Since returning to office in 2025, President Donald Trump has implemented a series of immigration measures aimed at limiting entry to the United States based on financial independence, employer responsibility, and stricter security checks. While Israel is not directly targeted by most country-specific restrictions, Israeli citizens and companies are increasingly affected in practice. This article, by Advocate Michael Decker, an immigration lawyer with 20 years of expereince at Decker, Pex, Levi, provides a general overview of the current U.S. immigration restrictions and explains how they impact Israeli individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses considering visas to the United States.
Changes regarding Immigrant visas to the USA – 2026
In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas to nationals of dozens of countries defined as being at high risk of relying on public benefits. Israel is not included on this list, and Israeli citizens may still apply for immigrant visas and green cards. However, the policy is significant for Israelis because it reflects a shift in U.S. immigration policy: a renewed and stricter application of the “public charge” doctrine, which requires immigrants to prove they will be financially self-sufficient.
In practical terms, Israeli applicants seeking family-based or employment-based green cards should expect a more demanding review process. U.S. authorities are taking a closer look at personal income, savings, and overall financial stability, placing greater weight on the sponsoring employer’s strength and salary levels, and requesting additional documentation more frequently. As a result, even applicants who clearly qualify under U.S. law may find that approvals are slower and standards are higher than in previous years.
Higher scrutiny and future wage-based selection
The sharp increase in H-1B costs is part of a broader tightening of U.S. work visa policy. In practice, immigration lawyers are seeing more detailed questioning, longer waiting periods, and a noticeable rise in visa denials. At the same time, American authorities are preparing a new H-1B selection system, expected to take effect in 2027, that will give priority to applicants earning higher salaries. This means senior, highly paid forigen professionals are more likely to be approved, while junior and mid-level Israeli workers may find it significantly harder to qualify, even if they are otherwise well-suited for the role.
Expanded social media and online presence screening
Another major change is the expansion of social media and online activity reviews. Since December 2025, applicants for several U.S. visas including: H-1B and H-4 work visas, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visas are required to set their social media profiles to “public” so they can be reviewed as part of the application process.
U.S. authorities now routinely examine online activity when deciding visa applications, treating each case as a security assessment rather than a purely administrative review. In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has proposed extending similar screening to travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including Israel. If this proposal is implemented, Israeli tourists may be asked to disclose up to five years of social media activity, even for short visits to the United States.
What does this mean for Israeli businesses wanting to expand to the US?
Israeli companies with operations in the United States are also feeling the effects of the change in immigration policies, as higher visa costs, increased financial risk, and stricter screening requirements push many businesses to rethink how they relocate employees and hire foreigners. In response, companies are increasingly exploring alternative visa options, including L-1 visas for transferring employees within the same organization and E-1 and E-2 visas for traders and investors under the U.S.–Israel treaty, which often provides greater flexibility and, in some cases, allows spouses to work legally in the United States.
Planning ahead your immigration journey is more important than before
The current U.S. immigration environment is stricter overall, not targeted at any specific country. Israel’s close relationship with the United States does not exempt Israeli citizens or companies from these broader changes. For Israelis looking to move to the U.S., work there, or expand business operations, early planning and careful visa selection are essential. Choosing the wrong visa or submitting an incomplete application can lead to significant delays, added costs, or even denials.
Need help with U.S. immigration?
Decker, Pex, Levi law office helps Israeli individuals and businesses navigate the U.S. immigration process, including work visas, investor visas, family-based immigration, and long-term relocation planning. If you are considering a move to the United States or are experiencing challenges with a U.S. visa application, our U.S. immigration lawyers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are here to provide clear, professional guidance every step of the way.
