Below are some of the latest headlines, curated by Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar.
The $100K H-1B fee stays blocked while the appeal plays out
The First Circuit denied the government's request to pause the ruling that struck down the $100,000 H-1B fee, so employers don't need to include the $100,000 payment on consular-processing H-1B petitions (those filed for beneficiaries outside the U.S.) while the appeal continues.
Urizar: “This is welcome news for employers and foreign professionals. For now, qualifying H-1B applicants can continue consular processing without the additional $100,000 fee, though businesses should continue monitoring the appeal.”
The State Department proposes an overhaul of J-1 exchange visitor rules
If implemented as is, the proposed rule published July 30 would tighten how J-1 exchange programs are terminated, extended, and reinstated.
Urizar: “These proposed changes would significantly increase compliance obligations for J-1 participants and sponsors. Anyone in J-1 status should stay informed, as the final rule could affect extensions, reinstatements, and program eligibility.”
USCIS can now skip asylum interviews under a new rule
Under a new interim final rule, officers may refer certain affirmative asylum cases directly to immigration court without an interview. DHS estimates roughly 132,000 future applicants a year could be affected.
Urizar: “This represents one of the most significant procedural changes to the affirmative asylum process in years. Applicants should ensure their filings are complete and well-supported from the outset, as some cases may no longer receive an interview before being referred to immigration court.”
New research shows which U.S. cities rely the most on seasonal foreign labor
A new report from Manifest Law maps H-2A and H-2B demand across the country: over 533,000 requested crop workers, landscaping as the top H-2B occupation, with North Dakota as the most seasonal-labor-reliant state.
Urizar: “The data highlights just how essential temporary foreign workers are to key industries across the United States. As labor shortages continue, these visa programs will remain critical for many employers and local economies.”
The visa bond program is now permanent, with bonds up to $20,000
On August 3, the State Department published a final rule that raises bond amounts, and clarifies that filing for asylum or CAT protection now forfeits the full bond, regardless of the outcome.
Urizar: “Making the visa bond program permanent signals a stricter approach to visitor visas. Applicants from affected countries should be prepared for additional scrutiny and understand the financial risks before traveling.”
A federal judge rules the 75-country immigrant visa freeze unlawful
The court’s July 31 decision found that the State Department broke the law when it ordered consular officers to refuse immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries.
Urizar: “While this ruling is an important victory, it does not immediately end the visa freeze for everyone. The decision reinforces that the government must follow the law and evaluate cases individually, but broader litigation is still ongoing.”
About the Author
Staff Writer
Caryl Espinoza Jaen is a Nicaraguan-born staff writer for Manifest Law. As a writer, he strives to cover complex topics like immigration policy with clarity, accuracy, and precision.
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Immigration Lawyer to Manifest Law
Ana Gabriela Urizar is an award-winning immigration attorney licensed in Arizona and New York. With nearly a decade of experience, she advises global corporations on complex U.S. immigration matters. Originally from Guatemala, Ana Gabriela previously spent close to ten years at the world’s largest immigration firm, managing business immigration matters for leading technology, science, and financial companies. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and Negocios Now’s Tri-State 40 Under 40.
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