Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP US, Oakland CA Immigration Attorney | California Immigrant Visa Lawyer | San Francisco Bay 2026-07-10T20:33:58Z https://www.beancard.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1204129/2025/01/BLMT_favicon_site-icon_512x512-75x75.png On Behalf of Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP <![CDATA[Court Vacates USCIS Adjudication Hold for Travel Ban Country Cases]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48824 2026-06-16T07:26:57Z 2026-06-16T07:18:57Z The Challenged Policies On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued an order in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, et al. v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, et al., 26-cv-00132-JJM-PAS (D.RI.) vacating the following policy memorandums (PM) and policy alert (PA) implementing the Global Asylum Hold Policy, Benefits Hold Policy, Comprehensive Re-Review Policy, and Country-Specific Factors Policy:
  • PA 2025-26, Impact of INA 212(f) on USCIS’ Adjudication of Discretionary Benefits (Nov. 27, 2025) Instructed USCIS officials to consider any relevant country-specific factors, such as those specified in Presidential Proclamation No. 10949 (implementing new “travel ban” and restricting entry from nineteen countries), as significant negative factors in the adjudication of discretionary benefit requests. (“Country-Specific Factors Policy”)
  • PM 602-0192, Hold and Review of all Pending Asylum Applications and all USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by [Non-citizens] from High-Risk Countries (Dec. 2, 2025)
    • Placed a hold on all applications for asylum & withholding of removal, regardless of the applicant’s country of nationality, pending a comprehensive review (“Global Asylum Hold Policy”);
    • Placed a hold on pending benefit request made by individuals listed in Presidential Proclamation No. 10949 (nineteen countries) regardless of the person’s entry date, pending comprehensive review (“The Benefits Hold Policy”); and
    • Directed conducting a comprehensive re-review of already approved benefit requests for individuals from countries listed in Presidential Proclamation No. 10949 who entered the United States on/after January 20, 2021 (“Comprehensive Re-Review Policy”).
  • PM 602-0194, Hold and Review of USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by [Noncitizens] from Additional High-Risk Countries (January 1, 2026) Designated additional countries included in the “Travel Ban” by Presidential Proclamation No. 10998 (expanding the “Travel Ban” to thirty nine countries) as “high-risk countries” and extending the prior month’s policy memorandum to those countries as well. (Extension of “Benefits Hold Policy”)

The District Court’s Rulings

The Court determined that USCIS did not have authority to take these actions, and these four policies were contrary to law. The Court also found these policies to be arbitrary and capricious -not reasonable or reasonably explained- because USCIS failed to provide a reasoned explanation for enacting the policies, failed to account for reliance interests in enacting the policies, and the agency provided a pretextual reason for enacting the policies. In agreeing that the reason provided by USCIS was a pretext and referencing statements by President Donald Trump and then Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristin Noem around the time these policies were implemented, the Court identified that the government was effectively asking them to ignore strong evidence of anti-immigrant animus before it, and the Court would not do so. As relief, the Court vacated and set aside these policies (Global Asylum Policy, Benefits Hold Policy, Comprehensive Re-Review Policy, and Country-Specific Factors Policy) in their entirety and declared them unlawful.

After the District Court’s Ruling

After the order was issued, USCIS sought clarification from the District Court and requested final judgement so that they could file an appeal. On June 11, 2026, the District Court issued another order, clarifying that these policies were unlawful under the APA and the government had 24 hours to provide a status update on implementation. The Court noted: “In any event, the outcome here is the same: USCIS’s Challenged Policies are no longer in effect. To be perfectly clear, this means that the Challenged Policies are vacated, “set aside,” “cancel[ed],” “annul[ed],” “revoke[d],” and “void[ed].” On Friday, June 12, 2026, USCIS filed their appeal with the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Afterwards, they issued a news alert wherein they announced that while they disagree with the Court’s order, they will follow the order’s terms pending possible further judicial review. This means they will treat PM 602-0192, PM 602-0194, and PA 2025-26 as if they are not in effect.

What Does This Mean for My Case?

If you are a national of one of the thirty-nine “Travel Ban Countries” and your immigration benefit request has been impacted by one of the vacated USCIS policies, your case should resume processing. Please note, however, that it may be impacted by further activity at the First Circuit Court of Appeals, should the First Circuit take their own action on the District Court’s ruling, such as setting it aside while the First Circuit reviews the case. This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an immigration attorney regarding your specific situation.]]> by Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP <![CDATA[Adjustment of Status is Still an Option, But With a More Challenging Process]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48821 2026-05-27T08:22:53Z 2026-05-22T08:14:36Z Here is What you Need to Know about the New USCIS Policy on Adjustment of Status If you have a pending adjustment of status application (or are planning to file one) you may have heard about a new USCIS policy memo issued today. In short, the new memo instructs officers to heavily lean on their discretion when deciding applications. This allows USCIS officers to deny applications even where applicants meet all of the requirements.  This is not a new law, but it is a shift in how the law is enforced.

First, the important part:

  • Adjustment of status has not been eliminated.
  • Your case has not been automatically denied.
  • You do not need to leave the United States.
In fact, if you are considering leaving the U.S. right now, please speak with an attorney before doing so. Departing the country could seriously harm your case in ways that are difficult or impossible to undo.

