Judicial pushback on enforcement accelerations and LPR risks
Key Questions
What is the status of the Secure America Act enforcement bill?
The $70 billion bill passed the Senate via reconciliation and has been signed into law after Democrats attempted amendments.
Which recent court rulings have blocked USCIS or DHS policies?
A Rhode Island federal court vacated the 39-country processing pause, and a Massachusetts court struck down the $100K H-1B fee as an unconstitutional tax, though the fee ruling is stayed on appeal.
What implications does the Bon v. Lao case have for LPRs?
The Supreme Court case, argued in April 2026 with a ruling expected in July, could alter lawful permanent residents' reentry rights.
Trump $70B enforcement bill (Secure America Act) passed Senate via reconciliation and has now been signed into law; Democrats launched amendment fight. NY judge blocks routine ICE arrests, expanded biometrics, H-1B 60-day grace period enforcement. Bon v. Lao Supreme Court case (argued Apr 2026) could alter LPR reentry rights; ruling expected July 2026. Federal judge ruled visa applicants must be reviewed individually, not under blanket pause, challenging Trump-era visa suspensions. Federal court in Rhode Island (Dorcas Int’l Institute v. USCIS) blocks USCIS 39-country processing pause – Judge McConnell vacated blanket hold; government may appeal. LPRs face growing CBP secondary inspection concerns. Federal court in Massachusetts struck down $100K H-1B fee as unconstitutional tax, nationwide relief – major win for employers. New: Federal judge strikes down DHS policies freezing legal immigration benefits processing (second court order). Federal court invalidates USCIS asylum pause for certain applicants. Both rulings align with growing judicial checks on executive overreach. Also, H-1B $100K fee ruling stayed on appeal – fee back in effect for now, creating compliance confusion.