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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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Immigration Update

In this edition, read about the Senate parliamentarian’s rejection of inclusion of immigration language in $3.5 trillion bill, a district court vacating the H-1B lottery wage-based final rule, the State Department announcing a tiered triage of immigrant visa applications at U.S. Embassies and Consulates, and more. Senate Parliamentarian Rejects Inclusion of Immigration Language in $3.5 Trillion Bill In a blow to Democrats, President Biden, and immigration advocates, Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled on September 19, 2021, that immigration language cannot be included in the $3.5 trillion filibuster-proof budget reconciliation bill. She said, “The policy changes of this proposal far outweigh the budgetary impact.” The rejected language would have allowed eligible persons to pay a fee to be exempted from numerical limits when adjusting status to permanent residence, among other provisions. The immigration provisions are expected to have a dim chance of passing separately in the Senate. Details: Senate Parliamentarian Says $3.5 Trillion Bill Can’t Include Citizenship Path for Immigrants,” Associated Press, Sept. 19, 2021, https://on.mktw.net/3hOsawG Back to Top District Court Vacates H-1B Lottery Wage-Based Final Rule A U.S. district court judge vacated a final rule, “Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United […]

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October 2022 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State (DOS) has released the October 2022 visa bulletin, which will determine the start of FY 2023 immigrant visa allocations. DOS estimates that there will be 200,000 available employment-based immigrant visas for FY 2023. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in partnership with DOS, has affirmed their commitment to issuing as many available visas as possible in the coming year. USCIS has announced that the “Dates of Filing” chart will be used for adjustment of status filings. Key takeaways, according to the “Dates of Filing” chart, for the month of October are as follows: The EB-1 category will remain current for all countries. The EB-2 category will retrogress for India by over two years (to May 1, 2012) and will advance for China by over two months (to July 8, 2019). The EB-3 Professional and Skilled Workers category will advance by a few months for India (to July 1, 2012) and China (to July 15, 2018). The EB-5 Unreserved categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5) will retrogress for India (to December 8, 2019) and remain the same for China (at January 1, 2016). USCIS previously announced their intention to use as many employment-based green cards […]

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