Akash

Several significant immigration developments have emerged today, ranging from H-1B registration updates to court decisions on key policies.

H-1B Registration Window Announced

USCIS has set the FY 2026 H-1B registration period to run from March 7 to March 24, 2025. Employers seeking to sponsor foreign workers under the H-1B program must submit their registrations during this period, with both opening and closing times set at noon Eastern.

Court Blocks Guantanamo Transfers

A federal court has intervened to prevent the transfer of detained Venezuelan immigrants to Guantanamo Bay, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration detention policies.

Myanmar Refugee Program Halted

The White House has suspended a refugee resettlement agreement with Thailand concerning Myanmar refugees, signaling a shift in humanitarian immigration policies.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Ended

As of January 22, 2025, USCIS no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination proof for permanent residence applications, streamlining the immigration process for many applicants.

Birthright Citizenship Protected

A Maryland federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction against President Trump's executive order that sought to end automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants and certain visa holders on U.S. soil. This marks the second federal court to block the administration's attempt to modify birthright citizenship rules.

Humanitarian Parole Changes

USCIS has temporarily suspended acceptance of Form I-134A, which is used for humanitarian parole applications, indicating a pause in this aspect of the humanitarian immigration program.

These developments reflect ongoing shifts in U.S. immigration policy across multiple fronts, from employment-based visas to humanitarian programs and constitutional rights issues.