Key Terms
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency whose work includes customs, border, and immigration enforcement, emergency response to natural and man-made disasters, antiterrorism work, and cybersecurity.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal agency under DHS that prevents people from entering the country illegally or bringing anything harmful or illegal into the United States.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency under DHS that enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is the DHS program that administers the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It ensures that government agencies have essential data related to nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors to preserve national security. SEVP provides approval and oversight to schools authorized to enroll F and M nonimmigrant students and gives guidance to both schools and students about the requirements for maintaining their status.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications and establishing policies regarding immigration services.
- U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs is responsible for issuing U.S. passports and visas. They also monitor and provide detailed destination-specific travel and risk information for U.S. citizens going abroad.
- Texas State Government issues laws, regulations, and policies that affect the state of Texas. These may differ from other state policies or federal government policies that can affect the entire U.S.
March 2026
Department of State Expanded Screening and Vetting for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants – Expanded March 25, 2026
Beginning March 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will expand online presence review to include applicants in the following additional nonimmigrant visa classifications: all A-3, C-3 (if a domestic worker), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U. This expanded online presence review matches the online presence review already applied to applicants and dependents for H-1B visas, as well as applicants for F, M, and J visas.
Individuals subject to this review should ensure the privacy settings of all their social media profiles are set to “Public” or “Open.”
Department of State U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program March 18, 2025
The Department of State has launched a visa bond pilot program, requiring nationals of certain countries applying for a B1/B2 business or tourist visa to submit a payment of USD $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 before they can be issued a visa. Countries subject to this bond are identified by the State Department as having high overstay rates, insignificant identity verification practices, or offering citizenship by investment without a minimum duration residency requirement.
The bond money is returned when:
- Homeland Security records the visitor’s departure on or before the expiry date of their B1/B2 status
- The visa expires before use
- The visa holder is denied entry to the U.S. and returns abroad.
- The B1/B2 visa holder leaves the US after the expiry date of their status, or does not leave the US
- The B1/B2 visa holder applies for asylum or otherwise applies for adjustment of status.
Instructions for paying the bond are provided by the consular officer. Visa applicants are encouraged to wait for instructions from the consular officer before attempting to pay the bond.
Bond-subject individuals must use commercial airports or preclearance facilities to enter and leave the US. Charter aviation, general aviation, land or sea entry points may not be set up to properly record arrival or departure information.
The program is currently slated to conclude August 5, 2026.
Department of State Situation in the Middle East March 10, 2026
January 2026
Office of the Texas Governor Governor Abbott Freezes H-1B Visa Petitions for Texas State Agencies and Public Universities January 27, 2026
On January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed all Texas state agencies and public universities with state-appointed administration to freeze new H-1B visa petitions until the end of the 90th regular legislative session on May 31, 2027. The directive also requires all state agencies and public universities in Texas to submit reports to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026.
ISSS cannot directly address most questions pertaining to H-1B status. If you are a current or prospective employee of the Texas A&M University System, please direct your questions to Immigration Affairs. For non A&M employees, please consult with your employer and immigration counsel.
Department of State Immigrant Visa Processing Paused for 75 Countries Due to Public Charge Reassessment January 14, 2026
Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the 75 countries listed below:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
The State Department has announced that they will indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing as they reassess the review procedured for determining whether a visa applicant is inadmissible based on public charge grounds.
Proposed Changes to Rules and Regulations | Global Engagement (under November 2025 updates)
Department of Homeland Security Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees January 9, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is publishing a final rule that will increase USCIS fees for premium processing to reflect the amount of inflation from June 2023 through June 2025. This rule is effective on March 1, 2026.
Final Rule in the Federal Register
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS Ends the Option to Request a Social Security Number When Applying for an EAD January 5, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS Expands and Clarifies Adjudication Policies Applied to Foreign Nationals from Travel Ban Countries January 1, 2026
On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued a policy memorandum expanding its current adjudication hold policy to foreign nationals from countries on the new travel ban list. The memorandum also requires re-review of immigration benefits that were approved on or after January 20, 2021 if the foreign national is from a country on the new travel ban list. This hold is placed on all pending benefit applications so USCIS can conduct a comprehensive review of all policies, procedures, and screening and vetting processes for benefit requests.
USCIS Policy Memorandum
December 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Final Rule on Weighted Selection of H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions December 29, 2025
The final rule will be effective on February 27, 2026, 60 days after its Federal Register publication date, in time for the Fiscal Year 2027 H-1B cap filing season this Spring.
