Venezuelan Immigrant Sues Trump Admin Over Visa Renewal

Valentina Amaro Bowser claims her H-1B visa renewal is being 'unlawfully' delayed due to her Venezuelan origins.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A Venezuelan woman working in Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's office has filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), claiming the Trump Administration has 'unlawfully' and 'unreasonably' delayed her H-1B worker visa renewal, which expires on Feb. 14. Bowser and her attorneys argue she is being 'punished' for her Venezuelan origins after President Trump issued several proclamations targeting Venezuela.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by legal immigrants in the U.S. under the Trump Administration's policies, with claims that Venezuelan immigrants are being unfairly targeted and denied benefits despite living and working in the country legally.

The details

Bowser, who has legally lived, studied and worked in the U.S. since 2013, applied for immigration benefits on Jan. 8, 2025 but her applications have been put on hold by USCIS. Her attorneys argue USCIS does not have the authority to delay adjudication of benefits for immigrants already in the U.S. legally based on Trump's proclamations targeting certain countries. Bowser's employer, Gov. Healey, is only giving her until Feb. 28 to provide proof of a valid work visa or face termination.

  • Bowser applied for immigration benefits on Jan. 8, 2025.
  • Bowser attended an in-person interview with USCIS officials in Boston on Jan. 7, 2026.
  • Bowser's H-1B visa expires on Feb. 14, 2026.
  • Bowser was placed on unpaid leave starting on Feb. 11, 2026.
  • The judge ordered the Trump Administration to respond to the motion by Feb. 16, 2026.

The players

Valentina Amaro Bowser

A Venezuelan woman working in Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's office as the Media Director.

Brandon Bowser

Valentina Amaro Bowser's American citizen husband.

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts who is backing Valentina Amaro Bowser in her lawsuit.

Joseph Edlow

The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Jerry Ammons

The Boston Field Office Director of USCIS.

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What they’re saying

“Valentina Amaro Bowser has done everything right. She came to the United States to study, to join our workforce, and to contribute to our country. She has dedicated her career to public service, and specifically to making sure that every community across our state has access to their government services and resources. She loves our country and wants to become a United States citizen — and she deserves to be.”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (Boston Herald)

“Instead, the federal government is taking away her livelihood and depriving Massachusetts residents of their connection to state government. And the saddest part of all is that this isn't just happening to Valentina — it's happening to countless immigrants across this country who have come here lawfully, done everything by the book, and yet are still being denied their citizenship by this federal administration. We are not going to stop fighting for Valentina and for every member of our immigrant communities who is being targeted by this cruelty.”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case has ordered attorneys representing the Trump Administration to respond to the motion for emergency relief by Feb. 16, 2026. A decision on whether to compel USCIS to immediately adjudicate Bowser's pending visa applications is expected soon after.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and state leaders over immigration policies, with claims that the Trump Administration is unfairly targeting and delaying visa renewals for legal immigrants like Valentina Amaro Bowser despite their contributions to local communities.