The Biden administration is facing increasing scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics as the Trump administration’s policies continue to reshape the landscape for those seeking to enter or reside in the United States. Since returning to office in 2025, President Trump has enacted a series of changes impacting migrants and asylum seekers.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border, directing an increase in personnel and a review of existing immigration policies to “prioritize the prevention and denial of unauthorized entry of foreign nationals.”
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Since then, changes have been frequent, including the revocation of special permits, suspension of visa processing, restrictions on citizens from certain countries, increased raids, and new fees. The policies are impacting Colombian citizens seeking to enter or remain in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of the key modifications to U.S. Immigration policy:
ICE raids have become commonplace in the U.S. Photo:iSTOCK
1. Incentive for Self-Deportation
The Department of Homeland Security announced a strategy last year offering financial incentives for voluntary departure. Through the CBP Home mobile application – previously used to request asylum – individuals in the U.S. Without legal status can manage their exit and, if eligible, receive up to $2,600.
2. Increased Cost of U.S. Visas in Colombia
The cost of tourist and business visa applications increased on October 1, 2025, due to the enactment of the One Big Lovely Bill Act. The act includes a $250 Integrity Fee, added to the standard visa price of $185, bringing the total cost to $435, or approximately 1.6 million Colombian pesos. Immigrant visas are not affected by this change.
3. Fee for Asylum Applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced a $100 fee for each asylum petition filed using Form I-589, to be charged annually while a case remains pending.
4. Fee for Not Having a Real ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began charging a $45 fee on February 1 to passengers without federally recognized identification when traveling within the United States. However, a valid physical passport is sufficient for Colombian citizens to avoid this fee.
5. Increased Fees for Work Permits and Immigration Renewals
USCIS implemented increases in fees for work permits, known as Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), on July 22. The fee for a first-time application is now $550, and $275 for renewal.
The U.S. Suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Colombia. Photo:iStock
6. Suspension of Immigrant Visa Issuance
The Department of State suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Colombia, on January 21. This affects the issuance of visas only, not consular processes. Applicants can continue submitting applications, attending appointments, and interviews, but visa issuance is paused.
7. Social Media Review
The Department of State has strengthened background checks for visa applicants by requiring information about their social media accounts and recent digital activity. Applicants must disclose platforms used in recent years, allowing consular officials to review posts, interactions, and other online traces.
8. Biometric Data Collection
As of December 26, 2025, the DHS announced that all foreign nationals must provide facial photographs and biometric data, such as fingerprints, each time they enter or leave the country. This applies at airports, border crossings, and seaports.
9. Visa Rejection Based on Health Conditions
In November, the Department of State issued guidance to embassies and consulates worldwide instructing officials to consider chronic medical conditions – including weight, physical condition, heart disease, cancer, and mental health disorders – as grounds for denying immigrant or non-immigrant visas. This particularly impacts employment-based visa categories like H-1B visas.
10. Changes to H-1B Work Visa Selection
A series of changes to the H-1B visa program, for highly skilled professionals, went into effect on February 27, 2026. The lottery used to select winners now prioritizes jobs with higher salaries and qualifications. A $100,000 fee is required from employers before applying for this visa.
11. Gold Card Visa for Millionaires
In December 2025, President Trump announced the Gold Card visa, allowing wealthy investors to easily obtain permanent residency in the United States. This requires an initial, non-refundable processing fee of $15,000, followed by a “gift” of $1 million, qualifying them for an EB-1 or EB-2 visa.
12. Mandatory Consular Interviews
The Department of State announced that, starting September 2, 2025, all applicants for non-immigrant visas, including those under 14 and over 79, must attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. Exceptions apply for diplomatic and official visas, and renewals of B1/B2 visas within 12 months of expiration, provided the previous visa was valid for 10 years and obtained after age 18.
13. Reduced Duration of Work Permits
USCIS reduced the validity period of work permits from a maximum of five years to 18 months, effective December 5. This also eliminates automatic renewal of these permits.
14. FIFA Pass and Measures for the 2026 World Cup
Individuals planning to travel to the U.S. For the 2026 World Cup can expedite the visa process with a FIFA Pass. Fans who purchase tickets must register on the tournament platform and link their passport to the ticket. The document does not replace the visa but will verify identity and streamline border controls.
Colombian citizens wishing to attend the World Cup can now apply for tourist or business visas (B1/B2) at consulates in Panama or Brazil. This measure, already in effect, aims to reduce wait times.
Visa Rejected Photo:IStock
15. Mandatory Registration for Undocumented Immigrants
Since April of last year, the U.S. Has required undocumented immigrants over 14 to register their data, including physical address and fingerprints, or face fines of up to $5,000 or up to six months in prison. This does not apply to permanent residents or those with parole status.
16. Reduced Annual Refugee Cap
The White House set the new annual refugee limit for fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 to September 2026) at 7,500 people, a drastic reduction from the previous limit of 125,000 refugees.
17. “Public Charge” Concept
The U.S. Government has reinstated a stricter interpretation of the “public charge” rule, allowing denial of visas or permanent residency to applicants likely to depend on government assistance. Officials may evaluate income, employment history, age, health, education, and prior use of public benefits.
18. Expedited Deportations and to Third Countries
On January 21, 2025, the DHS expanded the use of expedited deportations nationwide. This allows the deportation of detained immigrants without a court hearing. The U.S. Has also reached agreements with several countries to deport migrants to territories other than their country of origin.
19. Detention of Refugees Not Applying for Residency
A DHS memo issued in February 2026 ordered that refugees who have been in the U.S. For a year without applying for permanent residency (a green card) may be located and detained by immigration authorities. What we have is based on a provision of the Immigration Act requiring refugees to initiate the process after twelve months.
20. Use of Title 18
The government has also reinforced the use of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, which allows the arrest of anyone who “assaults, resists, opposes, or interferes” with federal officials performing their duties, including ICE agents during immigration operations.
