December Business Immigration Update

USCIS Halts Immigration, Citizenship & Green Card Processing for Nationals of 19 Countries

In a sweeping move on December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a memo pausing all immigration applications — including green cards, naturalization, asylum, and other benefits — for individuals from 19 high-risk countries previously designated under the 2025 travel ban. The freeze affects both pending and new cases and also suspends oath ceremonies and interviews for citizenship candidates from those countries. According to the agency, the measure is a “temporary hold” while government officials conduct a comprehensive re‑review to evaluate national‑security and public‑safety risks. USCIS says the step is needed in response to a recent shooting in Washington, D.C. and reflects a broader push to tighten vetting — potentially expanding restrictions to more than 30 countries.

Protect Your Workforce: Best Practices for Social Media and Travel Compliance

Employers with international business travelers should be aware of the growing role social media plays in immigration and border control decisions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other agencies routinely review employees’ public social media profiles and may conduct device searches at the border without a warrant. Posts that raise concerns about unauthorized work, visa violations, or controversial topics can lead to visa denials or refusals of entry, potentially disrupting business operations. Employers must establish clear policies and educate employees on managing social media risks to protect both their workforce and their business.

Employer Tips for Managing Social Media and Travel Risks:

• Develop and clearly communicate a social media policy addressing acceptable use related to immigration and travel.
• Provide training on how social media activity can impact visa approvals and border entry.
• Inform employees about their rights and responsibilities regarding device searches at international borders.
• Encourage employees to limit public posts about visa status, travel plans, and work-related activities.
• Maintain detailed records of any travel-related immigration incidents or refusals.
• Work closely with immigration counsel to provide immediate support if issues arise.
• Regularly review and update policies to reflect evolving legal and regulatory changes.

New CDL Rule: Key Changes Non-Domiciled Drivers and Employers Should Know

A new federal rule proposes much stricter requirements for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). Under this rule, work permits (EADs) will no longer be enough to qualify for a non-domiciled CDL. Non domiciled CDLs will only be issued to those foreign drivers who can prove they are permanent residents or have valid H-2A, H-2B or E-2 status. Although this rule is currently paused by Federal court, Texas DPS has already started canceling CDLs for certain drivers who are DACAs or hold Asylee/Refugee status. CDLs remain valid until DPS takes action, but employers should be aware of possible delays or cancellations. We will share updates as this continues to develop.

USCIS Reduces Maximum Validity Periods for Certain Employment Authorization Documents

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Effective for applications filed or pending on or after December 5, 2025, the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs will be shortened from 5 years to 18 months for the following categories:

• Aliens admitted as refugees;
• Aliens granted asylum;
• Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal;
• Aliens with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal;
• Aliens with pending applications for adjustment of status under INA 245; and
• Aliens with pending applications for suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.

Additionally, under H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, the validity period for EADs will also be limited to one year or the shorter of the authorized parole or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) period for refugees, parolees, TPS recipients, individuals with pending TPS applications, and the spouses of entrepreneurs on parole. Employers should review these updates carefully to ensure timely renewal of work authorization for affected employees and maintain compliance.

USCIS Establishes New Vetting Center for Centralized Immigration Screening

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the creation of a new USCIS Vetting Center, headquartered in Atlanta. The center is designed to centralize and enhance the agency’s screening and vetting processes for immigration applications. Once fully operational, the unit will consolidate vetting resources, incorporate classified and nonclassified screening tools, and use advanced technologies—including artificial intelligence—to review pending and previously approved applications. The goal is to provide a more coordinated approach to identifying potential security, fraud, or public safety concerns within the immigration system.

DHS Ends TPS Designation for Haiti: Key Compliance Updates for Employers

On November 26, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, with an effective end date of February 3, 2026. Until that date, Haitian employees who hold valid TPS-based Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) remain work-authorized. After February 3, employers must update Form I-9 records and ensure continued work authorization through another valid immigration status or document. Haitian TPS beneficiaries without another lawful basis to remain in the United States should review their options with qualified immigration counsel. This development underscores the importance of proactive workforce planning and timely verification to maintain compliance in the current immigration environment.

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Burma Effective January 26, 2026DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Burma Effective January 26, 2026

On November 24, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma (Myanmar) will end on January 26, 2026. Following a required review with interagency partners, DHS determined that Burma no longer meets the statutory criteria for TPS due to notable improvements in governance and stability, including the end of the state of emergency, planned elections, ceasefire progress, and strengthened local governance. USCIS concluded that country conditions now allow Burmese nationals to safely return home, leading to the termination decision.

USCIS Announces FY 2026 Inflation Adjustments for Select Immigration Fees

USCIS has published a Federal Register notice confirming inflation-based fee increases for certain immigration benefit requests, effective January 1, 2026. These updates reflect inflation from July 2024 to July 2025 and will apply to any application postmarked on or after Jan. 1, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security will continue adjusting select fees annually as required under H.R. 1. Below is a summary of the key changes.

Fees Increasing in FY 2026

• Annual Asylum Application Fee (currently stayed)
• $100 → $102
• Form I-765 – Initial EAD for Asylum Applicants
• $550 → $560
• Form I-765 – Initial Parole EAD
• $550 → $560
• Form I-765 – Parole EAD Renewal/Extension
• $275 → $280
• Form I-765 – Initial TPS EAD
• $550 → $560
• Form I-765 – TPS EAD Renewal/Extension
• $275 → $280
• Form I-131 (Part 9) – EAD Issued with New Period of Parole (Re-parole)
• $275 → $280
• Form I-821 – Application for TPS
• $500 → $510

Fees Remaining the Same

• I-589 – Initial Asylum Application Fee: $100
• I-765 – Asylum EAD Renewal/Extension: $275
• I-360 – Special Immigrant Juvenile Fee: $250

If you have questions about how these fee adjustments may impact your business or upcoming filings, Monty & Ramirez LLP is available to guide you.

December 2025 Visa Bulletin

A. Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Visa Applications

For December 2025, USCIS announced it will use the Dates for Filing chart published by the Department of State.