Following the proposed one hundred thousand dollar H-1B visa fee, the Trump administration plans further restrictions by December twenty twenty-five. The new rule would tighten eligibility, limit cap exemptions, and increase oversight of employers and third-party placements, echoing a previous Trump-era rule struck down in court.

Since January twenty twenty-five, more than two million undocumented immigrants have left the U.S. That includes one point six million self-deportations and four hundred thousand removals. Officials credit stricter policies, new detention facilities, and expanded ICE agreements. The administration projects nearly six hundred thousand deportations by year’s end.

The Trump administration rolled out the Gold Card visa, granting green cards in exchange for a one million dollar investment. A two million dollar Corporate Gold Card allows companies to fast track residency for employees, while a five million dollar Platinum Card with tax benefits is awaiting congressional approval. Officials suggest this program could replace EB-1 and EB-2 visas. Critics warn it shifts immigration from skills-based to wealth-based, risking shortages in key fields like technology and healthcare.

On September 19, 2025, the Department of Labor launched Project Firewall to combat H-1B abuse. It allows investigations into wage theft, job misrepresentation, and U.S. worker displacement, with fines, back pay, H-1B bans, and expanded interagency data sharing.

The federal government could soon reopen DACA for new applicants nationwide. If approved, USCIS will accept new and renewal applications, though Texas residents remain barred from work permits. Advocates estimate over one million new applicants, alongside five hundred thirty-three thousand currently enrolled.

On Tuesday, Pope Leo condemned President Trump’s immigration policies as “inhuman,” questioning their consistency with Catholic pro-life values. He highlighted contradictions between opposing abortion and mistreating immigrants. Since his election in May, Leo avoided politics but broke silence on immigration.

Starting fiscal year twenty twenty-six, U.S. travel fees increased. I-94 at land borders rose from six to thirty dollars, ESTA went from twenty-one to forty, and EVUS for Chinese travelers now costs thirty. These fees will rise annually with inflation.

After lawmakers failed to pass funding, the government shut down. USCIS remains open since it is fee-funded, so green cards, naturalization, and work permits continue. But Department of Labor filings pause, E-Verify goes offline, and immigration courts face delays.

Starting October 20, 2025, the civics test pool expands from 100 to 128 questions. The test may ask up to 20 questions, and applicants must answer 12 correctly to pass. Those who file before the deadline keep the current test.

A federal judge in Arizona temporarily stopped deportation of 69 Guatemalan and Honduran children, ages three to seventeen. The judge cited missing parental coordination and lack of judicial oversight. The case continues in court.

Districts in Los Angeles and Miami report falling attendance, with thousands missing or withdrawing. Schools are adding mental health services, legal aid, and safety protocols to keep students in class and protect families.

With the new fiscal year, several priority dates advanced. Mexico’s F-2B moved ahead by eight months. India’s EB-5 jumped nearly two and a half years. More applicants can now move forward with their green card steps.