Final Rule in the Federal Register
The White House Presidential Proclamation Expands Travel Bans December 16, 2025
On December 16, 2025, the White House released a presidential proclamation and fact sheet that continued or added restrictions on visa issuance and entry to the U.S. for 40 countries. Please review the proclamation and fact sheet for full details; exceptions apply. Limited travel advice from ISSS can be found here; for further advice, please consult an immigration attorney.
The following countries and/or groups are affected starting at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026:
Full restrictions on entry to the U.S. for 20 countries and groups
- Afghanistan
- Burkina Faso
- Burma
- Chad
- Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Laos
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Palestinian Authority issued or endorsed travel documents
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
Partial restrictions on entry to the U.S. for 20 countries
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burundi
- Cote d'Ivoire
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Tonga
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New Photo Policy Helps Prevent Immigration Fraud Through Enhanced Identity Verification December 12, 2025
Since this is a new policy communicated out by limited USCIS language, the scope of the policy is not yet entirely clear.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S.
The maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs will be changed from 5 years back to 18 months for several categories of aliens. The policy change will apply to Form I-765 EAD applications that are pending on or filed on or after December 5, 2025.
USCIS News Release
U.S. Department of State Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for H-1B and Dependent H-4 Visa Applicants December 3, 2025
H‑1B/H‑4 visa applicants may face extended delay and additional scrutiny. Please work with your employer and/or immigration counsel if you are experience significant delays.
DOS Visa News
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS Considers Country Circumstances when Adjudicating Application
Effective December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is placing a processing hold on all pending immigration benefit requests for applicants who are citizens of or were born in one of the 19 countries listed in the Presidential Proclamation 10949.
USCIS News Release
November 2025
U.S. Department of State Suspension of Visa Issuance to Afghan Nationals November 27, 2025
DOS Visa News
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Electronic Device Searches at Ports of Entry November 17, 2025
Additional information can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices.
October 2025
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Interim Final Rule to End Certain Automatic EAD Extensions October 30, 2025
The new provision now provides that, except where “otherwise provided by law,” the filing of an EAD renewal application will no longer automatically extend either the EAD or the underlying work authorization. Check USCIS's news releases for more information DHS Ends Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization.
Please be aware that this change does not affect the following eligibility categories. If you are not sure, please consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
- Pre-Completion OPT--(c)(3)(A).
- Post-Completion OPT--(c)(3)(B).
- 24-Month Extension for STEM Students --(c)(3)(C)
- F-1 Student Offered Off-Campus Employment Under the Sponsorship of a Qualifying International Organization--(c)(3)(ii).
- F-1 Student Seeking Off-Campus Employment Due to Severe Economic Hardship--(c)(3)(iii).
- J-2 Spouse or Minor Child of an Exchange Visitor--(c)(5).
DHS Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Electronic Payments for Paper-Filed Forms October 28, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Updates to H-1B Application Process September 19, 2025
On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation, "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers," which will require any new petitions for an H-1B visa submitted after Sept 21, 2025 to include a payment of $100,000.00 USD along with their application. This proclamation does not affect any previously issued H-1B visas or H-1B petitions that were submitted before Sept. 21, 2025 and does not affect any fees for H-1B renewals.
On October 20, 2025, USCIS clarified certain important petition filing scenarios where the proclamation will and will not apply to petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 21, 2025. Please check the guidance on its H-1B Specialty Occupations page.
For more information please visit:
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/h-1b-faq
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/H1B_Proc_Memo_FINAL.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations
U.S. Department of State Update to Third Country Processing Rules for Visa Applicants September 6, 2025
In cases where the United States does not have visa operations in a country, nationals of that country must use specific designated posts for their visa application (listed below):
Designated Locations for Nonimmigrant Visa Processing:
|
NATIONAL OF
|
DESIGNATED LOCATION(S)
|
|---|---|
|
Afghanistan
|
Islamabad
|
|
Belarus
|
Vilnius, Warsaw
|
| Burkina Faso | Lome |
|
Chad
|
Yaoundé
|
|
Cuba
|
Georgetown
|
|
Haiti
|
Nassau
|
|
Iran
|
Dubai
|
|
Libya
|
Tunis
|
|
Niger
|
Ouagadougou
|
|
Russia
|
Astana, Warsaw
|
|
Somalia
|
Nairobi
|
|
South Sudan
|
Nairobi
|
|
Sudan
|
Cairo
|
|
Syria
|
Amman
|
|
Ukraine
|
Krakow, Warsaw
|
|
Venezuela
|
Bogota
|
|
Yemen
|
Riyadh
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
Johannesburg
|
This update is generally not expected to impact previously-scheduled appointments, but would be expected to apply to appointments scheduled going forward.
