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
H-1B 240-Day Rule and Shutdown: Can I Work If My I-94 Expires?
USCIS continues adjudicating fee-funded H-1B extension petitions during a shutdown, preserving the 240-day rule for timely-filed cases. DOL halts LCA certifications, delaying new filings and transfers that require a certified…
Are Pending I-539 Status Changes Processed During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, Form I-539 filings generally continue during federal shutdowns: new and pending cases are processed,…
Can I File Form I-130 During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Continues
During the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues fee-funded I-130 processing, while E-Verify and DOL functions (PERM, LCAs)…
F-1 Visa Appointments in a Shutdown and Spring Return Guidance
A government shutdown usually doesn’t halt F-1 visa processing because it’s fee-funded, but expect delays, fewer slots, and…
E-2 Spouses: No EAD During Shutdown; I-94 E-2S Authorization
If an E-2 spouse’s I-94 shows “E-2S,” they are authorized to work incident to status and generally do…
F-1 OPT EAD Expiry During a Shutdown: Grace Period and Extensions
Shutdowns do not change OPT rules: students get a nonworking 60-day grace period after EAD expiry. Timely STEM…
Can Sports Teams File P-1, P-2, or P-3 Petitions During a Shutdown?
USCIS remains open during a shutdown, so P-1/P-2/P-3 petitions can be filed and processed. Main risk: slower consular…
Can DV Victims File VAWA I-360 During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS will accept and process VAWA self-petitions (Form I-360) during a government shutdown because these services are fee-funded.…
Are P-4 Dependent Visas Processed During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS usually continues P-category petition processing during shutdowns because of fee funding, but consulates may limit routine visa…
Filing H-4 Status Change During a Shutdown: Will USCIS Accept
USCIS will accept and process H-4 change-of-status filings during a government shutdown because it is fee-funded. File I-539…