Lower courts had unanimously blocked the order, ruling that it violates the 14th Amendment and overturns more than a century of legal precedent guaranteeing citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, argue that the president cannot alter constitutional guarantees, while the Department of Justice contends the order offers a “revised interpretation” of the Citizenship Clause. The case will be heard next year, and a decision is expected by summer — potentially becoming one of the most significant immigration rulings in decades.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reduced the validity of work permits for asylum seekers and humanitarian applicants from five years to eighteen months. The agency says the change will allow for more frequent eligibility reviews, but advocates warn of widespread consequences.
This policy affects hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers nationwide. Human rights groups caution that the rule will likely increase backlogs, cause longer delays in renewals, and push many applicants out of the workforce — worsening labor shortages in industries that rely on refugee and immigrant labor.
The new regulation is already in effect and applies to all newly issued Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has shut down its central tax-crime division, with nearly one-third of its employees resigning. The number of criminal tax cases in 2025 has dropped by 27% compared to last year, while over 1,000 federal prosecutors have left the agency.
The IRS also lost more than 10% of its criminal investigators, many reassigned to unrelated duties. In one notable case, crypto investor Roger Ver avoided criminal prosecution after reaching a $50 million settlement through attorneys with political ties to Trump.
Experts warn that the decline in tax enforcement could undermine federal oversight and embolden financial crime.
An Associated Press investigation has revealed that U.S. Border Patrol is using a nationwide network of license-plate scanners and data-tracking algorithms to monitor millions of drivers across the country.
Vehicles flagged as taking “suspicious routes” are often referred to local police for stops and searches, sometimes for minor infractions like speeding or lane changes. Many drivers report being stopped without explanation.
The agency says the program targets criminal networks and national security threats, but legal experts warn it could violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and establish a precedent for mass domestic surveillance.
Under Trump’s administration, CBP’s intelligence-gathering budget exceeded $2.7 billion, reflecting the agency’s growing transformation into an internal security and data-analysis arm.
Former President Donald Trump has introduced a new “Golden Visa” investment program for wealthy foreigners.
A $1 million investment provides a “gold” visa, while a $5 million contribution qualifies for a “platinum” version.
The visa offers a pathway to U.S. citizenship after background checks and payment of fees.
Companies investing $2 million must also pay a 1% annual maintenance fee.
Holders of the platinum visa can stay in the U.S. up to 270 days per year without paying taxes on foreign income.
Critics argue that the plan contradicts America’s traditional immigrant values, favoring the wealthy over working-class migrants. Supporters claim it will generate billions in private investment for national projects. According to DHS, qualified investors could receive expedited EB-1 or EB-2 green cards under the proposal.
These policy shifts highlight how quickly U.S. immigration law and enforcement priorities can change — affecting millions of immigrants, asylum seekers, and even citizens. From constitutional debates over birthright citizenship to reduced asylum work-permit validity, these developments signal a new phase in the national immigration landscape that could redefine rights and responsibilities for years to come.
📅 Published: December 22nd, 2025
📍 Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, ICE internal reports, Senate briefings, Amazon HR announcement, European migration data.
Behar International Counsel is a leading immigration law firm based in San Diego and Los Angeles, providing expert US immigration services to clients throughout the US and worldwide
