Immigration
Policy changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments shaping U.S. immigration in 2026. From executive orders and congressional bills to USCIS processing updates — analysis that cuts through the noise.
Top questions about Immigration
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat changes occurred in immigration enforcement policies in 2025?
What are the risks for people with pending immigration applications under current policies?
People with pending applications and no criminal record may be less likely to face removal under Biden, but there are no guarantees.
Read: Comparing Deportation Policies Under Obama, Trump, and Biden AdministrationsWhat are the main defense strategies for immigrants facing increased enforcement under Immigration 2026?
Immigrants can protect their liberty through bond and procedural challenges in immigration court, and protect their benefits by preparing for USCIS holds, re-reviews, and follow-up evidence requests.
Read: House Judiciary Committee Advances Immigration 2026 Bills with Stephen MillerWhat are the key developments in immigration policies for 2025-2026?
Applicants face national-origin-based holds and enhanced security vetting under new policy developments, with an indefinite pause delaying green card processing for certain countries without being an outright denial.
Read: Immigration Suspensions Spark Discrimination Concerns Amid National Security JustificationsWhat are the potential risks for immigrants with pending cases due to these policy changes?
Immigrants with pending cases face higher arrest risks and should be aware that they could still be arrested by ICE if they are believed to be in the country without legal status.
Read: ICE Expands Arrest Discretion Near Courthouses Amid Legal Concerns
Will the Visa Bulletin Be Released During a Government Shutdown?
The Visa Bulletin usually continues during shutdowns, keeping filing and priority dates public. But DOL pauses on LCAs and PERM can stall employment-based filings. USCIS stays open but depends on…
Can I-485 Filings Continue During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Guidance
USCIS, funded mainly by application fees, will accept and process Form I-485 during a government shutdown. Biometrics and…
Can I-485 Filing Use Visa Bulletin Dates for Filing During a Shutdown?
USCIS’s monthly Visa Bulletin chart choice controls whether I-485 filings are allowed during a shutdown. If Dates for…
Will USCIS Process H-1B Change-of-Employer Petitions During Shutdown?
USCIS will keep processing H-1B petitions during a shutdown because it’s fee-funded, but new filings needing a DOL-certified…
Can You File Form I-539 to Change Status During a Government Shutdown?
Because USCIS is largely fee-funded, it continues accepting Form I-539 during shutdowns. File before your status expires to…
USCIS Ends Combo EAD and Advance Parole Cards; Separate Documents Now Required
USCIS stopped combo cards in July 2025 and issues separate EADs and Advance Parole documents. Fee funding lets…
Do J-1 Visa Stamp Appointments Cancel During a U.S. Shutdown?
J-1 visa stamp appointments continue during the 2025 shutdown because consular services are fee-funded. Valid J-1 stamps allow…
L-1 Blanket Approvals and Consular Appointments During a Shutdown
USCIS will likely keep processing L-1 Blanket Petitions during a shutdown because it’s fee-funded, but expect slower timelines.…
Will Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits Be Processed During Shutdown?
USCIS will continue processing Form I-131 (Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits) during a funding lapse because it is…
Can I Work If My H-4 EAD Expires During a Shutdown?
If an H-4 EAD expires during a shutdown, you can only keep working under a 180-day automatic extension…