DHS reforms the H-1B visa selection system to prioritize higher-paid talent
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced significant changes to the H-1B work visa selection process. The new regulation eliminates the purely random lottery system and replaces it with a weighted selection model that gives greater priority to foreign workers with higher qualifications and higher wages, with the goal of protecting the income and job […]
Annual U.S. immigration balance: security, control, and policy changes during 2025
At the close of 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) presented a report of its main actions of the year, focused on reinforcing national security, improving background checks, and strengthening coordination with other agencies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to the agency, these measures sought to restore the integrity […]
United States announces new visa restrictions for national security reasons
The United States announced new restrictions on the issuance of visas for national security reasons through Presidential Proclamation 10998, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, according to the U.S. Department of State. The measure fully or partially suspends the issuance of visas and entry into the country for citizens of 39 countries, expanding […]
The Trump administration suspends the Diversity Visa Program after the shooting at Brown University
The administration of President Donald Trump announced the temporary suspension of the Diversity Visa Program after authorities confirmed that the suspect in the shooting at Brown University had obtained permanent residence through this program. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reported that the decision was made under the direct order of the president, within the […]
Visa Bulletin: what changes and what permanent residency applicants need to know in 2026
The monthly update of the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for January 2026 was recently published and is a key reference for those awaiting a green card (permanent residence). This bulletin shows which priority dates have become “current” or available, indicating who can move forward in their residency applications or file certain adjustment-of-status forms. […]
The United States implements a new $5,000 immigration fee for noncitizens apprehended without authorization
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published an official notice in the Federal Register establishing new fees related to the enforcement of immigration laws, as provided under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR-1). According to this notice, foreign individuals who are apprehended between ports of entry and deemed inadmissible under immigration laws must pay […]
DHS ends the improper use of humanitarian parole and cancels the Family Reunification programs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the cancellation of all Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for citizens of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras. The measure, published on December 12, 2025, responds to the decision to end the broad use of humanitarian parole and return to a strict case-by-case evaluation, with […]
New photo policy strengthens identity verification and combats immigration fraud
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new guidelines that strengthen identity verification in immigration procedures. As of December 12, 2025, photographs used to issue immigration documents may not be more than three years old. This measure aims to increase national security and reduce identity fraud. You can also read. ““Trump Gold Card”: New […]
“Trump Gold Card”: New official route to permanent residence in the U.S.
The official website TrumpCard.gov presents the Trump Gold Card program, a new initiative by the U.S. government that offers an accelerated pathway to obtain permanent residence (green card). Under this program, applicants pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security, and after passing a rigorous background check, they may contribute $1 […]
The United States strengthens rules for nonimmigrant visa interviews
The U.S. Department of State updated, effective immediately as of December 12, 2025, the instructions for nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants. From now on, visa interviews must, as a general rule, be scheduled at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence. For citizens of countries where NIV visas are not […]
