New Texas Bills Declare New Crimes for Non-US Citizens or Nationals
Upcoming Monthly Immigration Seminar – January 13, 2024
Join us for our next Immigration Law Seminar on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 9:30 AM. This informative session is led by experienced immigration attorneys from Monty & Ramirez LLP.
Bonus: After the seminar, attendees will receive a free general immigration consultation.
Seats are limited. Reserve your spot today by calling our office at 713-289-4546.
Immigration Law Update: Texas House and Senate Bill 4
New Texas legislation – Senate Bill 4 – expands law enforcement powers related to immigration enforcement.
Key provisions include:
- Illegal Entry from a Foreign Nation: Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail; repeat offenses enhanced to a state jail felony.
- Illegal Reentry by Certain Aliens: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year imprisonment; enhanced to a 2nd-degree felony for prior criminal convictions.
- Refusal to Comply with Return Order: Classified as a 2nd-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years.
The law also introduces new criminal procedures:
- Judges may order removal or transportation to a U.S. Port of Entry upon completion of a sentence.
- Alternative sentencing programs are prohibited for those convicted under these new laws.
- Legal immunity is granted to law enforcement and state officials enforcing these provisions.
Effective Date: March 2024
Note: The ACLU has filed a constitutional challenge against this bill.
TPS Re-Registration Period Extensions Announced
The Department of Homeland Security has extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) re-registration windows for the following countries:
- El Salvador: Open now through March 9, 2025
- Haiti: Through August 3, 2024
- Honduras: Through July 5, 2025
- Nepal: Through June 24, 2025
- Nicaragua: Through July 5, 2025
- Sudan: Through April 19, 2025
Eligible individuals must file Form I-821 and Form I-765 during their country’s re-registration window.
Access to Legal Counsel in ICE Detention: Virtual Expansion
ICE detention standards require access to confidential attorney communication. Programs like Virtual Attorney Visitation (VAV) allow attorneys to connect with detainees remotely.
A new program, Socrates 360, is being piloted at:
- El Valle Detention Facility – Raymondville, TX
- Imperial Regional Detention Facility – Calexico, CA
- IAH Polk Adult Detention Facility – Livingston, TX
This platform supports virtual visits, secure messaging, and document sharing.
More info: https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-facilities/vav
Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Program – H-1B Holders
The Department of State has launched a pilot visa renewal program allowing H-1B holders from India and Canada to renew their visas while staying in the U.S.
Program Dates: January 29 – April 1, 2024
Total Slots: Approx. 20,000 (4,000 applications per week)
Eligible applicants must meet 12 specific criteria including prior H-1B issuance from Mission India or Canada and not being subject to in-person interview requirements.
Israel Joins the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
As of September 26, 2023, Israeli citizens are now eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
Travelers must have a valid round-trip or onward ticket.
Learn more: www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program
Visa Bulletin Update – January 2023
For family-sponsored immigration categories, applicants must refer to the Dates for Filing chart in the January 2023 Visa Bulletin.
If your priority date is earlier than the date listed, you may begin submitting your documents.
Need Help Navigating Immigration Law?
The experienced attorneys at Monty & Ramirez LLP are here to help.
📞 Call us at 713-289-4546
📧 Email: info@montyramirezlaw.com
Let us guide you through your immigration journey with confidence.