New Rules Limit Visa Interview Locations
The State Department announced that nonimmigrant visa applicants must now attend interviews only in their country of nationality or residence. Previously, applicants could schedule in third countries to avoid long wait times. The policy applies to most nonimmigrant visa categories, including work, student, and tourist visas, but excludes diplomatic and certain special visas. Existing appointments will generally remain valid. “For applicants already dealing with complex immigration policies and requirements, this change only makes it harder for them to pursue education, secure work, or see their families in the U.S.,” said Erik Finch, director of global operations at Boundless and a former USCIS officer.
USCIS Chief Defends Rule on “Anti-American” Views
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow defended a new rule allowing officers to consider “anti-American” views in green card and other immigration cases, stressing it targets terrorist ideology, not political dissent. He outlined broader changes under review, including tougher citizenship tests, limits on work programs for foreign students, and stricter oversight of H-1B visas. Edlow also confirmed USCIS will begin using armed agents to investigate fraud and that states may tap agency data to verify voter rolls.
South Korean Workers Detained in Hyundai Raid to Be Sent Home
More than 300 South Korean nationals arrested in a massive U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will soon be freed and flown home on a chartered flight, Seoul announced. U.S. agents detained 475 people in what officials called the largest single-site enforcement operation in DHS history. The raid, which followed a Trump–Lee summit on billions of dollars in South Korean investment, raised concerns, but both governments stressed that relations remain strong.
Supreme Court Expands Immigration Agents’ Power in LA
The Supreme Court, in a 6–3 ruling, sided with the Trump administration and allowed immigration agents to stop and detain people in Los Angeles based largely on appearance, language, or type of work. The order lifts lower-court limits on “roving patrols” and paves the way for Trump’s planned mass deportation operation. Conservatives said agents only need “reasonable suspicion,” while Justice Sotomayor warned the decision risks targeting Latinos and even U.S. citizens. Hearings continue in lower courts.
Major U.S. Firms Expand H-1B Visa Sponsorships in 2025
Leading U.S. employers increased their use of H-1B visas in 2025, with gains across tech, finance, consulting, and beyond, according to a new analysis of federal data. Amazon led the way, rising from 9,257 approvals in 2024 to 10,044 this year, followed by growth at Microsoft, Apple, Meta, and JPMorgan Chase. Approvals reflect renewals and transfers, not just new hires. Still, the data points to persistent demand for foreign-born talent in specialized, hard-to-fill roles.