Immigration Updates For June 2025

On June 3, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon, effective August 4, 2025. Following a review of country conditions and consultation with interagency partners, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem concluded that Cameroon no longer meets the statutory criteria for TPS.Cameroonian nationals currently holding TPS have 60 days from the notice’s publication to prepare for the change. Upon termination, individuals may use the CBP One app to report voluntary departure from the U.S. See DHS announcement in the Federal Register here.

On June 5, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem approved three new waivers to expedite construction of roughly 36 miles of new border wall in Arizona and New Mexico. The waivers, issued under Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, allow DHS to bypass certain environmental laws to avoid delays and enhance border security.

The projects span the El Paso, Tucson, and Yuma Sectors and include key segments such as the Santa Teresa Secondary Wall (7 miles) and the Tucson Sonoita Project (24.7 miles), among others. These efforts build on a prior April 2025 waiver for California and are funded through CBP’s FY 2020 and 2021 appropriations. See CBP announcement here.

On June 6, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal, effective August 5, 2025.Following a review of current conditions and coordination with interagency partners, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem concluded that Nepal no longer meets the statutory requirements for a TPS designation.

TPS protections for Nepalese nationals will expire at 11:59 p.m. on August 5, 2025 – 60 days after publication of the Federal Register notice. Individuals without any another lawful immigration status should begin preparing for departure. The CBP One app is available to report voluntary departure from the United States. See DHS announcement in the Federal Register here.

On June 9, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) released a video message from President Trump welcoming newly naturalized citizens and urging them to “fiercely guard” the American way of life. The message, now part of naturalization ceremonies nationwide, highlights U.S. citizenship as a “sacred honor” that comes with responsibility.

USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser called the message “essential,” reinforcing that citizenship is a privilege for those who respect America’s laws, culture, and history Watch the full video on USCIS’ YouTube channel.

On June 11, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy to state that Form I-693, signed on or after Nov. 1, 2023, is valid only while the associated immigration application is pending.If the related application is withdrawn or denied, the Form I-693 becomes invalid. Applicants must submit a new Form I-693 for any future filing.

This change reverses the April 2024 guidance that allowed indefinite validity and aims to ensure timely medical evaluations to protect public health. The update applies to all applications pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025. See announcement regarding USCIS Policy Manual update here.

On June 12, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it has issued more than 26,700 Notices to Appear (NTAs) since new guidance took effect on Feb. 28, targeting aliens with no legal basis to remain in the U.S.The policy shift follows President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting the American People Against Invasion and aims to strengthen enforcement of immigration laws and uphold system integrity.

Under the updated guidance, USCIS now defaults to issuing NTAs after denying benefit requests where the individual is removable, leading to an average of 1,840 NTAs per week, including 500 asylum-related and 100 TPS-related NTAs. The revised NTA policy is part of a broader effort to enhance vetting and support ICE operations. See USCIS announcement here.

On June 12, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance outlining when and how it discloses derogatory information that may impact immigration benefit decisions. Under the new policy, if USCIS relies on derogatory information unknown to the applicant, it will generally include a detailed description in a Notice of Intent to Deny, Request for Evidence, or Notice of Intent to Revoke.

The guidance also outlines exceptions for classified, privileged, or legally protected information, including sensitive third-party records. This policy is effective immediately and applies to all pending and future benefit requests. See announcement about USCIS Policy Manual update here.

On June 13, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance to strengthen the review process for Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. The policy emphasizes closer scrutiny of medical certifications to detect fraud and ensure only eligible applicants receive disability-based waivers for English and civics requirements.

Medical professionals must clearly explain how the applicant’s condition prevents compliance with naturalization requirements. Submitting multiple Form N-648s may raise credibility concerns and prompt further review. The policy is effective immediately and applies to all naturalization applications filed on or after June 13, 2025. See USCIS’ announcement to its Policy Manual update here.

On June 16, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched CBP Link, a new mobile app focused on border entry services, while CBP Home will now be used exclusively for self-deportation. CBP Link consolidates key functions previously housed in CBP Home, including I-94 applications for Visa Waiver Program travelers, cargo inspection requests, bus manifests, and wait time tracking. User data will carry over automatically.

CBP Home remains the designated app for unlawfully present individuals wishing to self-deport, offering free travel, penalty waivers, and a $1,000 exit bonus upon verified departure. Both apps are available on the CBP website, Google Play, and the Apple App Store. See CBP announcement here.

On June 24, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy to require that marriages between principal refugees or asylees and their derivative spouses must be legally valid in the jurisdiction where the marriage took place to qualify for immigration benefits. The update, effective March 3, 2025, applies to all pending and future benefit requests involving such marriages.

This revision aligns with Board of Immigration Appeals case law and Executive Orders 14148 and 14163, ensuring consistency across adjudications. See USCIS’ announcement relating to its Policy Manual update here.

On June 27, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, effective September 2, 2025. The current designation will expire on August 3, 2025. Following a review of country conditions and interagency consultation, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem determined that Haiti no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS.

DHS stated that improved environmental conditions make return safe and encouraged Haitian nationals to seek lawful immigration options or arrange voluntary departure using the CBP Home app. See DHS announcement here.