U.S. Immigration Policy Updates have been one of the most hotly debated topics recently. With new proposals and a series of executive orders, the current administration is considering reshaping the U.S. immigration system.
This has generated great concern for immigrants, companies and institutions. This is because the US Immigration Policy Updates not only redefine the criteria for entry and stay in the country. They reflect a change in the country’s inclusion policy, which worries immigrants in particular.
Today, you will understand all the details about the US Immigration Policy Updates, knowing exactly how they affect the lives of those who live or seek to live in the USA.
Changes in immigration policy in American history
The immigration policy of the United States has undergone profound transformations throughout its history, reflecting the changes in the nation. Let’s look at the history.
- Naturalization Act (1790): This legislation limited access to citizenship to “free white persons” only. This excluded blacks, being considered a racist law;
- Foreign Friends Act (1798): This authorized the president to deport foreigners deemed dangerous. It was at this moment that the deportation began, a measure that is adopted to this day;
- 1870: At this time, the naturalization of people of African origin began. However, other exclusions began. For example, anarchists and beggars;
- Immigration Reform and Control Act (1986): This law legalized the status of immigrants who were in the country before 1982. However, it criminalized the hiring of undocumented workers;
- Immigration Act (1990): This increased limits on legal immigration and introduced Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing people from countries in crisis to remain in the U.S.
- DACA (2012): instituted by Barack Obama, it guaranteed protection to young people who went to the United States without regular documentation. Trump tried to cancel the program, but without success, as he was barred by court decisions and was regulated again under the Biden administration in 2022.
What is immigration policy like today?
The United States structures its immigration policy based on the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), combining two factors:
- Facilitate legal entry into the country;
- Strict control of the stay and removal of undocumented immigrants.
There are different types of visas in the United States, let’s look at each of them.
Permanent and temporary legal immigration
Residence visas grant permanent immigration. There are several ways to achieve this. For example, because you are related to someone or because you have job opportunities in the United States.
Temporary immigration includes visas for tourists, students, seasonal workers, and skilled workers. These visas have set deadlines and, in most cases, do not guarantee permanent residency.
TPS (Statutory Temporary Protected Status (US immigration policy updates)
This one allows him to stay in the country in crisis situations, such as wars, for example. Recently there was a strong immigration to the United States due to the difficult situation of the Venezuelensis due to the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro
How does enforcement and deportation work in the U.S.?
Government agencies, such as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), control the law and observe several points, for example:
- Border control;
- Analysis of visa applications;
- Deportation of irregular aliens.
In addition, the U.S. Congress can pass changes to the INA or parallel laws that affect immigration policy.
U.S. plans for immigration reform
President Donald Trump’s proposed immigration reform in 2025 focuses on strengthening immigration enforcement and limiting the entry and stay of foreigners in the United States.
The changes seek to reverse previous policies, especially from the Biden era, and mark a stricter stance by the country.
The objective is clear, to restrict illegal immigration and to harden access to migratory benefits,
Among the main points of the reform are:
- Reinforcement of the border policy: the focus of this measure is to return to the creation of physical barriers, especially with Mexico. This is because many Mexicans go to the United States irregularly every month;
- Increase in deportation: the promise is to remove the largest number of undocumented immigrants. Especially those who have a criminal record;
- Restriction on the right to citizenship by birth: the basis for this is that children of non-citizens or undocumented persons should not automatically be entitled to U.S. citizenship;
- Increased visa screening and stay control, with stricter background check processes and monitoring of foreign nationals entering the U.S., even legally.
These actions indicate a complete reorientation of U.S. immigration policy, centered on enforcement, restraint, and deterrence, and no longer on integration, family reunification, or economic needs.
If the proposals are implemented and maintained, the country may experience profound changes in its tradition of receiving immigrants, with a direct impact on communities, companies and international relations.
Is it expensive to immigrate to the United States?
Immigrating to the United States in 2025 involves not only document analysis and interviews, but also well-done financial planning.
Costs can vary depending on the route you choose, for example:
- Marriage;
- Employment;
- Investment.
As a rule, those who opt for immigration by family tie usually spend between US$ 2,000 and US$ 4,000. An amount that covers everything from official forms to the mandatory medical examination, but does not include legal fees.
Those who seek a Green Card through a job, on the other hand, must organize themselves well, as the process is more difficult. In this modality, you can spend up to US$ 25,000.
Finally, investors must have a minimum of US$ 800,000.00 invested, plus administrative fees and legal costs.
In addition to these values, you should remember that extra costs may arise, such as the issuance of updated documents, airline tickets for interviews at the consulate and adjustments in the standard of living upon arrival in the United States.
Therefore, it is crucial to have the support of an immigration lawyer, as this increases the chances of success and avoids setbacks that can generate even more costs.
With so many costs, knowing how to organize yourself is indispensable. We recommend that you make investments to raise the money you need. For this, the stock market is indicated, so we recommend that you know the stock market investment tips beginners.
Conclusion (US immigration policy updates)
The US Immigration Policy Updates reflect a new moment in the United States’ immigration policy. With proposals that tighten the control of entry and stay of foreigners.
The possible overhaul of the system, led by more conservative proposals, signals changes that could affect millions of undocumented immigrants.
Therefore, following these updates is essential, both for those looking to live in the country, but also for companies, students, and families.