ARTICLE
17 January 2025

5 Trends To Watch: 2025 Immigration & Compliance

GT
Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Contributor

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2750 attorneys in 49 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2024 BTI “Leading Edge Law Firm” for delivering on client expectations for the future and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: www.gtlaw.com.
As the incoming presidential administration has placed immigration at the top of the agenda for 2025, executive actions and new policy could be implemented quickly.
United States Immigration
  1. Incoming Presidential Administration's Agenda: As the incoming presidential administration has placed immigration at the top of the agenda for 2025, executive actions and new policy could be implemented quickly.
  2. Increased Security Checks and Consular Delays: Increased security is expected at airports and ports of entry to the United States. Companies may want to prepare employees for longer wait times and more questioning by immigration upon entering the country. In addition, increased administrative processing/security vetting at consulates is expected, which may increase visa processing times. There is likely to be a particular emphasis on vetting applicants coming from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism./li>
  3. Workplace Compliance: The incoming administration has noted that compliance is a priority, so companies' compliance concerns will likely not be limited solely to their foreign national population. A continued focus on Form I-9, E-Verify, and potential discrimination in the hiring process is anticipated, as well as increased site visits for those on work-authorized visas.
  4. Crossover of Employment and Immigration Law: As employment law varies from state to state, companies should understand the differences in local law in each jurisdiction where they operate and adjust company policy and procedures accordingly. The increase in remote work and corresponding mobility of the U.S. workforce may also give rise to additional immigration and labor and employment considerations.
  5. Lengthy Government ProcessingTimes: Current processing times for most immigration benefits are lengthy, and this is unlikely to change significantly under the Trump administration; though there may be additional delays if immigration benefits become more highly scrutinized. An increase in the filing of mandamus requests in federal court is anticipated, as foreign nationals seek to compel the adjudication of long-pending immigration applications.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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