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
What Happens to R-1 Extension Petitions in a Federal Shutdown?
A federal shutdown halts DOL LCA processing and the FLAG portal, stalling R-1 extensions that need new certifications. USCIS accepts filings but cannot approve cases pending DOL action, prompting documentation,…
Will Priority Date Movement Be Delayed During a Government Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 shutdown, the Department of State is expected to publish the visa bulletin and…
Are USCIS Fees Processed During Government Shutdowns? Fee-Funded
Because USCIS is about 96% fee-funded, it continues core processing—accepting filings, taking fees, scheduling biometrics and interviews—during government…
R-2 Dependent Applications Continue Processing Even During Shutdowns
Most immigration benefits continue even when Washington closes its doors. That includes R-2 applications—the dependent visas for spouses…
Are O-2 Support Staff Petitions Processed During Government Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 government shutdown, USCIS continues processing O-1 and O-2 petitions because it is fee-funded.…
Are E-2C CNMI-Only Investor Applications Processed During Shutdown?
USCIS remains open for fee-funded E-2C CNMI-Only filings as of October 1, 2025; file Form I-129 with Supplement…
RFE Deadlines in a Government Shutdown: No Automatic Extension
USCIS generally remains active during a shutdown, so H-1B RFE deadlines (typically 60 days) usually stand. Submit all…
J-1 DS-2019 Issuance by Sponsors Continues in Shutdown
During a shutdown, sponsoring organizations keep issuing DS-2019s and SEVIS stays active; USCIS processes fee-funded cases including J-2…
How a Government Shutdown Affects EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 Green Cards
Starting October 1, 2025, USCIS continues fee-funded EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 and I-485 processing, while DOL’s OFLC suspends PERM and LCA…
How a U.S. Government Shutdown Impacts TN Visa Processing at the Border
TN visa processing remains active at U.S. borders during the 2026 shutdown, while H-1B filings are stalled. Expect…