In this issue: 1. DOS Expands Social Media Vetting to H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants – This newest expansion of the government’s online presence screening practices for foreign nationals applies to both new visa applications and renewals. 2. USCIS Reduces Maximum Validity Period for Some Work Permits – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has reduced […]
In this issue: 1. DHS Publishes Interim Final Rule Ending Automatic Extension of Certain EADs – The rule does not affect the validity of EADs that were automatically extended before October 30, 2025, or that are otherwise automatically extended by law or through a Federal Register notice, such as for Temporary Protected Status-related employment documentation. […]
1. Group Sues Trump Administration Over $100K H-1B Application Fee; U.S. Chamber of Commerce Objects to Fee – In reaction to the fee, several entities have pushed back, including a lawsuit filed by a group representing many organizations that rely in part on H-1B workers and a letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to […]
Headlines: 1. CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on citizenship by descent in several countries. 2. CANADA – This article discusses government inspections of workplaces and required documentation of foreign workers’ pay and conditions, the updated proof-of-funds amounts for those applying for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program […]
In this issue: 1. Hundreds Arrested at Georgia Hyundai Plant in Massive Operation – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested approximately 475 people during a raid on a Hyundai manufacturing plant outside of Savannah, Georgia. About 300 of those arrested were from South Korea. 2. USCIS Plans to Recruit and Train ‘Special Agents’ to Exercise […]
1. INTERNSHIP/TRAINEE VISAS: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on internship/trainee visas in several countries. 2. CANADA – This article discusses important immigration-related updates for 2025. 3. EUROPEAN UNION/ITALY – Investor visa programs are under pressure across the European Union. Should you consider the Italian investor visa now? 4. TÜRKIYE – The Turkish […]
In this issue: 1. DOS Updates Policy to Require In-Person Interviews for Most Nonimmigrant Visas – Effective September 2, 2025, the categories of applicants who may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview will be updated. All nonimmigrant visa applicants generally will require an in-person interview with a consular officer, with a […]
In this issue: 1. DOJ Announces Civil Division Enforcement Priorities, Including Denaturalization and Ending Sanctuary Jurisdictions – On June 11, 2025, the Civil Division of the Department of Justice issued a memorandum announcing its enforcement priorities under the Trump administration. Under the memo, among other things, a policy shift heightens the priority of civil denaturalization […]
In this issue: 1. Trump v. Foreign Students, Continued: DOS Suspends All Student/Exchange Visitor Visa Applications While Considering Expansion of Social Media Vetting, Will ‘Aggressively’ Revoke Visas of Certain Chinese Students – In the most recent of a continuing series of actions taken against international students seeking to pursue an education in the United States, […]
1. ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATIONS: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on electronic travel authorizations in several countries. 2. ITALY – A new law introduces significant changes to eligibility criteria for Italian citizenship by descent. 3. UNITED KINGDOM – The Home Office has released a comprehensive white paper outlining major proposed immigration reforms. New […]