Immigration News

White House Limits Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants
The White House announced the Administration is taking steps to block undocumented immigrants from accessing federally funded benefits, such as preschool and food assistance. The announcement cited changes from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Labor, and Justice.

DHS to E-Verify Employers
The Department of Homeland Security is now urging E-Verify employers to manually run status change reports to identify workers—especially from the CHNV parole program—whose work authorization may have been revoked. This follows a Supreme Court ruling ending certain humanitarian protections like parole and TPS. Employers won’t receive alerts automatically and must now proactively verify work authorization. If a permit is no longer valid, they must check for another legal status or update Form I-9. DHS also reminds employers to avoid discrimination and apply these checks fairly to all workers, regardless of national origin.

DOL Suspends Enforcement of Embattled “Farmworker Protection” Rule
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) Act into law, allocating $165 billion to the Department of Homeland Security to enhance immigration enforcement and national security. The bill funds major expansions, including 10,000 new ICE agents, 100,000 detention beds, and border wall construction, aiming to increase deportations—especially of criminal illegal aliens—up to 1 million per year. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem hailed the bill as a major win for law and order.

USCIS Celebrates Independence Day 2025
USCIS marked Independence Day 2025 by hosting naturalization ceremonies nationwide, welcoming hundreds of new U.S. citizens who lawfully completed the immigration process. The agency emphasized its commitment to lawful immigration, national unity, and patriotism. USCIS also highlighted the termination of Biden-era programs like CHNV and TPS, framing it as a move to restore integrity to the immigration system.

DHS Offers $1,000 and Fine Forgiveness to Migrants Who Self-Deport
DHS announced that noncitizens who “self-deport” through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the U.S. Currently, individuals can be fined nearly $1,000 per day if they do not depart after a final deportation order. This is in addition to the cost-free travel and $1,000 stipend that DHS has promised to those who “self-deport.”

Department of State Releases July 2025 Visa Bulletin
USCIS has released an important update regarding the Adjustment of Status Filing Charts for July 2025, in alignment with the Department of State’s July 2025 Visa Bulletin. For family-sponsored preference categories, applicants must refer to the Dates for Filing chart in the July 2025 Visa Bulletin. In contrast, for employment-based preference categories, USCIS has mandated the use of the Final Action Dates chart.

Update to Form I-693
USCIS has issued an important update to Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with a new edition dated 01/20/25. As of June 2, 2025, applicants may continue to use either the 03/09/23 edition or the 01/20/25 edition, provided the civil surgeon signs the form on or before July 2, 2025. However, beginning July 3, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-693. Applicants should check the edition date at the bottom of the form and its instructions to ensure compliance and avoid delays in processing their applications.

Trump Offers $1,000 and Travel for Immigrants to “Self-Deport”
The Trump administration is offering $1,000 and paid travel for immigrants in the U.S. illegally who opt for “self-deportation.” By using the CBP Home app, migrants can inform authorities of their departure and avoid being prioritized for detention. Homeland Security describes it as a “cost-effective” alternative to arrest and deportation. Trump suggests that those who leave voluntarily may eventually have a chance to return legally. Critics argue the program is coercive and dehumanizing. One migrant has already taken up the offer.

ICE Expands Student Deportation Powers
A week after reinstating legal status for foreign students, immigration officials introduced a new policy granting ICE broad authority to revoke that status. The policy permits revocation based on vague claims of “noncompliance” or visa cancellation without evidence or judicial oversight. Critics argue it could lead to a fresh wave of deportations and undermine legal protections. Immigration lawyers say the policy reflects ICE’s efforts to expand its powers and bypass recent court rulings that protect international students.

Trump Seeks Supreme Court Approval to End Legal Status for 400000 Migrants
The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to approve its plan to revoke temporary legal status for over 400,000 Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan migrants, granted under a Biden-era program. A federal judge blocked the termination in April. Trump’s team argues the program undermines immigration enforcement, while critics warn mass termination would harm families, communities, and the economy. The Court has given plaintiffs until May 15 to respond.

55000 Selected in 2026 U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery for Green Cards
The U.S. State Department announced the results of the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, or “green card lottery.” Of the millions who submitted their names in the lottery, only 55,000 individuals were selected to apply for U.S. permanent residency. The DV lottery offers a path to a green card for people from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S.

Trump Issues Executive Orders Targeting Sanctuary Cities and Immigrants
President Trump has signed new executive orders ramping up immigration enforcement. One requires the public listing of “sanctuary cities” that don’t cooperate with federal immigration efforts and threatens legal action. Another mandate is for more stringent English proficiency rules for truck drivers. Supporters say the orders will improve public safety and restore accountability in local law enforcement. Critics say the measures are politically motivated and anti-immigrant. The crackdown comes just ahead of Trump’s 100th day in office, with deportations still lagging behind Biden-era numbers.
