Immigration news update for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
United States: Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan nationals
On October 3, 2023, Venezuela was designated with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to extraordinary conditions preventing the safe return of its nationals to their own country. This status was set to expire on April 2, 2025. After reviewing the situation, the Secretary of Homeland Security determined that Venezuela no longer meets the conditions for TPS and that allowing Venezuelan nationals to remain in the U.S. is against national interest. Consequently, the 2023 TPS designation for Venezuela is being terminated. The termination is effective April 7, 2025, and after this date, nationals of Venezuela who have been granted TPS under the 2023 Venezuelan designation will no longer have TPS.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Federal Register Â
United States: Judge blocks Trump’s birthright citizenship order
A federal district court in Maryland issued an order to block Donald Trump’s executive order to limit U.S. birthright citizenship. The judge sided with immigrant rights groups and pregnant women, arguing that the plan violated the Constitution’s 14th Amendment that provides that anyone born in the United States is a citizen. Trump’s order aimed to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents were not citizens or lawful residents. Numerous additional lawsuits have been initiated to challenge the legality of the birthright citizenship executive order and its interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause.
This summary was prepared using the information from Reuters
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Germany: Launch of Consular Service Portal
Effective January 1, 2025, the German government launched a new Consular Services Portal. This platform enables applicants to submit applications for German permits online, and it is available for employment, studies, training and family reunification applications.
Initially, the project started with a single permit application and three pilot sections. The success of these pilot programs has facilitated the expansion of the digital platform to all 167 sections.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Federal Foreign Office
Iceland: Update on financial requirements
As of February 1, 2025, Iceland updated the financial requirements for individuals seeking residence permits or Icelandic citizenship. This change aims to ensure that applicants can demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves independently.
For individuals aged 18 and older, the reference amount has been increased from 239,895 ISK (ca. 1,684 USD) to 247,572 ISK (ca. 1,738 USD) per month. For married couples, the amount has been raised from 383,832 ISK (ca. 2,694 USD) to 396,115 ISK (ca. 2,780 USD) per month. These amounts are based on pre-tax income.
The new reference amounts will apply to all applications received on or after February 1, 2025. According to Icelan’d Directorate of Immigration, this adjustment reflects Iceland’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable and supportive environment for its residents and citizens.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Island.is
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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