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Governor Walz Appoints Veena Iyer as a Judge for the Second Judicial District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:  

Mari Arneson, Communications Manager, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota 

mari.arneson@ilcm.org (651) 641-1011 

 

Governor Walz Appoints Veena Iyer as a Judge for the Second Judicial District 

May 10, 2024 – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced Veena Iyer, current ILCM Executive Director, as one of two new appointees to the Second Judicial District, which covers Ramsey County.  

Veena Iyer and Jennifer Verdeja fill the vacancies created upon the elevation to the Minnesota Court of Appeals of the Honorable JaPaul Harris and the retirement of the Honorable Elena Ostby.  

“I am honored that Governor Walz has entrusted me to serve the residents of Ramsey County and to ensure justice for all,” said Iyer. “As the child of immigrants, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and I am proud of all we have done together to support immigrant and refugee families across Minnesota and North Dakota.”  

“It is exciting to see Veena take this next step in her professional career. The Board is proud of how ILCM has thrived under her leadership, and we look forward to seeing her serve the people of Minnesota as a judge. I have the utmost confidence that ILCM’s interim leadership and excellent staff will continue to carry out our mission, serving immigrants with grace, diligence, expertise, and passion. We are poised to navigate this transition smoothly,” reflected Board Chair, Sarah Radosevich. 

Jenny Stohl Powell, the Legal Director of ILCM, will serve as the Interim Director while the Board launches a search for the next leader of ILCM. Jenny has been the Legal Director of ILCM since 2019 and has over 25 years of experience in providing immigration legal services. “Jenny is a compassionate and effective leader who is trusted by our staff, partners, and community and will be an excellent steward for the organization,” said Radosevich. 

Iyer will remain at ILCM for several weeks to complete her transition before joining the bench. A search will begin shortly.  

Veena Iyer Appointed as a Judge for the Second Judicial District

Veena Iyer, executive director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), has been appointed by Governor Walz as one of two new judges to the Second Judicial District, which covers Ramsey County. Iyer will remain at ILCM for several weeks to complete her transition before joining the bench.  

Iyer says: 

“This is truly bittersweet. I will miss ILCM, a community like no other in its tenacity, resilience, creativity, empathy, and compassion. However, I am honored that Governor Walz has entrusted me to serve the residents of Ramsey County and to ensure justice for all. As the child of immigrants, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and I am proud of all we have done together to support immigrant and refugee families across Minnesota and North Dakota.”   

In the press release announcing the appointment, Walz said: 

“I am honored to appoint Veena Iyer to the Ramsey County bench. Her diverse practice background and understanding of the impact that our justice system has on the many communities it serves gives me the confidence that she will be a fair and balanced judge.”  

ILCM is well-prepared for a transition with a visionary Board led by Chair Sarah Radosevich and a tremendous leadership team, which will be stewarded by Interim Executive Director Jenny Stohl Powell. Jenny has been ILCM’s Legal Director since 2019 and is a trusted leader in our state’s immigration legal services ecosystem. Additionally, Maya Salah, our former Board Vice Chair, will chair the search committee to identify a new leader for ILCM. 

“It is exciting to see Veena take this next step in her professional career. The Board is proud of how ILCM has thrived under her leadership, and we look forward to seeing her serve the people of Minnesota as a judge. I have the utmost confidence that ILCM’s interim leadership and excellent staff will continue to carry out our mission, serving immigrants with grace, diligence, expertise, and passion. We are poised to navigate this transition smoothly,” reflected Board Chair, Sarah Radosevich. 

Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia

This fact sheet is current as of April 15, 2024. It is not legal advice.

On Friday, April 12, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, through December 12, 2025. The corresponding Federal Register Notice (FRN) gives more information about how to register as a new or current TPS holder.

What is temporary protected status (TPS)?

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants TPS to individuals from designated countries who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances in their home countries.

During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are allowed to live in the United States and cannot be detained by DHS just based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization.

What does the extension of TPS for Ethiopia mean?

If you have TPS under the current designation for Ethiopia, you can apply to extend TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the 60-day re-registration period from April 15, 2024, through June 14, 2024. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be extended through December 12, 2025. The FRN gives more details.

Note: It is important for TPS holders to re-register during the registration period. Do not wait until your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires. This could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation.

What does the re-designation of TPS for Ethiopia mean?

If you are an Ethiopian national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for the first time if you have lived in the United States continuously since April 11, 2024. You can apply for TPS during the first-time registration period. You must also meet the eligibility requirements. If you left the United States for any reason, talk to an immigration attorney.

The first-time registration period for new applicants under the Ethiopian TPS redesignation is from April 15, 2024, through December 12, 2025. Other eligibility requirements are described in the FRN.

How do I apply for TPS?

People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.

If you currently have Ethiopian TPS: The re-registration period for current TPS holders is from April 15, 2024, through June 14, 2024.

If you are applying for Ethiopian TPS for the first time: The first-time registration period for new applicants is from April 15, 2024, through December 12, 2025.

Is TPS status given automatically?

No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend contacting a licensed immigration attorney.

How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS for Ethiopia?

TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas extended and redesignated Ethiopia for TPS until December 12, 2025, TPS status can, however, be extended.

I have been in the United States since before April 11, 2024, but I have left for short periods of time. Can I apply for TPS?

