White House Proposes Social Media Requirement for Immigrants Seeking U.S. Benefits
The White House is introducing a new policy requiring immigrants to provide their social media handles when applying for green cards, citizenship, and other U.S. benefits. This move aims to enhance security and verify applicants’ identities, affecting over 3.5 million applicants annually.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers should prepare for increased scrutiny in the immigration process, which may affect potential hires. The social media requirement could slow down processing times, so be ready for potential delays when securing work visas for foreign talent.
USCIS Removes ‘Another Gender Identity’ Option
USCIS has removed the "Another Gender Identity" option from key immigration forms, and reinstated the use of "alien" instead of "noncitizen" or "foreign national." These changes may create challenges for nonbinary and transgender applicants, leading to complications in their immigration process.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers in industries where gender diversity is a priority should be prepared for possible delays or challenges in work visa processes for nonbinary or transgender employees. Staying aware of changes in immigration forms and providing support will be essential to navigate these obstacles.
Zoe Saldaña Makes Oscar History as First Dominican-American to Win Best Supporting Actress
Zoe Saldaña made history at the 2025 Oscars as the first Dominican-American to win Best Supporting Actress. During her emotional speech, she honored her immigrant roots, inspiring future generations of immigrants to pursue their dreams in Hollywood.
The PERM Takeaway: Saldaña’s achievement highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Employers should consider how talent from immigrant backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, can bring valuable perspectives and innovation to their organizations.
Trump Signs Executive Order Declaring English as Official U.S. Language, Affecting Immigrants
President Trump’s executive order declaring English as the official language of the U.S. may limit access to services for non-English speakers. While agencies are not prohibited from offering services in other languages, this move could create barriers for immigrants in accessing critical services, such as healthcare and voting.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers may need to invest more in language services and training to ensure clear communication with immigrant employees. As the language barrier grows, providing multilingual support will be essential to maintaining an inclusive and effective workforce.
U.S. State Department Reaches Annual Limit for Special Immigrant Visas (EB-4)
The U.S. State Department has reached the annual limit for Special Immigrant Visas (EB-4) just five months into the fiscal year, pausing visa issuance until October 1, 2025. This cap reset will allow embassies to resume issuing visas for qualified applicants in the new fiscal year.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers relying on Special Immigrant Visas (EB-4) for their workforce should plan for delays and be prepared to make alternative arrangements for affected employees. As the cap resets in the new fiscal year, staying on top of these shifts will be crucial for workforce planning.
Comments