On December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a memorandum ordering USCIS personnel to "hold and review" all pending asylum applications and all USCIS benefit applications filed by those from "high-risk countries." The memo also calls...
Topic: Immigration Articles
USCIS Announces New ‘Vetting Center’
On December 5, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the establishment of a new USCIS Vetting Center to be headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The new center will be "a specialized unit to strengthen the ability of America's immigration...
USCIS Reduces Maximum Validity Period for Some Work Permits
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reduced the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories. This update also incorporates changes to EAD validity periods made by recent legislation, USCIS said. USCIS...
DOS Expands Social Media Vetting to H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants
Starting December 15, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) will extend its enhanced social media vetting to H-1B specialty-occupation workers and their H-4 dependent family members. This newest expansion of the government's online presence screening practices for...
Expert Commentary: Steve Yale-Loehr Weighs In on Trump’s Green Card Review Directive in Chosun Biz
In Trump Orders Review of Green Cards From 19 Countries After Washington, DC, Terror Shooting. Steve said, "A green card is a right protected by constitutional due process. An executive order revoking green cards solely on the basis of nationality, without...
Steve Yale-Loehr Publishes Op-Ed on the Critical Role of International Students
Steve authored an op-ed arguing that international students are vital to the U.S. economy and that their continued contributions are more important now than ever. Read the article: The U.S. Economy Needs International Students Now More Than Ever
DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status Designation for Haiti and Burma
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for Haiti and Burma. The termination of the Haiti TPS designation is effective February 3, 2026. DHS said those leaving the United States can use...
Trump Vows Crackdown After National Guard Shootings
After an Afghan asylum recipient shot two National Guardsmen in the District of Columbia, killing one and putting the other in critical condition, President Trump vowed to take additional actions against certain noncitizens in the United States or waiting to get in....
E-Verify Updates Policy Under Supreme Court Order Allowing Termination of 2023 Venezuela TPS Designation
E-Verify released an update on November 14, 2025, related to work authorization, pursuant to a Supreme Court order allowing immediate termination of the 2023 Venezuela Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation. E-Verify said that for Forms I-766, Employment...
TSA Launches Alternative ID Verification Program and Fee
On November 20, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it is launching a "modernized alternative identity verification program" at TSA checkpoints for those without the required acceptable form of identification, such as a REAL ID or...