So What Does the Memo Mean?

USCIS has long given its officers discretion when deciding whether to approve or deny adjustment of status applications, meaning that even if you meet the basic legal requirements, an officer has always had some power to weigh the overall circumstances of your case. This new memo places much greater emphasis on that discretionary power. In practical terms, this means applicants will now need to do more than simply meet the basic eligibility requirements. You will need to affirmatively demonstrate that you deserve to be approved as a matter of discretion. That includes documenting things like:
  • Family ties in the United States
  • Employment history and stability
  • Property or financial ties to the U.S.
  • Good moral character
  • A clean criminal and immigration record
  • Community involvement, volunteer work, and other positive contributions

Our Approach

Our team is actively developing a strategy to address this memo and advise our clients. Here is what you can expect from us:
  • We will be reaching out to clients in order of urgency,  prioritizing those with interviews already scheduled and applications ready to file.
  • We are monitoring legal challenges closely. We anticipate that this memo will face a lawsuit, and court intervention could change how or whether it is applied.
  • We are watching how USCIS implements this in practice, as real-world application may differ from the memo's language.

What You Can Do Right Now

While we work through this, there are concrete steps you can take today:
  1. Do not leave the United States without speaking to us first.
  2. Start gathering documentation of your ties to the U.S.: family ties, employment records, tax returns, lease or mortgage documents, family photos, volunteer and community service evidence, etc.
  3. Contact our office if you have an upcoming interview or a pending filing, so we can prioritize your case.
This is a significant policy shift that we are taking seriously and we will know more and adjust our strategy as we have more information on how the policy is enforced. We are here to  navigate  you through this, and we will continue to update you as the situation develops. This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an immigration attorney regarding your specific situation.]]> On Behalf of Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP <![CDATA[Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor expands federal litigation practice to habeas and mandamus cases]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48820 2026-04-17T07:06:55Z 2026-04-17T07:05:07Z
  • Petitions for habeas corpus- for foreign nationals seeking release from unlawful detention, usually including motions requesting release from detention while the case is pending.
  • Preparing to fight potential future detention- those wanting to fight potential detention at upcoming DHS appointments may wish to either file a “predeprivation” petition for habeas corpus petition beforehand, or have one ready to file within hours if they are detained.
  • Mandamus petitions- seeking a court order for DHS to adjudicate a long-delayed application.
  • Appeals of denied applications.
    • Though we only resumed our federal litigation practice in March, our clients have already had successful results. Before engaging a law firm for any of these services, it is important to discuss potential options in detail with a lawyer, and to understand that attorneys cannot guarantee a specific result. These tools, however, can be powerful protections for foreign nationals’ rights at a time when they are most threatened.]]>         by Anita Mukherji <![CDATA[USCIS Expands Naturalization Civics Test]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48779 2025-09-18T19:02:45Z 2025-09-18T19:00:47Z Versión en español a continuación: USCIS has announced that it will be expanding the naturalization civics test back to the one it had implemented briefly in 2020.
    • The new 2025 test will be made up of 128 questions, instead of 100.
    • At the interview, the officer will ask 20 questions instead of 10, and applicants must answer 12 correctly instead of 6.
      • Note, the officer will end the test and move on with the interview once the applicant answers 12 questions correctly.
    • Applicants who file their N-400s before Oct. 20, 2025, will take the 2008 (current) civics test.
    • Those who file their N-400s on or after Oct. 20, 2025, will take the 2025 civics test.
    • Those aged 65+ with 20+ years as lawful permanent residents will still be given the curtailed version of the test with 20 questions to memorize and 10 questions asked at the interview and 6 to pass.
    Here is a link to the new 2025 civics test with the additional 28 questions.   El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS) ha anunciado que ampliará el examen de educación cívica para la naturalización al que implementó brevemente en 2020.
    • El nuevo examen de 2025 constará de 128 preguntas, en lugar de 100.
    • En la entrevista, el oficial formulará 20 preguntas en lugar de 10, y los solicitantes deberán responder 12 correctamente en lugar de 6. Tenga en cuenta que el oficial finalizará el examen y continuará con la entrevista una vez que el solicitante responda 12 correctamente.
    • Los solicitantes que presenten sus formularios N-400 antes del 20 de octubre de 2025 tomarán el examen de educación cívica de 2008 (actual).
    • Quienes presenten sus formularios N-400 a partir del 20 de octubre de 2025 tomarán el examen de educación cívica de 2025. • Las personas mayores de 65 años con más de 20 años de residencia permanente legal seguirán recibiendo la versión reducida del examen, con 20 preguntas para memorizar, 10 preguntas para la entrevista y 6 para aprobar.
    Aquí encontrará un enlace al nuevo examen de educación cívica de 2025 con las 28 preguntas adicionales.  ]]>         by Anita Mukherji <![CDATA[A Summary of Trump’s 2025 Travel Ban]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48763 2025-06-05T18:12:44Z 2025-06-05T16:28:24Z Key Provisions of the June 4, 2025 Travel Ban On June 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” It takes effect Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT. It only applies to those outside the U.S. without a valid visa. No visa issued before June 9, 2025 will be revoked under this proclamation. Full Entry Ban for Nationals of 12 Countries Immigrant and nonimmigrant entry is suspended for people from:
    • Afghanistan
    • Burma (Myanmar)
    • Chad
    • Republic of the Congo
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Eritrea
    • Haiti
    • Iran
    • Libya
    • Somalia
    • Sudan
    • Yemen
    Partial Suspension of Entry for Nationals of 7 Countries  The following countries face suspension of entry on the following nonimmigrant visas: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J:
    • Burundi
    • Cuba
    • Laos
    • Sierra Leone
    • Togo
    • Turkmenistan
    • Venezuela
    The administration has also put Egypt on notice for potential future suspension. Who’s Not Affected This proclamation does not apply to:
    • Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
    • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (IR/CR)
    • Adoptees under IR/IH visas
    • Dual nationals using a passport from the non-banned country
    • Diplomatic and official visa holders (A, G, NATO)
    • Athletes in international competitions
    • Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Holders
    • Special Immigrant Visa Holders for U.S. Government Employees
    • Individuals granted refugee status, asylum, withholding of removal, or CAT protection. Additionally, the ban does not limit individuals from applying for refugee status, asylum, withholding, or CAT.
    Exceptions & Future Review
    • Case-by-case waivers are possible if travel is found to serve a critical U.S. interest, including testifying in criminal proceedings as a witness.
    • Within 90 days and every 180 days thereafter, the administration must review and justify the ongoing bans.
    What Comes Next? We know this proclamation will face court challenges, just as the Trump administration’s original Muslim Ban did. These types of broad, nationality-based bans often run afoul of legal and humanitarian principles—and we’ll be closely watching how this unfolds.  ]]>         by Jesse Lloyd <![CDATA[New Registration Program Carries Serious Consequences for Noncompliance (and for Those Who Comply?)]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48737 2025-03-26T13:29:16Z 2025-03-13T01:20:45Z Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) through regulations published on March 12, 2025.

