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WR Immigration News Digest

Jun 18, 2025 | Immigration Updates

Visa Processing Resumes for Harvard International Students

After a recent court order, the State Department has instructed consular posts to resume processing F, M, and J visas for Harvard University students and exchange visitors. This reverses prior directive to deny such applications under a Trump-era proclamation citing national security concerns.

The order applies only to Harvard-affiliated individuals; students at other institutions were never affected.

Impact: Harvard-affiliated students and exchange visitors may resume visa processing, and employers should monitor for further updates.  It is important to note that as we previously reported, the consular posts have been pausing the scheduling of visa interviews for all F, M and J visa applicants.

CHNV Parole Programs Terminated Following Supreme Court Ruling

Following a June 6 statement from USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security has now started to move forward with terminating parole and revoking employment authorization granted under the CHNV parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. This follows a Supreme Court decision on May 30 lifting an earlier injunction that had temporarily blocked the program’s termination.

Individuals affected will receive notification via their myUSCIS account.

Impact: Global mobility teams should review CHNV parolee work authorization and prepare for possible revocations to avoid compliance risks.  Employers should strategize with legal counsel on how to identify potentially impacted workers, as well as put a plan in place to take to take necessary and appropriate action to reverify work authorization and/or terminated employment.

USCIS Updates Validity of Medical Exams for Green Card Applications

Effective June 11, 2025, USCIS has clarified that any Form I-693 (Medical Exam) signed on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the associated application (e.g., Form I-485) remains pending. If the application is withdrawn or denied, the I-693 is no longer valid—even if it remains within the typical two-year window.

A new I-693 will be required for any future filings. USCIS may also request a medical exam at its discretion if public health concerns arise. USCIS has also announced that as of July 3, 2025 they will only accept the 01/20/2025 edition of the Form I-693 with the filing of I-485 Applications to Adjust Status.

Impact: Green card applicants should plan to obtain a new I-693 if refiling after a denial or withdrawal, as well as if the filing will occur after July 2nd if the Form I-693 was not completed on the 01/20/2025 edition. Employers and legal teams should adjust timelines and documentation guidance to avoid delays due to expired medicals.

DHS Offers Fine Forgiveness for Self-Deportation via CBP App

As of June 9, 2025, DHS announced that undocumented individuals who self-deport using the CBP One Home App will have civil fines for failing to depart waived. These fines can otherwise total nearly $1,000 per day after a final removal order or apply to late voluntary departures.

DHS has issued over 9,000 fine notices totaling nearly $3 billion and has streamlined the app to make the self-deportation process more accessible.

Impact: This policy may increase voluntary departures among undocumented workers. Employers should remain vigilant in verifying work authorization and be prepared for sudden workforce changes due to departures initiated through this process.

July 2025 Visa Bulletin Released

The Department of State has released the July 2025 Visa Bulletin. USCIS will use the Dates for Filing chart for family-based categories and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases.

In the family-based categories, F2A (spouses/children of LPRs) advanced to March 1, 2025, filing date and September 1, 2022, final action date. F2B Mexico jumped forward by 12 months, and other categories, like F4 (siblings), saw modest movement.

For employment-based cases, EB-1 remains current for most countries, with slight movement for China (Nov. 15, 2022) and no change for India. EB-2 advanced slightly for China but not India. EB-3 saw broader movement: China (Dec. 1, 2020), India (Apr. 22, 2013), and all other areas (Apr. 1, 2023). EB-4 remains unavailable; EB-5 saw no changes.

Impact: Applicants with current priority dates should move forward without delay, and employers should assess and support any affected cases.

ICE Raids Paused In Key Industries After Trump Statement

DHS announced that it had paused ICE worksite raids in the agriculture, hospitality, and restaurant sectors following President Trump’s remarks urging protection of long-term workers in these industries.  Only a few days later, ICE stated that it would continue worksite enforcement, including raids in these industries.  Enforcement will continue to focus on employers that employ undocumented on individuals, especially those with criminal records.

Impact: While for a few days it appeared that enforcement pressure would ease, ICE reversed the sentiment expressed by the President.  It is essential for global mobility and HR teams to maintain strong I-9 compliance and stay alert to future policy shifts.

State Department Expands Social Media Screening for Student Visa Applicants

The State Department now requires consular officers to screen the online presence of all new and returning student visa applicants for signs of hostility toward the U.S., political activism, or support for foreign terrorist organizations. This includes reviewing social media, online databases, and taking screenshots for documentation. While flagged content doesn’t automatically disqualify an applicant, it will trigger additional scrutiny.

The State Department stated that the consular offices should prioritize interviewing physicians applying for a J-1 visa for educational exchange and for students and for students that will be studying at a U.S. university where international students account for 15 percent or less of the total enrolled students

Impact: Expect delays in F and J visa processing due to enhanced screening protocols. Mobility teams should monitor interview timelines and prepare affected students and scholars for heightened review.

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