Last Week’s in Immigration: Policy Shakeups and Passport Plunges
- Milow LeBlanc
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Trump Targets Birthright Citizenship—Again
The Trump administration is gearing up to enforce an executive order aiming to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented or temporary visa-holder parents. Although currently blocked by courts, the administration's preparation signals potential future shifts.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers need to stay vigilant. If implemented, this policy could reshape the demographic and legal landscape for immigrant employees and their families, impacting retention and recruitment strategies.
No More Skipping Visa Interviews
The convenient “Dropbox” program allowing visa renewals without interviews will end on September 2, affecting most nonimmigrant categories like H, L, O, F, M, and J. Anticipate longer processing times and logistical hurdles.
The PERM Takeaway: Companies relying on foreign talent should proactively manage timelines, prepare employees for extended wait periods, and consider expediting options to avoid disruptions.
U.S. Passport Power Drops to Historic Low
The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals the U.S. passport has sunk to its lowest rank ever—10th place—due to diminished diplomatic relations. This ranking impacts Americans' global mobility and signals broader geopolitical shifts.
The PERM Takeaway: Global employers may see increased hesitancy among international candidates considering relocation to the U.S. Reinforcing attractive employment packages and ensuring smooth immigration processes becomes more crucial than ever.
U.S. Tourism Takes a $29B Hit from Immigration Policies
Trump-era policies have dealt a severe blow to tourism, slashing visitor spending by $29 billion in 2025. Continued negative international perception and stringent border policies fuel the downturn.
The PERM Takeaway: Industries tied to tourism and hospitality must strategize to mitigate workforce impacts, potentially pivoting hiring strategies towards domestic or alternative international sources.
Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" Deportations Under Scrutiny
Florida has begun deportations from the highly controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility amid legal challenges, diplomatic protests, and hurricane safety concerns.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers should monitor this closely as it reflects intensifying immigration enforcement practices, potentially influencing employee sentiment, compliance requirements, and company reputation.
Comments