USCIS issued new guidance on confidentiality protections under federal law for victims applying for VAWA, T, and U visas. The update explains how USCIS evaluates information such as criminal history and when protections end, including after naturalization. The policy is effective immediately.

A federal court ruled in favor of DHS and the State Department in a lawsuit challenging the $100,000 fee and limits on H-1B visas. The court found that the President acted within his legal authority. This means the fee and visa restrictions will remain in place.

In 2025, USCIS increased national security vetting, created a new vetting center, and reviewed petitions from high-risk countries. The agency also issued nearly 200,000 Notices to Appear and launched major fraud investigations. The administration says these actions protect national security and ensure only eligible applicants receive immigration benefits.

USCIS has updated its policy for VAWA self-petitioners after a major increase in filings and fraud concerns. The new guidance clarifies eligibility, requires stronger proof of a real marriage and shared residence with the abuser, and allows USCIS to closely review the credibility of evidence. The changes aim to protect genuine survivors while stopping fraudulent claims.

DHS is changing the H-1B work visa selection process so that workers with higher salaries and stronger qualifications will be given priority. This replaces the random lottery system. The goal is to stop misuse of the program, protect U.S. wages, and encourage employers to hire highly skilled workers.

USCIS has tightened its rules, now allowing biometric photos to be reused only if they are less than three years old. Applicants with older photos must attend a new appointment. This change replaces previous flexible policies, meaning more people will need fresh biometrics.

The Trump administration plans a major increase in cases to strip naturalized Americans of citizenship. USCIS has been directed to refer over 100 potential cases per month—a massive jump from the historical average. The effort targets alleged fraud in the naturalization process.

President Trump has doubled the U.S. travel ban from 19 to 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026. The expansion adds full bans for travelers using Palestinian Authority documents and includes many new African and Caribbean nations, citing security vetting concerns.

The State Department has released the January 2026 Visa Bulletin. Family-based categories for Mexico advanced significantly. On the employment side, EB-5 India jumped two years, and China’s EB-3 “Other Workers” category gained a full year. Most other categories saw minimal movement.

Following the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national, USCIS now allows country-specific negative factors to be considered when reviewing applicants from 19 high-risk countries. This guidance strengthens vetting under Presidential Proclamation 10949 and applies to requests filed or pending on or after November 27, 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for both Haiti and Burma. TPS for Haiti will end on February 3, 2026, and beneficiaries without another lawful status are advised to prepare for departure. CBP’s Home app now allows self-deportation, providing a plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future immigration opportunities. TPS for Burma has also been terminated following USCIS and interagency review, which concluded that conditions in the country now allow for safe return. Secretary Noem stated that continuing to allow Burmese nationals to remain temporarily is no longer in the U.S. national interest.

Federal authorities are denying more work visa and green card applications, checking social media, tightening credential reviews, and conducting more border interrogations and workplace visits. The changes affect many skilled professionals, including engineers, doctors, and professors.