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
Can F-1 Reinstatement Be Filed During a Government Shutdown?
With a possible government shutdown as of October 1, 2025, USCIS usually continues fee-funded I-539 processing, but expect delays. F-1 reinstatement requires meeting strict eligibility: under five months out of…
K-1 Fiancé(e)s: File I-485 and Work Authorization During Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS remains open because of fee funding. K-1 spouses marrying within 90…
H-4 EAD Renewals: Standalone Filing Without H-1B Extension in Shutdown
H-4 spouses can file standalone H-4 EAD renewals with Form I-765 without concurrent H-1B filings. If filed timely…
Can F-1 Students Change to H-1B During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS remains operational in a shutdown, but DOL stops certifying LCAs, preventing new H-1B change-of-status filings without approved…
Biometric Appointments at USCIS ASCs During a Shutdown: What to Expect
Because USCIS operates mainly on filing fees, ASCs have kept taking biometrics during funding lapses. As of October…
Do Government Shutdowns Affect EB-5 Applications and I-829?
USCIS generally continues adjudicating EB-5 Form I-526 and I-829 during shutdowns because it is fee-funded, but Form I-924…
Do H-1B Amendments Cover Remote Work Changes in a Shutdown?
Worksite moves outside the original MSA require an H-1B amendment; moves within the MSA only require LCA notice…
What Happens to O-1 Extension Petitions During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, timely-filed O-1 extension petitions generally continue processing during federal shutdowns, allowing beneficiaries to keep…
E-3 Status Extensions and Government Shutdown: Can Beneficiaries Work?
A shutdown halts DOL LCA certifications, preventing many new E-3 filings; USCIS stays open and processes cases not…
NIW EB-2 Petitions Continue to Process During Federal Shutdowns
USCIS, funded mainly by filing fees, continues processing EB-2 NIW petitions as of October 1, 2025, during a…