This Week in Immigration: October 3, 2025

Boundless Acquires European Mobility Leader Localyze

Boundless Immigration has acquired Localyze, a European mobility platform, in a deal that expands its reach across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The move creates a single provider for companies managing employee visas, relocations, and compliance. The combined organization will offer fixed legal costs, faster application processing through AI tools, and more consistent support for workers and their families. 

Government Shutdown: What It Means for Immigration

The federal government shut down after lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal, but most immigration processes continue. USCIS remains open, as it is fee-funded, so green cards, naturalization, and work permits should move forward. Ports of entry also stay open. The biggest impact falls on employers: Department of Labor systems for LCAs and PERM filings may pause, and E-Verify is likely offline. Immigration courts for detained cases continue, while hearings for others may be rescheduled. Learn more. 

New I-94 and ESTA Fees Take Effect for Travelers

The U.S. has raised several travel fees tied to the new fiscal year. The I-94 fee for land border entries jumped from $6 to $30, ESTA for Visa Waiver Program travelers increased from $21 to $40, and EVUS, previously free, now costs $30 for Chinese nationals with 10-year B1/B2 visas. Starting in FY 2026, all three fees will rise annually with inflation. Find out what this fee increase means for travelers and employers.

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Pope Leo Condemns U.S. Immigration Policies as ‘Inhuman’

Pope Leo on Tuesday criticized President Trump’s immigration policies, calling the treatment of immigrants in the United States “inhuman” and questioning whether it fits with the Catholic Church’s pro-life teaching. “Someone who says I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life,” Leo told reporters. Leo, the first U.S. pope, has largely avoided political commentary since his election in May.

Federal Government Could Resume DACA Applications

The federal government is preparing to reopen the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) to new applicants for the first time in four years. Under a proposal before a federal judge, USCIS could begin accepting new and renewal applications nationwide, though Texas residents would be barred from receiving work permits. Advocates estimate more than a million people could be eligible if the order is approved, in addition to the 533,000 people already enrolled.

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