Key Takeaways
• On June 6, 2025, visa issuance for certain foreign nationals was suspended, but visas issued before June 9 remain valid.
• TPS for Afghans ends May 2025, affecting over 9,000 people losing legal stay and work rights.
• Fifth Circuit ruled DACA work authorization illegal in Texas; student visas revoked affecting 1,600+ foreigners.
A wave of recent policy changes and court decisions is reshaping the landscape for foreign nationals in the United States 🇺🇸, especially those relying on work visas or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for their right to live and work in the country. These developments have left many individuals and employers facing new uncertainties about employment, legal status, and future prospects.
Who Is Affected and What’s Happening?
Foreign nationals—people who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸—are at the center of these changes. In the past few months, the U.S. government has made several important announcements:
- Suspension of new visa issuance for certain foreign nationals, effective June 6, 2025, to address national security concerns.
- Termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans in May 2025, impacting over 9,000 individuals.
- Changes to DACA work authorization in Texas, following a Fifth Circuit Court decision.
- Revocation of over 1,600 student visas and termination of more than 4,700 SEVIS records, often without clear explanation.
These actions have immediate and far-reaching effects on foreign nationals, their families, employers, and the broader U.S. economy.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
U.S. officials say the main reasons for these policy shifts are to protect national security and ensure that immigration laws are followed. According to recent government statements, suspending certain visa issuances and reviewing work authorization programs are part of ongoing efforts to address security risks and legal challenges.
However, immigration advocates and legal experts argue that these changes often happen quickly and without enough explanation, leaving many foreign nationals in difficult situations. Employers, too, are worried about losing valuable workers and facing disruptions to their businesses.
Key Policy Changes: What You Need to Know
Suspension of Visa Issuance
On June 6, 2025, a presidential proclamation suspended the issuance of certain visas to foreign nationals. This means that, for now, some people who want to come to the United States 🇺🇸 for work or other reasons cannot get new visas. However, visas issued before June 9, 2025, remain valid. If you already have a valid visa, you can still use it, but new applications may be delayed or denied.
Important: This suspension does not take away visas that were already given out before June 9, 2025. If you are a foreign national with a valid visa, you can continue to use it until it expires.
Termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans
Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a special program that lets people from certain countries stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 if it is unsafe for them to return home. In May 2025, the Trump administration announced that TPS for Afghans will end, affecting over 9,000 people.
When TPS ends, these individuals lose their legal right to stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸. Many will have to leave the country or find another way to stay legally, such as applying for a different visa or seeking asylum.
DACA Work Authorization Changes in Texas
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows some people who came to the United States 🇺🇸 as children to stay and work legally. Recently, the Fifth Circuit Court ruled that DACA’s work authorization is likely not legal in Texas. This means that, in Texas, DACA recipients can still get protection from being deported, but they cannot get work authorization.
In other states, DACA recipients can still apply for and receive work authorization, but this could change if more court decisions are made.
Student Visa Revocations
Over 1,600 student visas have been revoked, and more than 4,700 SEVIS records (which track international students) have been terminated. Many students say they were not given a clear reason for these actions. Losing a student visa means a foreign national can no longer study or stay legally in the United States 🇺🇸.
How Do These Changes Affect Foreign Nationals?
Employment Uncertainty
For many foreign nationals, their ability to work in the United States 🇺🇸 depends on having a valid work visa or another form of work authorization, like TPS or DACA. When these programs are changed or ended, people can lose their jobs and face the risk of deportation.
For example:
- TPS holders who lose their status must stop working and may have to leave the country.
- DACA recipients in Texas can no longer get work permits, making it illegal for them to work.
- Students whose visas are revoked must stop studying and may have to leave the United States 🇺🇸.
Travel Restrictions
If a foreign national’s visa is suspended or revoked, they may not be able to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and return. This can separate families and disrupt lives.
Legal Status and Deportation Risk
Losing a work visa, TPS, or student status often means losing legal status in the United States 🇺🇸. Without legal status, a foreign national can be placed in deportation proceedings.
What About Employers?
Employers who rely on foreign nationals for their workforce are also affected. Sudden changes in visa policies or work authorization can lead to:
- Loss of skilled workers
- Delays in hiring new employees
- Uncertainty about future staffing needs
For example, the temporary increase in H-2B visas for fiscal year 2025 was meant to help U.S. businesses, especially those that need seasonal workers. However, the suspension of other visa types and changes to work authorization programs can make it harder for employers to plan ahead.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Foreign Nationals
If you are a foreign national affected by these changes, here are some steps you can take:
1. Check Your Eligibility for Work Authorization
- Review your current visa or immigration status.
