1. Do employers really have to pay the new $100,000 H-1B fee? Who’s exempt?

Yes. Under the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation, all new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 must include a $100,000 payment.

Exemptions include:

• Extensions, amendments, or transfers that are not new petitions
• Certain nonprofit research institutions and universities

Legal challenges are pending, but USCIS is currently enforcing the rule.

Official Source: White House Proclamation

2. What countries are included in Trump’s 2025 travel-ban expansion, and who can still enter?

The June 2025 expansion lists 19 countries with differing levels of restriction — from full entry bans to category-specific visa suspensions.

Exemptions remain for:

• Diplomats and dual nationals
• Travelers with approved waivers or national-interest exceptions

Always verify current entry rules before booking travel.

Reference: Proclamation 10949 Overview

3. Does the Diversity Visa Lottery now have a $1 entry fee, and when does it start?

Yes. The State Department’s final rule (September 16, 2025) adds a $1 electronic registration fee beginning with DV-2027 entries (this fall).

The change does not affect selection odds, and the $330 consular fee still applies only if you’re selected.

4. Is “duration of status” (D/S) ending for F-1 and J-1 visa holders?

Not yet. A proposed DHS rule would replace “D/S” with a fixed admission period (up to 4 years) and shorten the grace period to 30 days, with extensions filed through USCIS.

It is not final, and universities are actively opposing the change.

5. What’s the status of the CHNV parole (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) program?

DHS began terminating the CHNV parole program in mid-2025.

• New approvals have stopped.
• Existing beneficiaries are receiving wind-down or departure notices.
• Case-by-case discretion may allow temporary relief in limited cases.

Affected individuals should consult immigration counsel immediately to explore alternate pathways.

6. What’s happening to DACA and “Dreamers” under Trump’s 2025 enforcement orders?

The administration has curtailed DACA protections, arguing the program does not prevent deportation.

Some recipients have been detained despite valid permits, prompting lawsuits and nationwide protests.
Conflicting court rulings mean DACA’s future remains uncertain.

Coverage: The Guardian – Dreamers Under Threat

7. Is the U.S. cutting refugee admissions, and who will be prioritized?

Reports indicate the administration may cut FY 2026 refugee admissions to as few as 7,500, prioritizing white South African farmers.
If implemented, this would mark the lowest U.S. refugee cap in decades.

Report: Associated Press – Refugee Intake Plans

8. Are there new detention rules under the Laken Riley Act (2025)?

Yes. The Laken Riley Act, signed in January 2025, requires mandatory detention without bond for many non-citizens charged with crimes such as theft or assault.
It limits judicial discretion and has expanded ICE detention authority.

Background: Laken Riley Act Summary

9. What major immigration enforcement operations are underway in 2025?

• Operation Midway Blitz (Chicago region): Targets non-citizens with criminal records.
• Georgia Hyundai Plant Raid (2025): Roughly 475 workers detained in ICE’s largest industrial raid in years.

These actions illustrate a return to large-scale worksite enforcement and expanded ICE presence nationwide.

References:
Operation Midway Blitz | Georgia Plant Raid

10. Is birthright citizenship still guaranteed for children born to non-citizen parents?

Yes for now. Federal courts have blocked Executive Order 14160, which attempted to restrict birthright citizenship.
The Fourteenth Amendment remains in effect pending final judicial review.

See: Executive Order 14160 Overview

Key Resources and Official Links

U.S. Government and Agencies

• USCIS Policy Updates: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom
• Department of State – Visa Bulletins & DV Lottery: https://travel.state.gov
• Federal Register – Proposed Rules and Notices: https://www.federalregister.gov
• ICE Newsroom – Enforcement Actions: https://www.ice.gov/newsroom
• CBP Travel Updates: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom
• Department of Justice – EOIR Policy Memos: https://www.justice.gov/eoir

Independent and Professional Resources

• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): https://www.aila.org
• Migration Policy Institute (MPI): https://www.migrationpolicy.org
• National Immigration Forum: https://immigrationforum.org
• American Immigration Council: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org

Recent News Coverage

• AP News – Trump Refugee Plan
• The Guardian – Dreamers Under Threat
• Washington Post – Sanctuary City Litigation
• Operation Midway Blitz Summary
• Georgia Hyundai Plant Raid 2025

About the Author

Contact the Herman Legal Group — The Law Firm for Immigrants

If you have questions about U.S. immigration policies, visa eligibility, or how recent 2025 changes affect your case, you don’t have to face it alone.

For over 30 years, Attorney Richard T. Herman has helped families, students, professionals, and employers navigate complex U.S. immigration laws with compassion, precision, and results.

He and his multilingual legal team at the Herman Legal Group represent clients in all 50 states and internationally, offering trusted guidance on:

• Family-based and employment-based immigration

• Deportation defense and ICE detention matters

• H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, EB-2 NIW, and investor visas

• Green-card processing, waivers, and appeals

• Citizenship and naturalization

Richard T. Herman, Esq. is also the co-author of Immigrant, Inc.: Why Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Driving the New Economy and How They Will Save the American Worker — available on Amazon.
Through decades of advocacy, Richard continues to be a national voice for immigrant rights and economic inclusion.

Schedule a Consultation

• Book online: https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

• Call: 1-800-808-4013 or +1-216-696-6170

• Email: richard@lawfirm4immigrants.com

• Main Office: Herman Legal Group, 408 West St. Clair, Suite 230, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 USA

Virtual consultations are available worldwide — Richard Herman will personally review your case and connect you with a multilingual attorney ready to assist.

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