Andrew Kreighbaum
@kreighbaum.bsky.social
Immigration and labor reporter @bloomberglaw.com. Covering the legal and policy landscape affecting immigrant workers in the US.
Member of @wbng.org
Email: akreighbaum@bloombergindustry.com
Signal: kreighbaum.85
More reporting: https://aboutblaw.com/bj21
Member of @wbng.org
Email: akreighbaum@bloombergindustry.com
Signal: kreighbaum.85
More reporting: https://aboutblaw.com/bj21
Pinned
Andrew Kreighbaum
@kreighbaum.bsky.social
· Feb 17
If you’re a current or former worker at DHS, State or DOL—or have any involvement in immigration law—you can reach out to me securely on Signal.
Happy to talk off the record.
Happy to talk off the record.
A Trump proposal to overhaul the H-1B visa lottery would undercut the administration’s goal to prioritize the most high-skilled and highly paid workers, employers are warning.
#h1bvisas #Immigration #tech
#h1bvisas #Immigration #tech
H-1B Lottery Revamp Plan Undercuts Trump Goals, Employers Warn
A Trump plan to shake up the annual H-1B visa lottery would undermine the administration’s goal of favoring the most economically valuable foreign workers to the US, industry groups caution.
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:35 AM
A Trump proposal to overhaul the H-1B visa lottery would undercut the administration’s goal to prioritize the most high-skilled and highly paid workers, employers are warning.
#h1bvisas #Immigration #tech
#h1bvisas #Immigration #tech
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
Immigration judges with prior immigrant defense work make up the largest share of those fired by the Trump admin. NPR identified 70 fired immigration judges. The changes have at least shifted perception of fairness in these courts
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
The DOJ has been firing judges with immigrant defense backgrounds
NPR's data analysis shows that the DOJ has tended to fire judges with immigrant defense backgrounds in its recent rounds of dismissals.
www.npr.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Immigration judges with prior immigrant defense work make up the largest share of those fired by the Trump admin. NPR identified 70 fired immigration judges. The changes have at least shifted perception of fairness in these courts
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
My latest investigation: www.npr.org/2025/11/06/g...
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
Salt Lake City launches program encouraging immigrants to pursue US citizenship
www.ksl.com/article/5139...
www.ksl.com/article/5139...
Salt Lake City launches program encouraging immigrants to pursue US citizenship
Salt Lake City has launched a program to encourage immigrants to pursue U.S. citizenship and to bolster their civic awareness.
www.ksl.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Salt Lake City launches program encouraging immigrants to pursue US citizenship
www.ksl.com/article/5139...
www.ksl.com/article/5139...
White House plans to use high-skill visa categories for a "gold card" admitting wealthy immigrants raises questions about the lawfulness of the initiative, attorneys say.
It also shows the Trump administration has prioritized wealth over merit in the immigration system, observers told me.
It also shows the Trump administration has prioritized wealth over merit in the immigration system, observers told me.
Trump Gold Card Favors Wealth Over Merit, Tempting Lawsuits
President Donald Trump’s signature proposal to attract new immigrants to the US would allow the ultra wealthy a chance to buy visas traditionally reserved for the highest achieving foreign workers.
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:45 PM
White House plans to use high-skill visa categories for a "gold card" admitting wealthy immigrants raises questions about the lawfulness of the initiative, attorneys say.
It also shows the Trump administration has prioritized wealth over merit in the immigration system, observers told me.
It also shows the Trump administration has prioritized wealth over merit in the immigration system, observers told me.
A global food security watchdog warned this week that half of South Sudan's population faces crisis-level hunger next year. But DHS wants to send back more than 200 people from the country with Temporary Protected Status.
Like in other recent TPS decisions, the agency cites public safety concerns.
Like in other recent TPS decisions, the agency cites public safety concerns.
South Sudanese Migrants Lose Temporary Deportation Protections
The Department of Homeland Security is eliminating a temporary deportation shield for more than 200 immigrants from South Sudan.
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A global food security watchdog warned this week that half of South Sudan's population faces crisis-level hunger next year. But DHS wants to send back more than 200 people from the country with Temporary Protected Status.
Like in other recent TPS decisions, the agency cites public safety concerns.
Like in other recent TPS decisions, the agency cites public safety concerns.
