Immigration Law Blog

H-1B Visas USCIS Policy December 24, 2025

DHS Overhauls H-1B Visa Lottery, Prioritizing High-Skilled Workers

DHS is replacing the random H-1B lottery with a weighted system that favors higher-paid, higher-skilled workers, effective for the FY 2027 cap season.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: The H-1B selection process will no longer be a pure lottery. Higher salary offers will directly increase the chances of selection.
• Who Should Be Concerned: U.S. employers and H-1B applicants, especially for entry-level or lower-paid positions. Companies will need to reassess their salary structures for foreign workers to remain competitive in the new system.
• Timeline for Action: The new rule applies to the H-1B cap registration season for Fiscal Year 2027, which will take place in early 2026. Employers should begin planning their H-1B strategy for 2026 now.
• Next Steps: Employers should consult with an immigration attorney to understand how this policy change affects their specific circumstances. It may be necessary to adjust salary offerings for H-1B positions to increase the likelihood of selection.

Source: Uscis

DHS Policy CBP December 24, 2025

DHS Offers $3,000 Stipend for Voluntary Departure Through CBP Home App

DHS is offering a limited-time $3,000 stipend and a free flight home for undocumented immigrants who agree to self-deport via the CBP Home app by December 31, 2025.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: A financial incentive is being offered for voluntary departure, but it is extremely time-sensitive.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Undocumented individuals currently residing in the United States who may be considering returning to their home country.
• Timeline for Action: This offer is only valid until December 31, 2025. Individuals must sign up through the CBP Home app by this date to be eligible.
• Next Steps: This is a serious decision with permanent consequences. Individuals should immediately consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand the full legal ramifications of accepting this offer, including the potential for a permanent bar to re-entry.

Source: Dhs

VAWA T Visa December 24, 2025

USCIS Updates Rules for VAWA, T, and U Visas to Combat Fraud

USCIS has implemented stricter fraud detection measures for VAWA, T, and U visa applicants, including allowing information from alleged abusers in some cases.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: USCIS has increased its authority to investigate fraud in humanitarian cases, which may lead to higher scrutiny for all applicants.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other serious crimes who are applying for or have pending applications for VAWA, T, or U visas.
• Timeline for Action: The new policy is effective immediately, as of December 22, 2025.
• Next Steps: Applicants should work closely with an immigration attorney to prepare a thoroughly documented and credible application. It is crucial to understand how these new integrity measures could impact your case and to be prepared for more rigorous vetting.

Source: Uscis

Diversity Visa DV Lottery December 24, 2025

State Department Suspends Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery Program

The State Department has immediately paused the Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery program to review security protocols, halting all new visa issuances indefinitely.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: The Green Card Lottery is on an indefinite hold. No new diversity visas will be issued until the government completes a security review.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Anyone who has been selected in a recent DV lottery and is awaiting their visa interview or issuance. Future potential applicants are also affected as the program's future is uncertain.
• Timeline for Action: The suspension is effective immediately. There is no timeline for when the review will be completed or when the program might resume.
• Next Steps: If you have a pending DV application, you should monitor official announcements from the Department of State. Consult with an immigration attorney to understand if there are any alternative immigration pathways available to you.

Source: Travel.State

EAD Work Permit December 23, 2025

USCIS Reduces Work Permit Validity to 18 Months for Many Immigrants

USCIS is shortening the validity of work permits (EADs) from five years to 18 months for many immigrants, increasing the frequency of renewals and vetting.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: Work permits for many immigrants will now expire every 18 months, requiring more frequent and costly renewals.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Refugees, asylees, applicants for asylum and adjustment of status, and their employers.
• Timeline for Action: The policy is effective for all applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025.
• Next Steps: Individuals with EADs in the affected categories should be prepared to file for renewal well in advance of their new expiration date. Employers should update their I-9 tracking systems to account for the shorter validity periods.

Source: Uscis

Travel Ban Policy Change December 22, 2025

U.S. Expands Travel Ban to 39 Countries: What You Need to Know

The U.S. government has expanded its travel ban to include 20 additional countries, bringing the total to 39 nations facing full or partial entry restrictions, effective January 1, 2026.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: Nationals from 39 countries now face full or partial suspension of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Individuals from the newly listed countries, including Nigeria, Syria, Angola, and others, as well as those from the original 19 countries.
• Timeline for Action: The new restrictions take effect on January 1, 2026. Visa applicants should expect immediate impacts on processing.
• Next Steps: Individuals from affected countries should consult with an immigration attorney to understand how this policy change affects their specific case and explore potential waivers or exceptions.

Source: Whitehouse

USCIS Policy Policy Change December 22, 2025

USCIS Launches New Vetting Center to Enhance Immigration Screening

USCIS has launched a new specialized vetting center to enhance the screening of immigration applicants for national security and public safety risks.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: USCIS has created a new center to increase the intensity of background checks and screening for all immigration applications.
• Who Should Be Concerned: All individuals applying for any U.S. immigration benefit, including visas, green cards, and naturalization.
• Timeline for Action: The new screening procedures are being implemented now. Applicants may experience delays or increased scrutiny on pending and future applications.
• Next Steps: Applicants should be prepared for a higher likelihood of detailed questioning and Requests for Evidence (RFEs). It is more important than ever to file thorough and well-documented applications and to consult with an immigration attorney to navigate the heightened screening standards.

