This Week in Immigration: October 31, 2025

U.S. Expands Facial Recognition to All Foreign Travelers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will soon photograph all non-U.S. citizens when they enter and leave the country, expanding its facial recognition program to include children under 14 and adults over 79. The system will link live photos with passport data to verify identities and is expected to reach all major airports within five years. Officials say it enhances border security, while critics warn it heightens government surveillance of immigrants and legal residents.

DHS Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions for Immigrants

Starting October 30, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will no longer grant automatic extensions for work permit renewals, ending a policy that allowed up to 540 extra days of work authorization. The change could leave hundreds of thousands temporarily unable to work while waiting for USCIS approval. DHS says the shift strengthens vetting, but workers are advised to file renewals as early as six months in advance to avoid job interruptions.

USCIS Phases Out Checks, Launches Direct Bank Payments for Fees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now allows applicants to pay immigration fees directly from U.S. bank accounts using the new Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions. The move modernizes payments in line with a federal executive order and aims to cut delays, fraud, and processing costs. Starting October 28, payments must be made via ACH debit or credit card using Form G-1450. USCIS says the shift will streamline and secure fee processing.

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Trump Slashes U.S. Refugee Cap to 7,500, Prioritizing White South Africans

The Trump administration has set a new annual cap of 7,500 refugees — down from 125,000 under President Biden — and plans to admit mostly White South Africans. The White House gave no detailed explanation beyond saying the change was in the “national interest.” Refugee advocates warn the decision undermines the U.S. humanitarian system and sidelines thousands of vetted applicants from around the world.

Congressional Candidate Among Six Indicted in Immigration Protest

A federal grand jury in Chicago indicted six people, including Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, for allegedly interfering with a federal agent during a protest outside an ICE detention center in Broadview, Illinois. Prosecutors say the group blocked and damaged an agent’s vehicle during the September 26 demonstration. The indictments, which carry potential prison terms, sparked backlash from Illinois Democrats, who accused the Justice Department of targeting Trump’s political opponents amid the administration’s intensified immigration crackdown.

Illinois Governor Urges Trump Officials to Pause ICE Raids for Halloween

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has asked the Trump administration to suspend immigration raids over Halloween weekend so children can celebrate “without fear.” In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and the heads of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CBP, Pritzker condemned recent federal actions in Chicago, including reports that border patrol agents used tear gas at a Halloween parade. He called the raids unconstitutional and traumatizing for families. DHS has not responded to the request.

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