    Who Must Register, and What Are the Steps?

    Any noncitizen who meets all of the following criteria must register:
    • Entered the U.S. without inspection or as a Canadian visitor without a visa;
    • Has remained in the United States for 30 days or more;
    • Is over the age of 14; and
    • Has not already complied with the registration requirement through any of the applications discussed below.
    Parents of minors subject to the registration requirement must ensure their child registers within 30 days of turning 14. In short, all noncitizens over 14 who have been in the U.S. for over 30 days must register. However, many have already completed this requirement—perhaps without realizing it. Noncitizens who are already registered include:
    • Lawful permanent residents;
    • Individuals who entered on parole, a visa, or a border crossing card;
    • Those issued an I-94 upon entry;
    • Respondents in removal proceedings;
    • Employment authorization document (EAD) holders;
    • Applicants for residency (Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700), even if the application was denied.
    Previously, noncitizens who had not completed the registration requirements had no way to do so unless they filed one of the applications listed above. Now, however, DHS has introduced a standalone registration form, the G-325R, which must be submitted online after creating a USCIS online account. According to USCIS, once the G-325R is submitted online, noncitizens will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment and later issued a registration card, which they will be required to carry at all times. It is crucial to note that individuals subject to ARR must register, even if they are otherwise in the process of regularizing their immigration status. For example, applying for a U visa or being the beneficiary of a pending visa petition or I-601A waiver does not fulfill the registration requirement.

    What Are the Risks of Not Registering?

    Failure to register may lead to criminal prosecution and removal proceedings. ARR registration is legally required, and noncompliance is considered a criminal offense, punishable by jail time and/or fines. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated its intent to prioritize the criminal prosecution of immigration violations, making this a serious concern. Additionally, failure to register is a deportable offense. While it remains unclear whether this will directly bar individuals from most immigration benefits, it is highly likely that noncompliance will impact eligibility for relief.

    What Are the Concerns About Registering?

    For individuals who are out of status, registering will alert DHS to their presence in the United States. DHS may use this information to initiate removal proceedings and potentially detain registrants. The registration process also requires individuals to provide their current address and attend a biometrics appointment at a DHS facility. Additionally, the ARR online form asks questions that may lead applicants to unknowingly admit to criminal activity. For instance:
    • Entry without inspection is a criminal offense, and the form asks about manner of entry.
    • Failure to maintain an updated address is also a criminal offense, and the form asks for an address history.
    • Other offenses that include noncitizen status as an element of the crime may also be implicated.
    Since the DOJ has expressed its intent to criminally prosecute immigration violations that were previously treated as civil matters, making such admissions could have serious consequences. Because ARR is a new program, the full implications of compliance are still unknown. These concerns may or may not materialize, and DHS could use the ARR in ways not yet anticipated. Therefore, individuals should carefully consider these risks. However, violating the registration requirement remains a criminal offense, and concerns about enforcement should not be interpreted as advice to avoid compliance.

    Our Commitment to You

    At Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP, we understand the challenges and uncertainties that come with major immigration policy changes. We are committed to providing accurate information, sound legal guidance, and unwavering support as you navigate these complexities. If you have questions about how this policy may affect you or your loved ones, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.  

