Last Week in Immigration: Red Flags, Workforce Gaps, and a STEM Surge

USCIS Broadens Immigration Application Reviews to Flag “Anti-Americanism”

USCIS announced it will begin screening all applicants across green cards, visas, and citizenship for signs of “anti-Americanism” and antisemitism. The lack of clear standards leaves enormous discretion in the hands of officers, sparking uncertainty for families and workers who are otherwise compliant.

The PERM Takeaway: The trend toward broader discretionary reviews means employers must prepare for more unpredictable case outcomes. Documenting job-related requirements and ensuring full compliance in recruitment advertising will be critical as officers face wider latitude in decision-making.

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U.S. Naturalization Applicants Face Greater Scrutiny Under Expanded “Good Moral Character” Standard

The Trump administration’s expansion of the “good moral character” standard now includes positive contributions like caregiving or steady employment, but also weighs socially questionable behaviors, even if legal. Rehabilitation can help, but small missteps may still trigger denials.

The PERM Takeaway: With moral character now under sharper focus, consistent employment history becomes an asset. Employers sponsoring foreign workers should emphasize stability, contributions, and compliance to bolster an applicant’s case while maintaining airtight PERM recruitment files.

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Trump Administration to Review All 55 Million U.S. Visa Holders

The administration announced a sweeping review of all visa holders for possible violations covering records, social media, and even app data. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also announced an immediate halt to visas for foreign truck drivers, citing safety concerns.

The PERM Takeaway: Continuous vetting could create waves of disruptions across industries. Employers should expect sudden worker shortages and be proactive in PERM filings to safeguard long-term workforce planning, especially in roles flagged as “safety-sensitive.”

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STEM OPT Authorizations for U.S. International Students Jumped 54% in 2024

New data shows record numbers of international students working in the U.S. through OPT with STEM fields seeing a 54% jump. These students contributed nearly $44 billion to the economy and supported over 370,000 U.S. jobs. Read the full report. 

The PERM Takeaway: The OPT pipeline is expanding and that’s an opportunity for employers. But with rising hurdles, many students may look abroad. Companies should secure talent early and leverage the PERM process to convert OPT hires into permanent, long-term employees.

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U.S. Has Lost 1.2 Million Foreign-Born Workers Since January

The U.S. has shed 1.2 million foreign-born workers since the start of the year, hitting agriculture, construction, and hospitality especially hard. Farm employment in California fell 6.5%, driving up vegetable and meat prices. Restaurants and construction sites also report widespread slowdowns.

The PERM Takeaway: Workforce shortages are no longer hypothetical, they’re here. Employers must lean into PERM as a strategic tool to fill critical labor gaps and stabilize operations. Being proactive in advertising and filings today means less disruption tomorrow.