Immigration to the United States Under Trump: What Has Changed in 18 Months

Since January 20, 2025, immigration to the United States has been profoundly reshaped. In 18 months, the Trump administration has changed the rules for foreign nationals, including those with legal status. Here is a factual overview of the main developments.

What Has Changed for Legal Immigration

Legal immigration to the United States is the forgotten side of the public debate. Yet it is the area that has been transformed the most.

Delays Are Growing

USCIS is facing a record volume: nearly 12 million pending cases at the end of fiscal year 2025. Processing times have surged across several categories. Green card renewals now take more than 8 months, compared to less than one month previously. Work visas (H-1B, O-1, L) have seen processing times increase by 80% in one year. At the same time, the number of cases processed dropped by 18% in the second quarter of 2025.

Expanded Restrictions

Through executive orders and administrative changes, the administration suspended entry for nationals of 19 countries as of July 2025, then extended that list to 20 additional countries in December 2025, on national security grounds.

Naturalization applications are also subject to stricter scrutiny: the average processing time has risen from 5 to nearly 8 months, and denials have increased by 24%.

What This Means Concretely for Immigration to the United States

For Skilled Professionals

Immigration to the United States through pathways such as the EB-2 NIW or O-1 is not blocked, but it now requires far more rigorous preparation. USCIS has expanded social media screening, incorporating criteria related to activities deemed "anti-American" as a negative factor in case review.

For Employers

PERM labor certification, a mandatory step for EB-2 and EB-3 green cards with employer sponsorship, now takes an average of 472 days. For employers, this requires planning several years in advance.

What Remains Possible

Despite this environment, strong pathways still exist. The EB-2 NIW allows applicants to bypass employer sponsorship, making it a strategic option in the current landscape.

The Bottom Line

Navigating U.S. immigration in 2026 requires rigor, anticipation, and expertise. The rules are changing fast. A solid case from the start makes all the difference.

Would you like to assess your situation? Contact The Deltin Law Firm LLC for a personalized analysis.