Starship’s Historic Mars Mission in 2026: Tesla’s Humanoid Robot Optimus to Join

Mars Mission 2026: Tesla Humanoid Robot, SpaceX Chief Elon Musk, space mission

Synopsis: Elon Musk’s SpaceX is setting Starship rocket to Mars by 2026. Starship will carry Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. Starship could also lead to human landings by the end of the year 2026. Starship will refuel in space before heading to Mars. Musk’s dream is to make Mars a second home for humans.

Key Points

• SpaceX sets to launch Starship to Mars by the end of the year 2026.
• Starship Rocketp can carry up to 250 metric tonnes. It will also refuel in space for long-distance.
• Musk wants to make Mars a new home for humans in case of disasters on Earth.

SpaceX Chief Elon Musk is now setting his future focus on a major space mission. SpaceX is now set to launch its Starship rocket to Mars by the end of the year  2026. This mission will be exciting because it will carry Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, on board.

Future Human Landings on Mars

Musk's vision is that humans might land on Mars as early as 2029, but a more realistic timeline would be 2031. The success of previous missions will decide how soon people can travel to the Red Planet.

Why is Mars Important?

• Mars is one of Earth’s closest neighbors in space. It is located about 140 million miles away. The Mars receives enough sunlight to support life, though it is much colder than Earth. 

• Scientists think they can warm up the planet over time. Mars’ atmosphere is precisely made of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is made with small amounts of nitrogen and argon. 

• It is believed  If the air is compressed, plants can grow there. The planet’s gravity is about 38 percent of Earth’s. This means that humans could carry heavier objects and move around more easily. In addition, a day on Mars is very similar in length to a day on Earth.

The Power of Starship

Starship is SpaceX’s massive spacecraft designed in such a way to carry both people and cargo beyond Earth. It is the most powerful rocket so far being built. It can carry 150 metric tonnes when reusable and 250 metric tonnes when used only once.

How Starship Will Reach Mars

Before its heading to Mars, Starship will be recharged in low-Earth orbit using a special tanker spacecraft. This process permits the rocket to carry up to 100 tonnes of cargo to Mars. Since the fuel costs are low, this way of creativity makes space travel more affordable.

Landing on Mars

Starship will enter Mars’ atmosphere at a speed of 7.5 kilometers per second. It has also slowed down using aerodynamic forces. The heat shield is set to protect the spacecraft. However, some wear and tear is expected, similar to how brake pads wear out over time.

Challenges Ahead

Starship is mainly focused on Musk’s dream to populate Mars. NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration) is also counting on an updated version of Starship for its Artemis program. This aims to return astronauts to the Moon soon. However, SpaceX still needs to prove that Starship is comfortable, reliable, and capable of refueling in orbit before any crewed missions take place.

Recently, SpaceX faced a setback when a Starship test flight ended in an explosion. The booster successfully returned, but the upper stage lost control before the video feed was cut off. Now, the United States Federal Aviation Administration is requiring SpaceX to investigate before more test flights can continue.

Why Does Elon Musk Want to open up Mars?

Musk believes, setting up a human colony on Mars is essential for the future. He thinks that humanity needs a backup plan in case of disasters on Earth, such as nuclear war or extreme climate change. Accordingly, SpaceX is working hard to develop the required technology to make life on Mars possible.

U.S. Government’s View on Mars Missions

Even though there is global excitement about Mars exploration, not everyone sees it as a top priority. Earlier this year, Donald Trump said that sending humans to Mars is not the main focus of the U.S. government. While Trump acknowledged the interest in interplanetary travel, he suggested that other issues might take priority over.

By carrying the Optimus humanoid robot, SpaceX’s 2026 Mars mission marks a major step toward human space exploration. While there are some challenges ahead, Elon Musk remains concerned about making life on Mars becoming a reality. The world will be watching as SpaceX continues its journey toward the Red Planet.

To sum up, Elon Musk plans to send a Starship rocket to Mars in 2026. This rocket will carry Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot. The robot will land on Mars years before humans do. Musk believes human landings could begin by 2029, but 2031 is more likely.

This mission will test the technology needed for future human trips to Mars. It will check if Starship can handle the long trip and if the robot can work well on Mars. If the mission works, SpaceX may send humans a few years later.

In 2018, SpaceX launched a Falcon Heavy rocket carrying a Tesla Roadster with a dummy inside. That car now orbits the Sun. Astronomers once mistook it for an asteroid.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration is focused on the Artemis program to explore the Moon. It does not plan to send astronauts to Mars until the 2030s or later, as the trip itself takes about 300 days.

Is Deepseek Holding Their Employee Passports to Block Data Breaches?

DeepSeek’s key technology leaking, DeepSeek order, AI engineers can’t leave China

Synopsis:

DeepSeek is a fast-rising AI company from China that has caught global attention for creating powerful AI tools at a fraction of the cost compared to big tech companies. But now, the Chinese government is keeping a very close watch on DeepSeek, calling it a "national treasure." 

