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Supreme Court Ruling Puts 2023 TPS for Venezuelans at Risk: What You Need to Know

Posted in: Vinay Malik | June 2, 2025

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has introduced a new wave of uncertainty for many Venezuelan nationals in the United States. The Court allowed federal authorities to proceed with a change that could limit protections for individuals who received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under a more recent designation. While not everyone is affected, the implications are serious enough that both individuals and employers need to pay attention. The federal government has been authorized to move forward with plans that may end legal protections and work permissions for certain TPS holders. This specifically targets a group of Venezuelan nationals who received TPS...

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Heightened ICE Scrutiny on OPT Students: What You Must Know to Stay Compliant

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 29, 2025

The landscape for international students in the United States continues to evolve — and not always in their favor. Most recently, students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs have come under increased scrutiny from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Even minor lapses in employment reporting can now lead to serious consequences, including SEVIS termination and possible removal proceedings. As experienced immigration attorneys in New Jersey, VKM Law Group is here to help you understand what this means, how to stay in compliance, and what actions to take if you're at risk. What’s Happening? OPT allows F-1 international students to work in...

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USCIS Expands SAVE Program to Support Voter Integrity and Immigration Status Verification

Posted in: Vinay Malik | May 29, 2025

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced significant enhancements to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, expanding the capabilities of state and local governments to verify U.S. citizenship and immigration status. This update is designed to support election integrity, improve access to federal verification tools, and streamline processes for public agencies. Key Features of the SAVE Program Update The new changes, effective immediately, allow state and local agencies to: Use Social Security Numbers for Verification: Previously, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identification number was required to verify status, which many state agencies did not collect. Now, Social Security...

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