U.S. Department of State Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waiver Update September 2, 2025
August 2025
U.S. Department of State Visa Pause: US Embassy Harare August 7, 2025
July 2025
U.S. Department of State Non-Immigrant Visa Reciprocity Fee Updated July 8, 2025
The State Department has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries. Most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas, including F-1 and J-1 visas, issued to citizens of these countries will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.
Note that these changes are not expected to impact currently valid visas but are expected to apply on new visas issued to citizens of these countries.
Students and scholars can check if their country is impacted by searching the visa reciprocity tables on the State Department's website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html
What is Visa Reciprocity?
Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries and areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of reciprocity. In other words, when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country and areas of authority for similar types of visas.
Visa reciprocity can also impact aspects of the visa such as duration and number of entries for which the visa is valid.
June 2025
U.S. Department of State Visa Pause Lifted & Expanded Social Media Screening for Visa Applicants June 18, 2025
The White House and U.S. Department of State Visa and Entry Bans and Restrictions June 9, 2025
| Ban on entry into the U.S. and suspension of visa issuance for all immigrants and nonimmigrants (with exceptions). Afghanistan Burma Chad Republic of Congo Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Haiti Iran Libya Somalia Sudan Yemen |
Ban on entry into the U.S. and suspension of visa issuance for B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas (with exceptions). Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela *The validity of other nonimmigrant visa types may also be reduced. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State has also suspended issuance of certain immigrant visas for these countries. |
What does this mean?
- You will be affected by the visa suspensions and entry bans/restrictions if you are a citizen of one of the above countries and are outside of the U.S. without a valid visa as of June 9, 2025.
- The U.S. Department of State says "Visa applicants who are subject to this Presidential Proclamation may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States."
- If you are currently inside the U.S. and/or have a valid visa, you might be able to enter the U.S. after international travel, but this is not guaranteed. You should expect increased scrutiny at the port of entry.
- The order also specifically states that visas issued before the effective date will not be revoked based on the executive order.
Exceptions to Entry to the U.S. Ban/Restrictions
Per the Executive Order, Section 4. Scope and Implementation of Suspensions and Limitations, the bans/restrictions do not apply to the following groups:- Any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
- Any dual national of a country designated under sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated;
- Any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO‑2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6;
- Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;
- Immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5) with clear and convincing evidence of identity and family relationship (e.g., DNA);
- Adoptions (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4);
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas;
- Asylees and refugees;
- Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees; and
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
- Case by case exceptions may also be granted by the U.S. Attorney General and/or Secretary of State
Exceptions to Visa Issuance Suspensions
Per the U.S. Department of State website (last updated June 7, 2025):Exceptions for Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen for all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories
- Certain diplomatic and official visas
- Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens)
- Adoptions by U.S. citizens
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
- Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension
- Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees
- Afghan SIVs
- Participants in certain major sporting events
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
- Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens)
- Adoptions by U.S. citizens
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
- Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension
- Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees
- Participants in certain major sporting events
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
May 2025
U.S. Department of State Chinese Student Visa Revocations May 28, 2025
U.S. Department of State Pause on Adding New F & J Visa Appointment Capacity May 27, 2025
U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Requirement May 7, 2025
Travelers will need a passport or REAL ID compliant driver license or state ID for domestic air travel starting on May 7, 2025.
REAL ID requirements may affect what identification documents are acceptable for Social Security Number (SSN) applications.
From the Texas REAL ID page: "Your current Texas driver license or ID is REAL ID-compliant if it has a gold star in the top right corner. If it doesn’t have a gold star, you’ll get the gold star on your next renewal or request a replacement card."
April 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Screening Social Media Activity for Antisemitism April 9, 2025
From Press Release on April 9, 2025:
"WASHINGTON— Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity...
...Under this guidance, USCIS will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests. This guidance is effective immediately."
ISSS Social Media Recommendations
We highly recommend that you be cautious of what you post online, especially through various social media platforms.-
Information you share via social media can be viewed by federal immigration officers prior to your arrival in the U.S. and while you are in the U.S.
