Immigration News & Updates - April 2025

Is It Safe to Travel in 2025?

Recent news reports have raised concerns among visa and green card holders about traveling internationally. Stories of individuals being detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon re-entry to the U.S. have created anxiety among travelers.

It’s important to keep in mind that approximately one million people enter the U.S. legally each day. While the news highlights a few high-profile incidents, they do not represent the broader experience of most travelers. The majority of the stories reported in the news involve green card and visa holders who have arrests or other items of concern in their records.

Pro-Palenstinian student protestors have also been targeted for detention in recent weeks, making travel unsafe for these individuals.

Keep in mind that electronic devices are - and have always been - subject to search upon entry. So any information, conversations, photos, or other data on your phone or laptop that might discuss activities that are unauthorized in the U.S. could serve as a basis to deny entry to the U.S.

1,000+ Student Visas Cancelled

The Associated Press reports that at least 1,024 international students at 160 U.S. colleges—and potentially up to 1,300, according to NAFSA—have had their F‑1 visas suddenly revoked or their legal status terminated since late March. Affected students, many from India and China, say they received no prior notice and face possible detention or deportation despite having no serious infractions beyond minor traffic tickets or campus protest activity. Universities are scrambling to advise students, while emergency lawsuits have already produced a handful of temporary court orders restoring status. For the deep dive, see the full AP investigation here.

Alien Registration Requirement

In the wake of President Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order 14159, USCIS has rolled out a mandatory online process for the millions of non‑citizens who have never been formally registered under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Anyone 14 or older who entered the United States without being fingerprinted and has stayed 30 days or more must now file the new form through their individual USCIS online account, complete biometrics if scheduled, and carry the proof of registration at all times. For children under 14, parents or guardians must register younger children. Registered children must re‑register within 30 days of their 14th birthday. Failure to comply can trigger misdemeanor charges, fines, or detention.

Who is already registered?

Anyone who has entered the U.S. legally, even if they have overstayed.
Green Card holders
Anyone who has been issued a work permit
Anyone with a border crossing card
Anyone who has been placed in removal proceedings
Anyone who has applied for permanent residence (Green Card) and been finger printed using forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700.

Who is NOT registered?

Anyone who entered the U.S. illegally
Canadian visitors who entered the U.S. at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration
Foreign nationals who have submitted certain benefit requests to USCIS, including applications for deferred action or TPS who are not issued evidence of registration.

Alien registration image with a thumbprint

O-1 Visa Holders, Be Prepared for Travel!

O-1 Visa Holders Be Prepared to Answer Q

We've received reports of Customs and Border Protection agents questioning O-1 visa holders more thoroughly upon entry to the U.S. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your current work and future plans as outlined in your O1 petition.

To help ensure a smooth entry, we recommend having documentation that supports your answers, including a letter from your O-1 petitioner if necessary. Contact us for guidance before you travel.

H-1B Visa Window Closed for FY 2026

The application window for H-1B visas for Fiscal Year 2026 is now closed and lottery winners have been notified. Winners have been invited to submit H-1B petitions between April 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025.

If you missed this year’s lottery registration deadline, you can enter next year’s lottery in March 2026. Contact us to discuss your options and strategies for future applications.

Green Card Interviews Are Back

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has resumed in-person interviews for family-based green card applicants. This marks a significant change from previous COVID-era policies where most interviews were waived. It is unclear whether employment-based green card applicants will be required to attend interviews.

If you are scheduled for an interview with USCIS, be sure to contact us in advance to ensure you are fully prepared for your interview.

Interview Waiver at Consulates Reduced

Since COVID-19 closed U.S. embassies in 2020, the U.S. State Department has waived interviews for most visa applicants, allowing them to mail their passports in to the embassy to have visas issued. However, the new presidential administration has reduced interview waivers at consulates, requiring more applicants to appear for interviews in person. Preparing thoroughly for visa interviews is very important. Contact us if you require consular assistance.

