On Sept. 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation titled Proclamation on Restriction of Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (the “Proclamation”) imposing significant restrictions on H-1B nonimmigrants seeking to enter or reenter the United States.

Though the Proclamation does not appear to make a distinction between new applicants and current visa holders, as of

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed revising the admission period for the F (academic student) visa classification from duration of status or “D/S” to an admission for a fixed time period. This proposed change would also apply to the J (exchange visitor) and I (representatives of foreign information media) classifications.

Under the proposed

Employers with workers on employment-based visas, such as H-1B and L-1, could face workforce disruptions after the Department of State (DOS) announced that Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) applicants should schedule visa interview appointments in their own country of nationality or residence, with limited exceptions, effective Sept. 6, 2025.

If an NIV applicant’s application is based on

  • 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

Impacted Venezuelan nationals will need to acquire an alternative immigrant status and work authorization in order to remain in the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Sept. 5, 2025, that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is terminating the 2021 designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The termination will be effective starting

The U.S. Department of State has announced resumption of student and exchange visitor visa processing, along with expanded digital vetting procedures. The June 18, 2025, press release, “Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants,” aligns with guidance issued the same day to consular posts in a cable, “Action Request: Expanding Screening

The House of Representatives passed budget reconciliation bill H.R. 1, entitled “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” that includes significant changes to the immigration fee structure. As the Senate prepares its version of the reconciliation bill, many of the immigration-related provisions are unchanged from the one passed by the House.

H.R. 1 aims to initiate

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)

  • New student visa interviews are temporarily paused as of 05.27.25 to implement enhanced social media and security screening.
  • Applicants with existing appointments are likely not affected, but new applicants will face delays.
  • Consular officers are instructed to scrutinize applicants’ online presence, including private or limited social media accounts or the lack of any online

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