Temporary Reintroduction of Visa Requirement for Georgian Diplomats and Public Officials in Switzerland

What changed

The United States government plans to revoke B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas for up to 200,000 people. These people have applied for or are now seeking asylum in the United States. The Department of State, working with the Department of Homeland Security, will announce this plan soon. This action will not lead to immediate deportation. But, people affected will lose their status as short-term visitors.

What changed

A federal judge in Manhattan has cancelled the Trump administration's ban on immigrant visas for people from 75 countries. The judge said the ban was 'contrary to law'. The United States (US) Department of State had stopped issuing immigrant visas to people from these countries. These countries included Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, and Russia. The department was worried that these people would use public benefits. This ruling came out on Friday. It changes any visa denials that happened only because of this specific policy. It confirms that the government must look at each person individually to decide if they are likely to need public benefits. This decision must consider their money, age, health, skills, and family situation, not just their country of origin.

What changed

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published a Proposed Rule in the Federal Register on 20 August 2026. This rule states that the refunded part of specific individual refundable income tax credits are 'Federal public benefits'. These credits include the Adoption Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, Premium Tax Credit, and Saver's Match. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) defines these benefits. The proposal also explains what the 'refunded part' means. It sets rules for checking a person's alien status. It deals with joint tax returns where some people are subject to PRWORA rules. It also includes a rule for people to confirm their own eligibility. The public can comment on this Proposed Rule until 5 October 2026.

What changed

The Swiss Federal Council has extended protection status S for people from Ukraine. This status will now last until 4 March 2028. The Council made this decision on 19 August 2026. A new rule also starts on 20 August 2026. New applicants for protection status S must follow their military duties in Ukraine. This rule applies to Ukrainian citizens who are old enough for military service, those on the reserve list, and those who joined the armed forces by choice. This new rule does not affect people who already have protection status S.