U.S. population growth has slowed significantly due to a sharp drop in immigration. Net migration fell by more than 50%, according to Census data. Major cities are seeing the biggest impact as they depend on immigration for growth. Economists warn this trend could slow economic activity and reduce workforce growth.

The State Department will expand social media screening to more visa categories starting March 30, 2026. Newly affected applicants include fiancé visas, religious workers, trainees, domestic workers, and humanitarian visas like T and U. Applicants must make their social media accounts public. Officials say this strengthens security, but delays may increase.

The Department of Labor has proposed raising wage requirements for H-1B and other employment based visas. Entry level wages could rise by over 30%, shifting from the 17th to the 34th percentile. The rule also applies to H-1B1, E-3, and PERM cases. If approved, it will impact new filings only. Employers have about 60 days to submit comments.

The State Department finalized new anti-fraud rules for the Diversity Visa program. Starting with the DV 2028 lottery, applicants must upload a valid passport when submitting their entry. Applications without a passport scan will be automatically disqualified. The rule also introduces stronger screening to detect duplicate or manipulated entries.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a plan to change how migrants appeal immigration court decisions. The rule would have dismissed most appeals unless the Board of Immigration Appeals acted within 10 days. Judge Randolph Moss ruled the administration did not follow required public rulemaking procedures. The decision pauses the policy for now.

The United States plans to process up to 4,500 refugee applications per month from white South Africans. A State Department contracting document outlines plans for temporary processing facilities at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria. President Trump has argued Afrikaners face persecution, a claim rejected by the South African government. The planned processing volume could exceed the administration’s refugee admissions target for fiscal year 2026.

The FY 2027 H-1B cap season is underway, with electronic registrations open from March 4 to March 19. USCIS will continue using the beneficiary centric selection system, meaning each worker can only be entered once. This year also introduces a wage weighted system that gives higher paid roles more entries based on prevailing wage levels. Employers selected in the lottery will have a 90 day window starting April 1 to submit full petitions.

Only about 70 employers have paid the $100,000 fee required to hire H-1B workers from outside the United States. A government attorney revealed the number during a federal court hearing. The fee, introduced through a presidential proclamation, faces legal challenges from businesses that say it blocks smaller employers from using the visa program.

President Trump has dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after intense congressional scrutiny over a $220 million government advertising campaign. Trump announced that Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace her. Noem will instead serve as a special envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative. She is the first cabinet official removed during Trump’s second term.

The State Department issued a Worldwide Caution advising Americans to exercise increased vigilance when traveling abroad. Officials warned that rising tensions and recent military operations could quickly affect security conditions and disrupt flights or airspace access. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates from U.S. embassies and consulates.

Rising military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran are disrupting visa services across parts of the Middle East. Several U.S. embassies have canceled routine visa appointments. Airspace closures and suspended flights are also limiting travel. In some locations, U.S. diplomatic staff have been directed to shelter in place. The State Department has advised Americans to leave affected areas using commercial flights while they remain available.

DHS released a proposed rule that would stop accepting EAD applications during periods when processing averages exceed 180 days. The waiting period to apply would increase to 365 days. New processing time rules and eligibility standards would also be introduced. Public comments are open until April 24, 2026.