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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...

In a growing number of recent cases, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued Notices to Appear (NTAs) in removal proceedings to H-1B workers—even when they had valid and timely-filed change of employer (COE) or change of status (COS) applications within the 60-day grace period following termination of employment. This marks a significant policy shift and raises questions about the security of the grace period, once considered a crucial protection for high-skilled foreign nationals. What Is the 60-Day Grace Period? Under 8 CFR § 214.1(l)(2), foreign nationals in certain nonimmigrant visa categories—including H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, L-1, O-1, and TN—are granted a discretionary...