    Nuevo Programa de Registración Trae Graves Consecuencias para quienes No Cumplan (¿y también para los que si cumplen?)  

    Muchos no-ciudadanos que entraron a los EE. UU. sin una visa ahora se les está exigiendo que se registren con el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS por sus siglas en inglés). Sin embargo, hacerlo podría exponerlos a procedimientos de remoción, detención, o hasta persecución criminal. Mientras DHS anuncio el programa en las semanas recientes, la agencia formalmente implemento el requisito, llamado Requisito de Registración de Extranjero (ARR por sus siglas en inglés), por regulaciones publicadas el 12 de marzo del 2025.  ¿Quiénes Deben Registrarse, y Cuales Son Los Pasos?   Cualquier no-ciudadano que cumpla todos los criterios siguientes deben registrarse:  
    • Entro a los EE. UU. sin inspección o como visitante canadiense sin una visa; 
    • Ha estado en los Estados Unidos por 30 días o más; 
    • Es mayor de 14 años; 
    • No ha cumplido con el requisito de registración a través de cualquiera de las aplicaciones denotadas a continuación.  
    Padres de hijos menores de edad están sujetos al requisito de asegurarse que sus hijos se registren dentro de los primeros 30 días después de cumplir los 14 años de edad.  Para resumir, todos los no-ciudadanos que han estado en los EE. UU. por más de 30 días deben registrarse. Sin embargo, muchos ya han completado este requisito – sin darse cuenta.   No-ciudadanos que ya se registraron incluyen:
    • Residentes permanentes;  
    • Individuos que entraron con una libertad condicional, una visa, o una tarjeta de cruce fronterizo; 
    • Los que fueron otorgados una tarjeta I-94 cuando entraron; 
    • Demandados en procedimientos de deportación; 
    • Personas otorgadas un Documento de Autorización de Empleo (EAD por sus siglas en ingles); 
    • Solicitantes de residencia (Formularios I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700), incluso si la solicitud fue denegada. 
    Anteriormente, no-ciudadanos quienes no habían cumplido con el requisito de registración no tenían forma de hacerlo al menos que llenaran cualquiera de las aplicaciones mencionadas anteriormente. Sin embargo, ahora, DHS ha introducido un formulario de registración, el G-325R, el cuál debe ser sometido en línea después de crear una cuenta en línea con USCIS.   De acuerdo con USCIS, en cuanto se someta el formulario G-325R en línea, los no-ciudadanos serán programados para asistir una cita de biométricos y se les otorgara una tarjeta de registración, la cual serán requeridos cargar todo tiempo.  Es importante notar que los individuos que estén sujetos a ARR deben registrarse, aunque estén en un proceso de regularizar su estatus migratorio. Por ejemplo, aplicar por una visa-U o ser el beneficiario de una petición familiar pendiente, o una aplicación de perdón, I-601A no cumple el requisito de registración.   ¿Cuáles Son los Riesgos de No Registrarse?   La falta de registrarse puede dar lugar a un proceso penal y a un procedimiento de deportación. La registración ARR es requerida por ley, y el no cumplimiento de un no-ciudadano se considerada una ofensa criminal, castigable con tiempo en cárcel y o multas. El Departamento de Justicia (DOJ por sus siglas en inglés) ha comunicado su intento de priorizar la presentación de cargos criminales para las violaciones migratorias, convirtiendo esto en una preocupación grave.   Además, la falta de registrarse es una ofensa para la cual uno puede ser deportado. Aunque aún no está claro si esto excluirá directamente a las personas de la mayoría de los beneficios de inmigración, es muy probable que el incumplimiento afecte la elegibilidad para beneficios migratorio.  ¿Cuáles Son Las Preocupaciones Con Registrarse?   Para los individuos que no tienen estatus, registrarse alertara a DHS de su presencia en los Estados Unidos. DHS puede usar esta información para iniciar procedimientos de deportación y posiblemente detener a los registrados. El proceso de registración también requiere que los individuos provean su domicilio actual y asistan a una cita de biométricos en una oficina de DHS.   Adicionalmente, el formulario en línea de ARR hace preguntas que podrían llevar a los solicitantes a admitir, sin saberlo, una actividad criminal. Por ejemplo:  
    • Entrar sin inspección constituye un delito penal, y el formulario pregunta sobre la forma de entrada. 
    • No mantener una dirección actualizada también constituye un delito penal, y el formulario solicita un historial de domicilios. 
    • También pueden estar implicados otros delitos que incluyen el estatus de no-ciudadano como elemento criminal. 
    Como el DOJ ha expresado su intención de procesar criminalmente violaciones de inmigración que anteriormente se trataban como asuntos civiles, hacer tales admisiones podría tener graves consecuencias.  Ya que ARR es un programa nuevo, se desconocen todas las implicaciones del cumplimiento. Estas preocupaciones podrían o no materializarse, y el DHS podría utilizar el ARR de maneras aún no previstas. Por lo tanto, se recomienda a las personas considerar cuidadosamente estos riesgos. Sin embargo, no cumplir con el requisito de registro sigue siendo un delito penal, y las preocupaciones sobre su cumplimiento no deben interpretarse como un consejo para evitar su cumplimiento.  Nuestro Compromiso con Usted  En Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP, entendemos los desafíos y la incertidumbre que estos cambios de política pueden causar. Nuestro compromiso es brindarle información precisa, un buen asesoramiento legal, y apoyo constante. Estamos aquí para ayudarle a navegar estos cambios y proteger sus derechos e intereses.  Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo esta política puede afectarle a usted o a sus seres queridos, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para programar una consulta. ]]>         by Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP <![CDATA[Exciting News: BLMT Expands to New York City!]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48736 2025-03-11T20:27:29Z 2025-03-11T20:27:29Z Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji & Taylor, LLP to the East Coast! After decades of exclusively serving clients in the Bay Area, we are now proudly bicoastal with the opening of our Brooklyn, NY office, led by Managing Partner Anita Mukherji. Our beautiful new office in Downtown Brooklyn is centrally located and easily accessible by multiple subway lines, making it even more convenient for clients in New York and beyond. Because our Oakland and Brooklyn offices work collaboratively, this expansion allows us to serve even more individuals and families with extended phone availability from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. At our Brooklyn office, we continue to specialize in: ✅ Family-based immigration ✅ Naturalization & citizenship ✅ Humanitarian visas (including asylum, VAWA, U Visas, T Visas, and SIJS) ✅ Other complex immigration matters We offer phone, video, and in-person appointments at both our Oakland and Brooklyn locations, ensuring accessible and personalized legal support no matter where you are. With offices on both coasts, BLMT is proud to expand our reach while maintaining the same expert, client-centered advocacy that has defined our firm for decades. 📍 Brooklyn Office: 26 Court Street, Suite 1612, Brooklyn, NY 11242 📍 Oakland Office: 110 11th Street, Oakland, CA 94607 📞 Contact Us: 347-745-2100 (Brooklyn)/ 510-433-1900 (Oakland) We look forward to continuing to serve our communities—now on both coasts!  

