World Immigration News

WR Immigration News Digest

Release Date: 2025-05-21
Media: WR Immigration
Summary: Between May and June 2025, several significant developments have occurred in U.S. immigration policy, with broad implications for foreign nationals and their employers.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on May 16, 2025, to maintain a block on the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelan nationals. The Court sent the case back to the Fifth Circuit, emphasizing that individuals must be given adequate notice and due process before deportation. The decision highlights legal limits on using wartime powers during peacetime and reinforces the need for lawful procedures in immigration enforcement.

In a separate move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on May 12 that it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, effective July 14, 2025, affecting approximately 9,000 individuals. DHS cited improvements in Afghanistan's conditions, although advocates have raised concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups such as Afghan Christians.

USCIS also released data for the FY 2026 H-1B registration process, showing a 27% decrease in eligible registrations from the previous year. Despite fewer registrations, the number of participating employers rose slightly, and duplicate filings dropped significantly—indicating that new anti-fraud measures are working and that selection rates likely improved.

The June 2025 Visa Bulletin brings modest progress in some employment-based categories. China’s EB-2 and EB-3 dates advanced slightly, while India saw no movement. For other countries, EB-2 and EB-3 final action dates moved forward more substantially. USCIS confirmed that Final Action Dates will be used for employment-based adjustment filings in June, prompting eligible applicants to prepare their cases.

As of May 3, the Department of State opened the DV-2026 entrant status check portal. Applicants must use their confirmation number to verify results online, as no individual notifications will be sent. HR teams should assist employees in retaining their confirmation numbers and navigating the next steps if selected.

The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) released updated public disclosure data and statistics for key programs including PERM and H-1B through the second quarter of FY 2025. These updates provide employers with insights to improve compliance and plan their workforce strategy in line with evolving regulations.

Finally, on May 20, the Supreme Court issued a summary order supporting the Trump administration’s move to end TPS for roughly 350,000 Venezuelans. Despite human rights concerns over conditions in Venezuela, the decision permits deportations to proceed. Employers must now urgently review their workforce to identify affected TPS holders and ensure compliance with employment verification rules, while offering legal support where possible.

Together, these changes underscore a tightening U.S. immigration landscape, requiring proactive planning and legal awareness from HR, compliance, and mobility teams.
Tags: USA