Waiver Interview with Passport Best_edit

Cancellation of TPS and other Biden-Era Humanitarian Programs

Termination of CHNV Parole Program: The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has terminated the parole programs for citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela as of March 25, 2025. Citizens from these countries are not eligible to change to another status within the U.S. and are expected to depart voluntarily before April 24, 2025. The only exception is if the parolee applies for a green card based on marriage to a US citizen, or based on a relative petition filed by his or her US citizen child over the age of 21. However, as of April 14, 2025 a Massachusetts District Court stayed the parole termination notices that were sent to aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Therefore, as of this writing, the termination notices are not currently in effect.
U4U Remains in Place: Parole is NOT canceled and remains in place for Ukrainian citizens who have been paroled into the U.S. under the “Uniting for Ukraine” program
TPS for Venezuela (VZ): On Feb. 5, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that TPS for Venezuela will not be extended. The expiration dates for Venezuelan TPS holders vary based on when their TPS was granted. Individuals who received TPS under the initial designation in March 2021 will see their status and work authorization expire around April 2025. In contrast, those who applied under the redesignation announced in September 2023 will retain their TPS until September 2025.
TPS for Ukraine: In Jan 2025, TPS for Ukraine was extended until Oct 19, 2026. As of the writing of this update, there have been no actions taken or executive orders to cancel TPS status for Ukrainians. TPS is available for Ukrainians who were physically present in the U.S. since Oct. 20, 2023, and re-registered by March 18, 2025.
DED for Hong Kong: A memorandum on Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) was issued on Jan. 15, 2025, extended DED for citizens of Hong Kong - deferring through Feb. 5, 2027, the removal of certain eligible Hong Kong residents who were present in the United States as of Jan. 15, 2025. Eligible Hong Kong residents are employment authorized incident to DED. In addition, USCIS has automatically extended through Feb. 5, 2027, the validity of DED-related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with Card Expires dates of Feb. 5, 2023, or Feb. 5, 2025, and a Category of A11. Covered aliens may also apply for a new EAD that will be valid through Feb. 5, 2027.

USCIS to Acknowledge 2 Sexes Based on Gender Designation at Birth

In line with President Trump’s Executive Order issued in January 2025, USCIS has updated its policies to reflect the administration’s position of recognizing only two sexes: male and female. As a result, USCIS will now issue all immigration-related documents—such as green cards, work permits, and travel documents—based strictly on the sex listed on the foreign national’s birth certificate. This applies regardless of the gender identity or sex marker the applicant indicates on their benefit request. Applicants should be aware that discrepancies between their gender identity and the sex listed on official documents may not be accommodated under the updated regulations.

DHS to Begin Screening Foreign Nationals’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism

Following the State Department’s long-time policy of requesting social media handles for visa holders who apply for visas at US embassies, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for granting most immigration benefits within the U.S., will begin requesting the social media handles of those applying for immigration benefits. The stated purpose is to “combat antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals.” This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.

Under this guidance, USCIS will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests. This guidance is effective immediately.

IRS is Sharing Information with Immigration Agencies

According to the Associated Press, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has entered into a data-sharing agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to facilitate the identification and deportation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. This memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, allows ICE to cross-reference immigrants' names and addresses with IRS tax records. The Treasury Department asserts that this initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which includes deportations and workplace raids. While the memorandum emphasizes adherence to privacy protections, the move has raised significant concerns about overreach and misuse of protected personal information. Previously, the IRS had contributed personnel to support immigration enforcement efforts, citing recent changes in its funding. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not yet provided public comments on the agreement.

Proposed Immigration Actions to Watch

There are several significant immigration changes currently being discussed that may impact travelers, visa holders, and those seeking residency in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know:

Reinstating the Travel Ban:
Discussions have emerged about possibly reinstating a travel ban, as President Trump did during his first term in office. If implemented, it could restrict entry from certain countries, particularly those identified as high-risk for national security reasons. This move could affect individuals from predominantly Muslim-majority countries and other regions of concern. We are closely monitoring updates and will keep you informed on any official announcements.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering implementing new travel restrictions that could affect citizens from up to 43 countries.

Full Visa Suspension ("Red" List): Citizens from 11 countries, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, could face a complete suspension of U.S. visas, prohibiting travel to the U.S. for any purpose, including tourism, business, and study.