Source: Uscis

USCIS Policy Policy Change December 20, 2025

USCIS Ends Expedited Naturalization for Certain SSI Beneficiaries

USCIS has rescinded its policy of expediting naturalization applications for certain SSI beneficiaries, potentially jeopardizing their benefits.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: The automatic expedited processing for naturalization applications for certain SSI beneficiaries is no longer in effect.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Refugees, asylees, Amerasian immigrants, and Cuban/Haitian entrants who receive SSI benefits and are approaching their seven-year limit to naturalize.
• Timeline for Action: This policy change is effective immediately. Individuals with pending applications should anticipate potential delays.
• Next Steps: Affected individuals should consult with an immigration attorney to assess their case and explore any available options to request discretionary expedited processing based on their specific circumstances.

Source: Uscis

Diversity Visa Policy Change December 20, 2025

Trump Administration Suspends Diversity Visa Lottery Program

The Trump administration has suspended the Diversity Visa Lottery program, citing national security concerns and creating uncertainty for millions of applicants.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: The Diversity Visa Lottery program is suspended indefinitely, and no new visas will be issued under this program until further notice.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Individuals who have been selected in the DV-2025 or previous lotteries and are awaiting visa interviews, as well as those planning to apply in the future.
• Timeline for Action: The suspension is immediate. The application window for the next lottery may be delayed or canceled.
• Next Steps: Selected applicants should monitor official announcements from the Department of State and consult with an immigration attorney. Those planning to apply should await further guidance on the program's future.

Source: Boundless

TPS DHS Policy December 20, 2025

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia

DHS has terminated the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ethiopia, affecting thousands of Ethiopian nationals in the U.S.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: Ethiopian nationals with TPS will lose their protected status and work authorization on a future date to be announced by DHS.
• Who Should Be Concerned: All Ethiopian TPS holders and their families.
• Timeline for Action: While the termination date is not yet set, individuals should begin planning for the future now.
• Next Steps: Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries should consult with an immigration attorney to explore other potential immigration options, such as asylum or family-based petitions, that may allow them to remain in the United States legally.

Source: Uscis

EAD USCIS Policy December 20, 2025

USCIS Reduces Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Validity Period

USCIS has reduced the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from five years to 18 months for certain categories.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: EAD validity periods have been reduced to a maximum of 18 months for most categories, requiring more frequent renewals.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Foreign nationals with pending adjustment of status applications and other EAD holders who previously received longer validity periods.
• Timeline for Action: The policy is effective immediately for new EAD applications and renewals filed after December 4, 2025.
• Next Steps: Affected individuals should plan ahead for more frequent EAD renewals, ensure timely filing to avoid gaps in work authorization, and consult with an immigration attorney to understand how this change impacts their specific situation.

Source: Uscis

USCIS Policy Security December 20, 2025

USCIS Establishes New Screening Center to Target Fraud and Security Threats

USCIS has established a new specialized screening center to strengthen vetting of foreign nationals and identify potential security threats and fraud.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: A new USCIS screening center will conduct more intensive vetting of immigration applicants to identify security threats and fraud.
• Who Should Be Concerned: All immigration applicants, particularly those with complex backgrounds or from countries subject to enhanced scrutiny.
• Timeline for Action: The center is operational immediately, and applicants may experience longer processing times.
• Next Steps: Applicants should ensure all documentation is accurate and complete, respond promptly to any requests for additional information, and consult with an immigration attorney if they have concerns about their background or application.

Source: Uscis

Travel Ban State Department December 20, 2025

State Department Implements Expanded Travel Ban Effective January 1, 2026

The State Department will implement an expanded travel ban on January 1, 2026, affecting 39 countries and eliminating key visa exceptions.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: Starting January 1, 2026, nationals of 39 countries will face full or partial visa suspensions, with limited exceptions.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Nationals of the affected countries, their family members in the U.S., and employers who hire workers from these countries.
• Timeline for Action: The restrictions take effect January 1, 2026. Valid visas issued before this date will not be revoked.
• Next Steps: Affected individuals should consult with an immigration attorney immediately to assess their options. Those with pending visa applications should monitor official announcements and consider whether they qualify for any exceptions. U.S. citizens with family members in affected countries should explore all available immigration pathways before the deadline.

Source: Travel.State

Birthright Citizenship Supreme Court December 17, 2025

Supreme Court to Rule on Birthright Citizenship in Landmark Case

The Supreme Court will decide the future of birthright citizenship by reviewing President Trump's executive order to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: The fundamental right to citizenship for all persons born in the U.S. is being challenged and could be overturned.
• Who Should Be Concerned: All non-citizen parents residing in the U.S., particularly undocumented immigrants, who are expecting children or have U.S.-born children.
• Timeline for Action: The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the spring of 2026 and issue a ruling in the summer of 2026. No immediate action is required, but the situation requires close monitoring.
• Next Steps: Stay informed about the case's progress. Families who may be affected should consult with an immigration attorney to understand their rights and potential options depending on the outcome.