Applicants for any immigration benefit would be required to submit biometric data under a DHS proposal released Friday, regardless of age or benefit sought.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
US Plan Requires Biometrics From All Immigration Benefit Seekers
The Department of Homeland Security plans to require applicants for any immigration benefit to submit biometric information that could include DNA, facial imagery, and voice prints.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Applicants for any immigration benefit would be required to submit biometric data under a DHS proposal released Friday, regardless of age or benefit sought.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
A Baltimore judge temporarily blocked US Citizenship and federal immigration courts from imposing new asylum fees amid a chaotic rollout that's caused panic among immigrants.
DHS, DOJ Blocked from Requiring Retroactive Asylum Fees (1)
A federal judge in Baltimore blocked the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security from retroactively imposing asylum fees that have put some immigrants at risk of losing deportation protections.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A Baltimore judge temporarily blocked US Citizenship and federal immigration courts from imposing new asylum fees amid a chaotic rollout that's caused panic among immigrants.
A Public Service Loan Forgiveness program overhaul will disqualify nonprofits "aiding and abetting violations of federal immigration laws," @courtneyrozen.bsky.social reports.
The Education Department rule is the latest Trump admin attempt to link benefit programs to immigration enforcement.
The Education Department rule is the latest Trump admin attempt to link benefit programs to immigration enforcement.
www.reuters.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
A Public Service Loan Forgiveness program overhaul will disqualify nonprofits "aiding and abetting violations of federal immigration laws," @courtneyrozen.bsky.social reports.
The Education Department rule is the latest Trump admin attempt to link benefit programs to immigration enforcement.
The Education Department rule is the latest Trump admin attempt to link benefit programs to immigration enforcement.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he plans to "pull the plug" on hiring of H-1B workers at universities in his state.
#immigration #highered #H1Bvisa
#immigration #highered #H1Bvisa
DeSantis Aims to Block H-1B Hiring at Florida Universities
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is ordering the state board governing public universities to stop the hiring of workers on H-1B specialty occupation visas.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday he plans to "pull the plug" on hiring of H-1B workers at universities in his state.
#immigration #highered #H1Bvisa
#immigration #highered #H1Bvisa
The Trump administration is removing an automatic extension period for immigrants with pending work permit renewals, a move that promises to push tens of thousands of immigrants out of the legal workforce in the coming months
#immigration #workpermits #asylum
#immigration #workpermits #asylum
DHS Plans to End Automatic Extension of Immigrants’ Work Permits
The Trump administration is removing an automatic grace period for immigrants with pending work permit renewals, a move that will force out of the workforce many people stuck in worsening administrati...
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The Trump administration is removing an automatic extension period for immigrants with pending work permit renewals, a move that promises to push tens of thousands of immigrants out of the legal workforce in the coming months
#immigration #workpermits #asylum
#immigration #workpermits #asylum
A new CBP rule will require all immigrants and non-citizens be photographed when entering and leaving the US. In some cases, fingerprinting will be required as well.
It finalizes a 2021 proposal that civil liberties groups said raised major privacy and surveillance concerns.
It finalizes a 2021 proposal that civil liberties groups said raised major privacy and surveillance concerns.
US to Require Photographs of All Entering, Exiting Immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security will require all immigrants and non-citizens to be photographed when entering and leaving the US under new regulations released Friday.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:46 PM
A new CBP rule will require all immigrants and non-citizens be photographed when entering and leaving the US. In some cases, fingerprinting will be required as well.
It finalizes a 2021 proposal that civil liberties groups said raised major privacy and surveillance concerns.
It finalizes a 2021 proposal that civil liberties groups said raised major privacy and surveillance concerns.
An agricultural industry trade group is pushing the Trump administration to designate the Labor Department's role processing H-2A workers essential during the shutdown.
If the shutdown drags out "the season will be a total loss” for many US farmers, they warned in a letter this week.
If the shutdown drags out "the season will be a total loss” for many US farmers, they warned in a letter this week.
Ag Employers Push for H-2A Worker Processing During Shutdown
The Trump administration should deem certification of temporary visas for seasonal farm workers essential amid the ongoing government shutdown, an agriculture industry trade group urged the White Hous...
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:37 PM
An agricultural industry trade group is pushing the Trump administration to designate the Labor Department's role processing H-2A workers essential during the shutdown.
If the shutdown drags out "the season will be a total loss” for many US farmers, they warned in a letter this week.
If the shutdown drags out "the season will be a total loss” for many US farmers, they warned in a letter this week.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers told the Trump administration Tuesday it should scrap its $100,000 fee on new H-1B workers, arguing it harms American competitiveness.
