On 1 July 2025, the Home Office published the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. This update delivers two major policy reforms: significant changes to the Skilled Worker route and the immediate closure of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy to new principal applicants. We summarise the key developments.
To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
The new screening measures direct U.S. consular officers to thoroughly review visa applicants’ social media accounts and overall online presence. The directive encourages applicants to set their social media profiles to “public,” as private accounts may be perceived as an attempt to conceal information. Due to the increased screening workload, the number of available visa appointment slots is expected to decline, resulting in longer appointment wait times and visa processing times.
To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
On 24 June, the UK Home Office laid before Parliament a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. These changes focus on technical clarification, policy alignment and the formalisation of prior concessions across various immigration routes. We provide a summary of the key changes taking effect from July 2025.
To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
The California Labor Commissioner’s Office has recently reminded California employers of protections available to workers regardless of their immigration status. California workers are protected from unfair immigration-related practices, and it is unlawful for any employer to retaliate against a worker for exercising these protections. It is also unlawful for an employer to fail to comply with notice requirements about immigration enforcement actions at worksites. We summarize California laws that prohibit discrimination and retaliation based on immigration status.
To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
On June 4, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning nationals of 12 countries from entering the United States and partially restricting the entry of nationals from seven countries. The ban takes effect June 9, 2025. We summarize to whom the proclamation applies and doesn’t apply. Foreign nationals impacted by the travel ban who are currently in the United States should not leave.
Continue reading “President Trump Signs New Travel Ban: What Travelers Need to Know”
On 12 May 2025, the UK Government published a major policy document outlining the Government’s plan to reduce legal migration, increase employer compliance obligations, and reshape the immigration system around domestic skills and integration. The proposals signal a shift away from using immigration to meet workforce demand, particularly in lower-paid sectors, and marks a continuation of efforts to reduce net migration to “sustainable levels”. We summarise the key proposed measures.
Continue reading “Restoring Control over the Immigration System — UK Government White Paper”