https://h1b-life.com/ Automatically summarized daily H-1B and green card news briefs; every line cites its sources. en-us https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-14brief-2026-11-14Sat, 14 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The Trump administration and a U.S. labor watchdog have warned that more companies and universities could face H-1B and PERM suspensions. • The U.S. has proposed stricter regulations and increased scrutiny for H-1B visa renewals, while higher education groups push back against plans to remove deference policies. • The U.S. government has officially introduced changes affecting green card filing and the permanent residency process across specific applicant categories. • The U.S. has opened a dedicated green card route for children of foreign government employees born in the country. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-13brief-2026-11-13Fri, 13 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The Department of Homeland Security proposed ending USCIS deference for H-1B extensions, requiring renewals to be reviewed completely from scratch. • IBM announced plans to end H-1B visa and green card sponsorship for most consulting roles by the end of 2026. • U.S. universities warned that proposed high OPT fees could deter international students from studying and working in the United States. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-12brief-2026-11-12Thu, 12 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• IBM is ending H-1B visa and green card sponsorship for most consulting roles by late 2026, prompting affected staff to relocate abroad or leave the company. • The DHS proposed a new H-1B extension rule that removes automatic USCIS deference, potentially impacting over 200,000 renewals and increasing requests for evidence. • A DHS proposal to eliminate the H-1B 60-day grace period has drawn more than 31,000 public comments. • A proposed H-1B and green card wage floor rule has advanced to White House review. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-11brief-2026-11-11Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• IBM is ending H-1B and green card sponsorship for most roles within its consulting division, telling affected employees to relocate abroad or leave. • A proposal to eliminate the 60-day H-1B grace period after job loss has drawn tens of thousands of public comments amid growing worker concerns. • Universities, students, and legal advocates are urging ICE to scrap a proposed $70,000 OPT fee, warning it could drive international students away. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-10brief-2026-11-10Tue, 10 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery remains on hold following a Ninth Circuit stay [9], and a Los Angeles man has filed a lawsuit demanding its resumption [23]. • Academic organizations are pushing back against proposed Optional Practical Training (OPT) fees of up to $100,000 per student [4, 25]. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-08brief-2026-11-08Sun, 08 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• Trump's second term and political shifts have impacted Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora, according to recent reports. • A federal court extended the halt on a rule affecting refugee statuses, with implications for Cuban refugees. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-07brief-2026-11-07Sat, 07 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• USCIS data shows the US green card backlog has exceeded 1.5 million pending applications, signaling continued extensive delays for applicants waiting for permanent residency. • Donald Trump has selected Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff, raising major questions about the direction of upcoming policy decisions affecting US legal immigration. • Following the midterms, outlets question whether Democratic control of Congress will bring relief to H-1B workers or enable reversals of prior restrictive policies. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-06brief-2026-11-06Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The employment-based green card backlog has surpassed 1.5 million cases across US states. This highlights ongoing delays for applicants waiting for permanent residency. • Democratic control of Congress following the midterms raises questions about potential shifts, scrutiny, or relief regarding H-1B visa restrictions and policies. • Immigration attorneys warn that recent USCIS fee and deadline rule changes in October could lead to rejected filings. Applicants must carefully check requirements. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-05brief-2026-11-05Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• Democrats took control of the US Congress in the midterm elections, sparking discussions on how the shift might counter Trump's proposed H-1B curbs and fee hikes, though legal experts caution that immediate relief is unlikely. • The US green card backlog has surpassed 1.5 million pending cases, with over 268,000 employment-based applications currently waiting for processing. • Political scrutiny intensified over foreign worker and student pathways, highlighted by proposals targeting Optional Practical Training with steep fees and debates over whether H-1B policies impacted midterm voting. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-04brief-2026-11-04Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• Democratic wins in the US midterms spark discussions on potential legislative changes affecting H-1B visas, Indian IT, and immigration policies. • Cloudera has been barred from the PERM program for two years, while a DOL proposal increases scrutiny on the process. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-03brief-2026-11-03Tue, 03 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The comment window closes for a proposed U.S. rule on H-1B extensions that faces a deadline and is expected to heavily impact Indian workers. • The November Visa Bulletin introduces new Green Card filing dates and continues the use of Dates for Filing charts. