The November 2025 Visa Bulletin brings another month of largely stable Employment-Based categories and slight movement in some Family-Based preferences. With limited visa number availability early in FY 2026, the Department of State maintains consistency to manage demand, while the EB-4 Religious Worker program remains “Unavailable.” Here’s what you need to know.
USCIS Implements New $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee Under H.R. 1
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant new policy update: beginning October 16, 2025, individuals granted immigration parole or re-parole will be required to pay a $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee. This change is being implemented pursuant to the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, which authorizes the Department of Homeland...
Federal Court Upholds Free Speech Rights for International Students and Faculty
In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge William G. Young reaffirmed that international students and faculty enjoy the same First Amendment protections as U.S. citizens. The court struck down a Trump-era policy that sought to target noncitizen students and educators for arrest or deportation based on their pro-Palestinian political expression.
Worksite Enforcement in 2025: How Immigration Compliance Impacts U.S. Employers
Federal immigration enforcement has increasingly shifted its focus to the workplace. “Worksite enforcement” refers to the government’s efforts to make sure that employers follow the law when hiring and managing employees. These actions may involve inspections, audits, or, in more serious cases, coordinated investigations that can affect both businesses and workers.
Five Growing Risks for Green Card Holders in 2025
Permanent residence in the United States has always been viewed as a stable immigration status. However, recent policy changes and stricter enforcement trends have made it clear that even lawful permanent residents (LPRs) — or “green card holders” — are now facing closer scrutiny when traveling, filing for citizenship, or renewing status.
USCIS Confirms Continued Processing Despite Shutdown Delays
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will continue processing H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and CW-1 petitions during the government shutdown. However, employers and petitioners should be aware that the shutdown may delay access to required Department of Labor (DOL) certifications, which could affect the timely filing of petitions...
Increased USCIS Scrutiny Slows Green Card Processing Nationwide
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a new, large-scale internal initiative aimed at detecting fraud and improving data verification across immigration filings. Internally referred to as “Operation TwinShield,” the program marks one of the most extensive vetting efforts in recent years — and it is already affecting processing times for family-based,...
Immigration Raids on the Rise: What Employers Should Know
A recent federal operation at a Hyundai factory in Georgia, resulting in nearly 500 arrests, has drawn national attention to a surge in worksite immigration enforcement. The raid — the largest of its kind in U.S. history — signals a clear shift toward high-impact enforcement actions under the current administration.
Canada Increases Oversight and Penalties for Temporary Foreign Worker Program Employers
The Government of Canada has introduced stronger compliance measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, reinforcing that hiring foreign talent must remain a last resort when no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available. Recent updates from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) show a sharp decline in program applications and...
Bill C-3 and the Return of Citizenship Rights for Lost Canadians
A major development is underway for individuals known as Lost Canadians. The federal government’s Bill C-3 seeks to restore citizenship to those who lost or were denied it under past policies. Following a 2023 Ontario Superior Court decision that struck down limits on citizenship by descent, this proposed legislation could reinstate citizenship...
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