TPS Ethiopia, Project Firewall, Parole Programs & ESTA Updates | Rapid-Fire Wednesdays 12.17 (085) [TNYztn5148X]
In this episode (recorded December 15, 2025), WR Partners Kimberley Best Robidoux and Miki Kawashima Matrician, break down critical immigration developments. The WR duo cover the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia, including automatic EAD extensions through February 13, 2026, and employer obligations for reverifying affected employees. They also discuss DHS’s termination of Family Reunification Parole Programs for Colombians, Cubans, Ecuadorians, Guatemalans, Haitians, Hondurans, and Salvadorans, with guidance on workforce impacts and EAD revocations effective January 14, 2026. Our Fire-Twins then highlight Project Firewall, the alignment of DOL and EEOC on national origin discrimination enforcement, and proposed ESTA changes requiring expanded personal data, social media disclosure, biometrics, and mobile-only applications. Don’t miss this episode for practical tips on managing TPS and parole terminations, maintaining compliance under Project Firewall, and preparing for upcoming ESTA requirements. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Major Immigration Updates This Week 01:08 – TPS Termination for Ethiopia 02:19 – Employer Guidance on TPS EADs 02:47 – Family Reunification Parole Termination 04:28 – Employer Obligations & Workforce Impact 06:18 – Project Firewall: DOL & EEOC Alignment 08:24 – ESTA Proposed Changes & Expanded Data Requirements 10:14 – Planning for Business Travel Disruptions 10:28 – Closing Episode Recap Transcriptions: Follow WR Immigration on LinkedIn: Contact Kimberley Best Robidoux: Contact Miki Kawashima Matrician: Termination of Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombians, Cubans, Ecuadorians, Guatemalans, Haitians, Hondurans, and Salvadorans: Termination of Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombians, Cubans, Ecuadorians, Guatemalans, Haitians, Hondurans, and Salvadorans: ICYMI: EEOC Partners in DOL Project Firewall: Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Arrival and Departure Record (Form I-94) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): This does not constitute legal advice and is for informational purposes only. For legal opinions or questions pertaining to your specific case, please schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys or contact your WR Immigration case team. www.wolfsdorf.com | [email protected] © 2025 Wolfsdorf Rosenthal LLP (WR Immigration). All rights reserved. Information may not be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of Wolfsdorf Rosenthal LLP. For permission, contact: [email protected]