U.S. lifts visa processing freeze for foreign-trained doctors
Legal battle intensifies as Yemen TPS termination takes effect
Supreme Court hears arguments on ending TPS for Haitians and Syrians
Latest News
Surge in DACA renewal wait times leaves ‘Dreamers’ jobless and at risk of removal
USCIS data show median DACA-renewal processing times have quadrupled to about 70 days, with many cases exceeding six months. Lapsed work permits are pushing teachers, health-care staff and other skilled ‘Dreamers’ out of their jobs and into deportation risk. USCIS blames enhanced vetting; lawmakers and advocates demand automatic extensions and additional resources. Employers should file renewals early, explore alternative visa options and prepare for I-9 compliance challenges.
Report reveals quarter of FBI workforce diverted to immigration enforcement
An Intercept investigation reveals that over 6,500 FBI employees—about a quarter of the agency—have been reassigned to immigration-enforcement support roles since early 2025. The redeployment means more agents vetting visa applicants and joining workplace raids, raising compliance stakes for employers and drawing criticism that traditional FBI missions are being short-changed.
DHS reverses course and exempts foreign physicians from travel-ban visa freeze
Reacting to mounting pressure from healthcare groups, DHS has carved out an exemption allowing international physicians to receive visas, work permits and green-card benefits despite the broader travel-ban processing freeze. The shift averts imminent staffing crises at hospitals nationwide but leaves other professionals from the 39 affected countries still subject to delays.
USCIS formalizes expanded security-vetting plan and lifts processing holds for key applicant groups
USCIS has activated a new multi-office security-vetting framework that pulls together biometric, social-media and criminal-record checks. As part of the rollout, the agency is releasing many cases that have been on national-security holds—including petitions for foreign doctors—while warning that new filings from high-risk countries may still face delays. Employers and foreign nationals should expect shorter work-permit validity periods and more frequent background checks.
ICE detention outside Brooklyn hospital sparks clash and nine arrests, reigniting ‘sanctuary city’ debate
A routine ICE detention outside a Brooklyn hospital escalated into a street confrontation that left federal vehicles damaged and nine protesters under arrest. The clash underscores the tension between federal enforcement priorities and New York City’s sanctuary-city laws, and signals the potential for similar flashpoints in other jurisdictions.
CBP New York operations chief Francis J. Russo awarded 2026 Lifetime Achievement honor
CBP regional director Francis J. Russo has been honored with a national lifetime-achievement award for three decades of innovations that speed passenger processing and cargo clearance at New York’s international gateways. His work on Global Entry expansion and biometric exit systems continues to shape the travel experience for millions of corporate flyers.
Laos makes digital immigration form mandatory—US travelers must add pre-departure step
Starting January 1 2026, Laos will require all foreign nationals—including U.S. citizens—to complete an online Lao Digital Immigration Form before every entry and exit. The QR-code system, already in pilot at major airports, replaces paper arrival/departure cards and adds a narrow 72-hour submission window that corporate travelers must build into their trip planning.