News / Daily briefs
Daily briefs
Auto-summary Each brief is written automatically from that day's headlines and links every line to its sources. Not legal advice.
Nov 14, 2026
Watchdog warns of H-1B suspensions as visa extension rules face changes
Nov 13, 2026
DHS Proposes Stricter H-1B Extension Reviews and Changes to Rules
Nov 12, 2026
IBM halts visa sponsorship, and DHS proposes stricter H-1B checks.
Nov 11, 2026
IBM halts H-1B and green card sponsorship for most consulting roles
- IBM is ending H-1B and green card sponsorship for most roles within its consulting division, telling affected employees to relocate abroad or leave. IBTimes IndiaDeccan HeraldDeccan Herald
- 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. NewsBytesThe Economic TimesThe Siasat Daily
- Universities, students, and legal advocates are urging ICE to scrap a proposed $70,000 OPT fee, warning it could drive international students away. inklYale Daily NewsM9.news
Nov 10, 2026
Updates on H-1B, OPT fees, and immigration policies
Nov 8, 2026
Political shifts and policy updates impact US immigration and foreign workers.
- Trump's second term and political shifts have impacted Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora, according to recent reports. FortunePGurusThe Statesman
- A federal court extended the halt on a rule affecting refugee statuses, with implications for Cuban refugees. CubaHeadlinesCiberCuba
Nov 7, 2026
US Green Card Backlog Tops 1.5 Million As Stephen Miller Named Chief
- 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. NewsBytesHindustan Times
- 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. The Financial ExpressReddy Neumann Brown PC
- Following the midterms, outlets question whether Democratic control of Congress will bring relief to H-1B workers or enable reversals of prior restrictive policies. FirstpostNews KarnatakaM9.news
Nov 6, 2026
US Green Card Backlog Reaches 1.5 Million As Midterms Impact Immigration Policy Focus
- 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. Mwakilishi.comNewsweekThe Economic Times
- Democratic control of Congress following the midterms raises questions about potential shifts, scrutiny, or relief regarding H-1B visa restrictions and policies. Tupaki EnglishIndia TodayBusiness Today
- Immigration attorneys warn that recent USCIS fee and deadline rule changes in October could lead to rejected filings. Applicants must carefully check requirements. The Hans IndiaFinancialContent
Nov 5, 2026
Democratic midterm sweep shifts Congress as US green card backlog reaches 1.5M
- 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 Times of IndiaSarkaritel.comThe Economic Times
- The US green card backlog has surpassed 1.5 million pending cases, with over 268,000 employment-based applications currently waiting for processing. NewsweekThe Economic TimesThe Financial Express
- 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. NDTVWIONLokmat Times
Nov 4, 2026
US Midterms Impact H-1B, PERM, and USCIS Filing Updates
Nov 3, 2026
USCIS H-1B Rule Updates and Visa Bulletin Changes Impact Applicants
Nov 2, 2026
H-1B extension rule impact, green card backlogs, and tax compliance scrutiny
- 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 India AbroadThe StatesmanThe Siasat Daily
- New reports highlight persistent wait times, showing Indians make up 91% of the EB-2 backlog and trail Chinese applicants by eight years. South Asian HeraldDaijiworld
- A new lawsuit has revived legal battles over the Diversity Visa lottery following an appeals court order keeping the program suspended. NewsweekNew India Abroad
Nov 1, 2026
Indian EB-2 backlog dominates, tax scrutiny rises, and H-1B curbs face warnings
Oct 31, 2026
Federal courts and agencies issue major updates affecting green cards and H-1B visas
Oct 30, 2026
US visa updates: PERM review, H-1B policy changes, and Texas grant bans.
Oct 29, 2026
US Moves to Overhaul H-1B and PERM Green Card Rules Amid Legal and Policy Shifts
- 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. Business StandardTuko Newsstreamlinefeed.co.ke
- 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 Washington PostIndiaWestINDIA New England News
- 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. The Economic TimesLatin TimesCubaHeadlines
Oct 28, 2026
US Proposes Major Green Card and PERM Program Rule Changes
Oct 27, 2026
Microsoft Buyouts and PERM Overhaul Top US Visa News
- 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. Howl.LinkFirstpostRevoi.in
- 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. LivemintThe Economic TimesHindustan Times
- 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. BW PeopleThe Economic Times
Oct 26, 2026
H-1B fees blocked, PERM changes advance, and work permits face tightening.
