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
Are USCIS Biometrics Appointments Cancelled or Rescheduled?
USCIS biometrics appointments generally continue during shutdowns; closed ASCs trigger automatic rescheduling with mailed notices. Request changes for good cause at least 12 hours ahead. If you don’t receive a…
L-1 to H-1B Change of Status Pending During a Shutdown: What Happens
During a shutdown, USCIS usually keeps adjudicating L-1 to H-1B petitions filed with certified LCAs, but the DOL…
Can Religious Organizations File R-1 Petitions During a Shutdown?
USCIS continues fee-funded processing during the October 1, 2025 shutdown, so R-1 petitions (Form I-129) remain accepted. E‑Verify…
N-400 During a Shutdown: Do Interviews and Oath Ceremonies Continue?
Because USCIS is mainly fee-funded, naturalization steps (N-400 interviews, biometrics, and oath ceremonies) will generally continue during the…
Can O-3 Dependents File for Status or Visa Stamps During Shutdown?
O-3 dependents can usually continue consular visa stamping and file USCIS extensions during a partial shutdown, but expect…
F-2 Dependent Visas and Status Changes During a Federal Shutdown
USCIS typically continues processing I-539 filings during shutdowns, so F-2 dependents in the U.S. can maintain status by…
Pending PERM Certifications During a Government Shutdown
During a shutdown OFLC halts PERM processing, freezes prevailing wage determinations, and deactivates the FLAG system, blocking new…
What Happens to B-1/B-2 Visa Stamp Appointments in a Shutdown?
B-1/B-2 visa appointments usually proceed during a U.S. government shutdown because consular operations are fee-funded. Prolonged shutdowns that…
Will My Immigrant Visa Interview Be Canceled or Proceed?
After the October 1, 2025 shutdown, most immigrant visa interviews should proceed where posts have staff and fee…
Traveling on a Valid Visa During a Government Shutdown: Re-entry Tips
During a shutdown, valid U.S. visas generally allow re-entry because CBP remains operational and issues I-94 admission records.…