Published on
October 4, 2025
The landscape of U.S. immigration is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the recent acquisition of Localyze by Boundless Immigration. This strategic move is set to revolutionize the way businesses manage employee visas, relocations, and compliance by combining Boundless’s established expertise with Localyze’s strong presence in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. With this acquisition, Boundless is not only expanding its global reach but also offering companies a more streamlined and cost-effective solution for international employee mobility. By leveraging advanced AI tools for faster processing, fixed legal costs, and enhanced support for workers and their families, this merger represents a major shift in the industry, making it easier for companies to navigate the complexities of immigration across multiple continents.
Key Immigration Updates: What You Need to Know This Week
This week’s roundup highlights the most significant developments in the immigration sector, with a focus on key acquisitions, government actions, and regulatory changes that could impact individuals and businesses alike.
Expansion of Boundless Immigration with the Acquisition of Localyze
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its global footprint, Boundless Immigration has acquired Localyze, a leading European mobility platform. This acquisition enables Boundless to expand its services across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. By integrating Localyze’s platform with its own, Boundless aims to streamline the management of employee visas, relocations, and compliance requirements for companies worldwide. This merger will provide a more unified solution for businesses, offering fixed legal costs, faster processing of applications through the use of artificial intelligence, and a more consistent support system for both employees and their families. The move is poised to simplify the relocation process and ensure smoother transitions for businesses with international operations.
Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Immigration Services
Following the inability of lawmakers to agree on a funding deal, the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown, leading to potential disruptions in several areas of government services. However, immigration processes are largely unaffected by the shutdown. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is primarily funded by application fees, will continue to operate as usual. Green card applications, naturalization processes, and work permits are expected to proceed without delay. Ports of entry will remain open, ensuring the continued flow of individuals into the U.S.
The most notable disruption, however, will affect employers. The Department of Labor’s systems for filing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and PERM applications may face delays or even temporary suspension during the shutdown. Additionally, E-Verify, the system used to confirm employment eligibility, is likely to be temporarily offline. Immigration courts, on the other hand, will continue to handle detained cases, though hearings for non-detained individuals may be rescheduled. Employers and foreign workers should stay informed about potential delays in these areas during the shutdown period.
Fee Increases for U.S. Travelers: Changes to I-94, ESTA, and EVUS
As part of the fiscal year 2026 budgetary adjustments, several travel-related fees have been increased. One of the most significant changes is the increase in the I-94 fee for land border entries, which has risen from $6 to $30. Similarly, travelers under the Visa Waiver Program will see the cost of their ESTA application rise from $21 to $40. Additionally, Chinese nationals holding 10-year B1/B2 visas will now be required to pay a $30 fee for the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), which was previously free.
These fee hikes are part of a broader strategy to align government fees with inflation, ensuring that they reflect the increasing operational costs of managing immigration and travel programs. Starting in fiscal year 2026, all three fees— I-94, ESTA, and EVUS— will rise annually with inflation. Travelers and employers need to be aware of these changes as they may impact the cost of international travel and business operations in the U.S.
Criticism of U.S. Immigration Policies: A Call for Reform
In recent remarks, a prominent religious figure sharply criticized U.S. immigration policies, labeling them as “inhuman.” The criticism was particularly focused on the treatment of immigrants, with the statement questioning whether current policies align with the values espoused by religious teachings on human dignity. The leader also highlighted the contradiction in holding pro-life views while supporting policies that, in their view, harm vulnerable immigrants. This condemnation echoes broader calls from advocacy groups for a more compassionate and humane approach to immigration in the U.S.
Such remarks add to the ongoing debate surrounding immigration reform, with critics pushing for a shift away from punitive measures toward more supportive, fair, and ethical treatment of migrants. The ongoing discourse around U.S. immigration policies continues to provoke strong opinions on all sides, with many advocating for a reconsideration of the country’s stance on issues such as asylum, family separation, and border enforcement.
Possible Resumption of DACA Applications
In a significant development for Dreamers, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program may soon reopen to new applicants for the first time in four years. This proposed action is currently under review by a federal judge, with the possibility of USCIS accepting both new and renewal applications for DACA protection across the United States. However, residents of Texas may be excluded from receiving work permits under the new rules if the proposal is approved.
The potential reopening of DACA could benefit over a million individuals who were previously unable to apply for protection under the program. In addition to the existing 533,000 individuals currently enrolled in the program, this move could provide relief and legal status to many others who have been in the U.S. for an extended period. Advocates are hopeful that this step will offer a pathway to stability and protection for immigrant youth who have been living in the U.S. for most of their lives. However, the outcome depends on the ruling of the federal judge and the ongoing political discussions surrounding immigration reform.
Conclusion
This week’s updates highlight significant changes in the immigration landscape, from corporate mergers that aim to streamline immigration services to potential disruptions caused by government shutdowns and the increase in travel-related fees. Additionally, ongoing discussions and critiques of U.S. immigration policies continue to shape the public discourse on how the country handles immigration and the treatment of immigrants. The potential reopening of DACA applications represents a beacon of hope for many young immigrants who have been waiting for a chance to formalize their status. As always, it’s important for individuals, employers, and advocacy groups to stay informed about these developments, as they could have lasting impacts on immigration processes and policies.
