Federal Judge Halts DHS Rule That Would Replace “Duration of Status” With Fixed Visa Expirations
22 States Sue to Block DHS “Public Charge” Rule Set to Take Effect Sept 18
ICE Arrests Hit Record High But Deportations Stall, Highlighting Logistical Bottlenecks
Latest News
International Arrivals to the U.S. Rose 2.7 % in June; Business Travel Still Lagging Pre-COVID Levels
NTTO’s latest data, released Sept. 14, show modest recovery: foreign arrivals climbed 2.7 % year-on-year in June, led by Mexico and Canada, yet overseas business travel remains below 2019 benchmarks. The uneven rebound has implications for visa processing, airfare budgets and U.S. cities that depend on high-spend corporate visitors.
Court Vacates State Department Pause on Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries, Forcing Consulates to Reopen Cases
The State Department confirmed on Sept. 14 that its immigrant-visa issuance pause for 75 countries is no longer in effect after a federal court vacated the policy. Roughly 43,000 refused cases will be reopened, offering relief to employers and families but adding workload to already backlogged consulates.
White House Clears DHS Proposal to Add Fee for Optional Practical Training Applications
OIRA has completed its review of DHS’s forthcoming rule to impose a new fee on OPT applications, paving the way for Federal Register publication. While the dollar figure is not yet public, the rule’s “economically significant” label suggests a potentially high cost for employers that hire international graduates.
Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers Airport Adds Weekly Global Entry Enrollment Center Starting October 8
CBP will launch a once-a-week Global Entry enrollment center at Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport starting Oct 8. The Sept 14 announcement gives Oklahoma-based business travelers a local option for interviews, potentially shortening enrollment wait times and improving trip efficiency.
Public Comment Window for DHS Rule Targeting DACA Work Permits Closes Today
DHS closes the 60-day public-comment period today on a rule that would let USCIS deny or revoke DACA work permits based on arrests or undefined “public-safety concerns.” More than 3,800 comments have been filed, and employers, advocates, and Dreamers warn the proposal could strip lawful employment from thousands. Companies should document economic impacts now and develop contingency plans for DACA employees in case the rule is finalized.
Federal Judge Blocks New York Ban on Masked Federal Immigration Agents
A federal judge struck down New York’s 2025 law banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks during arrests, ruling that the state measure is pre-empted by federal authority. The decision preserves ICE’s use of masked tactical teams, removing a potential constraint on workplace and community enforcement actions. Multinational employers operating in New York should review I-9 compliance and enforcement-response protocols.
Senate Fast-Tracks Stopgap Bill to Keep DHS Open and Prevent Immigration Service Disruptions
The U.S. Senate on Monday advanced a short-term continuing resolution to fund DHS through November 18, heading off a partial shutdown that would have snarled global mobility by furloughing USCIS staff and CBP officers. The measure now moves to the House with less than two days before current funding expires, giving employers temporary certainty but setting up another funding cliff this fall.