    ¡Buenas noticias: BLMT se expande a la ciudad de Nueva York!

    ¡Estamos encantados de anunciar la expansión de Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji & Taylor, LLP en la Costa Este! Después de décadas sirviendo exclusivamente a clientes en el Área de la Bahía, ahora somos oficialmente una firma bicostal con la apertura de nuestra oficina en Brooklyn, NY, liderada por la Socia Gerente Anita Mukherji. Nuestra hermosa nueva oficina en el centro de Brooklyn está estratégicamente ubicada dado a su acesibilidad por múltiples líneas de metro, lo que la hace aún más conveniente para clientes en Nueva York y más allá. Dado a que nuestras oficinas de Oakland y Brooklyn trabajan en colaboración, esta expansión nos permite atender a más personas y familias con un horario de atención telefónica extendido de 8:30 a.m. a 8:00 p.m. EST, de lunes a viernes. En nuestra oficina de Brooklyn, seguimos especializándonos en: ✅ Inmigración basada en la familia ✅ Naturalización y ciudadanía ✅ Visas humanitarias (incluyendo asilo, VAWA, Visas U, Visas T y SIJS) ✅ Otros asuntos complejos de inmigración Ofrecemos citas por teléfono, video y en persona en nuestras ubicaciones de Oakland y Brooklyn, garantizando un apoyo legal accesible y personalizado sin importar dónde se encuentre. Con oficinas en ambas costas, BLMT se enorgullece de ampliar nuestro alcance mientras mantenemos la misma defensa experta y enfocada en el cliente que ha definido a nuestra firma durante décadas. 📍 Oficina de Brooklyn: 26 Court Street, Suite 1612, Brooklyn, NY 11242 📍 Oficina de Oakland: 110 11th Street, Oakland, CA 94607 📞 Contáctenos: 347-745-2100 (Brooklyn) / 510-433-1900 (Oakland) ¡Esperamos seguir sirviendo a nuestras comunidades, ahora en ambas costas!]]>         by Anita Mukherji <![CDATA[USCIS Expands Criteria for Issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) for Immigration Court: What this Means for Immigrants]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48735 2025-03-10T14:41:40Z 2025-03-10T14:41:40Z Policy Memorandum (PM-602-0187) detailing updated guidelines for issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) in cases involving inadmissible and deportable individuals. An NTA is a formal document that initiates removal proceedings by instructing an individual to appear before an immigration judge. This memorandum will result in USCIS putting significantly more people in removal/deportation proceedings. This memorandum underscores the Trump Administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. It is even more hardline than the first Trump Administration’s 2018 NTA memorandum. Previously, USCIS issued priorities for deportation, generally those with significant criminal histories and prior deportations. However, now, all noncitizens are a priority for enforcement if their case is denied. Below is a summary of the policy memorandum. For more details, please read it in full on the USCIS website (link above). Key Changes in NTA Issuance The updated policy departs from Biden’s prior USCIS policy memorandum and directs USCIS officers to issue NTAs in a wider range of situations, including:​
    • Denials of Benefits for those Unlawfully Present: Applicants whose petitions for immigration benefits are denied, who are not lawfully present, or who are subject to other grounds of removability, will now receive an NTA.
      • This includes applicants for victim-based benefits, such as U Visas, T Visas, and VAWA, who had been previously provided greater protection from removal.
    • Fraud or Misrepresentation: NTAs will be issued in cases where there is evidence of fraud or misrepresentation in an individual's immigration record, even if the petition is denied for a ground other than fraud.​
    • Criminal Activity: Individuals convicted of or even arrested for or charged with certain crimes that render them removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if their benefit request is denied or withdrawn.
    • National Security: Situations involving individuals deemed to pose a threat to national security. This category will no doubt be used broadly as a catch-all to place individuals in removal proceedings, particularly those from certain countries.
    • Certain Naturalization Cases: USCIS will issue NTAs to naturalization applicants who may be eligible to naturalize, but who are also deportable under INA Section 237. This includes those who were convicted of deportable offenses after obtaining lawful permanent residency.
    What Stays the Same The new NTA memo does not change procedures for cases where USCIS is already bound by the statute and federal regulations to issue NTAs, such as referrals from the Asylum Office. It also does not change procedures for those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). When USCIS May Exercise Prosecutorial Discretion The policy memorandum leaves open an extremely limited window for USCIS to choose not to issue an NTA in an exercise of prosecutorial discretion (PD). PD may be exercised only “in very limited and compelling instances and on a case-by-case basis.” Most alarmingly, USCIS will be required to record every use of PD so it can be tracked by the administration, which will undoubtedly result in immigration officers being hesitant to use it. Implications for Applicants This expansion means that individuals applying for immigration benefits must exercise increased caution:​
    • Accuracy and Honesty: As always, ensure all information provided in applications is accurate and truthful. Discrepancies or any evidence of fraud are more likely to lead to removal proceedings.​
    • Awareness: Make sure you understand your current immigration status and potential eligibility for immigration benefits, as well as the consequences of a denial, which could result in being placed in removal proceedings and deported.
    • Exercise Caution: Even if you may be eligible for an immigration benefit, there are now increased risks involved in filing. You should speak with an immigration law expert before filing any immigration applications.
    It is clear from this NTA memorandum that the Trump Administration does not in fact care about immigrants regularizing their status and “becoming legal.” By increasing the risks of deportation for those otherwise eligible for immigration benefits, the administration is telling them they should not apply for benefits to which they are entitled, and to stay hidden in the shadows- living in fear for themselves and their families. Our Commitment to You At Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP, we recognize the challenges and uncertainties that come with such policy changes. Our unwavering commitment is to provide you with accurate information, sound legal advice, and steadfast support. We are here to help you navigate these complexities and protect your rights and interests.​ If you have questions about how this policy change may affect you or your loved ones, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.​ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    USCIS Expande los Criterios para Emitir Notificaciones de Comparecencia (NTAs) en la Corte de Inmigración: ¿Qué Significa para los Inmigrantes?

