- The U.S. government has begun “continuous vetting” of more than 55 million valid visa holders — a process that could result in revocations and deportations if violations are found.
- The initiative applies broadly to all visa categories, including employment-based, student and visitor visas.
- Employers should prepare for potential workforce disruptions, maintain compliance and
USCIS Updates Policy Manual, Expands Enforcement Rule: What the Stricter Stance Means for H-1B, Family-Based, Other Beneficiaries
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) February 2025 policy memorandum and July 2025 policy manual update highlight the agency’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
Generally, USCIS will no longer exempt classes or categories of foreign nationals from potential enforcement except in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. One update describes the circumstances under which USCIS issues
SSA Pauses Automatic Issuance of SSNs for Certain Immigration Applicants
Takeaways
- As of March 19, 2025, the SSA has paused automatic SSN issuance for many immigrant applicants, including those receiving new work permits and newly naturalized citizens.
- Affected individuals must now apply in person at SSA offices.
- Employers should adjust onboarding processes accordingly and educate HR teams to avoid disruptions.
The Social Security Administration (SSA)
USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Terminated Venezuela TPS Following SCOTUS Decision
USCIS has issued updated guidance following the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 19, 2025, decision to grant the Justice Department’s emergency request to lift a March 31 California district court order halting DHS’s termination of Venezuela TPS.
The status of work authorization documents and TPS are as follows:
1. For individuals who registered under the 2023
Trump Suspends Travel to U.S. for Nationals of 19 Countries
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry to the U.S. for nationals of 19 countries on June 4, 2025. The proclamation stated that the designated countries are so deficient in their information screening and vetting that a suspension on the entry of nationals from those countries is necessary. “Presidential Proclamation Restricting the Entry
Federal Court Enjoins DHS’s Revocation of Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students
On May 22, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem ordered the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) to terminate Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (“SEVP”) certification for alleged “pro-terrorist conduct.” SEVP certification enables universities to enroll international students.
The revocation of Harvard’s SEVP authorization has sent shockwaves through the academic community, as it
Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to End Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Justice Department’s request to lift U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen’s March 31 order halting the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) rescission of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans.
Under the rescission, announced in a Federal Register Notice on Feb. 5, 2025
Employer Compliance with Illinois E-Verify Law Still Necessary Despite DOJ Lawsuit
- The DOJ suit against Illinois to block a new state law argues that Illinois is intruding on federal immigration authority.
- Illinois’ law requires E-Verify employers to post state notices and give employees advance notice of any Form I-9 inspections, among other obligations not required under federal law.
- A similar California law (AB 450) was
Employers Must Adapt to Worksite Raid Surge: Sanctuary Cities Face Intensified Enforcement Efforts
Takeaways:
- Increased Worksite Enforcement: Businesses can expect a surge in ICE raids and I-9 audits at workplaces.
- Impact on Sanctuary Cities: Federal agents will target sanctuary cities for immigration enforcement operations.
- Employer Preparedness: Businesses, especially those operating in sanctuary cities, should have an action plan ready for potential ICE enforcement actions.
Tom Homan, President Donald
What’s Changing to H-1B Cap Gap for F-1 Students?
Takeaways
- The new DHS rule extends the H-1B Cap Gap period from 10.1 to 04.1.
- F-1 students with pending or approved H-1B petitions benefit from this extension.
- Employers must adjust their processes to comply with the new rule.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule (89 FR 10354) that