[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Immigration law has been front and center in the news again this week.  Several front-page stories could potentially change immigration to the United States as we know it. ACLU Files Lawsuit Against New Asylum Policies A few weeks ago, the Justice Department issued new guidance for federal immigration judges.  That guidance told immigration judges that they could no longer consider domestic or gang violence as grounds for asylum.  As a result of that change, there has been an increased level of asylum rejections because there is no "credible" fear of persecution.  Now, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration arguing that the new asylum policy violates the law. See the full news story here. Trump Administration Plans to Limit Legal Immigration The Trump administration is expected to announce changes to immigration policy that would make it more difficult for immigrants to receive a green card and for green card holders to become United States citizens.  The expected changes would consider immigrants who have ever used popular assistance programs as not self-sufficient.  These programs include food stamps, the Affordable Care Act, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.  Immigration experts estimate that this change could affect up to 20 million immigrants. See the full news story here. DACA Faces Constitutional Challenge in Texas Court The legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is being challenged in a Texas courtroom this week.  The lawsuit, brought by Texas and six other states, is seeking to end the DACA program by claiming it is unconstitutional.  The judge hearing the case is the same judge who prevent the Obama administration from expanding the program back in 2015.  If the judge rules against DACA and orders the program be shut down, the government will face conflicting orders.  Previous judges have ruled that DACA must remain in effect. See the full news story here. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth is monitoring all of the immigration news that could have an effect on our clients.  For a free immigration consultation, call us today at 888-517-9888.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]