This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Homeland Security is the sweeping policy changes in immigration enforcement and oversight, which are already impacting workplaces, universities, and state governments across the country. The DHS Spring 2025 Regulatory Agenda has brought some major developments, starting with Executive Order 14159, which now permits immigration enforcement at all workplace locations—meaning ICE and other enforcement teams have expanded powers and can conduct actions in places previously considered off-limits. Additionally, a new screening procedure is live for immigration benefit applications, including reviews of social media for certain categories, making the process more intensive and extending timelines. Employers and applicants need to prepare more documentation in advance, according to GT Law.

In a move that’s already stirring debate, the administration reinstated alien registration requirements for foreign nationals, as mandated back in the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 262. This has direct implications for colleges, research institutions, and multinational corporations with global staff. On the financial front, newly implemented fee structures include an asylum application fee that took effect on July 22, changing the calculus for those seeking safety in the U.S.

Meanwhile, on April 28, President Trump signed Executive Order 14287 to crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions—those states and localities seen as resisting federal immigration laws. The order requires DHS and the Attorney General to publish and update a list of these jurisdictions, with the possibility of cutting federal funding for those that do not comply. There are also new measures to verify eligibility for public benefits, and to ensure American citizens receive priority access.

For American businesses, there are major updates to the H-1B and H-2 worker programs. Since January, the government has shifted to a beneficiary-centric selection process, reducing loopholes and gaming of the lottery system, and streamlining extensions when workers’ circumstances remain unchanged. On September 19, the Department of Labor announced Project Firewall, launching direct investigations and civil actions against employers who violate H-1B rules. The Secretary of Labor will now certify investigations personally, signaling zero tolerance for noncompliance.

Proposed changes are also pending for international students—DHS wants to replace the traditional “duration of status” system on F and J visas with fixed periods of stay. If adopted, students and exchange visitors will need to monitor their status and timelines much more closely. While this rule is still in public comment, students should stay alert for legal updates and guidance from their universities.

There’s also a new enforcement wave at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Starting October 6, USCIS will deploy its own special agents authorized to investigate, arrest, and execute warrants on suspected immigration fraud and criminal activity connected to benefit applications. This marks a major shift in DHS’s operational capacity, with investigations now staying in-house.

The impact is widespread. For citizens, there’s tighter verification for public benefits and a promised crackdown on fraud. For businesses, compliance responsibilities have doubled, especially with the new H-1B regime and more aggressive government audits. State and local governments—especially those branded as sanctuary jurisdictions—face tough choices and possible funding cuts. Internationally, enhanced screening and targeted bans, including recent moves against select academic programs at institutions like Harvard, send a strong political signal about tightening U.S. borders.

Acting DHS Secretary noted, “These measures will safeguard American communities and ensure proper accountability at every level of...