The Hernandez Law Firm, PLLC

09/09/2026

🚨🇸🇻 EL SALVADOR TPS: IMPORTANT UPDATE

Today, September 9, 2026, the current TPS period for El Salvador expires. However, this does NOT automatically mean that TPS ends today.

⚖️ Immigration law provides an automatic extension mechanism. Under INA § 244(b)(3)(C), if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not make the required determination to extend or terminate TPS, the TPS designation is automatically extended for 6 months.

📌 As of this time, DHS has not publicly announced a final decision regarding El Salvador and has indicated that TPS protections remain in place while a decision is pending.

For this reason, it is not accurate at this time to simply state that El Salvador TPS ended on September 9.

⚠️ Important: We are still waiting for official DHS/USCIS guidance regarding Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and what documentation TPS beneficiaries may use to demonstrate continued employment authorization.

We will continue monitoring official announcements and will provide an update as soon as additional guidance is published.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you would like to speak to one of our attroneys about your specific case, please call us at (501)374-2444

07/02/2026

05/23/2026

A recently announced USCIS policy change could significantly affect how certain green card applications are handled inside the United States.

For many years, eligible immigrants have had the ability to complete the permanent residence process through Adjustment of Status without leaving the country. The new guidance suggests USCIS officers may now exercise that discretion much more narrowly in cases where consular processing abroad is available.

This does NOT necessarily mean adjustment filings will stop being accepted. However, the agency appears to be signaling a preference toward requiring more applicants to finish the process through U.S. consulates overseas unless there are compelling reasons not to.

That distinction matters.

For some individuals and families, leaving the United States to attend a consular interview may create serious legal and practical complications, including:
• Potential inadmissibility issues
• Waiver requirements
• Family separation concerns
• Employment disruption
• Extended processing delays abroad

It is also important to understand that adjustment applicants already undergo extensive vetting before permanent residence is granted. These cases involve background checks, biometrics, medical examinations, financial review, and detailed scrutiny of immigration history.

Immigration attorneys across the country are closely monitoring this development because the Immigration and Nationality Act does not expressly require applicants to demonstrate “extraordinary circumstances” in order to pursue adjustment of status. As a result, further clarification — and potentially litigation — may follow.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a new policy memo reiterating the fact that, consistent with long-standing immigration law and immigration court decisions, aliens seeking adjustment of status must do so through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the....

04/17/2026

Thank you to the City of Little Rock Office of Engagement & Opportunity for the opportunity to speak at this year’s Emprende cohort.

This week, attorney Juan Carlos Hernandez presented on the importance of building a strong legal foundation for your business.

We are looking forward to continuing supporting this program!