Major US Immigration Policy Overhaul December 2025
Immigration policy changes in December 2025 represent the most sweeping restrictions to the US immigration system in decades. Following the November 26 shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration has implemented multiple policy shifts affecting asylum seekers, visa holders, and green card holders alike.
These changes impact over 1.4 million pending asylum applications, green card holders from 19 countries, H-1B workers, and virtually all non-citizens entering or leaving the United States. Understanding these immigration policy updates is critical for anyone with pending applications or travel plans.
Key Immigration Policy Changes in December 2025
The administration has announced several major policy changes that take effect throughout December 2025:
- Asylum Processing Pause: All Form I-589 asylum applications suspended nationwide pending comprehensive review
- Travel Ban Expansion: Current 19-country ban expanding to 30+ countries by December 15, 2025
- $100,000 H-1B Fee: New employers must pay $100,000 for H-1B workers coming from abroad
- Biometric Collection: Mandatory facial recognition for all non-citizens at entry/exit starting December 26, 2025
- EAD Validity Reduction: Employment Authorization Documents reduced from 5 years to 18 months
- Enhanced H-1B Vetting: Social media review required for all H-1B applicants effective December 15, 2025
- Afghan Visa Freeze: All visa processing for Afghan passport holders suspended indefinitely
- TPS Termination: Temporary Protected Status ended for Burma (Myanmar) nationals
According to USCIS, these measures are designed to enhance vetting and protect national security. However, immigration advocates argue the changes affect many legal immigrants who have followed proper procedures.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Policy Changes
The December 2025 immigration policy changes affect multiple categories of immigrants and travelers. Here's a breakdown of who needs to take action:
For Asylum Seekers
All pending asylum applications are currently frozen. According to CBS News, USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until every applicant can be "vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." In-person appointments for asylum applicants have been canceled, and no timeline for resumption has been announced.
For Green Card Holders from 19 Countries
If you hold a green card and are from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, or Yemen, your case may be subject to re-review. Holland & Knight reports that approximately 200,000 refugee approvals from the Biden administration are being re-examined.
For H-1B Visa Applicants and Employers
Employers filing new H-1B petitions for workers abroad must now pay a $100,000 fee through Pay.gov before submission. The American Immigration Council notes that extensions, amendments, and renewals are exempt, as are change-of-status petitions for workers already in the US. This exemption covers approximately 75% of H-1B workers who graduated from US universities.
For All Non-Citizens Traveling to the US
Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens—including green card holders—will have photos taken via facial recognition upon entry and exit at all US ports of entry. Boundless reports that refusing biometrics may result in denied boarding or denial of entry.
How to Prepare for December 2025 Immigration Changes
If you're affected by these immigration policy changes, here are the steps you should take:
- Check Your Application Status: Log into your USCIS account at uscis.gov to review pending applications and any notices
- Gather Documentation: Ensure your passport photo and all immigration documents are current and meet official requirements
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Given the rapid policy changes, professional legal advice is critical for complex cases
- Allow Extra Travel Time: Budget additional time at airports for new biometric collection procedures starting December 26
- Monitor Official Announcements: Follow USCIS and DHS announcements as the travel ban list may expand to 30+ countries by December 15
Important Dates and Timeline for December 2025
Mark these critical dates for immigration policy changes:
- December 2, 2025: Asylum processing pause announced and implemented
- December 5, 2025: New EAD validity period (18 months) applies to all applications filed on or after this date
- December 15, 2025: Social media vetting begins for all H-1B applicants; expanded travel ban announcement expected
- December 26, 2025: Mandatory biometric collection begins at all US ports of entry
- 2026: Refugee admissions capped at 7,500 (down from previous years)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Apply for Asylum in December 2025?
You can still submit Form I-589 asylum applications, but USCIS has paused all decisions. No timeline has been announced for when processing will resume. According to NPR, DHS Secretary Noem stated reviews would restart when the agency has "dealt with the backlog" of over 1 million cases.
Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to Everyone?
No. The fee only applies to employers petitioning for H-1B workers who are currently outside the United States. If you're already in the US on a student visa or other status and changing to H-1B, the fee does not apply. Extensions and amendments are also exempt from this fee.
Will Green Card Holders Be Photographed at the Border?
Yes. Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens—including permanent residents (green card holders)—will have facial recognition photos taken at entry and exit. VisaVerge reports that CBP plans to fully implement the biometric entry-exit system within three to five years, starting with airports.
Is DACA Affected by These Immigration Policy Changes?
DACA renewals remain open as of December 2025. USAHello confirms that current DACA holders can still renew their protections, work permits, and travel documents. However, first-time DACA applications are not being processed.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
The immigration policy changes of December 2025 represent a significant tightening of US immigration procedures. With asylum processing paused, travel bans expanding, new fees for skilled workers, and enhanced biometric requirements, applicants face increased scrutiny at every step. Processing times have already increased dramatically—green card replacement applications now take 429% longer than in January 2025.
For anyone navigating the US immigration system, staying informed about these policy changes is essential. Ensure your passport photos meet current requirements and all documentation is in order before any application or travel. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney to understand how these changes affect your specific situation, and monitor official USCIS announcements for updates on processing resumptions and new country restrictions.
--- Sources: - [CBS News - Officials instructed to pause all asylum decisions](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/national-guard-shooting-dc-us-asylum-decisions-pause/) - [NPR - Trump administration halts asylum decisions](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/01/nx-s1-5625878/trump-administration-halts-asylum-decisions-as-legal-migration-crackdown-intensifies) - [CNN - DHS recommends travel ban list include at least 10 more countries](https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/dhs-travel-ban-countries) - [CNBC - Trump administration will expand travel ban to more than 30 countries](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/06/trump-administration-will-expand-travel-ban-to-more-than-30-countries.html) - [American Immigration Council - USCIS Implements the H-1B $100,000 Fee](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/uscis-implements-h1b-100000-fee/) - [Holland & Knight - Immigration Increased Vetting and Restrictions](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/12/immigration-increased-vetting-and-restrictions) - [USCIS Official News Releases](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases) - [USAHello - Trump Immigration Policy Changes in 2025](https://usahello.org/2025-immigration-policies/) - [Boundless - U.S. to Photograph All Foreign Travelers](https://www.boundless.com/blog/cbp-facial-recognition-rule-2025)