DHS and USCIS launch historic immigration fraud investigation in Minnesota
DHS and USCIS activated Operation PARRIS in Minnesota, a large-scale investigation focused on re-verifying refugee cases and detecting potential immigration fraud. The initiative includes new background checks, interviews, and application reviews, and initially focuses on approximately 5,600 refugees who have not yet obtained permanent residence. As part of this federal strategy for security and immigration […]
USCIS increases Premium Processing fees starting March 2026
USCIS announced increases in Premium Processing fees due to inflation. The new fees apply starting March 1, 2026. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule increasing USCIS Premium Processing service fees, with the goal of reflecting accumulated inflation between June 2023 and June 2025, pursuant to the authority granted by […]
The U.S. implements visa bonds starting in 2026 for B1/B2 applicants from certain countries
The U.S. will require visa bonds of up to $15,000 for B1/B2 applicants from countries with high overstay rates. The United States Department of State announced the launch of a pilot “visa bonds” program that will be applied in phases in 2026, depending on the applicant’s country of nationality. This measure aims to reduce B1/B2 […]
Secretary Rubio reaffirms that the U.S. will defend security in the hemisphere following the capture of Maduro
On January 4, 2026, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made statements highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving national and regional security following the recent operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Rubio emphasized that the administration of President Donald Trump is determined to prevent the Western Hemisphere […]
The U.S. activates a rule linking public health risks with asylum restrictions
The United States government confirmed that, as of December 31, 2025, a rule will take effect clarifying that individuals who pose a risk to public health may be considered ineligible for asylum and protection from deportation. The rule was issued jointly by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), and […]
USCIS updates immigration fees for inflation effective January 1, 2026
On December 31, 2025, USCIS published a new edition of Form G-1055 (Fee Schedule), version 01/01/26, which incorporates inflation-adjusted fees for certain immigration charges established by H.R. 1, effective January 1, 2026. You can also read. “USCIS strengthens controls of the VAWA program after detecting a historic increase in fraud” In practical terms, the official […]
USCIS strengthens controls of the VAWA program after detecting a historic increase in fraud
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an update to the guidance in its Policy Manual related to the self-petition program under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), after detecting an unprecedented increase in filings and potential cases of fraud. Between fiscal years 2020 and 2024, VAWA self-petitions increased by approximately 360%, including notable growth […]
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 […]
