As predicted following its passage and signing into law in early July, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) has resulted in a surge in job applications at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following that funding approval, hiring and training of sufficient personnel is the Trump Administration’s next step
Trump Administration
USCIS Updates Policy on Assessing Good Moral Character in Adjudication of Naturalization Applications
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) August 2025 policy memorandum on naturalization applications demonstrates the agency’s heightened scrutiny in conferring citizenship and raises questions on how newly empowered officers will conduct their review.
Citizenship is the final step in what can be a long and complicated journey for foreign nationals seeking immigration benefits. After…
Federal Judge Blocks Implementation of EO on Birthright Citizenship in Class Action Case
A federal district court in New Hampshire granted certification to a nationwide class and issued a preliminary injunction (PI) on July 10 that prevents the U.S. government from implementing Executive Order 14160. EO 14160 seeks to restrict birthright citizenship to only those born to at least one U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident parent…
State Department Resumes Student, Exchange Visitor Visa Processing with Focus on Online Presence
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…
DHS Announces End of TPS Designations for Nicaragua and Honduras
On July 7, 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that TPS designations for Nicaragua and Honduras will not be extended. TPS designations for both countries expired on July 5, 2025.
The 60-day transition period will start on July 8, 2025. Work authorization documents based upon TPS designation for Nicaragua and Honduras will remain valid during…
U.S. District Judge Blocks DHS Attempt to Terminate Haiti TPS Early
A federal judge has blocked the Trump Administration from ending TPS for Haiti months earlier than initially planned under the 2024 government extension.
On June 27, 2025, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she will not renew Haiti’s TPS designation. The TPS designation will expire on Aug. 3, 2025, and the…
What Are the Immigration Impacts in Budget Reconciliation Bill H.R. 1?
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…
USCIS Makes Changes to TN Policy Manual: Key Updates for Employers
USCIS has released an update to its Policy Manual, bringing significant changes to regulations on the TN nonimmigrant visa classification and perhaps some employers’ practices. For instance, because of changes to the Scientific Technician/Technologist category, employers in the healthcare industry may need to consider other visas for certain roles.
Eligibility
To be eligible for…
USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Terminated CHNV Program Following SCOTUS Decision
USCIS has issued updated guidance following the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 30, 2025, decision to grant DHS’s request to lift an April 14 U.S. district court order halting the Department’s termination of the CHNV program.
With this decision, DHS may proceed with terminating parole granted under the CHNV parole programs and with revoking any employment…
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…