Source: Scotusblog

Travel Ban Policy Change December 17, 2025

Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban to 39 Countries, Citing Security Concerns

The Trump administration has expanded its travel ban to 39 countries, adding 7 new nations to the full ban and 15 to a partial restriction list, effective January 1, 2026.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: It will be significantly harder, or impossible, for citizens of 39 countries to obtain U.S. visas for travel, work, or immigration.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Individuals from the 39 listed countries, as well as their family members and employers in the U.S. The newly added countries include Syria, Laos, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan under a full ban.
• Timeline for Action: The new restrictions go into effect on January 1, 2026. Individuals with pending applications from these countries will be affected.
• Next Steps: If you or a family member are from one of the listed countries, it is crucial to consult with an immigration attorney immediately to assess how this policy change affects your case. Do not make travel plans until you have clarity on your visa status.

Source: Cnn

Asylum USCIS Policy December 17, 2025

Nationwide Halt on Asylum Processing Leaves Applicants in Limbo

USCIS has indefinitely halted the processing of all asylum applications nationwide, leaving thousands of asylum seekers in legal limbo without a clear timeline for resolution.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: All pending asylum cases are frozen, and no new decisions will be made until the hold is lifted.
• Who Should Be Concerned: All individuals with pending asylum applications in the United States, as well as those planning to apply for asylum.
• Timeline for Action: The halt is indefinite. Applicants must wait for a formal announcement from USCIS on when processing will resume.
• Next Steps: If you have a pending asylum case, it is essential to maintain your current legal status and keep your address updated with USCIS. Consult with your immigration attorney for case-specific advice and to monitor for any updates on this policy change.

Source: Ogletree

CBP ESTA December 16, 2025

New CBP Proposal: 5 Years of Social Media History for Visa Waiver Travelers

The U.S. government has proposed a new rule requiring foreign tourists from 42 visa-waiver countries to disclose five years of social media history as part of their ESTA application.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: Travelers from visa-waiver countries may soon face a mandatory requirement to provide their social media history, which could impact their eligibility for travel to the U.S.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Citizens of the 42 visa-waiver countries, including the UK, Germany, France, and Japan, who plan to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business.
• Timeline for Action: The proposal is in a 60-day public comment period and is not yet final. No immediate action is required, but travelers should stay informed.
• Next Steps: Monitor official government sources for updates on this proposal. If you have concerns about your social media history, you may wish to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.

Source: Nbcnews

H-1B Visas H-4 December 16, 2025

H-1B and H-4 Visa Appointments Delayed Due to New Vetting Protocols

The U.S. State Department is delaying H-1B and H-4 visa appointments due to a new, more intensive vetting protocol that includes a review of applicants' social media history.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: H-1B and H-4 visa applicants should anticipate significant delays in visa processing and should not make international travel plans without confirming their visa appointment status.
• Who Should Be Concerned: H-1B and H-4 visa applicants with appointments scheduled on or after December 15, 2025, as well as those planning to apply for these visas in the near future.
• Timeline for Action: The new protocol is effective immediately. Applicants should check with the relevant U.S. consulate for the latest information on appointment availability.
• Next Steps: If your appointment is canceled or postponed, communicate with your employer to discuss potential remote work arrangements. If you have urgent travel needs, consult with an immigration attorney to explore your options.

Source: Hklaw

Parole DHS Policy December 15, 2025

DHS Terminates Family Reunification Parole Programs for Seven Countries

DHS has terminated all Family Reunification Parole programs for seven Latin American and Caribbean countries, ending a key pathway for families to reunite in the U.S.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: The pathway for early reunification for families from the seven affected countries has been eliminated. Parole will now only be granted on a case-by-case basis.
• Who Should Be Concerned: Individuals from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras with approved family-based petitions who were hoping to use the FRP program.
• Timeline for Action: The termination is effective December 15, 2025. Current parolees must have filed for adjustment of status by this date to potentially remain in the U.S. beyond January 14, 2026.
• Next Steps: If you or a family member are affected by this termination, it is imperative to speak with an immigration attorney immediately to explore alternative options for reunification and to understand the implications for your specific case.

Source: Federalregister

TPS DHS Policy December 13, 2025

DHS Ends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia: What You Need to Know

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ethiopia, effective February 13, 2026. This decision impacts thousands of Ethiopian nationals currently residing in the U.S. under TPS.

What This Means for You:

• Key Point 1: If you are an Ethiopian national with TPS, your legal status will expire on February 13, 2026, unless you secure another form of immigration status.
• Who Should Be Concerned: All Ethiopian nationals currently holding TPS in the United States.
• Timeline for Action: You have until February 13, 2026, to either depart the U.S. or adjust your immigration status.
• Next Steps: Immediately consult with an experienced immigration attorney to explore other potential avenues for legal residency, such as asylum, family-based petitions, or employment-based visas. Do not wait until the deadline approaches.

Source: Uscis