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-02brief-2026-11-02Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• USCIS data shows a proposed US rule on H-1B extensions would disproportionately affect Indian nationals as the public comment window comes to a close. • New reports highlight persistent wait times, showing Indians make up 91% of the EB-2 backlog and trail Chinese applicants by eight years. • A new lawsuit has revived legal battles over the Diversity Visa lottery following an appeals court order keeping the program suspended. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-11-01brief-2026-11-01Sun, 01 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT• USCIS data shows Indian applicants make up 91% of the US EB-2 green card backlog, representing approximately 3.56 lakh cases. • Green card applicants face increased tax scrutiny, as unpaid taxes could jeopardize application approvals and future citizenship. • Advocacy group Indiaspora warned that proposed restrictions on the H-1B visa program could cause significant damage to the US economy. • A federal appeals court blocked an order to reopen the US Diversity Visa lottery, keeping the program suspended. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-31brief-2026-10-31Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• A federal appeals court blocked the reopening of the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery, leaving applicants uncertain about future entries. • Texas barred companies that hire H-1B workers from receiving certain state agriculture grants. • Legal experts noted that heightened scrutiny on PERM recruitment is raising compliance risks and disrupting tech talent pipelines. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-30brief-2026-10-30Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The US plans major changes to green card sponsorship under the PERM program. • The Trump administration moved to end the H-1B visa deference policy and tighten extension rules. • The Texas agriculture department barred businesses employing H-1B workers from receiving certain state grants. • A US court blocked the reopening of the green card lottery, leaving applicants in limbo. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-29brief-2026-10-29Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The U.S. Department of Labor advanced a proposal to overhaul green card sponsorship rules under the PERM program, increasing scrutiny on employer requirements. Sources report on this update. • Legal challenges continue regarding the administration's proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, with the government seeking a delay while workers pursue a ruling. Sources cover these developments. • The Supreme Court declined to pause a ruling affecting hundreds of thousands of administratively closed immigration cases, impacting individuals seeking deportation relief. Sources detail the decision. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-28brief-2026-10-28Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The U.S. is moving to revise green card sponsorship and recruitment rules under the PERM program, marking a significant potential overhaul for foreign workers seeking permanent residency. • Microsoft has offered voluntary exits to a large number of employees following the freeze of its green card program and related workforce changes. • Litigants are pushing for a summary judgment in the legal challenge against the H-1B $100,000 fee while the administration seeks a pause. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-27brief-2026-10-27Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to tens of thousands of employees globally, raising uncertainty for H-1B workers. This affects international staff across multiple regions including the US and India. • The White House cleared a key review stage for a proposal to modernize the PERM program for employment-based green cards. This marks a step forward for green card sponsorship rules, though key details remain under wraps. • Infosys held talks with the US DOJ over an H-1B employee classification probe. The investigation centers on how the company classifies its H-1B workers. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-26brief-2026-10-26Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• US courts have blocked the Trump administration's $100,000 H-1B fee, allowing visa approvals to resume without it. • A proposed rule for PERM green card program changes has cleared federal review and the White House. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-25brief-2026-10-25Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• New filing deadline rules and fee changes for green card and visa applicants are now in effect. • USCIS has started approving H-1B petitions without the previously proposed $100,000 fee. • The November Visa Bulletin shows the India EB-2 green card cutoff date remaining static at 2013. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-24brief-2026-10-24Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The latest Visa Bulletin keeps India EB-2 priority dates frozen while EB-3 advanced slightly by three weeks, prolonging long backlogs for Indian applicants. • A US lawmaker has introduced legislation to terminate the Diversity Visa Lottery following a court order that reinstated the program. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-23brief-2026-10-23Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The November Visa Bulletin shows the India EB-2 priority date remains frozen while EB-3 advances. This update impacts employment-based green card applicants waiting in the queue. • A delivery company agreed to pay $5 million to settle an immigration case involving hiring practices. The settlement addresses allegations related to hiring discrimination against U.S. workers. • Officials defended recent H-1B visa policy changes and proposed restrictions, stating the goal is to prioritize American workers. The administration also warned that visa fraud threatens local jobs and security. