On September 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation restricting the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers into the United States. This action follows growing concerns regarding systemic abuse of the H-1B visa program and its impact on U.S. workers, particularly in the IT and STEM sectors.
Category: H-1B Visa
New H-1B Visa Proposal: $100,000 Filing Fee Announced
The Trump Administration has announced plans to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. This marks a significant departure from the current fee structure and could dramatically impact U.S. employers and highly skilled foreign workers.
Key Highlights
A $100,000 fee would be...Understanding the Difference Between Unlawful Presence and Unlawful Status
In U.S. immigration law, the terms “unlawful presence” and “unlawful status” are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same — and confusing the two can lead to serious mistakes with long-term consequences. Recent policy shifts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) make this distinction more important than ever for students, workers,...
Advance Parole vs H-1B Travel: Understanding the Risks When Your Green Card Is Pending
When your green card (Form I-485 Adjustment of Status) is pending, international travel becomes a complicated decision. Many applicants rely on Advance Parole to leave and re-enter the United States. However, immigration attorneys caution that traveling with Advance Parole carries risks — and in many cases, it may be safer to maintain or return...
How Employers Can Prepare for a USCIS Site Visit
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased its focus on employer compliance, and one of the most visible tools is the unannounced site visit. These inspections are conducted by officers from the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) directorate and are designed to confirm that the details in immigration petitions match what...
USCIS Policy Update: “Anti-American” Activity May Impact Immigration Benefit Requests
On August 19, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an update to its Policy Manual that could have serious consequences for foreign nationals applying for certain immigration benefits. Under the new guidance, USCIS officers may weigh whether an applicant has engaged in activity deemed “anti-American” when making discretionary decisions.
USCIS Moves Closer to Wage-Based H-1B Lottery: What Employers and Applicants Should Know
The H-1B visa program is again at the center of proposed regulatory changes. On July 17, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent a draft rule titled “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OMB completed its review on...
H-1B Layoffs and NTAs: Why the 60-Day Grace Period May No Longer Be Reliable
A troubling trend is emerging for H-1B professionals laid off in the United States: some are receiving Notices to Appear (NTAs) in immigration court, even though they are still within the 60-day grace period that has historically provided a buffer after job loss.
This development is creating significant uncertainty for...
Working Remotely on a U.S. Visa: What H-1B, E-3, and H-1B1 Employees and Employers Need to Know
Remote and hybrid work arrangements have become a normal part of many workplaces. While they provide flexibility, they also create important legal responsibilities — especially for foreign nationals working in the U.S. under visas such as H-1B, E-3, or H-1B1.
Failing to follow these rules can lead...
Can You Sponsor Your Own H-1B? New 2025 Rules Make Self-Sponsored H-1Bs a Reality for Entrepreneurs
The U.S. immigration system has long required that employers petition on behalf of foreign workers under the H-1B visa. But recent changes in 2025 are opening new doors for entrepreneurs — including those who own their own business.
Thanks to the H-1B modernization rules introduced in January 2025, individuals...