The United States will pause immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries starting January 21, 2026, according to U.S. Department of State guidance. The pause applies to immigrant visas issued at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, meaning visas that lead to lawful permanent residence in the United States. It
Portugal’s Constitutional Court has declared several important parts of the country’s new citizenship (nationality) law unconstitutional, while not striking down the broader reform that would extend the time required to apply for citizenship for most foreign residents. The decision creates ongoing uncertainty about how the new rules will apply, especially
On December 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM 602 0192 that immediately halts all immigration benefit applications filed by people from 19 designated high risk countries and suspends processing of all asylum claims. The freeze applies to green card applications, permanent resident renewals,
On December 1, 2025, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio introduced a bill that seeks to end dual citizenship for American nationals. The legislation, called the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, would significantly change how the United States treats individuals who currently hold, or intend to obtain, citizenship in another
The UK government has unveiled a proposal that would allow high earners to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years, marking one of the most significant shifts in the country’s migration policy in decades. The plan is part of what Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called the
Italy is preparing a major update to its flat-tax regime for high-net-worth individuals who transfer their tax residence to the country. The latest draft of the 2026 Budget Law proposes increasing the annual substitute tax on foreign-sourced income from €200,000 to €300,000, while also raising the dependent amount from €25,000
The UAE has taken another significant step to strengthen its long-term residency program. In a new announcement, Golden Visa holders will now receive the same level of overseas protection and assistance once reserved for Emirati citizens. The initiative, revealed at GITEX Global 2025, underscores the government’s growing focus on stability,
The European Parliament has voted in favor of sweeping reforms to the EU’s visa waiver suspension mechanism, giving the bloc greater authority to pause or revoke visa-free access for countries that fail to meet its legal, security, or human-rights standards. The move comes amid growing concern over misuse of visa-free
The American passport, once a global symbol of travel freedom, has fallen to its lowest position in decades. Once ranked among the most powerful in the world, it has now dropped to 12th place. Just a few years ago, the U.S. passport allowed nearly unrestricted access to most parts of
On September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a presidential proclamation requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for each H-1B worker who enters the United States. The order was scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, and it immediately triggered widespread concern among employers
