This week’s most significant development from the Department of Homeland Security is the new final rule granting United States Citizenship and Immigration Services—USCIS—expanded enforcement powers, fundamentally reshaping how immigration laws are implemented across the country. As detailed by legal experts at Duane Morris, USCIS is now authorized not just to process benefit applications but to engage in enforcement activities, including ordering expedited removals, issuing warrants, and detaining individuals living in the U.S. without valid status. USCIS personnel can now investigate alleged criminal and civil violations, arrest offenders, and even conduct vehicular pursuits. This ushers in a new era where USCIS is not just a benefits agency but a “robust enforcement entity,” according to immigration attorneys.
For American citizens, you might notice increased scrutiny and, potentially, faster removals in certain cases. Businesses are likely to feel pressure to ensure all employees’ immigration documents are in perfect order and should brace for possible audits and investigations. Legal practitioners warn that “heightened scrutiny from USCIS” could quickly become a reality.
Meanwhile, regulatory changes continue at a rapid pace. As of October 30, DHS ended the 540-day automatic extension of work permits for those awaiting renewal, which used to provide a buffer for businesses and workers during lengthy processing times. This move has raised concern among employers reliant on immigrant labor, as workforce planning becomes more uncertain.
In another major update, DHS announced a $1,000 parole fee for most foreign nationals paroled into the U.S., effective since October 16. Ten specific exceptions exist, but the fee is now standard for new arrivals not covered. Looking ahead, the department plans to begin collecting biometric data—photos and fingerprints—from noncitizens on entry and exit, starting December 26. This will impact tens of thousands of travelers and is designed to enhance border security and track overstays.
On the H-1B visa front, DHS is proposing a weighted selection process favoring higher wage levels, rather than the traditional random lottery. According to K&L Gates, this could disadvantage recent graduates and entry-level workers and will be open for public comment through October 24. Employers and affected individuals are encouraged to voice their input as this change could reshape the tech and innovation sectors.
Leadership remains focused on protecting federal property, with regulatory changes to take effect January 1, 2026, and continued multiagency crackdowns on immigration service scams. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated, “Every policy we put forward balances efficiency with security and fairness.”
For state and local governments, these shifts mean greater interagency cooperation—and sometimes friction—especially around sanctuary jurisdictions. Internationally, expanded biometric controls and tighter visa rules may affect travel and business links.
Upcoming milestones to watch include the start date for biometric collection, comment deadlines for new H-1B rules, and finalization of federal property regulations. Listeners wanting to engage can submit feedback on proposed rules at regulations.gov and consult the DHS website for real-time updates.
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