Welcome to your DHS update, bringing you the top headline shaping policy and lives across America this week: The Department of Homeland Security just rolled out a major immigration parole fee adjustment and regulatory expansion, tightening both the budget and bureaucracy behind U.S. immigration enforcement. As reported in the latest Federal Register, starting October, new fee structures apply to a range of immigration services, impacting families, employers, and legal counsel planning cases all over the country.

The big picture: The new rules come alongside a sweeping recalibration of immigration enforcement powers. The Spring Unified Regulatory Agenda now enables enforcement actions in all workplace locations—no longer restricting raids or subpoenas to certain sites. Additionally, applicants for immigration benefits now face expanded social media screenings, and foreign national registration rules have been reimposed with greater emphasis.

For U.S. employers, especially in high-tech and research fields, H-1B visa processing has changed dramatically. Earlier this year, DHS introduced a beneficiary-centric lottery, aiming to stop gaming of the cap system by favoring individuals rather than multiple corporate entries. Streamlined approvals for some extension and amendment cases were also launched to reduce legal and HR headaches in the corporate sector.

Leadership at DHS is experiencing enormous pressures from the White House and Congress. After a massive funding increase from the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ICE is in the midst of hiring roughly 10,000 new officers, according to a Senate Judiciary letter. This unprecedented expansion is intended to support new deportation and arrest targets set by the Trump administration—one million deportations a year and 3,000 arrests a day. However, officials including Senator Durbin warn these surges have led to concerning lapses in oversight and a rollback of accountability offices, with some state sheriffs reporting tense interactions over officer recruitment and training standards.

Businesses and local governments should note that new executive orders—as outlined by NAFSA—are cracking down on so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. Federal funds could be suspended for states and cities deemed uncooperative in federal immigration enforcement, a move that could affect budgets and law enforcement relationships at the local level.

On the regulatory front, the Department of Labor just kicked off Project Firewall, a tough new H-1B enforcement initiative. Employers found in violation could face back-wage payments, severe fines, or even blacklisting from future hiring. In parallel, for the first time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will deploy its own special agents, armed and authorized to make immigration-related arrests—heightening scrutiny for employers, universities, and applicants alike.

For Americans, these changes may mean more visible enforcement in neighborhoods and workplaces. Rising fees affect immigrants and families seeking status. Experts at immigration advocacy organizations urge individuals to review compliance and application procedures closely, and for local leaders to coordinate with legal counsel. Deadlines for compliance with new regulations and fee payment requirements are in effect now, with further audits and workplace visits expected in coming months.

If you're affected or want to comment, several pending rules are open for public input at regulations.gov. As always, DHS will update guidance on its website. For all Americans: stay informed, and if you have concerns, make your voice heard through official comment channels and by contacting your congressional representatives.

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