The U.S. immigration landscape has seen major shifts in recent months, creating ripple effects for employers and employees alike. From changing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations to expanded immigration enforcement, these developments demand careful attention—especially for organizations managing Form I-9 compliance.
Latest Status Changes (As of June 2025)
Here are key updates affecting employment authorization and verification:
| Immigration Category | Previous Expiration | New Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| H1B (with/without OPT) | Oct 1, 2025 | Apr 1, 2026 |
| TPS – Sudan | May 3, 2025 | Nov 3, 2025 |
| TPS – Venezuela | Apr 7, 2025 | Apr 3, 2026 (stay order) |
| TPS – Ukraine | Apr 20, 2025 | Oct 19, 2026 |
| TPS – Haiti | Feb 3, 2026 | Aug 3, 2025 |
| TPS – Afghanistan | May 20, 2025 | July 14, 2025 |
| TPS – Cameroon | June 7, 2025 | Aug 4, 2025 |
| TPS – Nepal | – | Aug 5, 2025 |
| DED – Hong Kong | Feb 5, 2025 | Feb 5, 2027 |
| CHNV Parole Programs | Apr 24, 2025 | Stay order in place |
Note: TPS holders from the 2021 designation maintain their status until September 10, 2025. However, no further extensions are expected. 2023 designations remain unchanged for now.
New Travel Bans and Restrictions
Recent updates to U.S. travel policy have introduced a three-tiered system affecting entry and visa eligibility:
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Red (All Travel Banned): Includes countries like Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea.
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Orange (Visas Sharply Restricted): Includes Pakistan, Russia, Eritrea, and Haiti.
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Yellow (60 Days to Address Concerns): Includes Cameroon, Angola, Zimbabwe, and others.
These changes may influence recruitment, business travel, and I-9 reverification efforts for affected individuals.
Additional Employer Considerations
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USCIS Ombudsman’s Office Closure: Limits employer options to resolve immigration delays and errors.
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IRS–ICE Data Sharing: Raises compliance and privacy stakes; could trigger more frequent I-9 audits.
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Social Media Screening: Applicants may be required to disclose social media history, increasing scrutiny.
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State Enforcement (e.g., Tennessee): New laws enforcing immigration compliance at the local level, including identification and employment restrictions.
Recommendations for Employers
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Conduct regular internal I-9 audits
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Communicate immigration changes clearly with your workforce
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Monitor expiring statuses like TPS and DED
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Ensure data privacy compliance
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Stay alert to ICE activity and legal updates
About EMP Trust and I-9 Compliance
EMP Trust HR provides secure, cloud-based solutions for managing Form I-9, E-Verify, and immigration document tracking. Our platform keeps you compliant with automated alerts, reverification tools, and audit support—so you can focus on your people while we manage the paperwork.
