Comprendre la loi Laken Riley : un tournant dans l'application de la législation américaine en matière d'immigration
Denice Flores • June 5, 2025
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En janvier 2025, le Congrès américain a adopté la loi Laken Riley, marquant un changement important dans la politique d'application des lois sur l'immigration.
Cette loi oblige le département de la Sécurité intérieure à placer en détention certains ressortissants étrangers
qui ont été arrêtés pour des infractions liées au vol, telles que le cambriolage, le vol, le vol simple ou le vol à l'étalage.
En vertu de cette loi, le département de la Sécurité intérieure doit placer en détention toute personne qui
(1)
se trouve illégalement aux États-Unis ou ne possédait pas les documents nécessaires lors de sa demande d'admission ; et
(2)
a été accusé, arrêté, condamné ou a admis avoir commis des actes constituant les éléments essentiels d'un cambriolage, d'un vol, d'un larcin ou d'un vol à l'étalage.
La loi autorise également les États à poursuivre le gouvernement fédéral pour des décisions ou des manquements présumés liés à l'application de la législation en matière d'immigration. Elle autorise les gouvernements des États à intenter une action en injonction contre certaines décisions ou certains manquements présumés du gouvernement fédéral en matière d'immigration si ces décisions ou manquements ont causé un préjudice à l'État ou à ses résidents, y compris un préjudice financier supérieur à 100 dollars. Plus précisément, le gouvernement de l'État peut poursuivre le gouvernement fédéral pour :
- Une décision de libérer un ressortissant étranger
- Le non-respect des exigences relatives à l'inspection des personnes demandant à entrer aux États-Unis, y compris les exigences relatives aux entretiens d'asile ;
- Le non-respect de l'obligation de cesser de délivrer des visas aux ressortissants d'un pays qui refuse ou retarde de manière déraisonnable l'acceptation des ressortissants de ce pays ;
- La violation des restrictions en matière de libération conditionnelle pour immigration, telles que l'obligation d'accorder la libération conditionnelle uniquement au cas par cas ; ou
- Le non-respect de l'obligation de détenir une personne qui a fait l'objet d'une mesure d'éloignement des États-Unis.
Les exigences strictes de la loi en matière de détention peuvent accroître la peur et l'incertitude au sein des communautés d'immigrants. Les personnes qui sont simplement accusées de certains crimes pourraient être soumises à une détention obligatoire. La loi peut également avoir une incidence sur les procédures d'immigration légales. L'intensification des efforts en matière de détention et d'expulsion pourrait mettre à rude épreuve les ressources, ce qui pourrait entraîner des retards dans le traitement des visas et des demandes d'asile.
Compte tenu de l'évolution du paysage juridique :
- Restez informé et/ou consultez un avocat - Consultez votre avocat spécialisé en immigration pour comprendre comment les nouvelles lois et politiques peuvent affecter votre situation et si vous ou une personne de votre entourage êtes confronté à des problèmes juridiques liés à l'immigration.
- Connaissez vos droits - Familiarisez-vous avec vos droits légaux, en particulier en ce qui concerne les interactions avec les forces de l'ordre et les autorités d'immigration.
- Engagement communautaire - Participez à des organisations communautaires qui fournissent un soutien et des ressources aux immigrants, en favorisant la création d'un réseau d'aide et de défense.
Si vous avez des questions ou si vous souhaitez consulter un avocat spécialisé en immigration, contactez notre cabinet pour prendre rendez-vous.
Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.
In January 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Laken Riley Act , marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policy. The Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for theft-related offenses such as burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Under this Act, the Department of Homeland Security must detain an individual who: (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The Act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. It authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a: Decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody; Failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; Failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; Violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or Failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States. The Act's stringent detention requirements may lead to increased fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Individuals who are merely accused of certain crimes could face mandatory detention. The Act may also affect legal immigration processes. Increased detention and deportation efforts could strain resources, potentially leading to delays in processing visas and asylum applications. Given the evolving legal landscape: Stay Informed and/or Seek Legal Counsel - Consult with your immigration attorney to understand how new laws and policies may affect your situation and if you or someone you know is facing immigration-related legal issues. Know Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with your legal rights, especially concerning interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Community Engagement - Participate in community organizations that provide support and resources for immigrants, fostering a network of assistance and advocacy. If you have any questions or would like to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
In a renewed wave of enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started sending formal alerts to certain F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), flagging that their records reflect over 90 days without any reported employment. These students have been advised to update their employment status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 15 days. Failure to take timely corrective action may lead to the termination of the student's SEVIS record, effectively marking them as out of status, and may ultimately trigger removal proceedings. The notices are intended as a warning that students who do not comply with OPT reporting obligations are at risk of serious immigration consequences. Understanding OPT and Its Unemployment Limits Optional Practical Training (commonly referred to as “OPT”) is a work authorization benefit that allows eligible F-1 international students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Students may apply for pre-completion OPT (while still in school) or post-completion OPT (after graduation), typically for up to 12 months. Those with degrees in qualifying STEM fields may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. To maintain valid F-1 status while on OPT, students must remain actively employed in a position related to their field of study. The amount of time a student may remain in the United States while on OPT without being properly employed is capped at: 90 days during the standard 12-month post-completion OPT, and 150 days for those on the STEM OPT extension, which includes any days of unemployment accrued during the initial OPT period. These unemployment limits are cumulative and enforced strictly through SEVIS monitoring. What Should F-1 Students Do? If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT and receive a warning or are unsure about your compliance status, act quickly: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to review and, if necessary, update your SEVIS record. Ensure all employment is properly documented and reported through your school’s international office. Do not ignore warning notices, as failure to respond may lead to SEVIS termination and potentially the initiation of removal proceedings. It is also advisable to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore available options and understand how enforcement actions may affect your status or future immigration plans. If you received a notice or have questions about your F-1 status, our attorneys are here to help you take the right steps to protect your future in the United States. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., a full-service immigration law firm with global reach, is proud to announce the promotion of attorney Kris Quadros-Ragar, effective immediately. This marks a significant milestone, as Kris becomes the first Partner in the firm’s history, reflecting both her outstanding contributions and the firm’s long-term vision for growth and leadership development. Holding a Law Degree from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Brazil and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree with a Business Law certificate from the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, Kris brings strong academic training to her legal work. As a California-licensed attorney, her international background and personal experience as an immigrant offer a distinct and valuable perspective to the firm’s global immigration practice. Kris is deeply committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, combining legal insight, strategic thinking, and empathy to support their goals. Her work has had a meaningful impact on the firm’s success and on the lives of the individuals and families she serves. As a full-service immigration law firm with a global mission, we recognize that strong, principled leadership is essential to advancing both our clients’ goals and our firm’s legacy. Kris’s promotion as our first Partner is a testament to her talent, integrity, and deep alignment with the values that define Santos Lloyd Law Firm: excellence, diversity, and innovation. Her insight and experience will play a vital role in expanding our services and maintaining the high standards our clients expect in business, sports, entertainment, and family immigration matters. Santos Lloyd Law Firm congratulates Kris on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to her continued leadership in this new role.
