At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest immigration policies and how they may affect you. On February 12, 2025, President Trump signed a new executive order titled "One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations," which could significantly impact U.S. visa services worldwide. Here’s what you need to know.
What This Executive Order Means
The executive order mandates that all employees of the U.S. Department of State, including those at embassies and consulates around the world, must conform to the administration’s new policies—or risk termination. This directive is expected to bring sweeping changes to visa processing, potentially leading to delays, layoffs, and stricter enforcement measures.
Key Sections of the Executive Order
1. Workforce Restructuring
Under this order, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directed to maintain an "exceptional workforce of patriots" to implement the administration’s immigration policies. This means that any employee who fails to align with these directives could face disciplinary action, including termination. Such measures may lead to significant staffing reductions at U.S. embassies and consulates, ultimately slowing down visa services.
2. Strict Presidential Oversight
The order states that all foreign policy decisions, including visa services, must align strictly with the President’s directives. Any failure to comply will be grounds for termination. This suggests a centralized approach that could limit the discretion of consular officers, making visa approvals and appeals more challenging.
3. Revision or Elimination of Policy Manuals
One of the most alarming aspects of this order is the directive to revise or potentially eliminate the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). This manual serves as the foundation for how visas are processed, detailing eligibility criteria and procedural guidelines. If these guidelines are rewritten to reflect more restrictive policies, the result could be a dramatic increase in visa denials and administrative delays.
Potential Consequences for Visa Applicants
1. Delays and Backlogs
By reducing staff at embassies and consulates, the administration could create a massive slowdown in visa processing. Fewer officers handling applications means longer wait times for those seeking work, student, or family-based visas.
2. Stricter Visa Approval Process
With the administration taking a tighter grip on consular discretion, we anticipate an increase in denials and requests for additional evidence. The process could become more stringent, making it even harder for applicants to successfully obtain visas.
3. Legal Challenges and Lawsuits
As visa processing becomes more restrictive, more applicants may turn to litigation to challenge unreasonable delays or denials. Mandamus lawsuits, which compel the government to make a decision on a case, are expected to rise in response to these new hurdles.
What You Should Do Now
If you are currently waiting on a visa, now is the time to act. Given the likelihood of delays and policy changes, consider taking the following steps:
- Check your visa status regularly through the appropriate government portals.
- File applications as soon as possible to avoid getting caught in backlogs.
- Seek legal assistance if your case faces unreasonable delays or additional scrutiny.
At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we are prepared to help individuals navigate these changes and take action against unfair delays. If you have any concerns about your immigration status, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are dedicated to fighting for immigrants’ rights and ensuring they receive fair treatment under the law.
Conclusion
The new executive order could have significant implications for visa applicants and the overall immigration process. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of successfully obtaining a visa. If you have questions or need legal assistance, contact Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. today. We are here to help you through these uncertain times.