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WR Immigration News Digest

Jun 26, 2025 | Immigration Updates

U.S. Resumes Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Processing with New Social Media Screening Requirements

As of June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has resumed visa processing for F, M, and J nonimmigrants but with enhanced screening procedures. All applicants must now set their social media accounts to public ahead of their visa interview. Consular officers will review online activity for any perceived hostility toward U.S. citizens, institutions, or values, with a focus on applicants with political activism.

If an applicant is otherwise eligible, they may receive a temporary INA § 221(g) notice while additional vetting is conducted. Officers are instructed to take screenshots for recordkeeping, and refusal to provide access or lack of an online presence may raise concerns. Derogatory findings may result in denial or a follow-up interview.

Expedited appointments will be prioritized for:

  • J visa physicians
  • Students at U.S. universities where international students make up less than 15% of enrollment

Impact: This update adds a new compliance hurdle for sponsored students, interns, and trainees. Global mobility teams should proactively communicate the change and prepare for delays, as social media is now a formal part of the U.S. visa process.

Trump Orders Expansion of ICE Worksite Raids

President Trump has reversed his brief pause on ICE worksite raids and directed a renewed focus on hospitality, agriculture, and restaurant employers, especially in Democrat-led cities. White House officials confirmed these operations are now a key enforcement priority, with no exemptions for workplaces or sensitive locations.

ICE field offices have been instructed to resume raids, and some companies, like Smithfield Foods, have begun warning investors of potential workforce disruptions.

Impact: This marks a return to aggressive enforcement. Employers should review worksite compliance, ensure documentation is in order, and prepare to support impacted workers amid potential disruptions.

OFLC Issues Reminder: H-2B Filing Window for October Start Date Opens July 3

The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has confirmed that the three-day filing window for H-2B applications with an October 1, 2025 start date will open at 12:00 a.m. ET on July 3 and close on July 5, 2025. Applications submitted before this window will be denied.

OFLC will randomly assign timely applications for processing and offered key filing tips, including:

  • Submit only one application per job opportunity to avoid delays.
  • Disclose and explain any deductions for board, lodging, or facilities.
  • Include a copy of the job order submitted to the State Workforce Agency.
  • Ensure Appendix B is signed and dated with original, current signatures.

Impact: Employers relying on H-2B workers for seasonal roles must act swiftly and accurately within the July 3–5 window. Filing errors or timing missteps could delay or derail critical workforce needs for the fall.

Trump Administration Weighs Expanding Travel Ban to 36 Additional Countries

The Trump administration is considering expanding its travel ban to include up to 36 additional countries, many in Africa, following previous restrictions on 19 nations. Affected countries have been given 60 days to address U.S. vetting concerns, including issues with identity documentation, criminal records, visa overstays, and repatriation cooperation.

Countries reportedly under review include Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, Cameroon, Uganda, and several others across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Impact: If implemented, the expanded ban could significantly limit visa eligibility and travel options for foreign nationals from these countries. Employers should monitor developments closely and prepare contingency plans for impacted employees, particularly in global hiring and assignment planning.

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H-1B Lottery Results: The Good, Bad & Uncertain | The Business Immigration Benchmark (045)

By Laura Bloniarz Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe here to get the latest updates on the Business Immigration Benchmark podcast and more! In this week’s episode of “The Business Immigration Benchmark,” I dive into the timely topic of the H-1B lottery—specifically, what made this year’s registration season different. With lottery submissions closed and results anticipated at the time of recording, I break down trends I’ve seen across corporate immigration programs, including a more aggressive approach to who companies are sponsoring and why. For global mobility professionals navigating uncertainty, this episode provides actionable insights into how technology, compliance, and change management are shaping industry priorities. Key Takeaways: Expanding H-1B Registrations Beyond Traditional Candidates 1. More Inclusive Strategies: This year, more companies submitted H-1B lottery entries for candidates they hadn’t traditionally sponsored—like individuals on TPS, asylum, or other independent work-authorized statuses. Why? With ongoing uncertainty around humanitarian immigration programs, employers are stepping up to secure more stable work authorization for these employees. Non-Traditional Beneficiaries: TN and L-1B employees also saw increased representation in lottery submissions due to concerns about trade agreement volatility and green card delays. Anticipating a Second Lottery Round 2. Selection Rate Predictions: I didn’t expect a higher […]

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Rapid-Fire Wednesdays Q&A | Immigration Updates: CHNV Parole, TPS & F-1 Visa Revocations | 4/9/2025

The transcript version of our weekly Q&A livestream for corporate immigration professionals. Join our Immigration News Digest Newsletter for more immigration updates. By Kimberley (Best) Robidoux & Miki Kawashima Matrician 🔥 Question: What is the current status of the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) Parole Programs? Response: USCIS recently announced that the CHNV Parole Programs will be revoked as of April 24, 2025. However, there’s uncertainty surrounding employment authorization for impacted individuals. Employment authorization might be terminated when parole ends or when individuals are notified directly of its termination. Some individuals have already received such notices via their myUSCIS accounts, stating that parole will end in 15 days unless contested. This change raises concerns for employers trying to determine which employees—especially those with C11 category work authorization—may be affected. Strategies for handling this situation should be customized and discussed with counsel. A lawsuit challenging the termination is underway, and more information is expected soon. 🔥 Question: What’s the update on Venezuela Temporary Protected Status (TPS)? Response: A court postponed the termination of Venezuela TPS, originally scheduled by DHS, as of April 2. This reverts TPS to the status outlined in the January 17, 2025 redesignation and extension. For TPS […]

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