State Department

The U.S. government is rapidly expanding its use of AI across immigration and visa adjudications. While much of the public discussion focuses on efficiency and enforcement, these developments carry concrete

Continue Reading The US Government’s Expanding Use of AI in Immigration Adjudications: Considerations for Employers and Investors

Recent changes to the Foreign Affairs Manual offer crucial clarity for employers and foreign nationals in the hemp industry, ensuring that lawful hemp-related activities are no longer automatically treated as marijuana involvement for visa purposes. This update supports workforce mobility and reduces the risk of visa denials for those working in the fast-growing global hemp sector.
Continue Reading New Foreign Affairs Manual Guidance: Legal Hemp Activities No Longer Grounds for Visa Inadmissibility

In late August 2025, Department of State (DOS) guidance cables were released providing employers with valuable insight into how the June 2025 travel restrictions operate in practice.
Continue Reading Travel Ban Impacts on U.S. Employers and Foreign National Employees: New Insights from Recently Released State Department Guidance

According to an internal State Department cable dated May 27, 2025, all consular interviews for the F, M, and J visa applicants are to be temporarily paused.
Continue Reading Temporary Pause on Foreign Student and Exchange Visitor F, M, and J Visa Interviews

On April 30, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a shift in U.S. immigration policy by formally introducing the State Department (DOS)’s “catch-and-revoke” visa policy.
Continue Reading An Overview of the Department of State’s New ‘Catch-and-Revoke’ Visa Policy