Republicans are seeking ways to fund tax cuts and spending. One idea is charging fees to high-skilled immigrants stuck in green card backlogs. The backlog mainly affects Indians on H-1B visas who have been waiting years for permanent residence.

A proposed fee of $10,000 to $25,000 per applicant could rise to $25 billion. Some companies may cover costs for workers. Faster green cards could boost startups and economic growth.

Past efforts to fix the backlog failed. The GOP sees this as a way to support legal immigration while securing funding. The plan remains uncertain due to political and budget challenges.

Canada’s refugee claims are falling as the country issues fewer visas. In January, 11,840 claims were filed, down from 19,821 in July. Canada issued 1.5 million visitor visas last year, a drop from 1.8 million in 2023.

The decline is sharp for key asylum-seeking nations like Bangladesh, Haiti, and Nigeria. Pending refugee claims remain high at 278,457. Canada lacks asylum-seeker visas, forcing people to enter as visitors, students, or workers.

The government says it is targeting visa abuse, but advocates argue this leaves refugees stranded. Many now face dangerous journeys or long waits in camps for resettlement.

The Trump administration has halted immigration applications from Ukraine and Latin America. The freeze affects Biden-era programs, including Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), the CHNV program, and family-based parole schemes.

USCIS cites fraud and security concerns. Affected migrants, who received temporary protection and work permits, can no longer apply for asylum, green cards, or Temporary Protected Status.

Deportations may accelerate, and parole status could be revoked. The freeze is indefinite but may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented. Many migrants already in the US will face uncertainty due to this decision.