The new administration has introduced an executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which revokes prior policies that aimed to streamline immigration pathways. This has left many potential immigrants wondering how this will impact self-petition visas such as EB-2 National Interest Waivers (NIWs) or EB1-A (Extraordinary Ability). Below, we outline the key facts based on recent developments and official sources.
What Are Self-Petition Visas?
The EB-2 NIW and EB1-A category allows individuals with advanced degrees, exceptional or extraordinary abilities to self-petition for a green card if their work is in the national interest of the United States or extraordinary ability in their field, demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim. Unlike employer-sponsored visas, these categories do not require a labor certification.
Key Changes in Policy
- Revocation of Executive Order 14012:
The executive order “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems,” which aimed to improve the efficiency and fairness of immigration processes, has been revoked. (Source: whitehouse.gov)
- Stronger Immigration Law Enforcement:
Federal agencies have been directed to use all lawful means to enforce immigration laws. This may result in stricter scrutiny of EB-2 NIW applications. (Source: whitehouse.gov)
- Support for High-Skilled Immigration:
Despite the broad language of the new executive order, President Trump has expressed support for legal immigration programs that attract businesses and skilled workers to the U.S. In an interview, he stated, “I’ve always liked the visas…I’ve always been in favor of the visas.” (Source: politico.com)
What This Means for Self-Petition Applicants
While the administration’s rhetoric includes support for high-skilled immigration, actions such as the revocation of policies and increased enforcement suggest a more challenging application process. Therefore applicants should expect stricter evaluations of qualifications and the national interest criteria. Always monitor official updates to understand how these changes could impact your application and ensure your petition is thoroughly prepared to meet evolving standards.
The future of self-petition immigration visas under the new administration is marked by both opportunities and challenges. Legal immigration remains a stated priority, and recent policy changes emphasize enforcement. For aspiring EB-2 NIW and EB1A applicants, staying informed and well-prepared is key to navigating this evolving landscape.
Please Note:
As of now, the executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” issued on January 20, 2025, remains in effect. This order revoked several prior policies that aimed to streamline immigration pathways, including Executive Order 14012, which focused on restoring faith in the U.S. legal immigration systems.
Contact Us for a Free Evaluation
We specialize in assisting professionals like you to navigate the NIW process. Send us your resume for a free evaluation, and let us help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the steps to make a meaningful impact on the United States’ cybersecurity landscape.
Check out our previous Blog Posts
The new administration has introduced an executive order titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," which revokes prior
On January 16, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced updated guidance for EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions.
