State Department Issues Rare “Worldwide Caution” After U.S.-Iran Strikes
Middle East Airspace Shutdown Strands U.S. Travellers, Snarls Global Flight Map
DHS Shutdown Enters Third Week as Lawmakers Clash over Funding After Iran Strikes
Latest News
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Policy Allowing Mass Detention of Refugees in Minnesota
A federal court barred DHS from arresting refugees in Minnesota whose green-card applications are still pending, calling the Trump policy likely unlawful. The decision shields thousands of legally employed refugees and offers a legal template that could slow nationwide implementation, reducing immediate relocation-risk for U.S. employers.([nbcnewyork.com](https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/federal-judge-extends-order-protecting-refugees-minnesota/6470621/))
Weighted-Wage H-1B Lottery Takes Effect, Reshaping FY-2027 Cap Season
USCIS’s new rule giving more lottery entries to higher-wage H-1B registrations became effective on February 27, 2026. The policy will govern the FY-2027 cap lottery that opens in March, rewarding employers that offer Level III or IV wages and lowering odds for entry-level roles. Companies must adjust salary budgets and registration workflows immediately, while foreign talent faces a tougher market for low-salary offers.
USCIS Premium-Processing Fee Jumps to $2,965—Last Day to File at Old Rate Is Feb 29 Shipment
Fragomen warns that USCIS will raise premium-processing fees to $2,965 on March 1. Petitions post-marked after February 29 will be rejected if they carry the old $2,805 check, so employers should dispatch time-critical filings now and budget for higher costs in the upcoming cap season.
Federal Judge Bars DHS From Detaining Lawful Refugees in Minnesota After One-Year Mark
A federal court halted DHS plans to re-detain refugees in Minnesota who have not yet received green cards, protecting some 5,600 workers and families. The ruling removes an immediate compliance threat for employers and preserves stability for Minnesota’s sizable refugee workforce while the case continues.
Advocacy Groups Sue to Stop Rule Slashing Time to Appeal Deportation Orders
Non-profits sued the Justice Department on Feb 27 to block a last-minute rule that would shrink the time to appeal deportation orders from 30 days to 10 days and allow the BIA to summarily dismiss cases. If implemented on March 9, the rule could hamper due process, increase compliance risk for businesses employing foreign nationals, and drive up legal costs.
State Department Suspends Routine Visa Services in Israel, Authorizes Departure of Staff Families
Citing security concerns, the U.S. State Department paused routine visa services at its Jerusalem embassy and Tel Aviv office and permitted non-essential staff families to leave. The move disrupts NIV processing for business travellers and requires multinationals to redirect visa appointments to third-country posts.