- US courts have blocked the Trump administration's $100,000 H-1B fee, allowing visa approvals to resume without it. FirstpostYen NewsLegit News
- A proposed rule for PERM green card program changes has cleared federal review and the White House. FragomenBloomberg Law News
Oct 25, 2026
US updates H-1B, H-4, and green card filing and visa rules
Oct 24, 2026
Visa Bulletin holds India EB-2 frozen as AI scrutiny of petitions rises
- 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. OgletreeThe Indian ExpressThe Times of India
- A US lawmaker has introduced legislation to terminate the Diversity Visa Lottery following a court order that reinstated the program. K24 DigitalHindustan Times
Oct 23, 2026
November Visa Bulletin shows mixed progress for green card applicants.
- 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. Gujarat SamacharHindustan TimesBusiness Today
- 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. CBIAhttps://streamlinefeed.co.ke/
- 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. ANI NewsIndia.comHindustan Times
Oct 22, 2026
DOJ upholds H-1B ad ruling while Instacart settles hiring discrimination case
- 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. BW PeopleINDIA New England NewsSocial News XYZ
- 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. https://streamlinefeed.co.ke/Hindustan TimesHindustan Times
- US citizenship backlogs have surpassed 813,000 applications, resulting in slowed processing times and extended waits for Indian green card holders seeking naturalization. Sarkaritel.comGujarat SamacharNational Herald
- Over 12,000 Indian tech workers have returned home as rising layoffs across US tech companies and visa uncertainties impact H-1B holders. FirstpostHindustan Times
Oct 21, 2026
DOJ Upholds H-1B Job Ads; DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions
Oct 20, 2026
Lawmakers target H-1B pay, registrations drop, and DOJ charges green card holders
- 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. The Sunday GuardianNewsBytesHindustan Times
- 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. InshortsThe Economic Times
- 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. Mathrubhumi EnglishMwakilishi.com
- 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. The Hans IndiaThe American BazaarThe Sentinel - of this Land, for its People
Oct 19, 2026
Lawmakers push $140,000 H-1B threshold while tech firms slash visa registrations
- 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. The Sunday GuardianNewsBytesHindustan Times
- 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. InshortsThe Economic TimesLivemint
- 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. The Times of IndiaOutlook IndiaThe Indian Express
- 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. Mwakilishi.comCubaHeadlinesCiberCuba
Oct 18, 2026
Vance Backtracks on H-1B Comments as Lawmakers Target Program
- 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. India TodayThe Times of IndiaIndia Weekly
- US lawmakers have introduced legislation proposing to raise the minimum H-1B salary threshold to nearly $140,000 for certain positions. The Economic TimesHindustan TimesNews On AIR
- A US Congressman warned that Indian applicants currently face an estimated 179-year wait time to receive employment-based green cards. MadhyamamThe Siasat DailySocial News XYZ
- 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. cristinaiglesias.comThe Economic TimesNewsweek
- A US lawmaker publicly labeled the H-1B and OPT programs 'scams,' claiming foreign guest workers from India and China are displacing American graduates. India.comThe FederalOutlook India
Oct 17, 2026
US ends automatic work permit extensions as new H-1B bills emerge
Oct 16, 2026
Microsoft President Warns US Green Card Curbs Threaten Tech Sector
Oct 15, 2026
US Immigration Moves Target Visa Extensions, Green Cards, and Permits
Oct 14, 2026
US ends automatic work permit extensions and proposes H-1B rule changes
- The US government ended the 540-day automatic work permit extension for immigrants, raising job continuity risks for renewal applicants. GujaratSamachar EnglishThe Economic TimesLivemint
- The DHS proposed ending deference to prior USCIS approvals for nonimmigrant worker extensions, meaning H-1B renewals will be treated as fresh cases. CiberCubaCubaHeadlinesCiberCuba
- Reports highlighted that Indian nationals account for 79 percent of the employment green card backlog, facing a decades-long wait. IndiaWestIndiaWestSocial News XYZ
- Wipro stated that the suspension of US PERM applications and green card program actions would have no material business impact due to its local workforce. Storyboard18BW PeopleLivemint
Oct 13, 2026
USCIS deadline changes and PERM suspension updates impact visa applicants.
Oct 12, 2026
US suspends PERM green card applications for major tech firms like Microsoft and IT outsourcers
Oct 11, 2026
US freezes PERM processing for major tech firms and proposes OPT fee
Oct 10, 2026
US administration suspends PERM green card applications for major tech firms.
