U.S. Immigration Systems, Data, Status, and Concepts

Practical Immigration Concepts in a Time of Change

A structural approach can help in the process of considering change. Here is a suggested structure to think about.

General Rulemaking Process Under the APA

Here is the general order of the rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). There can be variations, but this is the general process.

Requirements to Carry Immigration Registration Document and Report Change of Address

Nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents must carry their "evidence of registration" document at all times. Usually, this is Form I-94 for nonimmigrants, or Form I-551 (green card) for lawful permanent residents. They must also report any address changes within 10 days of the address change.

6 March 2017 Presidential Memorandum on Heightened Screening, Vetting, and Enforcement

February 11, 2025

March 6, 2017, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General with the subject line: Implementing Immediate Heightened Screening and Vetting of Applications for Visas and Other Immigration Benefits, Ensuring

Buy American Hire American Executive Order

On April 18, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order with a "Buy American and Hire American" theme.

INS Memo on COS for Beneficiaries of Petitions Subject to the FY 1998 H-1B Cap

Legacy INS memo states, "Where an adjudicator is aware that the beneficiary’s status has expired, or will have expired by the H-1B effective date, change of status will be denied even if the petition is approved on its merits." The memo also states that "Likewise, changes of status will be approved

Discontinuance of Visa Issuance Under INA 243(d)

February 10, 2025

Countries currently sanctioned under INA 243(d).

Practical Training Reform

CRS Backgrounder on Optional Practical Training For some background, read the Congressional Research Service's ( CRS) In Focus Report: Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Foreign Students in the United States, IF 12631 (May 30, 2025), transcribed by NAFSA . Recent Challenges to OPT Sen. Grassley

Compilation of Agency Initiatives from the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

NAFSA compilation of immigration-related regulatory actions in the current Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions that are most relevant to institutions that invite international students and scholars to the United States.

Accrual of Unlawful Presence and F, J, and M Nonimmigrants

April 15, 2025

On August 9, 2018, USCIS made fundamental changes to its policy on how an immigration status violation might lead to a finding that an F, M, or J nonimmigrant should be subject to the 3- or 10-year reentry bar provisions of INA 212(a)(9)(B). A February 6, 2020 nationwide permanent injunction blocked