The fee undermines "the very catalysts of our innovation economy—startups and small technology firms," they wrote.
The fee undermines "the very catalysts of our innovation economy—startups and small technology firms," they wrote.
House Lawmakers Urge Trump to Rethink $100,000 H-1B Worker Fee
A bipartisan group of House lawmakers warned that the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee for new H-1B workers would harm American competitiveness and block startups from recruiting high skilled worke...
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:23 PM
A bipartisan group of lawmakers told the Trump administration Tuesday it should scrap its $100,000 fee on new H-1B workers, arguing it harms American competitiveness.
The fee undermines "the very catalysts of our innovation economy—startups and small technology firms," they wrote.
The fee undermines "the very catalysts of our innovation economy—startups and small technology firms," they wrote.
A lawsuit filed by @irap.bsky.social is the latest legal challenge to terminations of Temporary Protected Status claiming unconstitutional animus motivated Trump officials.
More than 6,000 Syrians in the US face the loss of work permits and legal status Nov. 21.
#immigration #Syria #TPS
More than 6,000 Syrians in the US face the loss of work permits and legal status Nov. 21.
#immigration #Syria #TPS
Refugee Group Challenges Axing of Protections for Syrians in US
A refugee advocacy group is suing the Trump administration to preserve removal protections for several thousand Syrians in the US, the latest court fight over government moves to strip humanitarian re...
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
A lawsuit filed by @irap.bsky.social is the latest legal challenge to terminations of Temporary Protected Status claiming unconstitutional animus motivated Trump officials.
More than 6,000 Syrians in the US face the loss of work permits and legal status Nov. 21.
#immigration #Syria #TPS
More than 6,000 Syrians in the US face the loss of work permits and legal status Nov. 21.
#immigration #Syria #TPS
Workers who switch to H-1B status within the US--like F-1 student visa holders--won't be subject to the $100,000 Trump fee on the program heavily used by tech industry, according to new guidance from USCIS.
Foreign Grads Approved for H-1B Status Avoid $100,000 Trump Fee
Recent international college graduates who are sponsored for H-1B status while in the US won’t be subject to a $100,000 fee imposed on the program, according to new guidance from the Trump administrat...
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Workers who switch to H-1B status within the US--like F-1 student visa holders--won't be subject to the $100,000 Trump fee on the program heavily used by tech industry, according to new guidance from USCIS.
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
"Cook County will now prohibit the use of county owned property, resources, and personnel for civil immigration enforcement."
Preckwinkle issues executive order to create 'ICE-free zones' in Cook County
It's the latest in local efforts to establish "ICE-free zones." The Chief Judge of Cook County has already barred civil arrests at Cook County courthouses and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed a si...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:58 AM
"Cook County will now prohibit the use of county owned property, resources, and personnel for civil immigration enforcement."
The US Chamber of Commerce has entered the legal fray over the Trump $100,000 H-1B fee.
The group filed a lawsuit to block the fee Thursday in DC district court.
#immigration #H1Bvisa #tech
The group filed a lawsuit to block the fee Thursday in DC district court.
#immigration #H1Bvisa #tech
US Chamber Sues to Block Trump $100,000 Fee for H-1B Workers
The US Chamber of Commerce filed lawsuit to block a $100,000 fee the Trump administration is imposing on employers hiring new workers on H-1B specialty occupation visas.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The US Chamber of Commerce has entered the legal fray over the Trump $100,000 H-1B fee.
The group filed a lawsuit to block the fee Thursday in DC district court.
#immigration #H1Bvisa #tech
The group filed a lawsuit to block the fee Thursday in DC district court.
#immigration #H1Bvisa #tech
Amid a broader crackdown on hiring of foreign workers, H-2A employers have racked up one win after another under Trump.
New wage standards for H-2A farmworkers issued by the Labor Department this month was just the latest regulatory measure from the administration welcomed by ag employers.
New wage standards for H-2A farmworkers issued by the Labor Department this month was just the latest regulatory measure from the administration welcomed by ag employers.
Agricultural Employers Rack Up Seasonal Worker Wins Under Trump
Farm employers that rely on seasonal work visas have notched one regulatory success after another under the Trump administration amid a broader crackdown on employment of foreign workers.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Amid a broader crackdown on hiring of foreign workers, H-2A employers have racked up one win after another under Trump.
