What Employers Need to Know—and Do—Right Now

Your workforce’s future could have just hit a speed bump.
In a surprise move that could disrupt hiring plans and long-term labor strategies, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused final decisions on certain employment-based green card applications.
The goal? To tighten screening and enhance national security checks. But for employers, this pause brings uncertainty—especially for businesses relying on foreign talent to drive operations and growth. Here’s what you need to know and how to respond strategically.

What’s Happening with Green Card Applications?

As of April 2025, USCIS is temporarily delaying final adjudication of Form I-485 (the application to adjust status for lawful permanent residency). This pause is part of an internal review process to strengthen fraud detection and national security vetting.
There’s no official timeline for when the pause will be lifted, and that uncertainty is fueling anxiety among foreign workers—and employers who depend on them.

How This Affects Employers and Their Workforce

For companies sponsoring foreign employees through the PERM or EB-3 process, this means delays in green card approvals. But, this only applies to employers who are sponsoring their workers that have asylum or refugee status. Workers caught in the backlog may face extended uncertainty over their status, which can impact morale, retention, and long-term workforce planning.

5 Key Actions Employers Should Take Now

  1. Communicate Clearly and Often
    Don’t leave employees in the dark. Acknowledge the situation, provide regular updates, and emphasize your continued support. Clarity and reassurance go a long way in maintaining trust.
  2. Consult Immigration Legal Experts
    Now is the time to lean on your legal team. Immigration attorneys can help you interpret the implications for each case, respond to requests for evidence (RFEs), and explore alternative strategies if necessary.
  3. Reevaluate Workforce Plans
    Anticipate delays and adjust timelines accordingly. If you’re depending on green card approvals for long-term staffing, begin mapping out contingency plans to avoid operational disruption.
  4. Prioritize Employee Well-Being
    Remember—this affects more than paperwork. Many foreign workers have families and life plans riding on their immigration status. Providing access to mental health support or HR resources can help ease the strain.
  5. Stay Plugged Into Policy Changes
    Keep tabs on USCIS and DHS announcements. Quick pivots will be essential if new guidance is released. Sign up for updates, follow immigration news sources, and connect with advocacy groups if applicable.

Why It Matters

This pause is a reminder that relying solely on temporary or transitional immigration pathways exposes businesses to sudden policy shifts. Now more than ever, companies must advocate for consistent, long-term labor solutions—whether through permanent visas or improved legal frameworks.

Conclusion

The green card application pause is more than a procedural delay—it’s a call for employers to lead with foresight, empathy, and resilience. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can continue to support your foreign workforce and keep your business moving forward.