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Following a recent service disruption, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that the E-Verify system is now fully operational. This announcement has immediate implications for employers, HR professionals, and federal contractors who rely on E-Verify to comply with employment eligibility verification requirements. At VKM Law Group, we advise employers to act promptly to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with federal hiring laws. What Happened? Between late September and early October 2025, the E-Verify system experienced an unexpected outage, preventing users from creating new cases or updating existing ones. Now that operations have resumed, USCIS has issued specific guidance to help employers...

In a major legal development that could reshape the landscape of employment-based immigration, a federal lawsuit has been filed challenging President Trump’s recent Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. This litigation marks the first major test of executive authority in immigration since the 2025 Proclamation took effect—and employers across the U.S. are paying close attention. As experienced immigration attorneys in New Jersey, VKM Law Group is monitoring this closely. Here’s what employers and foreign professionals need to know. Background: The September 2025 Proclamation On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a Proclamation titled: “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” Effective...

As Congress faces another funding deadline, the looming question for many immigrants, employers, and families is clear: What happens to immigration services if the U.S. government shuts down? The short answer: some parts of the immigration system will keep running, others could slow down or pause entirely. The impact depends largely on how each agency is funded and which services rely on congressional appropriations. Below is a breakdown of what typically happens during a government shutdown and what applicants and employers should keep in mind.   U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ✅ Generally remains open. Because USCIS operates primarily on fee-based funding, most of...