In 2025, a lot is changing. We’re sure you’ve heard some scary stories about immigration laws in the U.S. right now, but are they all true?
There are many types of immigration cases, but these new policies have shaken us all. That’s why we have to do our best to keep up.
Even the simplest mistake can cost you. According to Spar & Bernstein lawyers, not informing authorities about changing your address is considered a misdemeanor crime. You can be fined up to $200 and imprisoned for up to 30 days. This situation can also result in removal from the United States.
Today, we’ll be talking about the most important changes in the law this year and helping you stay informed about the current immigration policies. Let’s get to it.
New Travel Ban Affects 19 Countries
One of the more talked-about changes in 2025 is the new set of travel restrictions issued by the White House. On June 5th, 2025, the Trump administration announced a new travel ban that will go into effect on June 9th. This ban targets 12 countries, with partial restrictions on 7 more, and will prevent them from entering the United States of America.
These countries include:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Haiti
- Chad
- Equatorial Guinea
- Libya
- Eritrea
- Myanmar
- Somalia
- Republic of the Congo
- Sudan
- Yemen
The seven restricted countries are:
- Venezuela
- Burundi
- Togo
- Cuba
- Turkmenistan
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
There are exceptions. Some people from these countries may still be able to enter the U.S. if they are:
- “Lawful permanent” US residents
- Immediate family members of lawful permanent residents who have immigrant visas
- U.S. government employees with Special Immigrant Visas
- People who hold citizenship in two countries who are not traveling on a passport from one of the listed countries
- Afghan nationals who have Special Immigrant Visas
- Holders of “immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran”
- People from other countries visiting the U.S. with specific non-immigrant visas
- Athletes, their teams, and their immediate families when traveling for major sporting events
- Adoptions
Humanitarian Parole Programs Shut Down
Another big change is the cancellation of parole programs for nationals from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba, and Nicaragua. These programs were launched in 2022 and they allowed over 500,000 people to come to the U.S. legally for humanitarian reasons.
A lot of people who entered through these programs are now in legal limbo, without a clear path to extend or adjust their status.
This move has faced criticism from immigrant rights groups and has sparked protests across several states.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Updates
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program that allows people from certain countries to live and work legally in the U.S. for a set period if their home country is considered unsafe. This can take place in cases of war, natural disasters, or a political crisis.
TPS protections for several countries have been ended or scheduled for termination, affecting tens of thousands of immigrants. The good news? TPS has been extended for some countries.
This means people from those countries who already have TPS can stay longer and keep working legally, as long as they register again on time.
For example:
- Ukraine: Extended until October 19, 2026
- El Salvador, Sudan, and Venezuela: Extended through late 2026
If you’re currently on TPS, double-check your re-registration deadlines. Missing them could put your status at risk.
The Laken Riley Act
Signed into law on January 29, 2025, the Laken Riley Act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain illegal immigrants who have been charged (not convicted) with certain crimes like DUI, theft, and assault.
This means more people could be held in detention centers without a trial.
Executive Order 14159: “Protecting Against Invasion”
This controversial executive order expands expedited removal procedures, allows the federal government to cut funding to sanctuary cities, and ramps up criminal penalties for illegal immigrants who fail to register with authorities.
As of June 2025, some parts of this order have been temporarily blocked by federal courts.
Birthright Citizenship Under Threat?
Executive Order 14160 attempts to limit automatic U.S. citizenship for babies born in the U.S. to parents who are undocumented immigrants.
This order is currently under review and courts have temporarily blocked its enforcement. Still, it has stirred up fears among immigrant communities.
The End of Refugee Resettlement (Temporarily)
On January 27, 2025, the U.S. paused all refugee admissions for 90 days pending a national security review. This pause has affected thousands of people waiting for resettlement.
While the administration says it’s temporary, some advocates worry it could become long-term.
A Few Other Changes
- COVID-19 vaccine requirement dropped for green card applicants on January 22, 2025.
- CBP device searches have increased. Officers can search phones and laptops more aggressively. Refusing this search can lead to entry denial.
- REAL ID Act enforcement begins May 7, 2025. You’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
What Does All of This Mean?
At the end of March 2025, there were 3,629,627 active cases awaiting resolution before the U.S. Immigration Court.
2025 is definitely a turning point for U.S. immigration. The key is to stay as informed as possible. Set alerts for all USCIS and DHS updates and regularly watch the news.
Double-check every single deadline. Missing a re-registration or application window can be very risky at the moment.
Remember, immigration law is complex, but knowledge is power. When things feel up in the air, getting your facts straight matters more than ever.
Wrapping It Up
2025 is coming with its challenges. The policies are changing and immigration in the U.S. is evolving fast. The best thing you can do? Stay ahead by being informed, stay calm, and stay ready.
If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney. Sometimes these things can be confusing, but you don’t have to face it all by yourself.
