Last Week’s Highlights in Immigration
- Milow LeBlanc
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
State Department Releases April Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Department of State has released the April 2025 Visa Bulletin, highlighting important shifts for family- and employment-based visa categories. Mexico’s F-1 and F-2B categories advanced six months, while F-2A moved forward globally by three months. Employment-based categories saw mixed results: EB-5 retrogressed sharply for China and India due to high demand, while other categories saw modest advances. EB-4 hit its annual limit, halting further issuances until the new fiscal year.
See all the changes here.
The PERM Takeaway: As the visa bulletin shifts, employers relying on foreign workers should be aware of delays, especially in EB-5 and EB-2/EB-3 categories. Strategic workforce planning may need adjustments to accommodate changes in wait times.
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Reinstate Birthright Citizenship Ban
Former President Trump’s legal team is pushing for the Supreme Court to lift the nationwide block on his executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. The case could lead to significant implications for immigration policy, with legal experts warning of a surge in lawsuits if the ban is reinstated.
The PERM Takeaway: A potential change in birthright citizenship policy could impact the way employers navigate immigrant labor, particularly for those born to non-citizen parents. Employers should stay updated on the legal challenges and how they could affect workforce dynamics.
U.S. to Enforce 30-Day Registration Rule for Canadians
Starting April 11, 2025, the U.S. will begin enforcing an immigration law requiring Canadians to register with USCIS and undergo fingerprinting if staying more than 30 days. While exemptions exist for certain visa holders, non-compliance could lead to penalties, though enforcement details remain vague.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers with Canadian workers should prepare for this new registration requirement. Those hiring Canadians for extended stays may need to factor in additional compliance steps to avoid potential penalties.
New Green Card Sponsor Income Requirements for 2025
USCIS has updated the income requirements for green card sponsors. Starting in 2025, sponsors must earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, with lower thresholds for active-duty military sponsors. For example, a household of four must earn at least $40,187, or $32,150 for military sponsors. Check out the full income guidelines and make sure you meet the requirements before filing your sponsorship application.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers sponsoring green cards for workers should ensure that their financial standing meets the new requirements to avoid delays or rejections in the sponsorship process.
Judge Blocks Deportation of Palestinian Activist Pending Hearing
A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist. Khalil’s detention has raised concerns over the treatment of student activists, especially as the Trump administration vowed to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
The PERM Takeaway: The situation highlights the need for employers to be aware of the potential implications for foreign nationals involved in politically sensitive matters. It’s crucial to ensure proper legal representation and understanding of how such cases may affect employment status.
U.S. State Department Reaches Annual Limit for Special Immigrant Visas (EB-4)
The U.S. State Department has announced that the annual limit for EB-4 visas, including Special Immigrant Visas, has been reached early in the fiscal year. As a result, no further EB-4 visas will be issued until the next fiscal year begins in October 2025.
The PERM Takeaway: Employers looking to sponsor workers in the EB-4 category will face delays, as no more visas can be issued until the new fiscal year. Employers should explore alternative visa options for affected employees or plan for a waiting period.
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