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Effective December 26, 2025, sweeping changes to U.S. immigration enforcement have officially taken effect. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented new visa travel restrictions and biometric monitoring protocols that directly impact green card holders and visa applicants, especially from certain high-risk countries. At VKM Law Group, our team of experienced immigration attorneys in New Jersey is here to break down what these changes mean for you, and how to stay compliant and protected. Why This Matters These new rules were introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader initiative to: Enhance national security Modernize the U.S. border...

When the U.S. federal government experiences a funding lapse, as it has most recently at 12:01 AM on October 1, 2025, the effects ripple through every sector of the country, including immigration services. Whether you’re an employer sponsoring foreign talent or an individual waiting on a visa, it’s essential to understand how a shutdown may impact your immigration plans.   What Is a Government Shutdown? A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass the necessary funding legislation to keep federal agencies operational. As a result, agencies that rely on annual congressional appropriations either scale back significantly or close altogether. Some immigration-related departments are...

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...