Racionalización de las prórrogas de visado: La política de deferencia codificada en la norma de modernización H-1B
Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 16, 2025
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Un acontecimiento clave se produjo en diciembre de 2024, cuando la política de deferencia fue oficialmente escrita en la regulación (la «regla de modernización H-1B»), que entrará en vigor el 17 de enero de 2025. Una vez que entre en vigor, los adjudicadores del USCIS deberán aplicar la política de deferencia a las solicitudes de prórroga relacionadas con el mismo empleador, el mismo empleado y los mismos detalles de trabajo.
USCIS todavía puede decidir no aplazar a la aprobación anterior si:
- Hubo un error material en la aprobación anterior.
- Ha habido un cambio material en las circunstancias o la elegibilidad.
- La nueva información plantea dudas sobre la admisibilidad.
Incluso en estas situaciones, los funcionarios deben explicar por qué no están aplazando. Es importante destacar que el USCIS no tiene que respetar las decisiones tomadas por otros organismos, como el Departamento de Estado o el Servicio de Aduanas y Protección de Fronteras.
Al convertir la política de deferencia en un reglamento, se hace más difícil para las futuras administraciones eliminarla rápidamente. Cualquier intento de rescindir o modificar la política requiere ahora un largo proceso de elaboración de normas que incluye un periodo de notificación y comentarios públicos.
Puntos clave para los empresarios
- Mayor previsibilidad: La política de deferencia, ahora un reglamento, da a los empleadores más certeza de que las peticiones de prórroga serán aprobadas si no hay cambios importantes en el papel del empleado o en la situación del empleador.
- Posibles cambios futuros: Una futura administración todavía podría tratar de rescindir esta regla, pero deben seguir un proceso regulatorio formal, que lleva tiempo y ofrece a los empleadores alguna advertencia.
- Presente las prórrogas con antelación: Los empresarios pueden presentar peticiones de prórroga hasta seis meses antes de que caduque el visado. La presentación temprana puede ayudar a evitar cambios inesperados de política y minimizar los riesgos de RFE o denegaciones.
En general, la codificación de la política de deferencia es un paso importante que ofrece una estabilidad y eficiencia muy necesarias en el proceso de inmigración de Estados Unidos. Planificando con antelación y manteniéndose informados, los empresarios pueden aprovechar esta mayor previsibilidad. Como siempre, trabajar en estrecha colaboración con un abogado de inmigración garantiza que las solicitudes de prórroga sean precisas, estén bien preparadas y se presenten con prontitud, especialmente en momentos en que la política puede evolucionar.
Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.
On January 14, 2026, the Trump administration announced a freeze on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries . The administration states that this “visa freeze” is intended to review security protocols, “reduce risks,” and control immigration flows. However, the immediate reality is that this change in policy has temporarily suspended visa processing and restricted travel for applicants from numerous countries across the globe. While the legal landscape surrounding these suspensions is highly fluid and subject to change, it is important to consider how this “visa freeze” might impact your current status or immigration plans. The scope of the restrictions varies drastically depending on your country of origin and specific visa category. Most notably, a nationality-based travel ban restricts visa issuance for 19 countries : Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Beyond this targeted ban, a broader freeze affects applicants from a designated list of up to 75 countries, leading to indefinite delays for many visa petitions. However, it is important to note that immigrant visa applications first need to be processed through USCIS, which has not paused processing applications from the 75 countries. Thus, it is important to contact an attorney to understand at what point in the process this visa freeze may affect your case. While Brazil is included in the list of 75 countries, at the time of this publication, the freeze does not include non-immigrant visas for Brazil . Non-immigrant visas are granted to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for specific purposes, such as tourism, studying, or temporary work. This means that Brazilian applicants can still safely pursue non-immigrant employment options, such as O visas for individuals with extraordinary ability or P visas for internationally recognized athletes, without being subjected to the current travel bans or suspensions. This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. There are many changes and uncertainties, so please consult with a qualified attorney at Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. to understand how these evolving policies might affect your specific case
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In recent weeks, the U.S. government has moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for multiple countries, sparking a wave of last-minute litigation and creating significant uncertainty for beneficiaries. This shift is having a profound impact on those who rely on TPS for lawful presence and work authorization in the United States. Across the country, federal courts have intervened to pause or block scheduled TPS terminations for several countries, including Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan, and Syria. In response to these court orders, USCIS has updated its webpages to indicate that TPS status and related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are extended for these populations. However, USCIS is intentionally not providing specific new end dates for EAD validity while the litigation remains in flux. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has prominently noted that it "vehemently disagrees" with these court orders and is actively working with the Department of Justice on next steps. This legal landscape remains highly unpredictable and varies drastically depending on the country of origin. For example, on February 9, 2026, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay allowing the government to proceed with the termination of TPS for Nicaragua, Honduras, and Nepal while the underlying legal challenges continue. Because of this ruling, the automatic extension of work authorization for these individuals has ended, and employers are now required to reverify the work authorization of affected employees, who must present alternative valid documentation to continue their employment. These rapid changes and the lack of clear end dates are causing complications beyond the workplace. Because driver's licenses often track the length of an individual's authorized stay, many DMVs are currently declining to issue or renew driver's licenses for impacted TPS populations. For employers, managing internal communications, avoiding onboarding errors, and navigating Form I-9 compliance has become increasingly complex. It is more important than ever to be well-prepared and proactive in monitoring these rapid changes. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our immigration attorneys are ready to guide you through this evolving process and ensure you are informed, and supported. Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
