The Landscape Has Changed On December 16, 2025, the White House issued Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” Effective January 1, 2026, this order introduces strict entry suspensions for nationals of 19 “full ban” countries and partial restrictions for others.
Additionally, as of December 23, 2025, the Department of State has paused Diversity Visa (DV) issuances globally to review security protocols.
What Does This Mean for You? If you were relying on the DV Lottery or simple visitor/student visas (which face new hurdles for “partial ban” countries), your path to the U.S. just became significantly harder. However, the door is not shut—it has just moved.
The Solution: Merit-Based Immigration (EB-1 & EB-2) While general admissions are being restricted, the United States continues to seek talent that benefits its economy and security. This is where Employment-Based (EB) visas shine, particularly those that do not require a specific employer sponsor:
- EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): For individuals at the top of their field (Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics). If you have sustained national or international acclaim, you may bypass labor certification entirely.
- EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): This is the critical “loophole” for many professionals. The “National Interest Waiver” effectively argues that your work is so vital to the United States that it is in the government’s interest to waive the job offer requirement.
Why EB-2 NIW is Critical Right Now:
- The “National Interest” Argument: The new Proclamation allows for National Interest Exceptions (NIE). If you are applying for a visa based on the premise that your work is in the National Interest (the core of EB-2 NIW), you are already positioning yourself within the exceptions framework of the new bans.
- Stability: Unlike H-1B visas (which are facing new “higher-skilled/paid” prioritization rules as of Dec 23) or the paused DV Lottery, EB-2 NIW is based on your qualifications and proposed endeavor, not chance.
How Rhemma Consult Can Help Navigating Proclamation 10998 requires precision. At Rhemma Consult, we specialize in:
- Profile Evaluation: Determining if your professional background qualifies for EB-1 or EB-2 NIW.
- Waiver Strategy: Crafting the legal argument that your entry is in the U.S. national interest—crucial for overcoming the new security-based restrictions.
- Alternative Pathways: Identifying if you are exempt from the new bans based on dual nationality, residency, or specific visa classes.
Email us via rhemmaconsult@gmail.com to assess your eligibility and secure your place in the queue.