global law enforcement as INTERPOL. In recent years, authoritarian regimes have increasingly misused INTERPOL’s systems, particularly red notices and diffusions, as tools of transnational repression.
In November 2024, INTERPOL issued its latest Repository of Practice (RoP), which provides an overview of the development and interpretation of human rights norms within INTERPOL’s global policing mandate. It’s also a valuable resource for advocates, offering guidance on how to frame requests before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) while reaffirming INTERPOL’s commitment to neutrality and the protection of individual rights.
In this article, published by the International Bar Association, Managing Partner Sandra Grossman and Of Counsel Charlie Magri explore and analyze the new guidance offered in the RoP.
Firm News
GYH welcomes former Chief Appellate Immigration Judge David H. Wetmore as Senior Counsel!
David Wetmore brings two decades of distinguished public service—including leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Justice and the White House—and most recently served as Chief Appellate Immigration Judge for the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). His arrival marks a major milestone for the firm and reflects its unwavering commitment to principled advocacy and the rule of law.
View full press release here
GYH Welcomes Jaclyn Dennis, Attorney!
With a passion for immigration and international law from a human rights perspective, Jaclyn joins GYH from the US Department of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor where she advised the Office of Foreign Labor Certification and Bureau of International Labor Affairs on a variety of issues, including federal and administrative litigation, rulemaking, and international arbitration.
Firm Webinars
Upcoming
Worried About Your Immigration Status? Get Real Answers—Live.
Join Grossman Young & Hammond Partner Patrick Taurel for a live online info session and Q&A where he’ll answer your most pressing questions about immigration policy and how current changes may affect you. Whether you’re navigating a visa, green card, or something more complex—this is your chance to get clarity from an expert who works on the front lines of immigration law.
🗓️ July 16, 2025
🕒 11:00am ET – 12:00pm ET
Past Webinars
In this tri-national webinar, leading immigration attorneys from the United States, Canada, and Mexico break down the immigration provisions of the “new NAFTA,” also known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (or CUSMA in Canada and T-MEX in Mexico). Whether you’re a multinational employer, HR professional, cross-border contractor, or immigration practitioner, this session offers valuable insights into how professionals can legally work across North America under this treaty.
On Tuesday, April 15th, El Restaurante Magazine hosted a webinar featuring GYH attorneys Becki Young, Mary Pivec, and Catherine Walker. This webinar covered:
- Proactive Compliance: Training, audits, and legal strategies to mitigate risks.
- Workplace Enforcement Risks: I-9 audits, FDNS audits, and ICE raids—how to prepare and respond. What to do (and NOT do) if ICE or HSI comes knocking.
- Recruitment & Retention Strategies: How employment-based visas can help stabilize your workforce.
Did you know that GYH has affiliated attorneys in France who can assist with your French immigration, tax, and business law needs? On Tuesday, April 29th we held an exclusive webinar introducing our French correspondent attorneys Aurore Le Roy de la Chohiniere, Nadia Abada and Arthur Leclerc.
Firm Accolades
AILA DC Annual Awards
Every year, the Washington DC Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association presents awards to members who exemplify leadership in the local immigration law community. This year, two GYH attorneys were recognized! Managing Partner Becki Young was awarded Leader of the Year for the Advocacy Division. Attorney Ariel Rawls was awarded Leader of the Year for the Education Division. Congratulations Becki and Ariel!
Chambers & Partners 2025 – USA & Global Guides
We’re proud to share that Grossman Young & Hammond has once again been recognized by Chambers and Partners in both the Global and USA guides! A special congratulations to our outstanding attorneys Becki Young, Sandra Grossman, Denise C. Hammond, and Patrick Taurel for their individual rankings — a testament to their leadership, deep expertise, and relentless dedication to our clients.
View the rankings here.
GYH About Town
Podcast: The Intersection of US Tax and Immigration Laws
Managing Partner Becki Young discusses the intersection of U.S. Tax and Immigration Law for The Wolf Group’s Essential Tax Podcast with Mishkin Santa.
Gianna Borroto Speaks about T Visas at Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Conference
Senior Attorney Gianna Borroto spoke at the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Conference on the topic of T Visas, a temporary status for certain victims of human trafficking.
Webinar: Temporary Protection of Foreign Nationals
When wars, disasters or humanitarian crises erupt, how do governments respond to protect displaced individuals who cannot return home safely? On June 12th, Senior Attorney Gianna Borroto joined a panel hosted by the International Bar Association analyzing the temporary protections available to Foreign Nations in such circumstances.
GYH Participates in 2025 Lawyers Have Heart Race
GYH joined thousands of runners and walkers at the 35th annual Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K, and Fun Walk in Washington, D.C. This event supports the American Heart Association‘s mission to promote longer, healthier lives.
GYH Joins National Law Day of Action
GYH participated in National Law Day of Action, where attorneys from across the country renewed their oaths and stood together with a clear message that the rule of law must be protected.
AILA’s National Day of Action
Managing Partner Becki Young and Senior Attorney Adriana Robinson spoke with various policymakers about the realities of immigration policy and the need for reform. It’s more important now than ever that our political leaders are informed about the immigration system and the way this system impacts lives. We are already gearing up to come back next year!
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