Blog

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rolled out Project Firewall. It is a bold new enforcement initiative designed to crack down on fraud, wage abuse, and misuse of the H-1B visa program. This comes right on the heels of the Presidential Proclamation imposing a $100,000 filing fee on new H-1B petitions. Together, these moves make one thing crystal clear: the federal government is getting serious about reshaping the H-1B landscape and putting U.S. workers first. What Is Project Firewall? For the first time in the history of the H-1B program, we’re seeing enforcement at this level of visibility and...

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant updates to the naturalization civics test, the first major revision in years. These changes, set to take effect in 2025, are part of USCIS’s broader initiative to strengthen the integrity of the U.S. citizenship process. For individuals planning to apply for naturalization, understanding these updates is critical. Below, we break down what’s changing, why it matters, and how applicants can prepare.   What’s Changing in the Naturalization Test? The 2025 version of the civics test is designed to more thoroughly measure applicants’ understanding of U.S. history, government, English proficiency, and civic values. Key Highlights of...

On September 21, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued formal guidance on the recent Presidential Proclamation mandating a $100,000 filing fee for certain H-1B petitions. This memorandum offers official confirmation of points we previously analyzed in our earlier breakdown of the proclamation. Below, we outline the key clarifications provided by USCIS and what they mean for employers, current H-1B visa holders, and prospective applicants. Key Takeaways from USCIS Policy Guidance Prospective Only The $100,000 fee only applies to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. Employers planning new filings should be prepared to budget accordingly. Not Retroactive Petitions...