    USCIS ha anunciado que colocará a más solicitantes de beneficios migratorios en procesos de deportación, incluyendo a aquellos que queden sin estatus si su solicitud es denegada, así como a residentes permanentes legales elegibles para la naturalización que tengan condenas criminales que los hagan deportables. El 28 de febrero de 2025, los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los EE.UU. (USCIS) emitió un Memorándum de Política (PM-602-0187) con directrices actualizadas sobre la emisión de Notificaciones de Comparecencia (NTAs) en casos que involucren a personas inadmisibles o deportables. Una NTA es un documento formal que inicia un proceso de deportación, instruyendo a la persona a presentarse ante un juez de inmigración. Este memorándum resultará en que USCIS coloque a un número significativamente mayor de personas en procesos de deportación. Este memorándum subraya la postura agresiva de la administración Trump en la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración. Es aún más estricta que la política de NTA de la primera administración Trump en 2018. Anteriormente, USCIS daba prioridad a la deportación de personas con antecedentes criminales significativos y deportaciones previas. Sin embargo, ahora, todos los no ciudadanos serán prioridad para la deportación si su caso es denegado. A continuación, se presenta un resumen del memorándum de política. Para más detalles, puede leerlo en su totalidad en el sitio web de USCIS (enlace arriba). Cambios Claves en la Emisión de NTA La nueva política cambia significativamente la orientación previa de la administración Biden y ordena a los oficiales de USCIS emitir NTAs en una gama más amplia de situaciones, incluyendo:
    • Denegaciones de Beneficios para Personas en Situación Irregular: Los solicitantes cuyos beneficios de inmigración sean denegados, que no tengan presencia legal en el país, o que sean sujetos a otros motivos de deportación, ahora recibirán una NTA.
      • Esto incluye a solicitantes de beneficios basados en la condición de víctima, tales como Visas U, Visas T y VAWA, las cuales anteriormente recibían mayor protección contra la deportación.
    • Fraude o Declaraciones Falsas: Se emitirán NTAs en casos donde haya evidencia de fraude o tergiversación en los registros de inmigración de una persona, incluso si la petición es denegada por otra razón que no sea fraude.
    • Actividad Criminal: Se emitirán NTAs a personas condenadas, arrestadas o acusadas de ciertos delitos que los hagan deportables según la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA), en caso de que su solicitud de beneficios sea denegada o retirada.
    • Seguridad Nacional: Se colocará en proceso de deportación a personas consideradas una amenaza para la seguridad nacional. Es probable que esta categoría se utilice ampliamente como una excusa para colocar en deportación a individuos de ciertos países.
    • Ciertos Casos de Naturalización: USCIS emitirá NTAs a solicitantes de naturalización que pueden ser elegibles para naturalizarse, pero que también son deportables según la Sección 237 de la INA. Esto incluye a quienes fueron condenados por delitos deportables después de obtener la residencia permanente.
    ¿Qué No Cambia? El nuevo memorándum sobre NTAs no cambia los procedimientos para casos en los que USCIS ya está obligado por ley a emitir NTAs, como las referencias desde la Oficina de Asilo. Tampoco modifica los procedimientos para personas con Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA) o con Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS). ¿Cuándo Puede USCIS Ejercer Discreción Procesal? El memorándum de política deja una ventana extremadamente limitada para que USCIS decida no emitir una NTA como ejercicio de discreción procesal (PD, por sus siglas en inglés). La discreción solo se podrá aplicar en "casos muy limitados y convincentes, según el caso". Lo más alarmante es que USCIS ahora estará obligado a registrar cada vez que se ejerza la discreción procesal, lo que sin duda resultará en que los oficiales de inmigración duden en usarla. Implicaciones para los Solicitantes Esta expansión significa que quienes soliciten beneficios de inmigración deben actuar con mayor precaución:
    • Precisión y Honestidad: Como siempre, asegúrese de que toda la información proporcionada en sus solicitudes sea precisa y veraz. Cualquier discrepancia o evidencia de fraude aumenta las posibilidades de que se le inicie un proceso de deportación.
    • Conocimiento de su Estatus Migratorio: Asegúrese de entender su estatus migratorio actual y su elegibilidad para beneficios de inmigración. Además, conozca las consecuencias de una denegación, que podrían resultar en su colocación en un proceso de deportación.
