If “New Immigration Law” brought you here, you’re not alone. Thousands of families are asking the same question: Is there a real pathway to residency right now? 

Here’s the reality check: in FY 2023, about 1,173,000 people became lawful permanent residents; 52% adjusted status inside the U.S. and about 64% did so through family.California (205,040) and Florida (155,500) saw the most new green-card holders.

Against that backdrop, DHS’s Keeping Families Together process could make up to 500,000 spouses and ~50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens eligible to seek parole in place, with an average of 23 years living in the U.S.

For those who qualify, this is a critical doorway to apply for a green card without leaving the country.

All of this is unfolding while the unauthorized immigrant population reached a record 14 million in 2023, and naturalizations remain strong, with 818,500 new U.S. citizens in FY 2024.

In this article, Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys – will explain the new immigration law on permanent residency, provide practical checklists, and offer guidance on when to consult a lawyer, helping you make informed decisions for your family.

Why Does This Matter to Latino Migrants?

Latino migrants are especially vulnerable to misleading social posts and rumors that can lead to costly mistakes, from paying fraudulent immigration consultants to missing important deadlines.

Understanding the truth behind recent policy changes is not just a matter of staying informed; it directly affects the legal status, economic stability, and safety of Latino families in the United States.

1. Rumors can lead to legal setbacks

Many people rely on information passed along via social media, WhatsApp, or word-of-mouth in their communities.

Unfortunately, this can spread misinformation, such as false claims that “everyone will get papers this year” or “new laws will grant automatic green cards.”

In reality, permanent residency (green card status) is granted through specific eligibility categories, including family-based petitions, asylum, refugee status, or employment sponsorship, all overseen by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Failing to follow accurate processes can result in deportation proceedings, inadmissibility bans, or denial of benefits.

That’s why verified information is essential for taking safe and legal steps forward.

2. Policies are changing, but slowly and specifically

While immigration policies have seen changes under different administrations, these shifts are often limited in scope. 

For example, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has faced ongoing legal challenges and is not a path to permanent residency.

Similarly, the recent TPS (Temporary Protected Status) redesignations (e.g., for Venezuelans or Haitians) provide protection from deportation but do not automatically lead to green cards.

Understanding what changed, such as fee adjustments, visa caps, or public charge rule interpretations, requires consulting official sources like USCIS or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not viral TikTok videos or Facebook groups.

3. The risks of not knowing your rights

Latino migrants working in agriculture, construction, domestic work, and other essential sectors often face unsafe conditions and labor exploitation. Many fear reporting abuse due to their immigration status.

However, under federal law, workers, regardless of status, have rights protected by agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).

For example, a migrant without papers who is injured on the job still has the right to report unsafe conditions to OSHA without retaliation.

The EEOC also protects against discrimination based on national origin, language, or perceived immigration status.

Awareness of these protections empowers Latino migrants to protect themselves and their families.

4. Trustworthy sources matter

To navigate the complex U.S. immigration system, Latino migrants need clear, updated, and reliable guidance. Trusted sources include:

• USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): Official updates on immigration procedures, green cards, DACA, and more.
• DHS (Department of Homeland Security): Information on TPS, enforcement priorities, and immigration-related programs.
• Pew Research Center: Non-partisan data on Latino immigration trends, policy impact, and public perception.
• OSHA: Worker rights and protections, regardless of immigration status.
• EEOC: Anti-discrimination laws and how to file complaints.

For Latino migrants, understanding the truth about U.S. immigration policy is not optional, it’s essential.

Trustworthy information can mean the difference between moving forward legally or falling into costly traps fueled by rumors.

Is There a New U.S. Immigration Law Granting Automatic Permanent Residency in 2025?

No. Congress has not passed a universal “new immigration law” that confers green cards automatically. Recent updates are executive actions and agency processes, not statutes.

The main change often cited online is Keeping Families Together, a DHS/USCIS process that lets certain undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens request parole in place if they meet strict criteria (including physical-presence timelines).

Parole in place can make someone eligible to apply for a green card from inside the U.S., but it is discretionary, not automatic, and not a green card by itself.

