News in Brief

On September 19, 2025, an Executive Order was issued announcing The Gold Card program, which allows individuals to pay a $1,000,000 gift to the Department of Commerce to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa; alternatively, a corporate entity can contribute $2,000,000 on an individual’s behalf. This monetary gift would constitute evidence of eligibility under existing employment-based categories, including EB-1A and EB-2 National Interest Waiver. The recipient otherwise must be admissible; currently there is a backlog for this category. More details to come.
On September 17, 2025, USCIS announced implementation of the 2025 naturalization test, which consists of 20 civic questions rather than the current 10 out of 128 question pool for applications filed after October 20, 2025.
On September 4, 2025, USCIS became authorized to expand its law enforcement authorities and newly minted USCIS 1,811 classified officers (commonly known as special agents) to investigate, arrest, and present for prosecution those who have been deemed to violate U.S. immigration laws.
On August 19, 2025, USCIS updated its Policy Manual to include new factors to consider in certain benefit requests where an exercise of discretion is required, including factors relating to a foreign national’s past requests for parole and any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, as well as the use of discretion in adjudication of certain benefit requests where evidence of antisemitic activity is present.