Dallas Corporate Mobility Roundtable: Key Takeaways & Trends

The Changing Immigration Landscape

As emphasized by Fragomen's Susan Steger, executive orders are being issued at an unprecedented rate, bringing frequent and significant changes to U.S. immigration policy. To stay ahead, organizations must prioritize clear and consistent communication with assignees through town halls, one-on-one discussions, and policy updates to ensure compliance and minimize disruptions.

A key topic of discussion was the H-1B visa program, often referred to as the "workhorse" of employment-based immigration. With an annual cap of 85,000 visas—65,000 for bachelor’s degree holders and 20,000 reserved for those with advanced degrees—the process remains highly competitive. Lottery selections occur in March, with a potential second round in June if spots remain unfilled. Additionally, premium processing fees have increased to $2,805, a cost that many employers cover when there is a strong business need.

H-1B Modernization: A Shift Towards a More Equitable System

While discussing H-1B visas, attendees explored the H-1B Modernization Act, which took effect on January 17, 2025. This legislation introduces key reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in the visa process:

• Lottery System Reform – The new system may prioritize applicants based on higher salaries, advanced degrees, or employment in STEM fields, rather than relying solely on a random lottery.

• Priority for Higher-Wage Jobs – The Act seeks to ensure high-skill positions are filled by prioritizing workers with higher salaries over lower-wage roles.

• Wider Access for Small Businesses & Startups – Smaller companies have often struggled to secure H-1B visas. The Act aims to level the playing field by improving access for these businesses.

• Additional Worker Protections – The bill strengthens protections against wage undercutting and worker exploitation, reinforcing fair labor practices.

• Recapturing Unused Visas – Thousands of unused H-1B visas from previous years could now be recaptured, increasing availability for skilled foreign workers.

• Longer Visa Duration for Certain Workers – The Act may extend H-1B visa validity for employees in nonprofit organizations and universities, encouraging long-term research and innovation.

While these reforms promote a more equitable system, they remain subject to change, particularly with future shifts in administration. Employers must stay vigilant and adjust strategies accordingly.

Policy Shifts Under a New Administration

The future of U.S. immigration policy remains uncertain, with potential executive orders and legislative changes on the horizon. Fragomen's Haseena Enu highlighted several key areas of concern:

• Enhanced Vetting & Travel Bans – Certain nationalities may face increased visa processing delays or restrictions within 20-60 days of new policy enactments.

• Social Media Scrutiny – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may require visa applicants to provide social media passwords, a move that is expected to face legal challenges.

• “Buy American, Hire American” Policies – These policies aim to prioritize U.S. workers over foreign talent, potentially creating additional hurdles for employment-based visa approvals.

• The Laken Riley Act – This law mandates that DHS detain certain undocumented individuals, including those with theft-related offenses or DUIs. While the focus is on undocumented immigrants, it may also have implications for employment-based visa holders.

• DACA Legal Uncertainty – The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program continues to face legal challenges, with a likely Supreme Court case determining its fate.

Tax Policy Shifts: The TCJA Sunset & Implications for Mobility

Beyond immigration, tax policy changes were a major point of discussion. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 is set to sunset at the end of 2025, reverting tax rates to pre-2017 levels unless Congress intervenes. This has major implications for both individual taxpayers and corporations:

• The top marginal tax rate would increase from 37% to 39%.

• The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly would drop from $29,200 to approximately $16,000, depending on IRS inflation adjustments.

• Taxpayers could see an average increase of 3.1% in tax liability if TCJA expires.

For taxpayers in high-tax states like California, New York, and New Jersey, the expiration of the $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions could offer some relief, as they would once again be able to deduct their full state income and property taxes.

Increased Compliance & Site Visit Preparedness

With heightened scrutiny in both immigration and tax policy, compliance is more important than ever. The FDNS (Fraud Detection and National Security) unit has expanded its authority to conduct unannounced site visits, making preparedness key.

Employers may want to consider these best practices:

✔ Filing H-1B amendments before any job changes, particularly relocations outside the original metropolitan area.

✔ Ensuring Labor Condition Applications (LCA) are accurate, as USCIS can now verify wage levels and job codes more aggressively.

✔ Keeping employees’ documentation up to date (I-94, passport copies, work authorization).

✔ Maintaining compliance for third-party work sites, ensuring contracts align with visa requirements.

Final Thoughts for Mobility Leaders

With both immigration and tax policies in flux, businesses must take a proactive approach to compliance, education, and strategic planning. Here are a few key takeaways from the roundtable:

✔ Monitor tax law updates—the potential TCJA sunset could impact both corporate relocation costs and employee tax burdens.

✔ Assess potential business cost increases from tariffs, wage shifts, and labor shortages.

As the regulatory environment evolves, CRI remains dedicated to supporting businesses through these complex changes and ensuring their mobility programs remain competitive and compliant. Once again, we extend our gratitude to Fragomen, Glomo, and Global Tax Network for their partnership in fostering these critical industry discussions.