Trump administration tightens U.S. visa policy with mass revocations and H-1B fee hikes

Key developments

1. Aug 24, 2026

   The Trump administration prepares to revoke up to 200,000 B1/B2 visas from foreigners who sought asylum, potentially the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history.

   278 sources on this →
2. Aug 24, 2026

   DHS advances a rule imposing a $103,265 fee on new H-1B petitions filed from outside the U.S., facing ongoing legal challenges.

   20 sources on this →
3. Aug 25, 2026

   A coalition of unions and education groups sues to block Trump-era rules capping foreign student visas at four years and altering federal worker evaluations.

   5 sources on this →
4. Aug 26, 2026

   The Trump administration pauses immigrant visa interviews worldwide to roll out a public-charge screening initiative, delaying appointments amid the broader crackdown.

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Politics

California Judge Rules Deportation Policies Violate Free Speech

A U.S. federal judge ruled that the Trump administration’s use of immigration laws to revoke visas and deport noncitizens over pro-Palestinian advocacy and criticism of Israel is unconstitutional, highlighting that targeting speech violates First and Fifth Amendment protections. The decision, issued by Judge Noel Wise in San Jose as part of a broader wave of similar rulings, indicates ongoing judicial pushback against government efforts to penalize campus activism and journalism for political views.

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Photo: Ekaterina Belinskaya / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

World

US to Revoke 200,000 B1/B2 Visas, H-1B Reform

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke up to 200,000 B1/B2 business and tourism visas for foreigners who have sought asylum or are currently pursuing asylum, potentially constituting the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history and raising legal challenges. The plan, coordinated with DHS and described as closing a loophole where short-term visitors apply for asylum, would roll out over time and may not immediately deport affected individuals as cases are recategorized or adjusted.