What’s Changing for Immigration in America?
In 2025, the United States implemented significant changes to its immigration and entry policies.
These changes affect both undocumented immigrants and those with temporary legal status.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the new rules and guidance for those wishing to visit, reside in, or remain in the U.S.
Mandatory Registration for Foreign Nationals
As of April 11, 2025, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mandates that specific non-citizens who have remained in the United States for over 30 days must complete a registration process via the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This measure aims to strengthen compliance with immigration laws and facilitate the identification of individuals without legal status.
Registration is mandatory for:
- Foreign nationals aged 14 or older who have not previously been registered or had biometrics collected upon entering the U.S.
- Children under 14 who will remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days must be registered by their parents or legal guardians.
- Individuals who entered without inspection or formal documentation.
- People in removal proceedings or with temporary status, such as TPS or DACA, who do not have formal registration.
To register, one must:
- Create an account in the myUSCIS system.
- Fill out and submit Form G-325R with biographical and immigration information.
- Wait for USCIS review, which may require an appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) for biometric collection.
- Once completed, USCIS will issue a registration certificate, which must be carried by individuals aged 18 and over.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Those who fail to comply are subject to legal penalties, including fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
It’s important to note that this rule is currently being challenged in court but remains in effect until otherwise determined.
End of Humanitarian Parole Programs
In March 2025, DHS ended humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV).
As a result, many individuals who benefited from these programs began leaving the country as early as April 2025, unless they obtained another legal status.
In addition, the parole program for Ukrainians was suspended, and use of the CBP One app for scheduling asylum appointments at the southern border was discontinued.
Increased Enforcement and Deportation Risks
The government has intensified immigration enforcement, including the reactivation of a World War II-era law that requires unauthorized immigrants to register.
Since April, many immigrants have faced criminal charges for failing to register, with penalties of up to six months in jail.
Changes to the Green Card Lottery
For the 2025 Diversity Visa (DV-2025) Green Card program, citizens of countries with high rates of U.S. immigration over the past five years are not eligible.
These include citizens from Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Applicants from non-qualifying countries may apply through their spouses if all requirements are met.
Main eligibility criteria:
- Completion of high school or equivalent education.
- At least two years of work experience in occupations that require specialized training or experience.
Applications must be submitted during the period established by the U.S. Department of State.
Changes to Birthright Citizenship Rules
In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizens or non-permanent residents.
A judge temporarily blocked the implementation of the measure, deeming it unconstitutional. The decision is being legally challenged and may reach the Supreme Court.
If implemented, this change would affect children born in the U.S. to parents with temporary or no legal status.
Updates to H-1B Visa Processes
USCIS announced new measures to strengthen the integrity of the H-1B visa program by shifting to a beneficiary-centered selection process.
Additional changes include:
- Requirement of valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary.
- The possibility of denying or revoking petitions due to false or invalid information.
These changes aim to reduce fraud and promote fairness in the selection process.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Lifted
As of January 22, 2025, USCIS no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for applicants seeking permanent residency (Green Card).
This decision eliminates the need to present vaccination documentation in Form I-693.
