The Trump administration has expanded a State Department pilot program that requires citizens of certain countries to post a visa bond of up to $15,000 when applying for a U.S. visitor visa. An additional 25 countries were recently added, bringing the total number of affected nations to 38. Many of these countries are located in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Under this policy, individuals who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa may be required to post a

USCIS Pauses Asylum and Other Immigration Applications: What You Need to Know In early December, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued several policy changes that significantly affect asylum seekers and individuals who entered the United States through humanitarian parole programs. These changes impact asylum applications, work permits, green card processing, and parole renewals. USCIS Pauses Asylum Decisions On December 2, USCIS announced a nationwide paus

A federal judge in California has blocked a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that required most immigrants who entered the United States without inspection to remain in detention throughout their removal proceedings. The policy, implemented in July , directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to classify many immigrants arrested inside the U.S. as “applicants for admission.” This classification eliminated their ability to request release on bond—regardless

As of June 24, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was holding more than 59,000 people in immigration detention—the highest number ever recorded. This exceeds the federally funded capacity of 41,500 beds by 140%. Data shows that nearly half of detained individuals (47%) had no criminal record, and fewer than 30% had any criminal convictions. While ICE deported approximately 70,000 individuals with criminal convictions between January and June, many of those convic

On March 25, 2025, media reports revealed that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had paused processing green card applications filed by asylees and refugees. This suspension affects tens of thousands of individuals who were granted protection in the United States after fleeing persecution and are now seeking lawful permanent residence. USCIS has not issued a formal public announcement explaining the pause. Instead, the agency has made only limited statements t