New Immigration law proposals
Kyle Huffman • November 9, 2023
Representative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District has recently introduced five new immigration-related bills to Congress, in an effort to make progress on solving the United States immigration issues, particularly in regard to border crossings at the U.S. Southern Border. Let’s take a closer look at these bills and the benefits that they can provide, if passed into law:
1. The Strengthening our Workforce Act
The first bill proposed by Representative Vasquez aims to provide support for a few key industries of the United States economy. Specifically, this bill seeks to provide a legal pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. This bill will create the opportunity for migrants in “critical industries” – healthcare, education, and law enforcement, to apply for a two-year temporary provisional status, to continue working in their chosen profession of critical importance. Following the two-year probationary period, these individuals would then be eligible to apply for adjustment of status to permanent residents.
2. The Stop Coyotes’ Oppression and Organized Trafficking, and Ensure the Safety Act
This bill, quite simply, aims to increase the penalties for the criminals responsible for human trafficking, particularly for trafficking minors. The bill, if passed, would add an additional penalty of up to 10 years beyond for individuals found guilty of human smuggling as well as crimes of violence against children while trafficking.
3. The Smart Border Protection Act
This bill is seeking additional funding for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. The funds would be primarily distributed for two purposes: hiring more agents and improving border infrastructure. The hiring of additional personnel has clear implications for CBP’s efficiency and effectiveness. The increase to border infrastructure involves the purchase of scanning equipment to increase the ability to detect illicit substances from being smuggled into the United States through ports of entry. According to Representative Vasquez, this scanning equipment has greater than a 90% success rate.
4. The Humane Accountability Act
This bill, if passed, would do a great deal to help ensure safety and justice for asylum seekers. It would require each of the agencies working with asylum seekers, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), to create reports to congress about the state and condition of migrant detention centers. This bill would be a big step in the right direction to ensuring that every migrant seeking the protection of the United States has the opportunity to navigate the U.S. immigration system from a place of dignity and respect.
5. The Farm Workforce Support Act
The last of the five bills introduced by Representative Vasquez aims to support the United States’ agricultural industry, which has been facing a labor shortage for the past several years. If passed, this bill would allow temporary work visas and labor protections for agricultural workers.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
October begins a new federal fiscal year, but that does not mean every green card applicant moves to the front of the line. The Department of State’s October 2026 Visa Bulletin sets out the visa availability that applicants in family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories need to review this month.
Santos Lloyd Law Firm takes great pride in announcing that Partner Flavia Santos Lloyd has been invited to join the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. As a highly selective global network, the organization recognizes legal professionals across both the public and private sectors who embody the absolute highest standards of the practice. Admission to this distinguished group highlights Flavia’s outstanding legal career, professional integrity, and deep impact on the legal community. Our team celebrates Flavia on this well-deserved recognition!
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security , halting the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that was scheduled to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) on September 15, 2026. As a result of this nationwide order, DHS is blocked from enforcing fixed periods of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I media representatives while the litigation moves forward. Because the current “duration of status” framework remains in full effect, F, J, and I visa holders are not required to file Form I-539 extension of stay applications to remain in valid status beyond program end dates at this time. Furthermore, restrictions on academic transfers, constraints on enrolling in second programs at the same degree level, 240-day caps on continued employment while extensions are pending, and shortened grace periods do not apply during the injunction. F-1 nonimmigrants retain the full 60-day post-completion grace period, and J-1 holders maintain their 30-day grace period. However, please note that this preliminary injunction is not a final ruling invalidating the rule , and a status conference is scheduled for October 2, 2026, to determine next steps in the litigation. Immediate Practice Tips: Inspect I-94 Travel Records Upon Reentry: F, J, and I visa holders currently admitted under D/S retain their status and should continue to be readmitted under D/S following international travel until the injunction is lifted. However, because the I-94 record controls legal stay, travelers must inspect their CBP-issued Form I-94 immediately upon reentry to confirm the "Admit Until Date" states "D/S" rather than a specific expiration date. If a specific date is mistakenly recorded, contact a local CPB Deferred Inspection Site. Notify HR and Review Workplace Compliance: Employers sponsoring F-1 or J-1 employees should inform HR and hiring managers that the September 15 fixed-period rule is postponed and standard D/S rules govern. This development does not alter standard filing windows or Form I-9 verification procedures for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extensions. Maintain Operational Readiness and Defer Unnecessary Filings: Visa holders and employers should defer travel or filing strategy decisions made solely in anticipation of the fixed-admission rule. Because DHS may appeal or the court could alter the timeline on short notice, institutions and visa holders should maintain readiness to adjust plans if implementation resumes. There are many evolving components to this litigation. If you are an F-1, J-1, or I visa holder, sponsoring institution, or employer, you should proactively coordinate with your international student office and legal counsel to protect your status and monitor upcoming court proceedings.
