THE WEEK’S US BORDER NEWS IN BRIEF:
During the week of September 14–20, 2025, the Trump administration announced a high-cost visa program for wealthy foreign nationals, dramatically increased the fees for H-1B visas, and ordered more attacks against suspected smuggling boats from Venezuela. Other significant news included new federal legislation targeting northern border security and Texas renewing its own state-level border disaster proclamation.
Executive actions and policy changes
"Gold Card" visa program: President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order establishing the "Gold Card" visa program to fast-track permanent residency for certain foreign nationals. It requires either a $1 million donation from an individual or a $2 million payment from a corporation to sponsor a worker.
$100,000 fee for H-1B visas: President Donald J. Trump announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which allow degree-holding, highly-skilled workers sponsored by a U.S. company to live and work in the country. After US Tech Companies responded with alarm, the administration clarified the new fee would not apply to those currently in the US on H-1B visas.
Trump orders more attacks against Venezuelan smuggling boats: President Trump ordered a second and third attack against suspected smuggling boats departing Venezuela.
Termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS): The Trump administration announced the termination of TPS for immigrants from Syria. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated it was "contrary to our national interest to allow Syrians to remain in our country" through the program.
Legal challenges: A Trump-appointed judge blocked the administration from immediately deporting unaccompanied Guatemalan children, citing that the government provided insufficient justifications.
Border security and state actions
Texas disaster proclamation: On September 19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott renewed his state's "border security disaster" proclamation, citing a continuing threat and keeping prior orders in full force.
Northern border legislation: House representatives Elise Stefanik and Nick Langworthy introduced legislation to enhance northern border security. The bills would require biennial threat analyses and authorize expanded integrated law enforcement operations with Canada.
CBP statistics: Following the Trump administration's border policies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released statistics for August 2025, reporting "record low" border crossings and four consecutive months of "0 releases at the border".
Enforcement against sanctuary states
Warning to sanctuary states: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent letters to California, New York, and Illinois, demanding that they comply with federal law by honoring ICE detainers for individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status. DHS accused these "sanctuary states" of placing their residents in danger.
FINALLY, IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
(Stories covered by US Border News during the past week)
Democrats sound alarm
(Again)
Three aboard killed
I am committed to delivering a US Border Newsletter that is not only educational and insightful but also engaging and easy to digest in five minutes or less.
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Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
