High-skilled foreign workers seeking H-1B visas and employment-based green cards may face new challenges under Donald Trump’s second term, as he pledges tighter immigration policies. This could mean more delays and stricter requirements, especially for international graduates in tech and engineering. Critics, like David Bier of the Cato Institute, expect a more cumbersome process, reflecting the previous administration’s approach. While the H-1B lottery has been updated, further changes, including a narrower “specialty occupation” definition, are still pending. Advocates hope these rules will advance, but uncertainty remains.

A federal judge has struck down the Biden administration’s Keeping Families Together program, which aimed to grant legal status and a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants married to U.S. citizens. Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled the program violated immigration law, siding with Texas and other Republican-led states. The program, meant to support family unity, would have provided work permits and deportation protections, allowing eligible immigrants to apply for green cards without leaving the U.S. The White House expressed disappointment, while the Justice Department may appeal amid expected opposition from the incoming Trump administration.

The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $877,834 in wages and benefits for 36 employees underpaid by three Long Island contractors on two HUD-funded projects in NYC. NYC’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development found Davis-Bacon Act violations, including misclassification and unpaid wages. Each contractor has now agreed to comply with wage laws. The Wage and Hour Division will offer free wage compliance seminars for federal contractors in 2024 and 2025.

The Department of State (DHS) has released a notice listing foreign countries eligible for participation in the H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant worker programs, effective from November 7, 2024, through November 8, 2025.

The initial public notice for the Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 program contained incorrect dates, listing the entry period as October 4, 2023, to November 7, 2023. The correct entry period is October 2, 2024, to November 7, 2024. The Department of State has updated this information on Travel.state.gov and in the DV-2026 instructions, as well as in Frequently Asked Questions #9 and #19. Applicants should enter by the deadline and avoid submitting multiple entries, as duplicates will result in disqualification. Full details are available on the State Department’s website.

The U.S. offers Special Passport Acceptance Fairs for first-time applicants and children, allowing in-person applications during evenings and weekends with Form DS-11. Adults renewing passports can apply online or by mail with Form DS-82. A list of upcoming events by date and state is available, with new ones added weekly. Some passport acceptance facilities operate on weekends, found via the Acceptance Facility Search Tool, but provide only routine and expedited services. For urgent travel within two weeks, appointments are available at 26 passport agencies or centers.

The U.S. Department of Labor honored over 800 employers with the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award for their commitment to hiring and supporting veterans. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Assistant Secretary James D. Rodriguez announced 838 awardees, highlighting the importance of veteran employment and professional development. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, the only federal-level recognition for veteran employment, has helped nearly 370,000 veterans find jobs, with over 71,000 hires by this year’s honorees in the past two years. Recipients meet high standards in supporting veteran employment and contributions.

On october 23, 2024, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), alongside a bipartisan group of their colleagues, have written to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. They request swift action to support workforce needs and local economies amid rising demand,  citing severe seasonal labor shortages impacting industries like tourism and seafood.

On October 23, 2024, USCIS updated its Policy Manual to reflect the final rule on T nonimmigrant status for human trafficking victims, effective for applications filed after August 28, 2024. The guidance now supports a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach, expanding the “any credible evidence” standard for T visas. Key updates include clarifications on the bona fide determination process, exceptions for applicants who leave the U.S. after trafficking, and fee-free work authorization applications for pending T visa applicants.

The Biden-Harris administration announced that the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has recovered over $1 billion in back wages and damages for over 615,000 workers since January 20, 2021, focusing on low-wage sectors like healthcare and agriculture. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su stressed the importance of accountability to deter wage theft. Notable recoveries include over $1,000 for home health aide Joely Maniscalco and more than $2,000 for housekeeper Demetria Jones. The division also emphasizes outreach to prevent future labor violations.

On October 22, 2024, DHS conducted a removal flight for Indian nationals without legal U.S. status, reflecting cooperation with India to combat irregular migration and smuggling. Since June 2024, southwest border encounters have dropped by 55%, with DHS removing over 160,000 individuals on more than 495 flights. DHS emphasizes lawful pathways and warns against using smugglers, noting the highest removal numbers since FY2010.

USCIS clarified how it will consider expedite requests related to government interests and requests related to emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations, including travel-related requests. This guidance is effective immediately and is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance.