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...

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced Project Firewall , a new enforcement initiative aimed at protecting American workers...

Your quick-hit round-up of the biggest immigration stories shaping employers’ hiring strategies with a PERM takeaway for each. U.S....

The October Visa Bulletin  brings major priority-date movement , especially for Indian and Chinese nationals. Here’s what stands out for...

President Trump Implements $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee  On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation titled “Restriction on...

New Rules Limit Visa Interview Locations The State Department now requires most nonimmigrant visa applicants to attend interviews in...

U.S. State Department Narrows Immigrant Visa Interview Locations Beginning November 1, immigrant visa applicants must interview  only at...

USCIS Revives Neighborhood Checks for Naturalization Applicants After 30+ years, USCIS has reinstated neighborhood checks for citizenship...