Federal Register

The US Postal Service prepares to publish a final rule requiring states to provide the federal government with information on voters in exchange for delivering ballots before the November midterm congressional elections. These requirements relate to complying with a March executive order signed by Donald Trump. However, these planned changes are currently blocked from taking effect due to court orders issued in California and Massachusetts.

Pakistan is excluded from a new permanent US visa bond program requiring citizens of 50 countries to post up to $20,000 as a financial guarantee for visitor visas. The program, aimed at reducing visa overstays, includes Bangladesh and Nepal but excludes India and Pakistan, with the US State Department citing improved compliance after a pilot phase.

The U.S. State Department is making permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 mainly African countries to post up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas, aiming to reduce overstays. The program, initiated by the Trump administration, led to an 83% drop in such visas but faces criticism for burdening applicants from impoverished nations.

The US State Department is making permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 mostly African countries to pay up to $20,000 to apply for B1/B2 visas, citing reduced visa overstays. Critics argue the policy imposes harsh financial burdens on applicants from impoverished nations.

The U.S. State Department is making permanent a visa bond program requiring citizens from 50 mostly African countries to post bonds of up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visa interviews. The program, initially launched under the Trump administration, aims to reduce visa overstays and illegal migration, with data showing a significant decline in overstays and visa applications since its implementation.

The Trump administration proposed eliminating a requirement for employers with 100 or more workers to report demographic data to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A federal commission voted 2-1 to advance the plan, which critics argue would reduce transparency and hinder enforcement of antidiscrimination laws. The proposal faces a 30-day public comment period and a public hearing.

The Trump administration proposed ending a requirement for employers with 100 or more workers to report demographic data on race, gender, and ethnicity. A federal commission voted 2-1 to advance the rule, which aims to eliminate the decades-old reporting mandate used to enforce antidiscrimination laws. Experts warn the change could reduce transparency and weaken enforcement of equal employment protections.

The Trump administration is reviving a 'public charge' rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits like food stamps and Medicaid. The policy, first implemented in 2020 under President Donald Trump and later reversed by President Joe Biden, requires green card applicants to demonstrate self-sufficiency. Critics argue it acts as a 'wealth test' and may deter immigrants from accessing essential services.

The U.S. Trade Representative must act by July 15, 2026, in its Section 301 case against Brazil. A proposed 25% duty on Brazilian goods was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2026, with an annex listing over 1,600 items.

The U.S. Department of Commerce loosened export controls on the United Arab Emirates, allowing easier export of military items, certain commercial satellites, and spacecraft. The UAE government and approved companies can now access advanced computing items license-free.

The Department of Transportation plans to replace the ban on overland supersonic flight with a noise limit, allowing faster-than-Mach-1 flights over land if noise remains below a specified threshold. This change, outlined in an FAA notice in the Federal Register, could enable 3-hour flights from Los Angeles to New York City.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a revised naturalization civics test on Oct. 10, 2025, expanding the question bank from 100 to 128 questions. The update, announced in a Sept. 17, 2025 Federal Register notice, is the most substantial change to the test to date.

US President Donald Trump invoked the Defence Production Act to address strained weapons stockpiles due to the war in Iran and other conflicts, directing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to create voluntary agreements to boost defense capacity.

The Trump administration will introduce a 'premium' expedited visa interview service for $750, allowing applicants to schedule interviews within 10 days at select U.S. embassies and consulates. The program, part of broader visa screening changes, aims to reduce wait times but does not guarantee visa approval. It runs from July 1 to December 31 and may be extended based on demand.

The Trump administration will introduce a 'premium' expedited visa interview service for $750, allowing applicants to secure appointments within 10 days at select U.S. embassies and consulates. The pilot program runs from July 1 to December 31 and aims to reduce wait times amid expanded visa screening measures, including $15,000 bonds for applicants from certain countries and a $250 'visa integrity fee'.

The State Department is launching a premium expedited visa interview service next month, allowing foreigners to secure U.S. travel or business visa appointments within 10 days for a $750 fee. The program will be announced in a Federal Register notice, according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The Pentagon has expanded its blacklist of Chinese companies, designating them as 'Chinese military companies' under the National Defence Authorisation Act. Legal experts warn this raises reputational risks for Chinese tech firms and could lead to future restrictions on U.S. investment.

The Trump administration's State Department will offer a $750 premium expedited visa service for business or tourist visa applicants, allowing interviews within 10 days at select embassies and consulates from July 1 to December 31. The pilot program aims to address delays caused by stricter visa policies, including longer wait times and additional requirements for some countries.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to enforce President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule includes exemptions for overseas and military voters and faces legal challenges.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule includes exemptions for overseas and military voters and does not apply to primary elections, while facing legal challenges and concerns about USPS independence.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule includes exemptions for overseas and military voters and faces legal challenges, with critics condemning it as an overreach into election administration.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to enforce President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule includes exemptions for overseas and military voters but faces legal challenges and criticism over federal overreach into election administration.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule exempts overseas and military voters and does not apply to primary elections, while facing legal challenges and criticism over federal overreach.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule includes exemptions for overseas and military voters and faces legal challenges, with critics arguing it infringes on states' constitutional authority to administer elections.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule includes exemptions for overseas and military voters and does not apply to primary elections. The order faces legal challenges and criticism over federal overreach.

The U.S. Postal Service proposed a rule to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail, requiring states to submit voter lists before mailing ballots. The rule includes exemptions for overseas and military voters and does not apply to primary elections. It faces legal challenges and concerns over federal overreach into election administration.

The Department of Health and Human Services withdrew its amended charter for a vaccine advisory committee due to administrative errors. The amendment would have loosened eligibility requirements. The withdrawal was announced in a notice to be published in the Federal Register.