Barbara W. Menefee

As the new administration begins, significant changes to immigration policies are anticipated, though the specifics of these changes—including when they will take effect and how they will impact the current immigration system—remain uncertain. Among these potential changes, we may see an increase in worksite inspections for H-1B and L-1 visa holders as part of enhanced compliance measures. While this increase in enforcement may be concerning, there’s no need to worry.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) is a federal interagency committee that is responsible for reviewing certain transactions by foreign persons (governments, individuals and businesses), if they threaten or affect the national security of the United States. In layman’s terms, the CFIUS is a federal body that reviews transactions by non-Americans that might threaten the U.S.’s security.

On December 2, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it had received enough H-1B petitions to reach the statutory H-1B visa cap of 65,000, plus the 20,000 “master’s cap” for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree. Registrants who have not yet been selected will be sent non-selection notices through the online system. This action completes the Fiscal Year 2025 (“FY2025”) H-1B Cap lottery, selection and petition process.