- Visit the USCIS website to see if you qualify for work authorization under a different program.
- If you have TPS or DACA, check for updates about your status.
2. Gather Required Documents
- Collect your passport, visa, work permit, and any notices from immigration authorities.
- Keep copies of all documents in a safe place.
3. Submit Applications or Renewals
- If you are eligible, apply for work authorization using the correct form. For example, most people use Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
- Make sure to follow all instructions and submit your application before your current status expires.
4. If Your Visa or Status Is Revoked
- Contact an immigration attorney for advice.
- You may be able to file an appeal or request a review of your case.
- In some cases, you can seek judicial review in court.
5. Stay Informed
- Check official government websites like travel.state.gov for the latest updates.
- Follow trusted news sources and advocacy groups for information about policy changes.
Multiple Perspectives: What Are Stakeholders Saying?
Government Officials
Officials say these changes are necessary to protect national security and make sure immigration laws are followed. They argue that suspending certain visas and reviewing work authorization programs helps keep the country safe.
Immigration Advocates
Advocacy groups are worried about the sudden and sometimes unclear changes. They say that many foreign nationals are left in limbo, not knowing if they can stay, work, or study in the United States 🇺🇸. Advocates call for more transparency, fairness, and due process in immigration decisions.
Employers
Businesses that depend on foreign nationals for their workforce are concerned about losing skilled workers and facing hiring challenges. They want clear rules and enough time to adjust to new policies.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸 has always been a topic of debate and change. Over the years, different presidents and lawmakers have made new rules about who can come to the country, who can work, and who can stay.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was created to help people from countries facing war, natural disasters, or other dangers.
- DACA was started to protect young people who came to the United States 🇺🇸 as children from being deported.
- Work visas like the H-2B program allow employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary jobs when there are not enough U.S. workers.
Recent years have seen more court cases and executive orders that change how these programs work. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these legal battles and policy shifts often leave foreign nationals and employers unsure about what will happen next.
Implications for the Future
Policy Reforms and Legal Challenges
Ongoing court cases and debates in Congress mean that more changes could be coming. For example, future court decisions could decide whether DACA work authorization is allowed in other states, or whether TPS can be ended for other countries.
Impact on Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals will need to stay alert for new announcements and be ready to act quickly if their status changes. This may mean applying for a different visa, seeking legal help, or making plans to leave the United States 🇺🇸 if no other options are available.
Impact on Employers
Employers will need to keep up with the latest rules and make sure their workers have the right documents. They may also need to adjust their hiring plans if visa programs are changed or ended.
Practical Tips and Resources
If you are a foreign national or employer affected by these changes, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Regularly check official government websites for updates.
- Keep documents up to date: Make sure your visa, work permit, and other papers are current.
- Seek legal advice: If you are unsure about your status, talk to an immigration attorney.
- Plan ahead: If your status is ending, look into other visa options or prepare for possible travel.
For more information about visas, work authorization, and immigration policies, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Foreign Nationals and Employers?
The current wave of policy changes and court decisions is creating a challenging environment for foreign nationals in the United States 🇺🇸. Whether you are here on a work visa, have Temporary Protected Status, or are a student, it is more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.
Employers, too, must be ready to respond to new rules and support their foreign national employees through these changes. As the situation continues to evolve, staying connected to official sources and seeking professional advice will be key to making the best decisions for your future.
By understanding the latest developments and knowing your options, you can better protect your rights and plan your next steps in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A program allowing nationals from unsafe countries to live and work legally in the U.S. temporarily.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program permits eligible immigrants arriving as children to work legally.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System tracking records of international students in the U.S.
Work Visa → Authorization allowing foreign nationals to work legally in the United States temporarily or permanently.
Presidential Proclamation → Official order by the president affecting immigration rules such as visa suspensions.
This Article in a Nutshell
Recent U.S. policy changes suspend certain visas, end TPS for Afghans, and limit DACA work rights in Texas. Over 1,600 student visas revoked, impacting foreign nationals’ legal status, employment, and travel. These developments create uncertainty for workers, students, and employers dependent on immigration programs amid ongoing legal challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com