-
Information obtained from social media activity and public posts may be considered by federal agents when adjudicating and processing immigration matters, including visa issuance and entry to the U.S.
U.S. Department of State Visa Revocation or Suspension April 5, 2025
Visa Revocation
- A revoked visa is no longer valid as a travel document and cannot be used to request admission at a U.S. port of entry.
- If the visa of an individual inside the U.S. is revoked, it does not automatically impact their legal status to remain in the U.S.
- Visa revocation emails are sent by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy that issued the visa to the email address used on the DS-160
- Recently reported statements from visa revocation emails:
- Remaining in the United States without a lawful immigration status can result in fines, detention, and/or deportation.
- Please note that deportation can take place at a time that does not allow the person being deported to secure possessions or conclude affairs in the United States.
- Persons being deported may be sent to countries other than their countries of origin.
- A visa revocation can be a reason for deportation
- It may be possible to check the validity of your visa at https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx
Currently Affected Countries
South Sudan: Visas Revoked (April 5, 2025 - Present)
Press Statement on "Defending America’s Security through Visa and Travel Restrictions on South Sudan"
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Updates to Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Hong Kong April 3, 2025
From Alert on USCIS website as of April 23, 2025:
"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice for public inspection establishing procedures for certain Hong Kong residents covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through Feb. 5, 2027. The notice automatically extends through Feb. 5, 2027, the validity of current Hong Kong DED-related EADs with an expiration date of Feb. 5, 2023, or Feb. 5, 2025, and a Category Code of A11. Employees may present this EAD as evidence of identity and employment authorization for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification..."
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS Updates Policy to Recognize Two Biological Sexes April 2, 2025
"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that it only recognizes two biological sexes, male and female...
...USCIS will not deny benefits solely because the benefit requestor did not properly indicate his or her sex. However, USCIS does not issue documents with a blank sex field, and does not issue documents with a sex different than the sex as generally evidenced on a birth certificate issued at the time of birth (or issued nearest to the time of birth). Therefore, if a benefit requestor does not indicate his or her sex or indicates a sex different from the sex on his or her birth certificate issued at the time of birth (or issued nearest to the time of birth), there may be delays in adjudication.
USCIS may provide notice to benefit requestors if it issues a USCIS document reflecting a sex different than that indicated by the benefit requestor on the request."
March 2025
Texas State Government 89th State Legislature Updates March 13, 2025
The bill containing the state’s biennium budget (SB 1) was recently passed on the floor of the Texas House. The next step is for both chambers to resolve the differences in each spending package over the next few weeks via conference committee. The final version of the bill will then be voted on by the conference committee and voted on, again, by each chamber. After that, it goes to the Comptroller for certification and then, to the Governor for signature. Texas A&M leadership is working closely with lawmakers in both chambers to ensure the interests of Texas A&M students, faculty and staff are well understood by lawmakers.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security CBP Home App - Self-Deport Reporting Feature March 10, 2025
"Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is launching the CBP Home app with a self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country. Aliens should use the CBP Home mobile phone application to submit their intent to depart as indicated below..."
You should consult an immigration attorney if you have further questions or are considering using the self-deport function.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security F-1 SEVIS Terminations March 2025
Beginning in April 2025, most of the SEVIS records previously terminated by the U.S. government were returned to "Active" status with no warning or notice. Even if SEVIS was returned to "Active", these student's visas may remain revoked. ISSS has also heard reports that some of these SEVIS records were later re-terminated.
Some Texas A&M current and former students have been directly impacted by the above trends. ISSS has been and will continue to monitor SEVIS records daily and inform students of any changes to their SEVIS record.
February 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Updates to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti February 20, 2025
Alerts from the USCIS website, as of April 23, 2025:
"On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The announcement amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025, and makes a corresponding change to the initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation, which will now remain in effect through Aug. 3, 2025..."
"By Federal Register notice, the Department of Homeland Security has extended through Aug. 3, 2025, the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries under the designation of Haiti...
...It is important to timely re-register during the re-registration period and not wait until your EAD expires. If you wait to re-register, it could cause gaps in your employment authorization documentation..."
U.S. Department of State Changes to Visa Waiver Program February 18, 2025
The U.S. Department of State changed the parameters of the Visa Interview Waiver program.
