Houston’s mayor is proposing changes to the city’s police policy on immigration enforcement after Texas threatened to cut funding. The amendment would allow officers to detain individuals based on civil immigration warrants. The proposal has sparked protests and debate, with a city council vote expected soon.

Senate Judiciary Democrats are calling for an investigation into delays and pauses in immigration processing. These include holds on new applications and reviews of approved green card and citizenship cases. Lawmakers say the lack of transparency is creating uncertainty for immigrants and employers, and have asked for a formal review of the policy.

Denials for high skilled visa categories like EB-1 and EB-2 have nearly doubled between fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Temporary visas such as O and L-1 are also seeing higher rejection rates. USCIS is applying stricter eligibility standards, while application backlogs have increased by 65%, making the process slower and more difficult for skilled workers.

New USCIS data shows naturalization applications and approvals rose early in 2025 but declined later in the year and into 2026. The shift comes as new vetting measures take effect, including expanded background checks, a revised civics test, and additional screening requirements.

Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, will step down on May 31, according to DHS. Lyons played a key role in expanding enforcement and deportation efforts. His departure follows increased scrutiny over ICE operations and enforcement tactics. DHS has not yet announced a replacement.

Severe visa appointment delays are leaving H-1B and L-1 workers stuck outside the United States, especially in India where slots are largely unavailable through 2026. Many workers are stranded for months, missing work and family emergencies. Employers say stricter vetting, fewer interview waivers, and staffing shortages are driving the backlog, adding pressure alongside rising costs and policy changes.

Recent data shows that nearly all refugees admitted since October 2025 have been from South Africa, with very few from other countries. This follows policy changes prioritizing Afrikaners, a move that has sparked criticism and diplomatic tensions. Overall refugee admissions remain significantly lower than previous years.

A federal judge in Massachusetts has paused the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians. The court found the administration did not follow proper legal procedures. The decision allows thousands to continue living and working in the U.S. for now, as legal challenges continue.

DHS and CBP report 11 straight months of zero migrant releases at the southern border, alongside a sharp drop in encounters during fiscal year 2026. March alone saw a 97% decrease compared to the previous administration. Authorities also seized over 65,000 pounds of drugs and intercepted counterfeit goods worth more than $1 billion, highlighting increased enforcement efforts.

The U.S. Supreme Court expressed skepticism over Trump’s executive order seeking to limit birthright citizenship. Justices questioned whether the president has authority to restrict citizenship under the 14th Amendment. The case could reshape long standing precedent, with a final decision expected in June and major implications for immigration policy.

The State Department will expand social media vetting to more visa categories starting March 30, 2026. This includes K-1 fiancé visas, religious workers, trafficking victims, and other humanitarian categories. Applicants must disclose social media accounts used in the past five years and may be required to keep profiles publicly visible during review. Officials say the goal is enhanced security screening.

The Department of Labor has proposed a major overhaul of prevailing wage rules for H-1B and related programs, including H-1B1, E-3, and PERM. Entry-level wages could increase by about 33%, raising the baseline from the 17th to the 34th percentile of wage data. The DOL says the current system may suppress wages. The rule is open for a 60-day public comment period.