In recent months, the immigration landscape in the United States has undergone significant and rapid changes.

For immigrants, families, and businesses, staying informed about these reforms is crucial for planning ahead. Our firm is here to guide you.

The U.S. Congress has pushed forward major legislation with the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA) — the most ambitious immigration reform in years. This new law has direct implications, including:

Sharp Increase in Immigration Fees Be prepared for significantly higher costs when applying for asylum, work permits, TPS, non-immigrant visas, and more. Every step in your immigration process could now come with a much higher price tag.

Massive Boost in Enforcement Funding The new legislation allocates billions of dollars toward building more border walls, expanding detention centers, and hiring thousands of ICE and CBP agents. This means stricter enforcement and increased surveillance.

Impact on Children and Families Some new provisions may bypass existing protections for detained minors, raising serious concerns about prolonged family and child detention.

Termination of Key Programs Critical humanitarian programs, including certain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for countries like Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Honduras, have been ended or are set to expire. Additionally, the CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program has officially ended.

With the OBBA, “opportunities” become more narrowly defined, while “requirements” grow significantly stricter:

The OBBA is the most recent and significant immigration reform law in the United States. Passed by Congress in 2025, it marks a major shift in immigration policy—focusing heavily on border security and enforcement rather than legalization.

No. Unlike earlier proposals such as the “Dignity Act” (which did not pass), the OBBA does not provide broad pathways to legalization. It focuses on enforcement, increased detentions and deportations, and restricted access to immigration benefits.

The law introduces steep fee increases for a wide range of applications, including asylum, work permits, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and non-immigrant visas. You should be prepared for significantly higher costs when filing any immigration paperwork.

The federal government has allocated billions of additional dollars to expand border walls, enlarge detention centers, and hire thousands of new ICE and CBP agents. This means increased surveillance, stricter enforcement, and a likely rise in deportations.

Some TPS designations—including Venezuela (2023 designation), Haiti, Nicaragua, and Honduras—have been terminated or are set to expire under the new administration’s policies. It’s essential to verify your individual status and consult with an immigration attorney.

The Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) has been officially ended following a Supreme Court decision. This impacts thousands who relied on the program for legal entry and work authorization.

Yes, asylum is still an option, but it now comes with new application fees and more rigorous scrutiny. Changes in detention policies and processing speed may make the process more difficult than before.

The new law may eliminate or weaken existing protections for detained minors, potentially leading to longer detention periods for children and families. The focus is clearly on enforcement and removal.

Now more than ever. The OBBA introduces complex changes with serious implications. A qualified immigration attorney can help you understand your rights, prepare accurate applications, and navigate the evolving legal landscape.

While federal laws like the OBBA apply nationwide, how they are implemented and felt can vary locally. Cities with “sanctuary” policies—like New York City—may offer some support or protections, but federal law always takes precedence. It’s important to understand how federal and local policies interact where you live.

As an immigration attorney, Alice Antonovsky is often seen zealously representing her clients in Immigration Court throughout the
tri-state area. Alice takes an approach that “honesty is the best policy”. She advises her clients honestly about their particular situation and the outcome they can expect. Her law practice was built on her dedication to honesty, thorough preparation, and professionalism. Alice is known for providing personal care and attention to the needs of each client, whether it is an individual or a large multi-million dollar corporation. Alice Antonovsky is a member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, New York State Bar Association, and American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Immigrants seeking legal status can rest assured that Alice Antonovsky and her staff of legal professionals will help secure their future. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Alice Antonovsky received her J.D. with distinction from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2005. Since then, the Law Offices of Alice Antonovsky’s multilingual staff has served clients of all nationalities in the Tri-state-area on their journey toward gaining citizenship.