In a press release published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on November 13, 2025 (https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-strengthens-integrity-in-nations-immigration-system-returns-to-commonsense-legal-immigration),the Department of Homeland Security announced the most sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy in more than a decade.

These changes will directly affect immigrant families across Connecticut, especially in Danbury, where thousands depend on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parole programs, work permits, and pending immigration cases. Federal officials say these reforms are meant to restore “integrity” to the system, but for many families, they introduce uncertainty, stricter reviews, and fewer protections.

The updates touch nearly every part of the immigration system. Even people who have lived legally in the United States for many years may now face more questions, more paperwork, and closer examination of their cases.

End of TPS for Multiple Countries

One of the most far-reaching changes is the end of TPS for several countries. The government has terminated TPS designations for Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, Nepal, Venezuela, Cameroon, Syria, South Sudan, and Afghanistan.

For years, TPS has allowed people from these nations to live and work legally in the United States because of dangerous or unstable conditions in their home countries. Many of these families now have U.S.-born children, homes, and jobs in Connecticut. With TPS ending, they must learn what other options might exist to remain in the country lawfully, or they risk falling out of status once their current documents expire.

For many TPS holders, this change brings fear and confusion. They may not know where to turn or which programs still provide a possible path forward.

Humanitarian Parole Programs Rolled Back

USCIS has also eliminated the broad humanitarian parole programs that recently helped nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela enter and work in the United States while they searched for longer-term solutions.

The government is returning parole to a strict “case-by-case” standard. In the past, this approach has led to far fewer approvals. As a result, it may be much harder for families to reunite with relatives abroad or help loved ones leave dangerous situations in their home countries.

Work Permit Renewal Protections Eliminated

Major changes also affect Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), commonly known as work permits. For years, many workers were protected by an automatic 180-day extension if they filed their renewal applications on time. That automatic extension has now been eliminated.

Under the new rules, workers must wait for full re-approval before they can continue employment. This shift may create serious financial strain for families in Danbury and across Connecticut, especially for households that depend on a single income. Employers are allowed to remove workers from their schedules when a work permit expires, even if the renewal was filed correctly and the delay is due to government processing times.

Increase in Enforcement Referrals to ICE

Another significant change is a sharp increase in immigration enforcement referrals. According to USCIS, more than 13,000 individuals were referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between January and November 2025. Nearly 2,000 people were arrested at or shortly after USCIS interviews or biometrics (fingerprint) appointments.

These enforcement actions include people with old removal orders, pending criminal cases, or suspected fraud in their files. Some individuals may not even realize that past issues still appear in government records.

Because of this growing enforcement focus, community organizations urge anyone with past immigration or criminal history — even issues that seem minor or that occurred long ago — to seek reliable information from qualified legal professionals before attending USCIS appointments.

Tougher Naturalization Requirements

The naturalization process for becoming a U.S. citizen has also become stricter. USCIS has introduced an expanded civics exam with more detailed questions on American history and government. Officers have been instructed to conduct deeper reviews of “good moral character,” which may now include checking social media, asking about community reputation, and, in some cases, speaking with neighbors.

Applicants are expected not only to follow the law but also to show positive contributions to their communities. For longtime green card holders preparing for citizenship, these new expectations can feel overwhelming without strong preparation and guidance.

Higher Costs for H-1B Visas

Another significant policy shift involves H-1B visas, which are widely used by professionals in fields such as technology, health care, education, and engineering. A presidential proclamation has added a new $100,000 fee to each H-1B petition.

This steep cost will likely reduce the number of employers able or willing to sponsor workers. It may also limit opportunities for skilled immigrants hoping to build long-term careers and legal status in the United States through employment-based visas.

Return of a Stricter Public Charge Rule

The government has also reinstated a stricter version of the public charge rule. This allows officers to consider whether an applicant might rely on certain public benefits in the future, not just whether they have used them in the past.

Families who currently receive or are thinking about applying for assistance — such as food support, housing help, or medical coverage — may worry about how this could affect their immigration cases. Advocates are concerned that many families will avoid needed services out of fear, even when those services are legally available to them.

SAVE System and Voter Registration Checks

Finally, enhancements to the SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) program now allow state and local governments to verify citizenship status more easily during voter registration checks.

This change means noncitizens — including lawful permanent residents (green card holders) — must be extremely careful not to sign any voter registration form or participate in voting. Even an accidental registration, such as signing a form at the Department of Motor Vehicles without understanding it, can create serious immigration problems and put future citizenship applications at risk.

What Families Should Do Now

Immigrant-support organizations are encouraging families to stay informed and prepared as these changes take effect:

1. Take time to understand your current immigration category and how the new policies may affect it. Consult with an attorney or a Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited representative about your current situation.

People with TPS, parole, work permits, or pending applications may want to learn about all options that could be available and stay updated as rules evolve.

2. If your work permit expires soon, plan for possible processing delays.

Start renewals early, build emergency savings if possible, and speak with your employer about timelines and what might happen if there is a gap in your work authorization.

3. Speak with an attorney before any USCIS appointment if you have past immigration or criminal issues.

This includes old cases, dismissed charges, or past deportation orders. Understanding what is in your record can help you make informed decisions.

4. Avoid “notarios” and unlicensed consultants.

Only licensed attorneys and Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited representatives are authorized to provide immigration-related legal services. Unqualified help can cause serious and sometimes irreversible harm to your case.

Safe, Trustworthy Legal Resources

To protect yourself from scams and misinformation, seek help only from qualified and trustworthy professionals:

Licensed Immigration Attorneys

Verified directory: https://www.americanimmigrationlawyers.org

DOJ-Accredited Nonprofit Legal Organizations

Search tool: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognized-organizations-and-accredited-representatives.

Danbury’s immigrant communities, including Brazilian, Ecuadorian, Dominican, Colombian, Central American, and Caribbean families, have shown strength and resilience through many challenges. This moment is no different. Through unity, preparation, and access to trustworthy information, families can face these new policies together.

Staying informed is the strongest defense — and following the law carefully is the best way to reduce risk and protect your family’s future.