Maybe. Whether you still qualify for TPS depends on the length and nature of your time outside of the United States. Please contact an immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.

I am from Ethiopia, and I am in deportation proceedings. Can I apply for TPS to avoid deportation?

Yes. A person in removal proceedings can apply for TPS and, if approved, can request that the judge put the removal case on hold until TPS is approved, and then for the time it is in effect.

Does TPS Status provide a path to permanent residency?

No, TPS does not provide a path to lawful permanent resident status. However, some TPS holders may be independently eligible to adjust status through a family-based, employment-based, or other legal avenue. Please consult with an immigration lawyer regarding this issue.

Get Help

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org or call us at (651) 641-1011.

Printable PDF version

Fact Sheet: Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)

This fact sheet is current as of April 15, 2024. It is not legal advice.

What is DED?

Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a discretionary protection status.

DED recipients are protected from deportation and are allowed to obtain work permits. DED does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. DED is authorized under the president’s constitutional discretion to conduct foreign affairs. There is no statutory authorization. Only the president can extend or terminate DED.

Who has DED?

Who is eligible for DED?

Eligibility requirements for DED are based on the terms the president specifies in each DED directive. Each presidential directive includes the criteria for an individual to be covered by DED and certain exceptions for individuals who are not covered. For more information, see the Federal Register notices for each country.

DED only applies to those people already residing in the United States at the time of designation. Those outside the United States who want to immigrate do not qualify for DED. Individuals must be a national of, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in, the country designated for DED.

Do I need to apply for DED?

No. There is no application to apply for DED. Anyone who meets the requirements automatically has DED until it lapses or is terminated.

Can I work under DED?

Maybe. If DHS provides employment authorization as a benefit of DED for your country, then you may request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

DHS may issue an automatic extension of expiring EADs for DED recipients. The Federal Register notices will tell you if your EAD is automatically extended and for how long.

How do I prove my EAD is extended?

You can show your DED-related EAD with an expired “Card Expires” date and a copy of the Federal Register notice to employers and government agencies (federal, state, and local). Employers may rely on the Federal Register notice as evidence that your EAD is still valid.

Can I travel outside the United States under DED?

Maybe. Any DED-eligible person who wants to travel outside the country must apply for advance parole. If you leave the United States without first receiving advance parole, you may no longer be eligible for DED and may not be permitted to reenter the United States.

Palestine DED Important Note: If you are covered by DED for Palestinians and you return to the Palestinian Territories, you will not be permitted to resume DED in the United States. The presidential memorandum providing for DED for Palestinians excludes individuals who voluntarily return to the Palestinian Territories after Feb. 14, 2024.

Get Help

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org or call us at (651) 641-1011.

Printable PDF version

Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma

This fact sheet was originally published on 6.9.2021 and was updated on 3.25.2024. It is not legal advice.

On Friday, March 22, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma for an additional 18 months, from May 26, 2024, through November 25, 2025. The corresponding Federal Register Notice (FRN) gives information about how to register as a new or current TPS holder.

What is temporary protected status (TPS)?

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants TPS to individuals from designated countries who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances in their home countries.

During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are allowed to live in the United States and cannot be detained by DHS just based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization.

What does the extension of TPS for Burma (Myanmar) mean?

If you have TPS under the current designation for Burma, you can apply to extend TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the 60-day re-registration period from March 25, 2024, through May 24, 2024. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be extended until November 25, 2025. The FRN provides more details.   

Note: It is important for TPS holders to re-register during the registration period. Do not wait until your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires. This could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation.

What does the re-designation of TPS for Burma (Myanmar) mean?

If you are a Burmese (Myanmar) national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for the first time if you have lived in the United States continuously since March 21, 2024. You can apply for TPS during the first-time registration period. You must also meet the eligibility requirements. If you left for any reason, talk to an immigration attorney.

The first-time registration period for new applicants under the Burma (Myanmar) TPS redesignation is from March 25, 2024, through November 25, 2025. Other eligibility requirements are described in the FRN.

How do I apply for TPS?

People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.

If you currently have Burmese TPS: The re-registration period for current TPS for Burma holders is from March 25, 2024, through May 24, 2024.

If you are applying for Burmese TPS the first time: The first-time registration period for new applicants is from March 25, 2024, through November 25, 2025.

Is TPS status given automatically?

No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend working with an immigration attorney.

How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS for Burma?

TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas extended and redesignated Burma (Myanmar) for TPS until November 25, 2025. TPS status can, however, be extended.

I have been in the United States since before March 21, 2024, but I have left for short periods of time. Can I apply for TPS?  

Maybe. Whether you still qualify for TPS depends on the length and nature of your time outside of the United States. Please contact an immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.

I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I came to the United States as a refugee. Do I need to apply for TPS? 

No. People who are in the US with refugee status can live and work here and apply for permanent resident status after one year. They do not require TPS.

I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I now have a green card. Do I need to apply for TPS? 

No. As a permanent resident, you have legal status in the US and are on a path to citizenship. You do not need and would not qualify for TPS.

I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I am in deportation proceedings. Can I apply for TPS to avoid deportation? 

Yes. A person in removal proceedings can apply for TPS, and if approved, can request that the judge put the removal case on hold until TPS is approved, and then for the time it is in effect.

*If you are from Burma (Myanmar) and came to the United States on a F1 student visa, contact your school’s international student office for more information.

 

Get Help

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org.