Compreendendo a Lei Laken Riley: Um Marco na Aplicação das Leis de Imigração nos EUA
Denice Flores • June 5, 2025
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Em janeiro de 2025, o Congresso dos Estados Unidos aprovou a Lei Laken Riley, marcando uma mudança significativa na política de aplicação das leis de imigração.
A Lei exige que o Departamento de Segurança Interna (DHS) detenha certos estrangeiros
que tenham sido presos por crimes relacionados a furto, como arrombamento, roubo, furto ou furto em lojas.
De acordo com essa Lei, o DHS deve deter qualquer pessoa que:
(1)
esteja presente de forma ilegal nos Estados Unidos ou que não possua os documentos necessários ao solicitar admissão no país; e
(2)
tenha sido acusada, presa, condenada ou que admita ter cometido atos que constituam os elementos essenciais de arrombamento, roubo, furto ou furto em lojas.
A Lei também autoriza os estados a processarem o governo federal por decisões ou supostas omissões relacionadas à aplicação das leis de imigração. Permite que os governos estaduais entrem com ações judiciais solicitando medidas cautelares em relação a determinadas decisões ou omissões do governo federal, caso essas ações tenham causado danos ao estado ou a seus residentes, incluindo prejuízos financeiros superiores a US$ 100. Especificamente, o governo estadual pode processar o governo federal por:
- Decisão de liberar um estrangeiro da custódia;
- Falha em cumprir requisitos relacionados à inspeção de indivíduos que buscam admissão nos Estados Unidos, incluindo exigências sobre entrevistas de asilo;
- Falha em cumprir o requisito de interromper a emissão de vistos a nacionais de países que negam ou atrasam de forma injustificável a aceitação de seus cidadãos;
- Violação das limitações sobre liberdade condicional (parole) em imigração, como o requisito de que a concessão de liberdade condicional ocorra apenas caso a caso; ou
- Falha em deter um indivíduo que tenha sido ordenado a ser deportado dos Estados Unidos.
Os rigorosos requisitos de detenção da Lei podem aumentar o medo e a incerteza entre as comunidades de imigrantes. Pessoas que estejam apenas sendo acusadas de certos crimes já podem enfrentar detenção obrigatória. A Lei também pode impactar os processos legais de imigração. O aumento dos esforços de detenção e deportação pode sobrecarregar os recursos, levando a atrasos no processamento de vistos e pedidos de asilo.
Diante desse cenário jurídico em constante mudança:
- Mantenha-se Informado e/ou Procure Orientação Jurídica – Consulte seu advogado de imigração para entender como as novas leis e políticas podem afetar sua situação e se você ou alguém que você conhece está enfrentando questões legais relacionadas à imigração.
- Conheça Seus Direitos – Familiarize-se com seus direitos legais, especialmente no que diz respeito às interações com autoridades policiais e de imigração.
- Envolvimento Comunitário – Participe de organizações comunitárias que oferecem apoio e recursos para imigrantes, promovendo uma rede de assistência e defesa.
Se você tiver dúvidas ou quiser agendar uma consulta com um advogado de imigração experiente, entre em contato com nosso escritório.
Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.

It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.