The U.S. State Department’s “Catch and Revoke” program uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor foreign nationals, particularly student visa holders. The program aims to identify individuals who express support for Hamas, Hezbollah, or other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations through social media activity or participation in protests and revoke their visas. To date, approximately 300 foreign nationals
Other Non-immigrant Visas
USCIS Announces Initial FY 2026 H-1B Cap Selection: What Employers Need to Do Next
Takeaways
- The initial drawing includes registrants under both the 65,000 regular cap and the 20,000 master’s cap.
- Employers and attorneys have been notified of selection results through their myUSCIS accounts.
- H-1B petitions must be filed between 04.01.25 and 06.30.25 to use the cap selection.
USCIS announced on Mar. 31, 2025, that it has completed the…
SCOTUS to Consider Emergency Applications to Lift Nationwide Injunctions on EO Ending Birthright Citizenship?
The Trump Administration urged the U.S. Supreme Court to limit nationwide injunctions blocking enforcement of the executive order (EO) to end birthright citizenship.
Following his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an EO directing federal agencies to refuse recognition of U.S. citizenship for children born in the United States to mothers who…
New Trump 2.0 Travel Ban Expected to Target 40+ Countries: What You Need to Know
The Trump Administration is reportedly finalizing a new travel ban that will prohibit or severely limit the citizens of more than 40 countries from entering the United States.
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order (EO) aimed at enhancing vetting procedures. This EO directed the secretary of state, the attorney…
USCIS Issues Regulation Requiring Alien Registration
On March 12, 2025, USCIS issued an Interim Final Regulation (IFR) designating a new registration form to comply with statutory alien registration and fingerprinting provisions. The IFR goes into effect on April 11, 2025.
Under current law, with limited exceptions, non-U.S. citizens over the age of 14 who remain in the United States for at…
What DOJ’s New Focus on Immigration Enforcement Means for Businesses
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced its intention to expand the use of criminal statutes to address illegal immigration. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcement initiatives that hold employers accountable for compliance failures.
This policy shift may result in companies facing criminal charges in cases that the DOJ has not previously…
DOS Announces Dropbox Eligibility Reduced to 12 Months
After quietly updating consular websites, signaling a significant change to Visa Interview Waiver (“dropbox”) eligibility requirements, on Feb. 18, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) officially announced the reversion to pre-COVID eligibility standards, reducing the window for dropbox eligibility from 48 months to 12 months. This update follows reports of Visa Application Centers turning away…
U.S. Visa Dropbox Eligibility Reverts to Pre-COVID Standard, More Applicants Will Need In-Person Interviews
The U.S. Department of State has unexpectedly updated Consular websites with revised eligibility requirements for Visa Interview Waiver (“dropbox”) appointments.
Effective immediately, dropbox eligibility is limited to applicants renewing a visa in the same nonimmigrant classification that expired within the past 12 months. While no official government announcement has been made, Visa Application Centers (VACs)…
H-1B Cap Update: USCIS Announces FY2026 H-1B Cap Registration Period and Massive Fee Hike
The H-1B cap season for Fiscal Year 2026 is quickly approaching. USCIS announced on Feb. 5, 2025, that the registration period for FY 2026 will open at noon (EST) on Friday, March 7, 2025, and close at noon (EST) on Monday, March 24, 2025, and that the registration fee will go up significantly. Employers should…
Venezuelan TPS Update: What Employers Should Know About 2023 Designation Not Extended
Announced in a Federal Register notice published Feb. 5, 2025, Secretary Kristi Noem decided not to extend the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation. That designation will expire April 7, 2025.
DHS Secretary Noem announced on Jan. 29, 2025, that she is vacating former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ Jan. 17, 2025, redesignation of Temporary Protected Status…