The United States introduced a series of sweeping immigration policy changes in 2025, signaling a tougher, more security-focused approach across borders, visas, work authorization, and citizenship processes. From expanded biometric screening at ports of entry to stricter visa vetting, revised work permit rules, and enhanced enforcement authority, federal agencies moved to tighten oversight while reshaping how foreign nationals enter, work, and settle in the country. Here are the key immigration-related changes announced by U.S. authorities during the year.
Key immigration changes announced by the U.S. in 2025
1. Beginning Dec. 26, the United States has introduced mandatory biometric screening for all non-citizens at its borders, significantly expanding identity checks at entry and exit points. The requirement applies to foreign travelers as well as lawful permanent residents, including green card holders.
Under the policy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will take photographs each time an individual enters or departs the country. The biometric checks are being rolled out nationwide across airports, land border crossings, and seaports, extending the government’s surveillance and identity verification program across all major points of travel.
2. The Department of Homeland Security has announced changes to how H-1B work visas will be awarded, shifting away from the long-standing random lottery system. Under the revised rules, visas will be prioritized for foreign professionals with higher skill levels and higher wages.
Federal officials say the move is intended to better protect American workers by safeguarding wages, working conditions, and job opportunities in the U.S. labor market. Instead of leaving selection largely to chance, the new process places greater emphasis on applicants whose roles require advanced skills and command higher pay, reflecting what the administration describes as a more targeted approach to filling specialized workforce needs.
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3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out new guidance tightening the rules around photographs used for immigration documents, a move the agency says is aimed at strengthening national security and reducing identity fraud.
Under the updated policy, USCIS will accept only photos taken within three years of the filing date. The guidance takes effect immediately and applies across the agency’s processes. USCIS has also ended the practice of accepting self-submitted photographs. Going forward, images must be captured by USCIS itself or by other authorized entities.
4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has also revised its Policy Manual to shorten the maximum validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain categories of foreign nationals.
The agency said the update aligns EAD validity periods with changes introduced through recent legislation and is designed to strengthen vetting and screening processes. By requiring some applicants to renew their work authorization more frequently, USCIS aims to review eligibility on a regular basis rather than allowing longer gaps between checks.
5. USCIS has also expanded upgrades to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program as part of broader efforts to tighten checks around eligibility and identity verification.
The changes allow states to use SAVE to confirm that only U.S. citizens are participating in federal elections. Under the updated system, states can now verify the citizenship status of voters and registered applicants using just the last four digits of a person’s Social Security number, instead of requiring the full nine-digit number.
6. The Department of Homeland Security has announced an interim final rule that puts an end to the automatic extension of employment authorization documents for certain categories of foreign nationals who apply to renew their work permits. Under the new rule, DHS says the focus is on ensuring proper screening and vetting before any extension of work authorization is granted. Individuals who file EAD renewal applications on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension while their case is pending.
The department noted that there are limited exceptions, including extensions that are specifically required by law or those announced through Federal Register notices related to Temporary Protected Status employment documents.
7. The U.S. government has expanded the use of social media screening as part of its visa vetting process, widening the scope well beyond student and exchange visitor categories. What initially applied to F, J, and M visa applicants earlier in 2025 has now been extended to employment-based visas such as H-1B, along with H-4 dependents.
Under the updated policy, which takes effect December 15, 2025, applicants across these categories may be asked to make their social media profiles publicly accessible so consular officers can review publicly available posts, comments, and online activity. The State Department has underscored that every visa adjudication is treated as a national security determination, with officers instructed to use all available information, including digital footprints, to assess eligibility, identify potential risks, and ensure compliance with U.S. law.
8. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has published a Federal Register notice confirming that a new naturalization civics test will take effect in 2025, marking another shift in how the agency evaluates applicants for U.S. citizenship.
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According to USCIS, the updated test is designed to measure an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government, in line with requirements set by Congress. Agency officials say the rollout is part of a broader effort to strengthen the integrity of the naturalization process and ensure it reflects legislative intent.
USCIS emphasized that naturalization is considered a privilege rather than an automatic right, one that comes with both significant benefits and responsibilities. The agency said the revised test aims to ensure new citizens are prepared to participate fully in American civic life and understand the duties that accompany citizenship.
9. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has been granted expanded law enforcement authority under a final rule published in September, significantly broadening the agency’s role beyond benefits processing.
Under the rule, newly designated USCIS officers classified as 1811 federal law enforcement officials, commonly known as special agents, will have the power to investigate immigration violations, make arrests, and refer cases for prosecution. The authorities delegated to USCIS by the Department of Homeland Security also include the ability to carry firearms, execute search and arrest warrants, and exercise other powers typically reserved for federal law enforcement agencies.
10. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says it is stepping up screening and vetting efforts to better identify individuals who attempt to game the immigration system, including those who falsely claim U.S. citizenship. The agency said the renewed focus is aimed at detecting fraud earlier in the process and preventing abuse of immigration benefits. At the same time, USCIS is ramping up public outreach to make clear that misrepresentation and false claims carry serious legal consequences.
11. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its Policy Manual to clarify when interviews are required for asylees, refugees, and their family members applying for green cards through Form I-485.
The change takes effect immediately and restores a consistent baseline for screening and vetting during these interviews. USCIS said the update is meant to strengthen program integrity by improving the detection of fraud, misrepresentation, and potential national security or public safety concerns. The move also aligns the agency’s practices with Executive Order 14161, which focuses on protecting the United States from foreign terrorist and other security threats.