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Immigration News & Insights - 1st Week of Oct. 2025

Trump Administration Imposes $100,000 Fee on New H-1B Petitions

Effective September 21, 2025, the U.S. government introduced a one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. This policy aims to restrict the influx of foreign workers, particularly affecting Indian IT professionals who constitute a significant portion of H-1B applicants. The move has drawn criticism from industry leaders and economists, who warn of potential disruptions to the U.S. labor market. visum-usa.com

Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of Pro-Palestinian Activists

On September 30, 2025, a federal judge ruled that targeting foreign students and faculty for pro-Palestinian advocacy was unconstitutional, citing First Amendment violations. visum-usa.com

DHS Sweep in Minneapolis Reveals Immigration Fraud

DHS conducted a two-week sweep in Minneapolis, finding nearly 50% of immigrants involved in visa fraud or document falsification. The operation included multiple arrests. visum-usa.com

U.S. Plans Controversial Deportations to Iran

The U.S. arranged to deport 400 Iranian immigrants, raising human rights concerns over potential persecution upon return. visum-usa.com

ICE Deportations in California Surge 78%

ICE deportations in California jumped 78% in the first seven months of 2025, with 1,500 noncriminal individuals removed. visum-usa.com

Trump Introduces "Gold Card" Visa Program

On September 19, 2025, President Trump announced the "Gold Card" visa program, offering expedited permanent residency for individuals who make a significant financial contribution to the U.S. government. The program requires a $1 million donation for individuals or $2 million if paid by a corporation. The funds will be used to promote commerce and American industry. The Gold Card aims to attract successful entrepreneurs and investors who will benefit the nation. The White House

Legal Insight:
U.S. immigration enforcement is intensifying, with increased deportations, DHS investigations into visa and document fraud, and stricter regulations for foreign workers, such as the $100,000 H-1B fee. Courts continue to protect vulnerable populations, including foreign students, activists, and asylum seekers, by reviewing deportation cases and ensuring constitutional and human rights protections. Individuals affected by these developments should consult an experienced immigration attorney to understand their eligibility for relief, challenge enforcement actions, or navigate complex visa regulations.

Immigration News & Insights - 3rd Week of Sep. 2025

Supreme Court Allows Immigration Officers to Resume “Roving Patrols” in Los Angeles

On September 9, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s request to lift restrictions on immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, allowing federal officers to resume street sweeps and stops based on factors such as language, appearance, or place of employment. The ruling, issued through the Court’s emergency docket, temporarily overturns a lower court order that had barred such practices on constitutional grounds. While the decision is not final, critics warn it effectively permits racial profiling and may heighten fear in immigrant communities. SCOTUSblog – Supreme Court allows federal officers to more freely make immigration stops in Los Angeles

Legislative Update: House Passes Stop Illegal Entry Act (H.R. 3486)

On September 11, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3486, the "Stop Illegal Entry Act," which aims to increase penalties for individuals who illegally enter or reenter the United States. The bill establishes a mandatory minimum prison term of five years for individuals who improperly enter the U.S. and are subsequently convicted of a felony. In certain cases, a life sentence may be imposed. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for repeated illegal entries, with potential prison terms of up to 10 years for individuals who had been denied entry or removed from the U.S. and later reenter without prior approval. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Source: Congress.gov, September 11, 2025

U.S. Judge Extends Block on Deportations of Guatemalan Minors

A U.S. federal judge has extended a block preventing the deportation of 76 unaccompanied Guatemalan minors with active immigration cases. The original removal attempt was halted after questions arose about whether all parents had requested their children’s return. Most minors come from impoverished Indigenous regions, and the extension allows the court more time to review the case. Source: Reuters, September 13, 2025

U.S. Judge Questions Deportation of West African Migrants to Ghana

A U.S. judge has raised concerns over the deportation of Nigerian and Gambian migrants to Ghana, questioning whether the Trump administration circumvented immigration laws by sending them to a third country where they fear persecution or torture. The case, brought forth by the ACLU, highlights potential violations of asylum protections.
Source: Reuters, September 13, 2025

Texas Restricts Property Purchases by Chinese Nationals

Texas has enacted Senate Bill 17, restricting nationals from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea from purchasing most types of real estate in the state. While framed as a national security measure, critics argue it fosters anti-immigrant sentiment and racial discrimination, particularly against Asian Americans. Source: The Guardian, September 15, 2025

Trump Condemns Murder of Indian Man in Dallas, Blames Biden's Immigration Policies

President Donald Trump condemned the murder of Chandra Nagamallaiah, an Indian national killed in Dallas, Texas, and criticized President Biden's immigration policies for allowing the suspect - a Cuban undocumented immigrant with a history of violent crime - to remain in the U.S. The incident has intensified political debate over immigration and public safety in the U.S. Source: Economic Times, September 15, 2025

ℹ️ U.S. immigration enforcement is tightening, with new federal and state penalties targeting unlawful entry and specific categories of foreign nationals. At the same time, courts are actively reviewing deportation cases to ensure protections for vulnerable groups, including minors and asylum seekers. Individuals in removal proceedings may be eligible for six potential forms of relief that can halt deportation and, if successful, provide a path to retain or obtain a Green Card. Consulting a qualified immigration attorney is critical to assess eligibility and protect one’s legal status.

Immigration News & Insights - 1st Week of Sep. 2025

US Halts EB-2 Green Card Processing Until October

The U.S. State Department and USCIS have declared that the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) Green Card category has hit its annual limit for fiscal year 2025. As a result, no new EB-2 cards will be issued until October 1, 2025. Indian applicants, who already face significant delays due to high demand and per-country caps, are expected to be especially impacted. The Economic Times

Tighter Scrutiny on Marriage-Based Petitions

Effective August 1, 2025, USCIS has revised its policy to intensify scrutiny of pending and new marriage- and family-based petitions. Now, even approved petitions do not guarantee legal status. Applicants may receive Notices to Appear in deportation proceedings if deemed ineligible. The move responds to a nationwide backlog exceeding 11 million cases and introduces stricter documentation requirements, with specific exemptions for U.S. military families abroad. Indiatimes

Deportation of Green Card Holders Over Alleged Gang Support

Under new policy, DHS can revoke Green Cards of permanent residents accused of supporting Haitian gang leaders affiliated with the designated terrorist group Viv Ansanm. A Haitian-American businessman, Pierre Reginald Boulos, is among those arrested. Legal experts believe actual deportations may be limited due to the high burden of proof required in immigration court. Reuters

ℹ️ These changes mean that getting a green card through family or work may take longer and face closer review. At the same time, the government is being stricter about past problems that can cause inadmissibility, even for permanent residents. It is more important than ever to check your eligibility carefully and prepare strong documents before applying.

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