2025 U.S. Tariffs: Vietnam Transshipment & Country of Origin

Author C. Matthew Schulz

On April 2, 2025, the White House issued Executive Order 14257, launching broad “reciprocal” tariffs on imports to the U.S., later adjusted by follow-on orders in April and July/August 2025.

Proposed H‑1B Visa Reform 2025: Wage-Based Selection, Academic Cap Attacks & Planning Uncertainty 

Author C. Matthew Schulz

The Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to issue a new proposed rule titled “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking To File Cap‑Subject H‑1B Petitions”, which was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.

What Immigrants Must Carry: CBP Reminder Sparks Legal and Civil Rights Concerns

Author C. Matthew Schulz

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a public notice reinforcing that all lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and other non-U.S. citizens are legally required to carry proof of their lawful immigration status at all times.

The legal authority is 8 U.S.C. § 1304(e)—a long-standing provision of U.S. immigration law that makes it a misdemeanor for any noncitizen over the age of 18 to fail to carry immigration documentation.

Trump’s $5 Million 'Gold Card' Still Isn’t Real — And Why That Matters for U.S. Immigration Law

By C. Matthew Schulz

Despite repeated public mentions, flashy props, and enthusiastic promotion from President Trump and his Commerce Secretary, the so-called “Trump Gold Card” remains nonexistent in U.S. immigration law. No federal agency is authorized to offer or accept applications for such a program, and critically, no legislation has been introduced in Congress to create it.

Congress Proposes Big Fee Hikes for Immigration Applications

By C. Matthew Schulz

U.S. employers and foreign nationals who apply for a U.S. visa, work permit, or green card, or to enter the United States may soon face much higher fees. 

The U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill, proposing sweeping increases to government fees for many immigration services handled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Trump Administration Orders Social Media Vetting for Gaza-Linked Visa Applicants

By C. Matthew Schulz

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration mandated enhanced social media vetting for all U.S. visa applicants - including both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants, NGO workers and individuals who have been in Gaza in an official or diplomatic capacity - who have visited the Gaza Strip since January 1, 2007. 

SchulzLaw Blog April 210, 2025. USCIS to Weigh Antisemitic Activity in Immigration Decisions

By C. Matthew Schulz

In a move reflecting the current administration’s heightened focus on combating hate-based violence and extremism, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced yesterday that it will now consider antisemitic activity—including social media conduct and physical harassment targeting Jewish individuals—as a negative factor when reviewing immigration benefit applications.

What’s New with Form I-9 in 2025? SchulzLaw Blog April 4, 2025.

By C. Matthew Schulz

Key Changes 

In 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced several important updates to Form I-9, the mandatory employment eligibility verification form and related instructions.

Important Update

Consistent with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s March 2, 2025 announcement, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S.

Trump Administration’s Deportation Move: Foreign Policy Law and Its Impact on Immigration

By C. Matthew Schulz

The Trump Administration ignited controversy this week by attempting to deport a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) arrested for his role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.  See NY Times.