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-22brief-2026-10-22Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The US Justice Department allowed a ruling to stand finding that H-1B-only job advertisements are not inherently discriminatory. This decision provides clarity on employer hiring notices targeted at visa holders. • Instacart agreed to a $5 million federal settlement over allegations that it discriminated against US workers by favoring visa holders in its hiring practices. The enforcement marks a significant penalty addressing workplace preferences for foreign guest workers. • US citizenship backlogs have surpassed 813,000 applications, resulting in slowed processing times and extended waits for Indian green card holders seeking naturalization. • Over 12,000 Indian tech workers have returned home as rising layoffs across US tech companies and visa uncertainties impact H-1B holders. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-21brief-2026-10-21Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The U.S. Department of Justice upheld a ruling that job advertisements targeting H-1B visa holders are not inherently discriminatory. • The Department of Homeland Security has finalized the end of automatic work permit (EAD) extensions, affecting renewal timelines. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-20brief-2026-10-20Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• A new proposal by Republican lawmakers aims to raise the H-1B salary exemption threshold from $60,000 to approximately $140,000. If enacted, this substantial hike would dramatically change employer requirements and wage criteria for hiring foreign specialty workers. • Major IT firms including Infosys, TCS, and Cognizant have sharply curtailed their H-1B lottery registrations amid tighter immigration policies. This pullback reflects declining enterprise reliance on the lottery as regulatory pressures increase. • The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 28 green card holders in California with alleged voter fraud in connection with federal elections. Permanent residents must strictly avoid voting in U.S. elections, as doing so can trigger criminal charges and jeopardize lawful status. • JD Vance addressed his recent controversial remarks describing H-1B employees as 'indentured servants,' stating his criticism is aimed at corporate exploitation rather than the workers themselves. His statements highlight escalating political focus on employer reliance on foreign work visas. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-19brief-2026-10-19Mon, 19 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• US lawmakers have introduced a proposal to raise the H-1B salary threshold from $60,000 to approximately $140,000. If enacted, this substantial wage increase would drastically change eligibility criteria and employer hiring requirements for foreign skilled labor. • Major Indian IT outsourcing firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, and TCS, have sharply reduced their H-1B lottery registrations amid stricter immigration rules. Notably, Infosys registrations plunged 91% and Cognizant recorded zero registrations for FY27. • JD Vance addressed backlash over describing H-1B workers as 'indentured servants,' acknowledging his rhetoric was 'imperfect' after being challenged by an Indian-origin immigrant. He clarified that his critique was aimed at company leverage under visa rules rather than the workers themselves. • USCIS has ended the 540-day automatic extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Immigrants relying on renewals must navigate tighter timelines to prevent potential gaps in legal work authorization. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-18brief-2026-10-18Sun, 18 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• JD Vance clarified his prior 'indentured servants' remark, stating his criticism targeted employers rather than foreign workers and acknowledging his rhetoric was imperfect. The comments came amid backlash and diplomatic protest from India. • US lawmakers have introduced legislation proposing to raise the minimum H-1B salary threshold to nearly $140,000 for certain positions. • A US Congressman warned that Indian applicants currently face an estimated 179-year wait time to receive employment-based green cards. • Tech company Cloudera agreed to a $2 million discrimination settlement with the US government that bars it from filing PERM labor certifications for two years. • A US lawmaker publicly labeled the H-1B and OPT programs 'scams,' claiming foreign guest workers from India and China are displacing American graduates. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-17brief-2026-10-17Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The US has finalized a rule eliminating the 540-day automatic work permit renewal extension, creating potential employment disruptions for H-4 spouses and other key visa holders. • A newly proposed US House bill aims to raise the salary exemption threshold for H-1B workers from $60,000 to nearly $140,000. • Microsoft President Brad Smith raised concerns that tightening restrictions on H-1B visas and green cards could harm the domestic tech sector and drive away talent. • A federal judge ordered the administration to reopen registration for the 2027 Diversity Visa green card lottery by November 1. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-16brief-2026-10-16Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that US green card restrictions and the suspension of tech sponsorships could cripple the tech sector. • A new House bill proposes establishing a $140,000 minimum salary threshold for H-1B visas. • Immigration and work permit application fees have increased effective today. • A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reopen the Diversity Visa Green Card lottery registration by November 1. • USCIS has proposed ending the deference policy for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions, which could lead to increased scrutiny. https://h1b-life.com/news/briefs/#2026-10-15brief-2026-10-15Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT• The Trump administration proposed ending automatic deference to previous H-1B visa approvals, potentially increasing renewal scrutiny and costs for applicants. • The Department of Homeland Security ended automatic 540-day work permit extensions, impacting green card applicants and H-4 spouses. • A federal judge ordered the administration to reopen registration for the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery.