Homeland Security Skips Rules to Speed Up Border Wall Builds
Published Date: 10/8/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting October 8, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security is speeding up the building of barriers and roads along the New Mexico border by temporarily skipping some usual rules. This move helps stop illegal crossings and keeps the country safer, making border security stronger and faster. It affects construction projects near the border and shows the government’s commitment to protecting the nation without delay.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Waiver of Laws for New Mexico Border Construction
Starting October 8, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security will build additional barriers and roads in a project area in New Mexico (from about Border Monument 49 north and then east to Border Monument 1). For that construction, DHS waived in their entirety a long list of federal statutes and related legal requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Clean Air Act, and others, to allow immediate earthwork, excavation, site preparation, installation, and upkeep of barriers, roads, drainage, lighting, cameras, and sensors.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09007 — Fee Adjustment for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal
If you’re applying to pause your deportation or removal with Form I-246, get ready for a fee jump from $155 to $755! This change helps cover the real costs since the fee hasn’t changed since 1989. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new fee kicks in.
2026-08699 — Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
2025-19747 — Collection and Use of Biometrics by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to update how they collect and use biometrics—like fingerprints and DNA—from anyone applying for immigration benefits, no matter their age. They’re also expanding when and how they collect this info, including after arrests, and setting new rules for special cases like VAWA and T visa applicants. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until January 2, 2026, to speak up!
2025-19655 — Collection of Biometric Data From Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure From the United States
Starting December 26, 2025, anyone who isn’t a U.S. citizen will have to get their photo and other biometric info taken when they enter or leave the United States—no matter if they’re at an airport, land border, or seaport. This new rule replaces old pilot programs and expands where biometrics are collected. It affects travelers and could change how quickly you move through customs, so the government is also asking for feedback on the process and costs by November 26, 2025.
2025-19642 — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule
The government plans to change the fees for the EB-5 immigrant visa program, which helps people invest in the U.S. to get green cards. These updates will support new rules from the 2022 EB-5 Reform Act and make sure the program stays fair and strong. If you’re involved with EB-5 visas, watch for fee changes and get your comments in by December 22, 2025!
2025-18473 — Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions
The government is changing how it picks who gets to file H-1B visa petitions by using a weighted system that favors higher-skilled and better-paid workers. This means employers hiring for top jobs have a better shot, but workers at all pay levels still have a chance. These changes will affect anyone applying for H-1B visas and could impact how quickly and easily employers get their petitions accepted.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19493 — Automated Search Pilot Program
The USPTO is launching the Automated Search Pilot Program to give inventors an early heads-up on possible patent issues by sharing automated search results before the official review. Inventors who want in must file a petition and pay a fee between October 20, 2025, and April 20, 2026, or until 200 applications per tech center join. This program helps the USPTO test if early feedback speeds up patent approvals and if the process can handle lots of applications.
Next: 2025-19498 — Notice of Amendment for Projects Located Off the Northeast Corridor for the Fiscal Year 2024 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program
Hey rail fans! The Federal Railroad Administration fixed a mix-up with the funding ID for projects outside the Northeast Corridor in the 2024-2025 rail grant program. If you want a piece of the action, get your applications in by January 7, 2026, or you’ll miss out on the cash and support. This update keeps the funding train on track and clear for everyone involved!