August 2025 » Page 2 of 2 » ImmigrationUSA

employment-based visa policy

Weighted H-1B Lottery Selection Cleared by White House

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal to change the H-1B lottery to a weighted selection process passed the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs’ (OIRA) review. The new system will replace the current H-1B lottery to prioritize registrants that meet specific criteria. The proposed rule echoes a 2021 plan

August 19, 2025

family-based immigration

September 2025 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State has released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin, which provides an update on the availability of immigrant visas for both consular processing and adjustment of status applications for the month of September 2025. The bulletin includes both the Final Action Dates and the Dates for Filing

August 14, 2025

family-based immigration

Marriage-Based Green Card Applicants to Face Greater Scrutiny

USCIS recently issued important guidance regarding family-based immigration cases. In updating its policy manual, USCIS emphasized that “fraudulent, frivolous, or other non-meritorious” family-based immigrant visa petitions. The policy update calls for greater scrutiny of marriage-based cases, including additional vetting and mandatory interviews. USCIS can also commence removal proceedings when a

August 14, 2025

Child Status Protection Act

CSPA Age Calculation Tightened

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed the age calculation parameters under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) to solely use the “Final Action Dates” chart in the monthly visa bulletin. Previously, CSPA age calculations used the “Dates for Filing” chart. The change is effective August 15, 2025. If an

August 13, 2025

Birthright Citizenship

Birthright Citizenship Parameters Changed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a memo issuing new guidelines regarding birthright citizenship parameters. The memo states children aren’t entitled to birthright citizenship if their mother is unlawfully present in U.S. at the time of their birth and if their father isn’t a citizen or green card holder.

August 6, 2025

B-1

Visa Bond Deposits Required by Dept. of State

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is requiring visa bond deposits for travelers from certain countries. The new policy, called the Visa Bond Pilot Program, requires travelers to make a fifteen-thousand-dollar deposit for a B-1 or B-2 visa. The program goes into effect on August 20, 2025, and will last

August 6, 2025

Citizenship

Citizenship Test Overhaul Pushed by Immigration Officials

Top immigration officials say the current U.S. citizenship test isn’t doing enough to gauge whether applicants are ready to be citizens. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials have called the citizenship test to reflect Congress’ intentions. USCIS explained that applicants should demonstrate an understanding of English, US history, and

August 6, 2025

family-based immigration

Family-Based Immigration Update

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has enhanced their ability to vet family-based visa petitions. The update includes new requirements for filing visas along with new visas. It also includes new guidelines for eligibility, filing a visa, interviews, and decisions of immigration officials. The updated family-based immigration parameters are meant

August 4, 2025

ICE

Warrantless ICE Arrests Approved

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now detain people without a warrant, per a recent memo. Pursuit of warrantless arrests is part of the government’s campaign of increasingly strict immigration enforcement measures. These measures have since faced challenges in the court system. The memo states that ICE officers are federal

August 4, 2025