White House Immigration Update: Big Moves, Bigger Questions 🚨

From birthright citizenship to EB-5 fees and expanded enforcement, the Trump administration isn’t slowing down. This week’s headlines touch nearly every corner of immigration — court challenges, visa access, and compliance crackdowns.

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1️⃣ Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Consider Birthright Citizenship Case 

The Trump administration has formally requested that the Supreme Court hear arguments on its executive order denying U.S. citizenship to children of parents who are undocumented or in the country on temporary visas. Solicitor General D. John Sauer’s filing asks for an expedited hearing early next year, an unusually fast track given that only one appeals court has ruled so far. A decision is expected by June 2026, setting the stage for a major constitutional showdown.

PERM Takeaway: If accepted, this case could reshape long-standing interpretations of the Fourteenth Amendment and impact how citizenship is documented for employees and dependents born in the U.S. to visa-holding parents.

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2️⃣ Korea–U.S. Visa Working Group Seeks Solutions 

A new bilateral working group met to improve visa access for South Korean professionals. The U.S. announced that B-1 business visitors and Visa Waiver travelers will now be allowed to install, service, or repair foreign equipment in the U.S. A change welcomed by major firms such as LG. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also committed to opening a dedicated visa desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

• Some industry experts have argued that the South Korean clarification does not address the nationwide lack of visa access.

PERM Takeaway: While this policy offers short-term relief for corporate travel, it highlights broader global demand for streamlined visa pathways a theme immigration-dependent industries should monitor closely.

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3️⃣ EB-5 Investor Program Fee Rule Clears the White House 

The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has approved the final EB-5 fee rule, paving the way for publication. The rule codifies 2022 congressional changes that raised minimum investments to $1.05 million (standard) and $800 k (targeted employment areas) and allows USCIS to recover administrative costs tied to oversight of regional centers.

PERM Takeaway: Higher EB-5 thresholds signal continued focus on capital accountability and compliance A model likely to influence other employment-based visa categories, including PERM processing fees and audits.

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4️⃣ Administration Expands Local Immigration Enforcement Efforts 

Federal officials are embedding with local police departments nationwide, finalizing 520 agreements across 35 states to coordinate deportations. Cities with sanctuary policies remain resistant, but enforcement surges are expected as the administration aims to deport one million foreign nationals by year-end.

PERM Takeaway: Employers in affected regions should stay vigilant about documentation, I-9 compliance, and E-Verify obligations, as increased enforcement could intensify worksite scrutiny.

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Atlas Perspective: From visa facilitation abroad to enforcement at home, the administration’s dual approach underscores a complex policy environment. Employers and law firms should prioritize proactive compliance, maintain strong record-keeping practices, and track ongoing litigation that could redefine citizenship and labor eligibility standards.