Some states have also sued over the policy, so court activity can affect how and when it’s applied.

What Has Actually Changed for Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens?

Who might qualify? Certain undocumented spouses who have lived continuously in the U.S. for a defined period (measured against June 17, 2024) and meet admissibility and discretion factors; certain stepchildren with different timing rules.

• What it does: Provides parole in place so the person may be able to apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) inside the U.S. if otherwise eligible.
• What it does not do: It does not guarantee a green card; applicants must still clear admissibility checks and meet all green-card eligibility requirements.
• Legal landscape: Subject to ongoing litigation; monitor USCIS updates.

 Staying informed and seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights and opportunities.

How Do Permanent Residency and a “Green Card” Work in the United States?

There are some eligibility categories to obtain a green card:

1. Family, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and family-preference categories for relatives of citizens and permanent residents.
2. Employment, sponsored jobs, extraordinary ability, investors, and special categories.
3. Humanitarian asylum – refugee, certain special programs.
4. Other special laws, certain long-standing or narrow programs created by Congress.

Understanding these categories is the first step toward permanent residency. Consult an immigration attorney to confirm eligibility and choose the best path for your situation.

What are the two main paths to get the green card?

• Adjustment of Status (AOS): You apply inside the U.S. using Form I-485 if you’re eligible. This is the route parole in place is intended to unlock for some spouses/stepchildren.
• Consular Processing: You apply outside the U.S. through a U.S. consulate. Your approved petition moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.

AOS and consular processing have different timelines, fees, risks, and documentation. Choosing the right path is strategic, so speaking with an attorney before filing is key.

How do I apply for permanent residency? 

Start here, a quick, plain-English checklist to orient your next steps before you gather documents or pay any fees.

1. Confirm eligibility under a green-card category (family, employment, humanitarian, or special).
2. File the petition (often Form I-130 for family or Form I-140 for employment). If you’re consular processing, your case will later move to the NVC.
3. Choose your path:
   • AOS (inside the U.S.): File Form I-485 with fees and supporting evidence; you may request EAD/AP.
   • Consular processing (outside the U.S. or not AOS-eligible): Complete NVC steps, then attend a consular interview.
4. Attend biometrics/interviews, respond to RFEs if needed, and keep your address updated.
5. Maintain eligibility and follow all admissibility rules (public-charge, criminal grounds, prior immigration history, etc.). Consider getting legal counsel for waivers and complex histories.

This roadmap is general guidance, small details (entries, status lapses, criminal/medical issues) can change the strategy.

Keep copies, track deadlines, and when in doubt, talk to a qualified immigration attorney to avoid delays or denials.

How Can a Lawyer Support You Under the New Immigration Law?

Even when headlines say New Immigration Law, real work is matching your facts to the right path, without costly mistakes. An immigration lawyer can:

• Confirm eligibility for family, employment, humanitarian options, or programs referenced in New Immigration Law updates.
• Choose the best route, Adjustment of Status vs. consular processing—based on entries, prior visas, and travel history.
• Spot risks early (inadmissibility, unlawful presence bars) and plan waivers or exceptions when needed.
• Assemble strong evidence (marriage bona fides, continuous presence, financial support) and prepare for RFEs/NOIDs.
• Optimize paperwork and fees (I-130, I-485, I-765/EAD, I-131/AP), including fee waivers if you qualify.
• Track policy shifts and lawsuits that affect timing or eligibility under New Immigration Law, and adjust strategy fast.
• Prepare you for the interview, from likely questions to red flags, so you present a clear, consistent case.

A lawyer’s guidance helps you file accurately, protect your timeline and status, and move forward with confidence under the New Immigration Law landscape.

New Immigration Law: What It Really Means and Your Next Move

While there’s no universal New Immigration Law that grants automatic green cards, recent updates like the Keeping Families Together process are opening doors for some spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. 

The key is understanding where you fit, avoiding misinformation, and acting fast to protect your future.

Ready to explore your options under the New Immigration Law? Contact Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys today for clear, reliable guidance.