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 B-1/B-2 Extensions Be Filed (I-539) During a Shutdown?
USCIS generally continues processing fee-funded Form I-539 filings for B-1/B-2 extensions during a shutdown. File before your I-94 expires (about 45 days early), include clear reasons, proof of funds, and…
TN Visa at Canadian Border During Shutdown: Are Officers Processing?
After the October 1, 2025 shutdown, CBP continues essential operations so TN processing at ports generally proceeds. Canadians…
EOIR Hearings and Government Shutdowns: Detained vs Non-Detained
The October 1, 2025 shutdown led EOIR to continue detained hearings while pausing most non-detained calendars. Expect rescheduling,…
Can I File H-1B or L-1 Extensions During a US Shutdown?
USCIS operations continue during the 2025 shutdown, allowing H-1B/L-1 and other filings; DOL processes like LCAs and PERM…
Will My U.S. Citizenship Ceremony Be Postponed During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS generally continues naturalization ceremonies during shutdowns because it is fee-funded, but local building closures or staffing cuts…
Does the U.S. State Department Still Process Visas During a Shutdown?
On Oct 1, 2025, the State Department said visa processing generally continues during the shutdown because fees fund…
Can I File Form I-589 During Government Shutdown? USCIS Offices Open
USCIS remains open during the October 1, 2025 shutdown: file Form I-589, attend biometrics and interviews, and protect…
Will My I-485 Interview Be Cancelled During a Government Shutdown?
A possible October 1, 2025 government shutdown is unlikely to halt USCIS core work. Most I-485 interviews should…
Are USCIS RFEs Still Accepted During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, it continues to accept and review RFE responses during a government shutdown, but processing…
Are USCIS Premium Processing Services Available During Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues fee-funded services and Premium Processing is available for eligible forms…