A conversation with Hiba Mona Anver reveals why the world's most consequential economic strategy isn't about tariffs or interest rates, it's about who gets to work where. When Hiba Mona Anver, partner at Erickson Immigration Group, sat down for The Davos Interviews at this year's World Economic Forum, she didn't mince words about what's really at stake in global immigration debates. "Innovation drives economic growth, but talent drives innovation," Anver said. "Companies that

"Operation Catch of the Day": ICE Turns Maine Into Latest Enforcement Battleground The Trump administration   launched   a new immigration enforcement operation in Maine, aptly named "Operation Catch of the Day." The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids began this week amid escalating tensions between President Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills. Local officials in Portland warned that the operation has left immigrant comm

USCIS freezes processing for travel-ban countries, ICE deploys 2,000 agents to Minneapolis, 900,000+ TPS holders lose protections. Critical PERM strategies for employers as temporary immigration pathways collapse. USCIS Hits the Pause Button on Travel-Ban Countries, Including Green Cards U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services formally expanded  its processing freeze to cover nationals from all countries listed in President Trump's expanded travel ban proclamation. The dire

Major regulatory shift reshapes high-skilled immigration landscape beginning February 2027 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has finalized substantive changes to H-1B visa selection procedures, transitioning from a randomized lottery system to a wage-weighted selection model that prioritizes higher compensation levels. The final rule becomes effective February 27, 2026, with first implementation during the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration period. This represents the most

H-1B Lottery Gets a Makeover: Welcome to the Wage Wars The Department of Homeland Security announced a complete overhaul of the H-1B lottery system, replacing random selection with a weighted process that prioritizes higher-paid, higher-skilled workers. Starting with the FY 2027 cap season, positions at the highest wage levels could receive up to four lottery entries, while lower-paid roles in the same job family get just one. The administration frames this as an anti-abuse m

Your weekly roundup of the biggest, need-to-know immigration news If last week felt unusually heavy for immigration policy, that’s because it was. From sweeping suspensions and expanded travel bans to new compliance hurdles and growing corporate pressure, the headlines signal a tighter, more volatile environment for both foreign nationals and the employers who rely on them. Diversity Visa Lottery Gets the Pause Button After Campus Tragedies The Trump administration suspended

If you felt like immigration policy took a sharp turn toward wealth, surveillance, and global competition last week, you weren’t imagining it. From a $1 million fast-track visa to canceled H-1B interviews and Canada actively recruiting U.S. talent, here’s what employers need to know and why it matters for workforce strategy. 💳 Trump's "Gold Card" Visa: Immigration's New VIP Lane The Trump administration launched its controversial "gold card" visa program this week, complete

From paused processing to detention at marriage interviews, last week delivered a stark reminder: that the immigration landscape can shift overnight. Here’s what employers, HR teams, and immigration partners need to know. 🛑 Processing Paused for Immigration Applications From 19 Countries The federal government has paused  immigration application processing; including green cards, citizenship, and work permits for 19 countries already under existing travel restrictions. The s

Last week was packed with sweeping policy proposals, new fees, and a shiny new “gold card” program that promises fast-track residency with a seven-figure price tag. Here’s what employers need to know, and what each development signals for the future of workforce immigration and PERM strategy. 🏛️ DHS Publishes Proposed Public Charge Rule — And It’s a Big One DHS has released a proposed rule  that would overhaul the 2022 public charge framework , dramatically expanding what o

Your weekly roundup of the biggest immigration developments If you missed last week’s updates, you’re not alone. Policy proposals, enforcement surges, and new data across the talent landscape all dropped at once. Here’s everything employers should know, and why it matters for long-term workforce planning. 🏛️ Federal Government Proposes Major Changes to the Public Charge Rule Federal agencies have   proposed   a new version of the public charge regulation one that would broa

Your weekly roundup of the biggest, need-to-know immigration stories you missed... If you blinked last week, you might’ve missed some major immigration headlines. From ICE check-ins turning into detentions to international deals for deportees and even a culinary case for inclusion. Here’s your quick catch-up and what each story means for the workforce landscape. ⚖️ Immigration Crackdown Intensifies at San Diego Federal Courthouse ICE agents have been conducting “check-in” ses

Shutdown Stalling Trump’s DOL Agenda The prolonged government shutdown is putting the brakes on the Trump administration’s labor agenda. Anticipated rule changes  aimed at reversing Biden-era labor policies are now delayed along with new immigration enforcement initiatives. Roughly three-fourths of the Department of Labor’s workforce remains furloughed, freezing nearly all workplace dispute investigations. However, in response to mounting pressure from the agricultural indust

Your weekly roundup of the biggest, need-to-know immigration news you missed 💰 New $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee Now in Effect The Department of Homeland Security has  officially launched  a $1,000 parole fee , effective October 16, 2025 , applying to individuals granted parole into or within the United States. That includes humanitarian parole, parole in place, re-parole, and parole from DHS custody. Applicants with a pending green card (adjustment of status) are exempt, a

We’re proud to share that Atlas Advertising Agency has once again been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 2025 Power Partners, celebrating the most trusted and impactful B2B companies worldwide. What This Means This back-to-back recognition cements Atlas as a standout leader in the PERM recruitment advertising space, trusted by immigration attorneys and law firms across the country. It’s a reflection of our team’s relentless drive to simplify the complex, deliver resul

“Facing the Future: Facial Recognition Expands to Every Traveler” U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced plans to photograph  all non-U.S. citizens entering or leaving the country, extending its facial recognition program to include both children under 14 and seniors over 79. The rollout, expected to reach every major airport within five years, is touted as a security upgrade that integrates live imagery with passport data for faster verification. However, civil l

💸 DHS Proposes Lower EB-5 Visa Fees The Department of Homeland Security is proposing to reduce  most EB-5 investor visa fees with the main investor petition dropping from $11,160 to $9,625  and the removal of conditions fee (Form I-829) down to $7,860 . Regional centers would see the steepest cuts (up to 61% ), while smaller administrative fees will now apply to previously free forms. DHS says the updated structure reflects the real cost of processing . Public comments remai

A weekly round-up of the biggest, need-to-know immigration news — from policy shakeups to visa bulletin updates — with a PERM perspective for employers and law firms navigating the labor certification landscape. Chamber of Commerce Sues Trump Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit  challenging the Trump administration’s unprecedented $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it unlawful and beyond presidential authority. Critics argue the fee would

The Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee  is drawing sharp backlash from healthcare systems, universities, and employers across multiple sectors that rely on high-skilled foreign workers. A coalition of healthcare providers, academic institutions, religious organizations, and individual visa holders   filed suit  in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, arguing that the steep fee would cause widespread harm. Key Impacts by Sector H

Your quick, no-fluff roundup of the biggest immigration headlines, and what they mean for the PERM process. $100K Question: New H-1B Fees and Stricter Rules Incoming Just weeks after implementing a  $100,000 H-1B application fee , the Trump administration is signaling yet another shake-up. A new Department of Homeland Security proposal  would tighten eligibility , restrict cap exemptions , and increase oversight  on employers and third-party placements — echoing Trump-era rul

From birthright citizenship to EB-5 fees and expanded enforcement, the Trump administration isn’t slowing down. This week’s headlines...