To be eligible for a waiver:
- The application must be for a renewal of the same type of visa which the applicant held previously;
- The visa cannot have been expired for more than 12 months;
- The applicant must apply for a waiver in their country of nationality or residence;
- The applicant must have never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was overcome or waived); and
- The applicant must have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Updates to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela February 3, 2025
- "The Administration is committed to restoring the rule of law with respect to Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Nonetheless, on March 31, 2025, Judge Edward Chen, a federal judge in San Francisco, ordered the department to continue TPS for Venezuelans. See National TPS Alliance, et al., v. Kristi Noem et al., No. 3:25-cv-01766 (N.D. Cal. Mar. 31, 2025). The court did so even though the TPS statute says that TPS decisions are not subject to judicial review..."
- On Feb. 5, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the 2023 designation for Venezuela was published in the Federal Register..."
- "On Feb. 3, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s vacatur of the Jan. 17, 2025, notice that extended a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela was published in the Federal Register..."
January 2025
U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS Expands Expedited Removal Policy January 24, 2025
U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS Rescinds "Protected Areas" Enforcement Policy January 20, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Alien Registration Requirement January 20, 2025
"On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which directed the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that aliens comply with their duty to register with the government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302), and ensure that failure to comply with the registration requirement is treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.
The INA requires that, with limited exceptions, all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Similarly, parents and legal guardians of aliens below the age of 14 must ensure that those aliens are registered. Within 30 days of reaching his or her 14th birthday, all previously registered aliens must apply for re-registration and to be fingerprinted.
Once an alien has registered and appeared for fingerprinting (unless waived), DHS will issue evidence of registration, which aliens over the age of 18 must carry and keep in their personal possession at all times."
You should review the USCIS website to see if the registration requirement applies to you or your dependents. We recommend you consult an immigration attorney if you have questions.
U.S. Department of State Changes to Passport Sex Marker January 20, 2025
One component of this order is:
- Agency forms that require an individual’s sex shall list male or female, and shall not request gender identity.
- When completing the ‘sex’ field of the DS-160 [or DS-260], please select your sex at birth: male or female. Generally, this will be the sex listed on your passport. However, if your passport lists your gender identity, does not list a sex, or lists ‘X’/’unspecified’ in a sex identifier field, you must select your sex at birth.
Older Updates
Texas State Government Executive Order GA-48 - Hardening State Government November 19, 2024
Texas State Executive Order, GA-48
Signed into effect by Governor Greg Abbott, as of November 19, 2024
Under this order, State agencies and institutions of higher education, including Texas A&M University, are required to implement measures to safeguard employees, critical infrastructure, and sensitive information from access by foreign entities deemed to pose significant risks to the state. Executive Order GA-48 mandates that Texas state agencies and higher education institutions, including Texas A&M University, implement measures to protect against foreign adversary influence by placing restrictions on certain activities, such as gifts, professional travel, and participation in foreign recruitment programs. The order also requires the implementation of personal travel notification processes and the establishment of minimum qualifications for critical infrastructure positions. In response to Executive Order GA-48, an implementation committee was established on February 20, 2025, and worked diligently to address the requirements of the order and employee concerns. Visit GA-48 Information and FAQs for more details.Texas State Government Executive Order GA-46 - Texas Hospitals Required to Collect, Report Healthcare Costs For Illegal Immigrants August 8, 2024
Texas State Executive Order, GA-46
Signed into effect by Governor Greg Abbott, as of August 8, 2024From Office of the Texas Governor Press Release on August 8, 2024:
"Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order directing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to collect information on illegal immigrants who use Texas public hospitals for inpatient and emergency care and to report incurred healthcare costs due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s reckless open border policies. HHSC will also be required to report annually to the Governor and Texas Legislature all inpatient and emergency care costs for illegal immigrants so the State of Texas can seek reimbursement from the federal government...
...At the Governor's direction, HHSC will immediately begin to:
- Direct hospitals and additional identified providers to collect information regarding the cost of medical care provided to illegal immigrants, beginning by November 1, 2024.
- Direct covered hospitals to report such data to HHSC quarterly, with initial submissions due March 1, 2025.
- Direct those hospitals to inform the patient that federal law mandates that any response to such questions will not affect patient care.
- Report annually, beginning on January 1, 2026, to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House on the preceding year’s costs for medical care provided to illegal immigrants."
To learn more about your rights in Texas hospitals, visit https://www.aclutx.org/en/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-texas-hospitals-decline-answer-immigration-status-questions.