    • Actuar con Precaución: Incluso si puede ser elegible para un beneficio migratorio, ahora existen mayores riesgos al presentar una solicitud. Consulte con un experto en leyes de inmigración antes de enviar cualquier solicitud.
    Es evidente que con la emisión de este memorándum que la administración Trump no está interesada en que los inmigrantes regularicen su estatus ni en que "se hagan legales". Al aumentar el riesgo de deportación para quienes de otro modo serían elegibles para beneficios migratorios, la administración está enviando un mensaje claro, que no soliciten beneficios de los cuales tienen derecho, y permanezcan ocultos, viviendo con miedo por ellos mismos y sus familias. Nuestro Compromiso con Usted En Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP, entendemos los desafíos y la incertidumbre que estos cambios de política pueden causar. Nuestro compromiso es brindarle información precisa, un buen asesoramiento legal, y apoyo constante. Estamos aquí para ayudarle a navegar estos cambios y proteger sus derechos e intereses. Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo esta política puede afectarle a usted o a sus seres queridos, comuníquese con nuestra oficina para programar una consulta.      ]]>         On Behalf of Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP <![CDATA[A Dark Day for Immigrant Rights: Summary of Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48659 2025-01-23T01:28:23Z 2025-01-23T01:28:23Z
  • Ending Birthright Citizenship: This order aims to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and those on temporary statuses. This move challenges existing interpretations of the 14th Amendment, which provides citizenship to individuals born on American soil. The order would apply to children born on February 19, 2025, or after, not retroactively. Thankfully, multiple lawsuits have already been filed challenging this order.
  • Enhanced Vetting: Enhanced vetting and screening "to the maximum degree possible" for those applying for entry and those already here. This likely means applications for immigration relief will take even longer to process, and applicants who weren’t subject to USCIS interviews, will now have to undergo them. This order also requires the Administration to provide a list of countries in the next 60 days, from which to partially or completely suspend admission to those nationals, for threat of “terrorism,” likely leading to another ban similar to the Muslim ban from 2017.
  • Requiring that undocumented immigrants register their presence in the U.S. We don’t know yet how this would work, so please stay tuned for future guidance.
  • Expansion of Expedited Removal: expansion of expedited removal to all US territory if an individual cannot show they have been in the U.S. for 2 years.
  • Ending parole programs for Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Cubans and Haitians.
  • Barring Asylum and Deploying the Military at the Southern Border: A national emergency was declared at the Southern border, facilitating the deployment of U.S. troops to enhance border security and curb “illegal immigration.” This action includes completing the border wall and reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during U.S. immigration proceedings.
  • Engaging Local and State Law Enforcement Agencies in Immigration Enforcement: Some of the executive orders deputize local governments to assist with immigration enforcement. This includes withholding federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions or opening investigations against local leaders if they do not comply.
  • Suspension of Refugee Programs: The administration suspended U.S. refugee programs, including the Central American Minors Program, resulting in the cancellation of flights for nearly 1,660 Afghan refugees who had been cleared for resettlement. This decision affects vulnerable groups, including family members of U.S. military personnel and individuals at risk of Taliban retribution.
  • Designation of Cartels as Terrorist Organizations: Directs officials to review international cartels and criminal organizations for official designation as terrorist groups. Anyone who provided even minor support for such organizations, including against their will, such as victims of extortion, could be found inadmissible.
  • Restoration of Alien Enemies Act: Agencies are directed to create operational plans if President Trump chooses to implement the Alien Enemies Act, which could lead to the detention and removal of noncitizens with little Due Process or evidence of wrongdoing if accused of being connected to a designated criminal organization.

