Major Immigration Policy Changes Sweep the US in November 2025
Immigration policy changes have dramatically intensified in November 2025, with the Trump administration announcing sweeping restrictions affecting millions of immigrants, asylum seekers, and visa applicants. These developments represent some of the most significant shifts in US immigration policy in decades.
The changes come in rapid succession following a tragic shooting incident in Washington, D.C., that left two National Guard members critically injured. From asylum freezes to green card reviews and controversial visa fees, here's everything you need to know about navigating these new immigration policies.
Key Immigration Policy Changes in November 2025
The Trump administration has implemented multiple significant changes to immigration policy this month:
- "Permanent Pause" Announcement: On November 28, President Trump announced a "permanent pause" on immigration from "Third World Countries" via Truth Social, though specific countries and implementation details remain undefined
- Asylum Decision Freeze: USCIS has halted all asylum decisions indefinitely, with officers instructed to stop at the decision entry point and hold cases
- Green Card Review for 19 Countries: A "full-scale, rigorous reexamination" of every green card holder from 19 countries of concern has been ordered
- Afghan Visa Suspension: The State Department immediately paused all visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports
- H-1B $100,000 Fee: The controversial fee remains in effect despite pending lawsuits from the US Chamber of Commerce and other organizations
- TPS Terminations: Temporary Protected Status has ended for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, and Burma, with Syria ending November 21
- EAD Extension Changes: The 540-day automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents has been eliminated for new applicants
- Refugee Review: Approximately 233,000 refugees admitted under the Biden administration face status reviews
These changes represent a fundamental shift in how the US processes immigration applications. Legal experts note that many of these policies may face court challenges, though implementation has begun immediately.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Policy Changes
The scope of these immigration policy changes affects diverse groups across multiple visa categories and nationalities.
For Asylum Seekers
All asylum applicants face an indefinite pause on case decisions. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that asylum decisions are halted "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." Interviews may continue, but no decisions will be issued.
For Green Card Holders from 19 Countries
Nationals from Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan face green card reexamination. Even those already holding permanent resident status may be subject to additional scrutiny.
For H-1B Visa Applicants
New H-1B petitions require an additional $100,000 payment as of September 21, 2025. This fee has been challenged in federal court, but remains in effect pending litigation. The Chamber of Commerce lawsuit argues the fee "overrides provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act."
For Afghan Nationals
All immigration processing for Afghan nationals has been stopped indefinitely. Visa issuance, asylum decisions, and other immigration benefits are frozen pending security review. This affects thousands of applicants with pending cases.
How to Navigate Immigration Policy Changes - Step by Step
If you're affected by these changes, take these immediate steps to protect your immigration status:
- Document Your Current Status: Gather all immigration documents including your visa, EAD card, green card, and approval notices. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for any applications
- Check Your Case Status: Visit USCIS.gov to verify your case status and any pending applications. Note any deadlines or required actions
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Given the rapid changes, professional legal advice is essential, especially for nationals of the 19 countries under review
- Maintain Valid Employment Authorization: If your EAD is expiring, file renewal applications immediately. The 540-day automatic extension no longer applies to new filings as of October 30, 2025
- Keep Travel Documents Updated: Ensure your passport and visa photos comply with official document requirements before any international travel
- Monitor Official Sources: Follow USCIS.gov and State Department announcements for policy updates rather than social media speculation
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates related to the November 2025 immigration policy changes:
- October 30, 2025: EAD 540-day automatic extension eliminated for new renewal applications
- November 21, 2025: TPS for Syria ends
- November 26, 2025: Washington D.C. shooting triggers immediate policy responses
- November 28, 2025: "Permanent pause" announcement; asylum decisions frozen; Afghan visa issuance halted
- November 28, 2025: Government deadline to respond to H-1B fee lawsuit motion
- December 26, 2025: DHS begins collecting biometric data from all noncitizens
- January 5, 2026: TPS for South Sudan ends
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "permanent pause" on immigration mean legally?
According to immigration attorney Abhishek Saxena, "In ordinary English, 'permanent pause' sounds final, but under immigration law, the term has no defined meaning." Practically, it typically means an open-ended restriction with no stated end date, but it is not legally irreversible and could face court challenges.
Can I still apply for asylum in the United States?
You can still file asylum applications, and USCIS will continue conducting interviews. However, no decisions are being issued until further notice. Officers are instructed to process cases up to the decision point, then hold them indefinitely.
Will the $100,000 H-1B fee be overturned?
The fee is being challenged in multiple federal lawsuits. A recent ruling striking down EB-5 fee increases gives H-1B plaintiffs hope, but the fee remains in effect until a court orders otherwise. A decision on preliminary injunctions could come in December 2025.
Am I at risk if I already have a green card?
If you're a green card holder from one of the 19 designated countries of concern, your status may be subject to additional review. However, having lawful permanent resident status provides significant legal protections. Consult an immigration attorney if you receive any notices.
How do these changes affect my visa application photos?
Photo requirements remain unchanged, but with increased scrutiny on applications, ensuring your passport photos and visa photos meet exact specifications is more important than ever. Any technical rejection could delay your application during this uncertain period.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The November 2025 immigration policy changes represent a significant tightening of US immigration enforcement. With over 900,000 pending EAD applications, 233,000 refugees under review, and nationals from 19 countries facing green card reexamination, millions of people are directly affected.
If you have pending immigration applications or plan to apply, preparation is critical. Ensure all your documentation is complete and accurate, including proper passport photos that meet official requirements. Stay informed through official government channels, maintain copies of all documents, and consider consulting with an immigration attorney to understand how these policy changes affect your specific situation. With policies evolving rapidly, being proactive rather than reactive could make the difference in your immigration journey.
Sources: - [USCIS Official News Release on National Security Measures](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-implements-additional-national-security-measures-in-the-in-the-wake-of-national-guard-shooting) - [NBC News - Green Card Reexamination](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/uscis-reexamine-green-card-holders-trump-national-guard-shooting-rcna246232) - [CNN Politics - Green Card Review for 19 Countries](https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/27/politics/us-reexamining-green-card-holders-19-countries) - [Al Jazeera - Third World Countries Pause](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/28/trump-pauses-immigration-from-third-world-countries-what-that-means) - [NPR - Asylum Decisions Pause](https://www.npr.org/2025/11/28/g-s1-99760/trump-vows-permanent-pause-on-some-immigration-after-national-guard-shooting) - [Al Jazeera - H-1B Fee Lawsuit](https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/10/3/first-lawsuit-filed-challenging-trumps-100000-h-1b-visa-fee) - [Holland & Knight - Immigration Changes and New Regulations](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations) - [Newsweek - Full List of 19 Countries](https://www.newsweek.com/countries-green-card-reviews-dc-shooting-full-list-11123812)