- The Trump administration suspended the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM) for companies like Microsoft and Infosys over allegations of displacing American workers and visa fraud. This action halts green card pathways for affected employees. AOL.comModern GhanaMyanmar International TV
- Legal immigration advocacy groups and lawmakers criticized the green card suspensions as harmful to U.S. innovation and the economy, while others defended the measures as necessary to protect domestic jobs. indica NewsThe HinduThe Economic Times
- Immigration lawyers and analysts are breaking down the impact of proposed high fees on post-graduate OPT employment for international students. The rules could significantly increase costs for recent graduates and institutions. Business InsiderThe Global Filipino MagazineAmerican Immigration Council
Oct 9, 2026
US suspends major tech firms from green card labour certification programme
- The US has suspended eight major IT and tech companies—including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Microsoft—from the PERM green card labor certification process. This temporary halt directly blocks new permanent residency filings initiated by these specific employers. Indian Television Dot ComIndia WeeklyMoneycontrol.com
- India's Ministry of External Affairs and industry body Nasscom clarified that the PERM freeze does not automatically impact existing H-1B visas. The move separates day-to-day work visa validity from employment-based green card processing. DD IndiaThe Times of IndiaThe Financial Express
- Indian officials and lawmakers condemned remarks by JD Vance accusing companies of visa abuse and labeling H-1B workers indentured servants. The backlash highlights growing diplomatic friction surrounding foreign tech labor protections. Deccan ChronicleThe FederalIndia.com
Oct 8, 2026
US Suspends Tech Giants From Green Card Program Over Fraud Claims
- The Trump administration suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and major Indian IT firms including Infosys, TCS, and Wipro from the PERM green card program, citing alleged visa fraud and abuse. News of BahrainSource ONE NewsQuartz
- Vice President JD Vance defended the actions and targeted H-1B visa abuse, while industry groups noted that affected firms are cutting reliance on the visa program. NewsweekThe Times of IndiaWXLV
- Microsoft and other impacted companies responded to the administration's accusations regarding foreign worker programs and green card processing freezes. KOMOThe Times of IndiaGeekWire
Oct 7, 2026
New US bills propose severe fines, sponsorship bans, and wage threshold changes for H-1B visas
Oct 6, 2026
Proposed bills and fee hikes target H-1B and EB-5 visa programs.
Oct 5, 2026
Trump administration signals action on foreign work visas amid H-1B scrutiny
Oct 4, 2026
H-1B program faces political attacks, fraud bill, and expanded visa screening
Oct 3, 2026
Scrutiny on H-1B intensifies alongside court blocks and proposed fee increases
Oct 2, 2026
US Immigration Updates: H-1B Fee Challenges and Green Card Filings
Oct 1, 2026
Federal Judges Block Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee
- Federal judges have blocked the Trump administration's proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee. This halts the costly charge while legal challenges proceed. Legit NewsLaw CommentaryNewsBytes
- The US Visa Bulletin for October 2026 shows forward movement for EB-1 India and the resumption of EB-2 availability. These updates mark changes for applicants as the new fiscal year begins. Business TodayThe Economic TimesFirstpost
- The Trump administration has revoked over 250,000 US visas under tightened immigration rules. The sweeping cancellations target various visa holders. Business StandardBloom PakistanMinute Mirror
- USCIS announced higher immigration fees taking effect in October. The changes increase costs for applicants filing various petitions. NewsweekThe Economic Times
Sep 30, 2026
US hikes EB-5 visa fees sharply starting November 30
Sep 29, 2026
Trump Administration Signals Major Changes to H-1B Visa Rules
Sep 28, 2026
Trump administration signals tighter H-1B scrutiny for employers conducting layoffs
- Vice President JD Vance warned that employers laying off American workers will face heightened scrutiny and tougher restrictions when petitioning for H-1B visas. The administration reiterated that the visa program should not be used to replace domestic labor with foreign workers. The Times of IndiaMid-DayNewsweek
- Officials, including the Department of Labor Inspector General, indicated that the H-1B system could face major restructuring or shutdowns within a year as the administration builds enforcement cases against misuse. StratNews GlobalThe Times of IndiaInshorts
- Starting October 1, the H-1B lottery is slated to transition to a wage-weighted selection model that favors higher-salaried applicants with increased selection odds. NewsBytesHindustan Times
- Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville introduced a new America First bill proposing a merit-based overhaul of the U.S. green card system. GujaratSamachar EnglishThe Economic TimesBusiness Standard
Sep 27, 2026
US officials signal tighter H-1B oversight and potential fee changes
Sep 26, 2026
Attorneys general challenge $100K H-1B fee as new bill targets green cards