CHNV Program Update, E-Verify Updates, & More
Court Halts Termination of CHNV Parole Program: What Employers Need to Know
A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the Department of Homeland Security’s planned termination of the CHNV parole program. The program, which allows individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter and work in the U.S. lawfully for a limited period, was scheduled to end on April 24, 2025. The court’s April 14, 2025 order suspends that termination nationwide, allowing current CHNV parolees to remain in the U.S. and maintain their work authorization until their existing parole period expires.
While this decision provides short-term clarity, it does not allow for new CHNV parole applications, and it does not extend parole or work authorization beyond the originally granted timeframe. Employers with CHNV parolees in their workforce should begin planning ahead by identifying alternative immigration options and working with legal counsel to ensure continuity.
Requests for Evidence for Biometrics Collection
USCIS has started a trend of initiating Requests for Evidence citing “potentially adverse information” in order to update beneficiary biometrics and addresses in employment-based cases, such as I-140 immigrant petitions and I-129 nonimmigrant petitions. USCIS has indicated that it will be collecting beneficiary information and biometric data as part of its screening and vetting efforts under President Trump’s executive orders.
Employers and beneficiary-employees should remain aware that changes of address must be reported to Department of Homeland security through the filing of an AR-11 within 10 days of an employee’s move.
E-Verify Now Alerts Employers of Revoked Employee Work Authorization
As of April 23, 2025, E-Verify has begun issuing Case Alerts to notify participating employers when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked an employee’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD). These cases will now appear in the “Cases with Expiring Documents” section of the E-Verify system. The change follows DHS’s recent actions to terminate certain parole-based EADs, particularly affecting individuals paroled under humanitarian programs such as CHNV. While a federal court has temporarily stayed DHS’s termination of the CHNV parole, E-Verify is still alerting employers who may be affected. Employers who receive such alerts should consult with immigration counsel before taking any action, including reverifying an employee’s Form I-9, to ensure compliance and avoid premature employment decisions. For guidance on how to respond to an E-Verify alert or to review your I-9 procedures, contact Monty & Ramirez LLP at 281-493-5529.
U.S. Government to Reinstate Terminated SEVIS Records for International Students
In a significant policy reversal, the federal government has announced it will temporarily restore the SEVIS records of hundreds—and potentially thousands—of international students whose records were recently terminated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database is essential for maintaining the legal immigration status of international students in the U.S., as it tracks compliance with visa conditions and school reporting requirements. In recent weeks, ICE had terminated numerous SEVIS records, often citing disciplinary concerns identified through background checks.
Employers with F-1 International student employees should be cognizant that certain activities—including criminal investigations, school discipline, or participation in controversial protests—can trigger immigration consequences, including the termination of SEVIS records or visa revocation. Students are reminded to be cautious about their social media activity and organizational affiliations, as these may be reviewed by government agencies. While the reinstatement of SEVIS records offers temporary relief, it is not yet clear whether all affected students will have their records restored or only those who pursued legal action. Students with concerns about their SEVIS status or visa eligibility should consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
Romania Removed from U.S. Visa Waiver Program
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Department of State, has rescinded Romania’s designation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), effective May 2, 2025. Although Romania was initially designated for the program on January 9, 2025, DHS paused its implementation on March 25, 2025, to conduct a security review. That review has now concluded, and DHS determined that Romania no longer meets the requirements for participation. As a result, Romanian citizens must obtain a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the United States for tourism or business. DHS emphasized that this decision reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of U.S. immigration and border security. Romania may be reconsidered for the VWP in the future if it meets all statutory eligibility criteria.
New 48-Hour Rule for DS-160 Submission Impacts Visa Scheduling
The U.S. Department of State now requires that the DS-160—the mandatory online nonimmigrant visa application—be submitted at least 48 working hours before scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This new rule may impact how quickly interviews can be arranged for international employees and business travelers. Employers should consult with immigration counsel early in the process to ensure timely coordination of DS-160 submissions and interview scheduling. Planning ahead is essential, especially given the strict enforcement of the 48-hour window and varying appointment availability across consulates.
May 2025 Visa Bulletin
A. Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Visa Applications
For May 2025, USCIS announced it will use the Final Action Dates chart published by the Department of State.
| Category | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | C | 08NOV22 | 01FEB22 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 22JUN23 | 01OCT20 | 01JAN13 | 22JUN23 | 22JUN23 |
| EB-3 | 01JAN23 | 01NOV20 | 15APR13 | 01JAN23 | 01JAN23 |
| Other Workers | 22MAY21 | 01APR17 | 15APR13 | 22MAY21 | 22MAY21 |
| EB-4 | U | U | U | U | U |
| Religious Workers | U | U | U | U | U |
| EB-5 Unreserved | C | 22JAN14 | 01MAY19 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) | C | C | C | C | C |
🔍 “C” = current (all qualified applicants may file)
🔍 “U” = unauthorized (no visas available)
Questions About Compliance or Policy Changes?
Whether you’re navigating CHNV changes, responding to an E-Verify alert, or managing student visas—Monty & Ramirez LLP can help.
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