New wage standards for H-2A farmworkers issued by the Labor Department this month was just the latest regulatory measure from the administration welcomed by ag employers.
New wage standards for H-2A farmworkers issued by the Labor Department this month was just the latest regulatory measure from the administration welcomed by ag employers.
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
New — Donald Trump officially proclaims October 14, 2025 a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.
Comes as the Trump State Department targeted at least 6 people in the US, revoking their visas, for their speech on Kirk.
Comes as the Trump State Department targeted at least 6 people in the US, revoking their visas, for their speech on Kirk.
October 14, 2025 at 10:48 PM
New — Donald Trump officially proclaims October 14, 2025 a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.
Comes as the Trump State Department targeted at least 6 people in the US, revoking their visas, for their speech on Kirk.
Comes as the Trump State Department targeted at least 6 people in the US, revoking their visas, for their speech on Kirk.
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
This is big news for the tens of thousands of spouses of H-1Bs who have permission to work in the U.S. About 70,000 spouses of H-1Bs were approved for new or renewal work authorization documents last fiscal year.
The Supreme Court passed on a challenge to employment eligibility for spouses of H-1B visa holders.
The DC Circuit had upheld the lawfulness of work permits for H-4 dependent visa holders last year.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #tech
The DC Circuit had upheld the lawfulness of work permits for H-4 dependent visa holders last year.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #tech
Justices Pass on Hearing Challenge to H-1B Spouses’ Work Permits
The US Supreme Court has declined to consider a bid by immigration opponents to invalidate employment authorization for spouses of certain temporary foreign workers in the US.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
This is big news for the tens of thousands of spouses of H-1Bs who have permission to work in the U.S. About 70,000 spouses of H-1Bs were approved for new or renewal work authorization documents last fiscal year.
The Supreme Court passed on a challenge to employment eligibility for spouses of H-1B visa holders.
The DC Circuit had upheld the lawfulness of work permits for H-4 dependent visa holders last year.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #tech
The DC Circuit had upheld the lawfulness of work permits for H-4 dependent visa holders last year.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #tech
Justices Pass on Hearing Challenge to H-1B Spouses’ Work Permits
The US Supreme Court has declined to consider a bid by immigration opponents to invalidate employment authorization for spouses of certain temporary foreign workers in the US.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
The Supreme Court passed on a challenge to employment eligibility for spouses of H-1B visa holders.
The DC Circuit had upheld the lawfulness of work permits for H-4 dependent visa holders last year.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #tech
The DC Circuit had upheld the lawfulness of work permits for H-4 dependent visa holders last year.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #tech
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
BREAKING: Friday night massacre underway at CDC. Doznes of "disease detectives," high-level scientists, entire Washington staff and editors of the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) have all been RIFed and received the following notice:
October 11, 2025 at 2:10 AM
BREAKING: Friday night massacre underway at CDC. Doznes of "disease detectives," high-level scientists, entire Washington staff and editors of the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) have all been RIFed and received the following notice:
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
Immigrants have been awarded 40% of the Nobel Prizes won by Americans in chemistry, medicine and physics since 2000. nfap.com/research/new...
October 9, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Immigrants have been awarded 40% of the Nobel Prizes won by Americans in chemistry, medicine and physics since 2000. nfap.com/research/new...
Reposted by Andrew Kreighbaum
Michigan Avenue right now.
October 9, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Michigan Avenue right now.
President Trump’s surprise proclamation slapping new H-1B workers with a $100,000 fee jolted the tech industry.
The first legal challenge to the fee though didn’t come from Silicon Valley, but a coalition of healthcare, education, and religious employers.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #healthcare #tech
The first legal challenge to the fee though didn’t come from Silicon Valley, but a coalition of healthcare, education, and religious employers.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #healthcare #tech
H-1B $100,000 Fee Lawsuit Signals Labor Disruptions Beyond Tech
The first legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s $100,000 fee for new H-1B workers was launched by a coalition of employers well outside of Silicon Valley, showcasing the effects the steep new co...
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 8, 2025 at 2:48 PM
President Trump’s surprise proclamation slapping new H-1B workers with a $100,000 fee jolted the tech industry.
The first legal challenge to the fee though didn’t come from Silicon Valley, but a coalition of healthcare, education, and religious employers.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #healthcare #tech
The first legal challenge to the fee though didn’t come from Silicon Valley, but a coalition of healthcare, education, and religious employers.
#H1Bvisa #immigration #healthcare #tech