What You Missed In Immigration: Fewer People, Bigger Problems

February 02, 2026  •  Your Weekly Roundup

Another week, another whirlwind of immigration headlines. From shrinking population numbers that should have every employer sweating, to ICE agents heading to the Olympics (yes, really), the news cycle didn’t disappoint. We’ve done the heavy lifting so you don’t have to, here’s what happened last week and, more importantly, what it means for your PERM recruitment and labor certification strategy.

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U.S. IMMIGRATION NEWS

1. Minnesota Standoff: Homan Says Feds Could Pull Back, If the State Plays Ball

Border czar Tom Homan signaled that federal immigration operations in Minnesota could be dialed down, but only if state officials cooperate more broadly with ICE and CBP. The catch? Homan wants expanded access to state jails and compliance with immigration detainers, and he’s promised to stay put “until the problem is gone.” Meanwhile, protests and political friction continue to mount across the state.

📋 The PERM Takeaway:

State-federal tensions over enforcement aren’t just political theater, they can create unpredictable environments for employers with foreign national workers. If you’re sponsoring employees in states where enforcement is ramping up, it’s critical to keep your I-9 compliance airtight and ensure your PERM recruitment documentation is thorough and audit-ready. Uncertainty at the state level means your paperwork needs to be bulletproof.

2. America’s Growth Engine Is Stalling, And Immigration Is Why

The U.S. Census Bureau dropped a sobering stat this week: population growth slowed to just 1.8 million last year, roughly half of the year before. The culprit? A sharp drop in immigration. Growth in the foreign-born population fell by more than 50%, and with births barely outpacing deaths, demographers are waving red flags about the long-term impact on the labor force and the broader economy.

📋 The PERM Takeaway:

This is the stat that should be pinned to every HR director’s wall. A shrinking pipeline of immigrant workers means tighter labor markets, longer hiring timelines, and fiercer competition for talent. For employers navigating PERM, this underscores the urgency of starting the recruitment and advertising process early. The labor pool isn’t getting bigger your prevailing wage strategy and candidate sourcing need to reflect that reality now, not later.

3. Poll Watch: Public Support for Trump’s Immigration Playbook Hits a Wall

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that approval for President Trump’s immigration policies has sunk to a record low 39% approve, 53% disapprove. A majority of respondents believe enforcement has gone too far, fueled by high-profile backlash over aggressive ICE operations and recent incidents involving U.S. citizens caught in the crossfire.

📋 The PERM Takeaway:

Shifting public sentiment can be a leading indicator of policy recalibration. While enforcement-heavy approaches dominate the headlines, declining approval may eventually translate into legislative adjustments or softer enforcement priorities. Employers should watch this trend closely, especially in an election cycle. For now, the safest bet remains diligent compliance: keep your PERM filings clean, your recruitment ads defensible, and your timelines realistic in case the processing environment shifts.

4. ICE at the Olympics? It’s Not a New Winter Sport

In a move that raised more than a few eyebrows, it was confirmed that ICE agents will support U.S. security operations at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Italian authorities were quick to clarify that all Olympic security remains under Italian control, with U.S. agencies operating from a consulate-based coordination center in Milan. Still, the optics of immigration enforcement agents at an international sporting event drew sharp criticism from Italian leaders.

📋 The PERM Takeaway:

While this story is more geopolitical than labor-related, it reflects the expanding footprint of U.S. immigration enforcement agencies abroad. For employers with globally mobile workforces, this is a reminder that immigration compliance doesn’t stop at the border. Ensure your sponsored employees’ travel documentation and visa statuses are up to date, especially for international assignments or events.

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GLOBAL IMMIGRATION NEWS

5. Spain Opens the Door: 500K Undocumented Migrants Set for Legal Status

Spain announced a sweeping plan to legalize up to 500,000 undocumented migrants, offering residency and work permits to those who arrived before December 31, 2025, can prove five months of residence, and have clean criminal records. Applications open in April 2026. With an estimated 800,000-plus undocumented residents, most from Latin America, the move is being framed as both a humanitarian and economic measure to reduce labor exploitation.

📋 The PERM Takeaway:

Spain’s legalization push stands in stark contrast to the current U.S. approach and highlights a global trend: countries that streamline pathways for workers tend to build more stable, productive labor forces. For U.S. employers, this is a competitive wake-up call. While you can’t control federal policy, you can control your own PERM timelines. Starting the recruitment advertising process proactively rather than reactively gives you the best shot at securing the talent you need before the competition heats up further.

6. Netherlands Narrows the Funnel: RNI Registration Drops from 19 Locations to 2

Starting January 2026, non-EU nationals looking to register in the Netherlands’ Non-Residents Records Database (RNI) can only do so in Breda or Venlo down from 19 municipalities. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens retain access to all RNI desks. The Dutch government says the change is part of a broader push to centralize identity services, though it may require some applicants to travel farther for a BSN number.

📋 The PERM Takeaway:

Administrative bottlenecks abroad can slow down international mobility timelines for your employees. If your company transfers workers to or through the Netherlands, factor in potential delays from reduced registration access. The broader lesson for PERM practitioners: bureaucratic changes even seemingly small ones can have outsized impacts on your workforce planning. Stay ahead of process changes in every jurisdiction where your employees operate.

7. U.K. Tightens the Gate: Dual Citizens, Bring the Right Passport

Starting February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom will require dual citizens to enter using a U.K. passport, an Irish passport, or a foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement confirming the right of abode. Dual nationals will no longer be able to enter on a third-country passport alone and are ineligible for an Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Home Office is advising affected travelers to get their documents in order well in advance.

📋 The PERM Takeaway:

This one’s a direct heads-up for employers with U.K.-connected employees or those planning business travel to Britain. If any of your sponsored workers hold dual citizenship involving the U.K., make sure they’re aware of the new entry requirements before booking travel. For PERM employers, this is another reminder that global immigration rules are tightening across the board meticulous documentation and advance planning aren’t optional, they’re survival skills.

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The Bottom Line

This week’s headlines paint a clear picture: the immigration landscape is getting more complex, not less. Whether it’s a shrinking labor pool at home, shifting public opinion, or tightening rules abroad, employers who wait for clarity are going to get left behind. The smart move? Get your PERM recruitment advertising locked in, keep your compliance documentation current, and partner with an agency that actually reads the fine print.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay ahead.