    • A Blow to Due Process and Human Rights

    These orders undermine the principles of justice and equality enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Due process—a cornerstone of our legal system that applies to all individuals on U.S. soil—is at risk as immigrants face increasingly arbitrary and expedited processes. Families will be torn apart, and the U.S. is failing to live up to its historic role as a beacon of hope and refuge for the persecuted. This is not the first time we’ve seen such measures. Policies like these, often veiled in the language of national security, have been repeatedly challenged in courts for their legality and constitutionality. And while they may instill fear, history shows that they are often struck down or significantly curtailed when held to legal scrutiny.

    We Stand with Immigrants

    At Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP, we are committed to fighting for our clients and their families. No matter how dark the day may seem, immigrants have rights, and we will continue to protect them. Here’s what we’re doing to help:
    • Advocating for our Clients Before Federal Agencies: We will continue to file applications, fight denials, and push for fair outcomes in our clients’ cases.
    • Understanding New Policies and Analyzing Risk: We will remain up-to-date on all changes in policy as they are released, as well as when they are challenged in court. We will provide detailed risk assessments for our clients when they are deciding whether to file particular cases.
    • Standing Up for Families: We understand the stakes and will do everything in our power to keep families together and protect their future. 

    A Call to Action

    This is not a time for despair, but for action. Many of these executive orders, such as the one on birthright citizenship, are clearly unconstitutional, and most likely symbolic. They are meant to scare immigrants and their families, and to make them feel unwelcome in this country, but not necessarily to go into effect. As before, we expect these executive orders to face significant legal challenges. If you or your loved ones are impacted, know that you are not alone. Together, we will navigate these turbulent times and fight for justice, dignity, and fairness.]]>         On Behalf of Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP <![CDATA[Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) Extension for El Salvador, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Sudan]]> https://www.beancard.com/?p=48660 2025-01-13T18:22:14Z 2025-01-13T18:22:14Z Traducción al español a continuación. On January 10, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced extensions of Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for El Salvador, Venezuela, Ukraine and Sudan.
    • El Salvador TPS extended through September 6, 2026
    • Venezuela TPS extended through October 2, 2026
    • Ukraine TPS extended through October 19, 2026
    • Sudan TPS extended through October 19, 2026
    To maintain TPS status, it is important to timely re-register during the re-registration period for your respective country. It is anticipated that El Salvador TPS holders will need to re-register between January 17, 2025 to March 18, 2025. However, the Federal Register Notice has not been published. While we await the publication of the Federal Register Notice for El Salvador, Venezuela, Ukraine and Sudan, which will provide further information regarding re-registration and eligibility, please be mindful of immigration fraud, particularly from those who call themselves notarios or notarios publicos. In California, these individuals are not lawyers. If you have TPS and are married to a U.S. citizen or are the parent of a U.S. citizen child over the age of 21, we would like to speak with you to determine your eligibility for permanent residence. Additionally, if you have ever been the victim of a violent crime, such as domestic violence, assault, robbery with a weapon, physical/sexual abuse, please schedule an appointment to discuss your eligibility for other immigration relief.
    Extensión del Estatus de Protección Temporal (“TPS”) para El Salvador, Venezuela, Ucrania y Sudán El 10 de enero de 2025, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (“DHS”) anunció extensiones del Estatus de Protección Temporal (“TPS”) para El Salvador, Venezuela, Ucrania y Sudán.
    • TPS de El Salvador extendido hasta el 6 de septiembre de 2026
    • TPS de Venezuela extendido hasta el 2 de octubre de 2026
    • TPS de Ucrania extendido hasta el 19 de octubre de 2026
    • TPS de Sudán extendido hasta el 19 de octubre de 2026
    Para mantener el estatus de TPS, es importante volver a registrarse oportunamente durante el período de reinscripción para su país respectivo. Se anticipa que los titulares del TPS de El Salvador deberán volver a registrarse entre el 17 de enero de 2025 hasta el 18 de marzo de 2025. Sin embargo, el Aviso del Registro Federal no se ha publicado. Mientras esperamos la publicación del Aviso del Registro Federal para El Salvador, Venezuela, Ucrania y Sudán, que brindará más información sobre la reinscripción y la elegibilidad, tenga en cuenta el fraude migratorio, particularmente de aquellos que se hacen llamar notarios o notarios públicos. En California, estas personas no son abogados. Si tiene TPS y está casado con un ciudadano estadounidense o es padre de un hijo ciudadano estadounidense mayor de 21 años, nos gustaría hablar con usted para determinar su elegibilidad para la residencia permanente. Además, si alguna vez ha sido víctima de un delito violento, como violencia doméstica, agresión, robo con arma, abuso físico/sexual, programe una cita para analizar su elegibilidad para otros alivios migratorios.   Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor is an Oakland-based immigration law firm focusing on family-based immigration, naturalization, the immigration consequences of criminal convictions, U visas, and related services.]]>