USCIS Opens FY 2027 H-1B Registration March 4; Weighted Lottery and $215 Fee Unveiled
House Ends Partial Shutdown, Sets 10-Day Deadline for New ICE Accountability Rules
Winter Storm Cancels 2,122 U.S. Flights, Disrupting Corporate Travel Nationwide
Latest News
Rights Groups Sue Over 75-Country U.S. Visa Ban
A lawsuit filed 2 February challenges the new proclamation barring visas for nationals of 75 mostly non-European countries, claiming it is discriminatory and illegal. The outcome will determine whether tens of thousands of family, student and work visas can resume, directly affecting U.S. employers and universities that depend on global talent.
State Department Confirms Passports and Visas Will Continue During Shutdown
Despite the ongoing partial government shutdown, the State Department confirmed on 2 February that passport issuance, visa interviews and U.S. citizen services will continue because they are funded by user fees. Companies can proceed with travel and assignment plans, but should expect potential staffing-related slowdowns at some posts.
U.S. Orders Departure of Staff, Issues Level-4 ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for Niger
A 2 February State Department update raised Niger to Level 4 and ordered non-essential U.S. personnel to leave after an airport assault claimed by Islamic State affiliates. The directive affects business travel, supply-chain routing and duty-of-care obligations for companies with staff in Niger.
Immigration-Policy Standoff Complicates Funding Deal to Reopen Government
House negotiations to end the partial government shutdown became bogged down on 2 February as Democrats seek immigration-enforcement reforms in exchange for their votes. The stalemate threatens DHS operating funds, raising the prospect of delayed border processing and immigration-benefit adjudications.