Archive · 23 Dec 2025
US Tightens H-1B Visa Rules Under Operation Twin Shield
The US is making it harder to get certain visas, like H-1B work visas.
They are checking more carefully to make sure people aren't cheating the system.
This includes looking at marriages, work permits, and applications from certain countries.
The goal is to keep the country safe and make sure the rules are followed.
They have already stopped some people from getting benefits and made arrests.
The US is also focusing on giving visas to people with higher skills and better pay.
USCIS has announced stricter checks on H-1B visas, student visas, and family-based applications under Operation Twin Shield.
Over 14,400 people have been referred to ICE for public safety, national security, and fraud concerns.
Work permit validity has been reduced from five years to 18 months for more frequent checks.
USCIS is prioritizing higher-skilled, higher-paid workers for H-1B visas to protect American workers' wages and job conditions.
Family-based immigration applications are under closer scrutiny to prevent fake marriages and fraudulent schemes.
- Who
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), ICE, FBI
- What
- Tightening of H-1B visa rules and increased immigration fraud checks
- When
- Since January 20, with recent announcements and operations
- Where
- United States, with specific operations in Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Why
- To protect public safety, national security, and ensure the integrity of the immigration system
- Operation
- Operation Twin Shield
- Agency
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Referrals to ICE
- 14,400+
- Arrests
- 2,400+
- National Security Threats
- 182
- Work Permit Validity
- Reduced from 5 years to 18 months
- Focus
- Higher-skilled, higher-paid H-1B visa applicants
- High-Risk Countries
- 19 countries under review
