Spectrum News 13 recently interviewed an immigration attorney in Orlando about the Trump administration’s pause on immigration applications for nationals from 19 countries. Central Florida lawyer Jose Rivas talked with Spectrum News about the implications for residents across Central Florida who are working through the legal immigration process and pursuing permanent residency.
The situation is dire for many facing this immigration pause. Rivas explained the fundamental legal issues with the administration’s approach. “This is an overstretch and overpowering of this administration. There’s absolutely no legal basis whatsoever to take individuals who are absolutely not related to the recent the attack on U.S. National Guard members in Washington,” Rivas said. “You can’t just tell people that we’re not going to allow you to go forward with the immigration process. There’s absolutely no legal basis to this, and that’s why we have checks and balances.”
Understanding the Immigration Pause and Its Scope
The Trump administration’s decision to pause immigration applications represents one of the most significant restrictions on legal immigration processing in recent history. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on December 2, 2025, that it would immediately halt the examination of all outstanding applications for green cards, citizenship, and asylum from nationals of 19 countries previously identified under travel restrictions. As an immigration attorney in Orlando, Rivas emphasizes that the scope of this policy extends far beyond what the administration originally claimed.
This immigration pause affects over 1.4 million individuals with pending asylum applications, according to federal reports. More significantly, the policy impacts people already living in the United States legally, regardless of their arrival date. For many families in Central Florida working with an immigration attorney in Orlando, this represents a devastating setback after years of following the legal process to become U.S. citizens.
Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our clients say about their experience with The Rivas Law Firm.
The countries affected by this immigration pause include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, along with partial restrictions for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. If you are a Florida criminal defense lawyer’s client from one of these nations, you need immediate legal counsel.
The Emotional and Financial Burden for Legal Immigration Applicants
Rivas told Spectrum News that for those in Florida pursuing legal immigration status, this immigration pause represents far more than bureaucratic delay. Many have invested their life savings in the immigration process. They have paid thousands of dollars in fees, waited years for processing, and followed every legal requirement presented to them.
“We encourage individuals always to do what is right. Here we have individuals who have done what is right. So, you’re breaking the trust of the judicial system. You’re breaking the trust of the immigration system here in the United States,” Rivas said. “You did what they asked you to do. You waited your time. You pay the fine, thousands of dollars. People have spent their life savings trying to become naturalized in this country. Here you are standing with absolutely no guarantee whatsoever.”
Legal Challenges and Class Action Lawsuits
Rivas predicted a surge in legal challenges to the immigration pause, suggesting affected individuals should contact an immigration attorney in Orlando immediately. “You’re going to see a lot of class action lawsuits, people who have waited their process, who are standing in line, who are ready to become U.S. citizens, and now their process is being halted,” he said.
These potential class action lawsuits represent a path forward for individuals impacted by the immigration pause. The legal basis for such challenges centers on constitutional concerns about due process and the apparent lack of individual review before blanket application suspensions. Any experienced criminal defense lawyer in Florida can help evaluate whether your situation qualifies for legal action.
An experienced criminal attorney understands that checks and balances are essential to the American legal system. This immigration pause potentially exceeds those constitutional limits without justification.
Why You Need an Immigration Attorney in Orlando Now
If you are from one of the 19 affected countries and have a pending immigration application or visa case, you need experienced legal representation immediately. An immigration attorney in Florida can help you understand your options, including potential legal challenges to the pause. Here’s why hiring a criminal defense lawyer experienced in immigration matters is critical:
- Skilled attorneys understand constitutional arguments about due process and government overreach
- Experienced legal professionals can evaluate whether class action lawsuits apply to your situation
- A criminal attorney in Orlando can help document your case for potential legal challenges
- Attorneys can advise on alternative pathways and options while the pause remains in effect
- An experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer can fight to protect your rights and make sure that you receive fair treatment under the law.
About Jose Rivas
Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas is a veteran bilingual TV Legal Analyst who has appeared on Univision, Fox News, Telemundo, and many other news outlets. With extensive experience in both criminal defense and immigration matters, Rivas brings practical legal insight to major issues affecting Central Florida residents. His television appearances on major networks demonstrate his expertise in navigating complex legal issues that impact families and individuals seeking to build their lives in America.