USA 2025: What could change under Trump

With Donald Trump's second term in office, new entry and visa regulations could be on the horizon for US travelers and expats. From stricter rules to possible travel bans: we shed light on what could happen and How to best prepare.

The plans of Donald Trump

On January 20th, 2025, Donald Trump began his second term as President of the United States. One of his key announcements: He wants to usher in a new phase of US immigration policy.

Experts project Trump to revive some measures from his first term in office and possibly tighten them further. He signed a number of decrees to this effect on the very first day.

However, these were initially mainly concerned with illegal immigration. For example, an appointment scheduling app for asylum seekers at the Mexican border was shut down immediately after Trump's inauguration and all appointments were canceled. The immediate complete closure of the southern border was also ordered, even with the support of the military.

In the medium or long term, however, the focus could also be on entry restrictions and changes in the processing of applications that affect tourists as well as business travelers and companies.

1. US entry: Return of the travel bans?

During his first term in office, Trump introduced entry bans that mainly impacted citizens of Muslim countries such as Iran, Yemen, Libya, Syria, and Somalia. It is currently uncertain whether these travel bans will be reintroduced or even extended.

Should this happen, the effects could range from the revocation of previously issued visas to difficulties with re-entry and longer processing times for all US visas.

2. Stricter checks for work visas

Trump has already introduced measures such as the "Buy American and Hire American" policy in the past to encourage the hiring of US citizens. This strategy could be implemented again with the second term, affecting work visa applicants in particular.

Increased requirements could further increase the rejection rate of applications. The option to extend H-1B visas directly in the US could also be suspended, forcing applicants to visit US consulates abroad.

The American Dream’s US Visa Service recommends that all applicants submit their visa applications early and prepare for longer waiting times due to the current uncertainty.

3. Additional hurdles for entry and immigration

During his first term in office, the Trump administration made entry and immigration more difficult by introducing additional bureaucratic hurdles — an approach that can also be expected in the coming years.

According to experts, we can expect that some applicants for Green Cards, visas, or ESTA authorizations will be confronted with additional verification requirements in the long term.

This could, for example, require more extensive documentation such as financial documents, detailed travel plans, and proof of employment. Additional checks, known as Requests for Evidence (RFE), could delay processes, particularly when applying for work and family visas. The Green Card lottery is likely to remain open to all applicants — as it did during Trump's first term in office — but here, too, it is to be expected that the winners’ documents will be examined in more detail.

Therefore, be prepared to provide complete information and CVs. We recommend creating a file well in advance of applying for a visa, which will give you quick and easy access to your tax certificates, proof of employment, rental contracts, and proof of health insurance.

The most important thing, however, is that you are accompanied by experts when affected by stricter entry or immigration rules. Submit your applications — whether for the Green Card Lottery, a US visa, or even an ESTA authorization — via official agencies such as:

• The American Dream - US GreenCard Service (for the Green Card Lottery)
• Our partner company HD Solutions (for ESTA applications)
• The American Dream - US Visa Service (for US work visas)

4. Difficulties in finding a job in the USA

US employers looking to hire international professionals are also likely to suffer from increased scrutiny, which will significantly increase recruitment efforts.

This could result in you encountering greater competition when applying for a job in the USA. In order to land the job of your dreams despite new obstacles, we recommend intensive preparation.

The American Dream stays by your side!

No matter what happens in the coming years in the area of US immigration policy, our government-licensed immigration consultants are here to provide you with up-to-date information, practical advice, and reliable support.

Thorough planning, early applications, and professional support are key to successfully navigating the changing processes. Stay informed and be proactive to successfully meet the challenges of immigration policy under Donald Trump.