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2.0

USCIS updates confidentiality protections and information-use limitations for VAWA, T and U visas

  1. Original Date Announced

    December 22, 2025

    USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2025-34) and modified corresponding sections of the Policy Manual regarding the confidentiality protections and information-use limitations at 8 U.S.C. 1367(a) for noncitizen applicants, petitioners, and recipients of victim-based immigration benefits, including Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) classifications, T nonimmigrant status, and U nonimmigrant status.

    The updated Policy Manual language reiterates prior guidance that 8 U.S.C. 1367 protections terminate upon naturalization but strikes previous guidance regarding reinstatement of protections where citizenship is called into question and protections for derivative beneficiaries of a protected naturalized U.S. citizen.

    The updated guidance also provides that limitations on the use of information obtained from a prohibited source do not apply to noncitizens convicted or a crime or crimes under 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2) and, in any event, apply only to adverse determinations regarding admissibility or deportability. Use-limitations do not apply to, among other things, "[r]ejections, decisions on deferred action, and decisions relating to employment authorization," as well as underlying I-130s and I-360s (for VAWA self-petitioners).

    Trump 2.0 [ID #2164]

    2025.12.22 USCIS Updated Policy Manual Vol. 1 Pt. A 2025.12.22 USCIS Policy Alert 2025-34
  2. Effective Date

    December 22, 2025

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Actions: Agency Directive Change in Practice
Subject Matter: U/T/VAWA
Agencies Affected: USCIS

Pre Trump-Era Policies

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