Partial Visa Suspension ("Orange" List): A second group of 10 countries—Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan—could experience partial suspensions affecting various visa types, such as tourist and student visas.

Probationary Period ("Yellow" List): A third group of 22 countries, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, Russia, and Zimbabwe, would be given 60 days to address perceived deficiencies in their security and vetting processes. Failure to make improvements could result in partial suspensions.

We are closely monitoring updates and will keep you informed on any official announcements.

Refugee Status for South Africans of Afrikaner Descent

An executive order was issued on February 7th, 2025 that could allow South Africans of Afrikaner descent to apply for refugee status in the U.S. under claims of racial persecution. As of this writing, there are no protocols or regulations in place to execute this order.

Gold Card

In February 2025, President Donald Trump announced his plans for a new immigration initiative called the "Gold Card". This program is designed to attract wealthy foreign nationals by offering them a pathway to U.S. residency and eventual citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment. The Gold Card aims to replace the existing EB-5 visa program, which required a lower investment and had specific job creation mandates. Under the Golden Visa, investors would receive permanent residency rights without the stringent employment or job creation requirements of the EB-5 program. At this time, the program is just a proposal and has not been implemented. We’ll keep you informed of developments on this program.

As these proposals evolve, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Our team will continue to track legislative developments and provide timely updates. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need advice on how these changes might affect you or your clients.

On the Bright Side - O-1 and EB-1 Cases Are Still Being Approved

Though we’re on the lookout for any changes in approval rates for O-1 visas and EB-1 green cards, we have not yet noticed any changes in the approval rates for these case types. In fact, we’ve had a long list of approvals since our last update including:

In February and March, the following case types have been approved:

O1’s for: 1 CEO, 1 Go-To Market Specialist, 1 Scientist, 1 Software Engineer, 7 Actors, 2 Writer and Directors , 7 Producers, 1 Writer, 2 Composers, 2 Models, 4 Tattoo Artists, 1 DJ & Performer, 1 Content Creator & Social Media Influencer, 3 Singer & Songwriters, 2 VFX Artists,1 Singer/Songwriter & Talent Manager, 2 Editors, 1 Sound Engineer, 3 Photographers, 1 Photographer & Videographer, 1 Producer & Director of Photography, 1 Production Designer, 1 Music Producer & Composer, 1 Production Designer, 1 Graphic Designer, 1 Sound Engineer, 1 Visual Artist Designer, 1 Director & Photographer, 1 Fashion Designer, and 1 Music Designer from China, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, the UK, Lebanon, Ghana, Italy, India, Greece, Canada, Finland, Israel, Taiwan, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Lithuania, Colombia, Brazil, Taiwan, China, India, and Israel.

We were also able to secure EB1’s for 4 Producers, 1 Lead Product Manager, 1 Fashion Designer, 1 Tattoo Artist, 1 Materials Scientist, 1 Designer, and 1 Branding Specialist from China, India, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Italy and Russia.

We are pleased to announce that Global Talent Immigration Law Group is now offering specialized assistance with National Interest Waiver (NIW) applications. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you present a strong case for this important immigration benefit.

What is a National Interest Waiver (NIW)

A National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a valuable immigration option for professionals who possess exceptional skills, advanced degrees, or unique expertise that would significantly benefit the United States. Unlike many employment-based green card categories, the NIW allows applicants to bypass the traditional requirement of a U.S. employer sponsor or labor certification. Instead, applicants can self-petition by demonstrating that their work has substantial merit and national importance, and that waiving the job offer requirement would benefit the U.S. national interest. This pathway is particularly advantageous for individuals in fields such as science, technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the arts, who are making a meaningful impact in their industry or area of expertise.

Click HERE to schedule your free consultation! If you would like to discuss your eligibility for a National Interest Waiver, please contact us — we look forward to assisting you.

Know Your Rights...

Any non-US citizens with questions about your rights should visit the ACLU website.

Know Your Rights

Need Guidance? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions or concerns about your immigration status or travel plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to Global Talent Immigration Law Group. We’re here to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.