Changes to the H-1B Program.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published an important update on the H-1B visa program. After President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation on Friday, September 19, “Restriction on the Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” requiring a $100,000 payment for any new H-1B visa petition filed on or after September 21, 2025.
California establishes new rules for immigration operations.
California passed a new law, the “No Secret Police Act” (SB 627), which limits the use of masks by agents during operations, effective in January. Likewise, immediate measures were signed restricting ICE from entering schools and health centers.
Trump reiterates his message on immigration at the UN.
At the UN General Assembly (United Nations), President Donald Trump once again highlighted his tough immigration policy. He reiterated that entering the United States illegally could mean jail, deportation, or even “places farther away.” He also publicly thanked El Salvador for imprisoning deportees sent from the US.
Shooting at ICE office.
On September 24, 2025, shots were fired at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Dallas. One detainee was killed and two others were critically injured. The suspect wrote anti-ICE messages on the bullets used in the attack and ultimately committed suicide. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement condemning the attack and reinforcing security at ICE facilities in the United States. The incident has reopened the debate on political rhetoric and its potential violent effects.
New $100 fee for pending asylum and new applications.
Effective July 22, 2025, a new $100 fee will go into effect for political asylum applications (Form I-589). Who does this apply to? – New applicants: they must pay $100 when they file their case and then an annual payment while their application is pending. – Cases pending since October 1, 2024: they must also pay $100 each year, as long as their case is still in process.
