Federal agencies have proposed expanding the public charge rule to include more benefits such as SNAP and Medicare when reviewing green card and immigration applications. This change would replace the current rule and will soon open for public comment.

The Trump administration paid $7.5 million from refugee assistance funds to Equatorial Guinea to accept U.S. deportees; the first time such funds were used this way. Senator Jeanne Shaheen called it “highly unusual” given corruption and human-rights concerns under President Teodoro Obiang, in power for 46 years.

Republicans are worried after Latino voters shifted back toward Democrats in recent off-year elections. Exit polls show Democratic governors-elect in New Jersey and Virginia winning 68% and 67% of Latino votes; a 25-point swing from 2024. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar called it a “wake-up call.”

Padma Lakshmi’s new cookbook, Padma’s All American, highlights immigrant communities as the backbone of American cuisine. Born in India and naturalized after 50 years in the U.S., she left Top Chef in 2023 to focus on advocacy with the ACLU. The book builds on her Emmy-nominated series Taste the Nation.

On November 13, 2025, USCIS announced major reforms including ending TPS for Afghanistan and Venezuela, tougher naturalization rules, expanded fraud checks, more social-media vetting, and a new $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions. The agency says these changes aim to protect U.S. workers and improve system integrity.

A federal judge in Rhode Island has blocked the Trump administration from withholding transportation funding from states that don’t comply with federal immigration enforcement. The court ruled the policy unlawful, marking another setback to Trump’s efforts to tie grants to immigration cooperation.

The U.S. has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan, impacting about 230 nationals. They now have 60 days to leave or face deportation. DHS claims the country no longer meets TPS criteria, but advocates warn returnees face serious risks.

Zohran Mamdani has made history as New York City’s first South Asian, Muslim, and naturalized immigrant mayor, and its youngest in over a century. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani’s victory has been celebrated worldwide as a major milestone for immigrant leadership.

Starting October 30, 2025, DHS will no longer grant automatic work permit extensions, previously allowing up to 540 extra days. The change may leave many temporarily unable to work. Applicants are advised to file renewals six months early to avoid interruptions.

CBP will soon photograph all non-U.S. citizens entering or leaving the country, including children under 14 and adults over 79. Photos link with passport data to verify identity. The system is expected at major airports within five years. Critics warn it increases government surveillance.

Governor JB Pritzker requested the Trump administration suspend immigration raids over Halloween to let children celebrate safely. In a letter to DHS, ICE, and CBP leaders, Pritzker condemned recent federal actions, including tear gas at a Halloween parade. DHS has not responded.

A federal grand jury in Chicago indicted six people, including Democratic candidate Kat Abughazaleh, for allegedly interfering with a federal agent during a September protest outside an ICE detention center. Alleged actions include blocking and damaging an agent’s vehicle. The indictments drew criticism from Illinois Democrats.