Deterrence and Division:
The Shifting Immigration Policy Landscape

Federal actions during President Trump’s second term have significantly reshaped the immigration landscape, with a renewed emphasis on deterrence and restriction. Through sweeping visa limitations, new fees on high-skilled worker programs, and expanded enforcement measures, the administration has signaled a sustained effort to narrow lawful immigration pathways. These developments, coupled with parallel state initiatives and limited prospects for bipartisan reform, have introduced heightened uncertainty for employers and foreign nationals alike.

Federal and State Developments

During President Trump’s second term, the administration has pursued policies aimed at discouraging foreign immigration. In January, the State Department halted visa processing for 75 countries, implementing broad restrictions alongside other enforcement actions. These steps followed a presidential proclamation issued late last year titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” In September 2025, the administration issued a proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” which imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications filed after September 21, 2025. Although exemptions are available under limited circumstances, such as demonstrated national interest or lack of available U.S. workers, the policy has created significant uncertainty for employers that rely on high-skilled talent.

At the state level, several Republican-led states have announced additional restrictions. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions, citing concerns that the H-1B visa program, widely used by technology firms, major companies, and universities, has been used to disadvantage American workers. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis directed public universities in the state to halt the use of H-1B visas. These actions signal that immigration policy will remain a priority issue at both the federal and state level, with potential implications for employers operating across jurisdictions.

On Capitol Hill, some lawmakers have expressed concern about the administration’s approach. In October 2025, Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), and Don Bacon (R-NE) sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, urging collaboration with Congress to reform the high-skilled immigration system rather than imposing new fees. In July 2025, Rep. Maria Salazar introduced the DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025, which has drawn bipartisan sponsorship, but broader reform efforts face significant headwinds. The bill would enhance border security, revitalize the American workforce, and allow certain long-term undocumented immigrants to earn legal status, without amnesty or a path to citizenship. Currently, there are 19 Republican cosponsors and 20 Democratic cosponsors. Despite these efforts, immigration remains highly polarized, with limited bipartisan momentum for comprehensive legislative reform.

Looking ahead, immigration policy is expected to remain a politically charged issue, particularly in the lead-up to the midterm elections. Given the administration’s continued emphasis on deterrence and restrictive measures, comprehensive immigration reform appears unlikely in the near term, and high-skilled visa policy will likely continue to evolve in a constrained environment.