• In a bid to protect its technology from leaking, China has stopped some of DeepSeek’s key employees, especially the AI creators, from leaving the country. 

• The matter has raised concerns about workers' rights and freedoms, and also big worries about how AI from China might affect global security.

• DeepSeek has ordered its top AI engineers to hand over their passports, so they cannot leave China, due to fears of key technology leaking abroad

• The Chinese government sees DeepSeek as a valuable asset and is increasing control over who can invest in it.

• Other countries, like India and the US, are cautious about Chinese AI tools. Some governments have even banned their employees from using them on official devices.

• DeepSeek claims its AI systems can rival top products from major US companies like OpenAI, Apple, and Microsoft.

 Why DeepSeek Employees Can’t Leave China

 DeepSeek is a company in China that makes smart AI (artificial intelligence) models. These models are very good and don’t cost too much to make. Because of this, DeepSeek has become very famous around the world.

 But now, the Chinese government is watching DeepSeek very closely. They are worried that key secrets about the company’s AI might be shared with other countries. So, DeepSeek has told some of its top workers that they are not allowed to leave China.

Some workers from DeepSeek, especially those who create and build the AI, had to give their passports to DeepSeek’s parent company, High-Flyer. This means they can’t travel to other countries. The government wants to make sure that no important information or secrets about AI models are leaked.

The Chinese government has also told many AI experts in the country not to visit the United States. They are scared that if people travel, they might accidentally or purposely share business secrets.

DeepSeek has become very important to China. The government has even called it a “national treasure.” Now, the government has more power over who can invest in the company.

DeepSeek is seen as a strong competitor to the United States in AI technology. But stopping people from leaving China has made some people worried about the rights and freedoms of the workers.

 

Why is everyone watching DeepSeek?

 

DeepSeek’s new AI chatbot is being closely checked by many countries. Some worry that it could be used to spread false information or hurt online safety.

For example, India’s finance ministry told its workers not to use AI tools like DeepSeek or ChatGPT on their work computers, because it could put secret information at risk.

In the US, there are already rules that stop Chinese AI companies from doing certain things, for national security reasons. The European Union is also thinking about making tougher rules on AI from other countries.

About DeepSeek:

DeepSeek was started in May 2023 by Liang Wenfeng in Hangzhou, China. Liang also started High-Flyer, a hedge fund, in 2015. When DeepSeek began, it used 50,000 special computer chips called Nvidia A100s. The US has now banned these chips from being sent to China.

DeepSeek has created several smart AI tools. In November 2023, it launched the DeepSeek Coder. Then in May 2024, it released DeepSeek LLM and DeepSeek V-2. Its newest models, R1 and V-3, have surprised many people around the world because they work well and don’t cost much to make.

DeepSeek says it only spent about $6 million (about Rs 51 crore) on its latest AI model. That is much less than what big companies like Apple or Microsoft usually spend on AI.

The company says its AI can do math, coding, and understand language very well. It even says it can compete with the most advanced AI models made by big US companies like OpenAI.

 

Changes in Passport Rules in 2025 at a Glance

 

                                                                 New Passport Rules 2025

 SYNOPSIS: The Passport Rules 2025 introduce key changes, including a mandatory birth certificate for those born on or after October 1, 2023, while older applicants can use alternative documents. The updates will come into effect once officially published in the Government Gazette.

 Passport Rules 2025 Highlights

• Birth Certificate: People born on or after October 1, 2023, must submit a birth certificate as the only valid proof of date of birth.

• Alternative Doc for Older Applicants: Those born before October 1, 2023, can use other documents like school certificates, PAN cards, voter ID, and insurance doc to prove their date of birth.

• No Address on Passports:  Residential addresses will no longer be printed on passports, and immigration officials will access the information through a barcode scan

• Passport Colors: Passports will be color-coded, with red for diplomats, White for government employees, and Blue for regular citizens

• No Parents' Names: The last page of passports will no longer display parents' names, which will help children of single parents or those from severed families.

A passport is an official document that proves a person’s identity and nationality. The Ministry of External Affairs of India issued a notification on February 24, 2025, in this connection:-

Birth certificate mandatory for those born after Oct 1, 2023

People born on or after October 1, 2023, will be submitted a birth certificate as proof of date of birth. No other document is needed. This certificate is to be issued by:

• The Municipal Corporation, 
• Registrar of Births and Deaths 
• Any authorized Govt body under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

What about those born before October 1, 2023?

• If you were born before this date, you can use any one of the following doc to prove your date of birth:-
• Birth certificate issued by a government authority
• School leaving certificate or matriculation certificate
• PAN card showing your date of birth
• Service records or pension documents (for government employees)
• Driving license
• Voter ID card with date of birth
• LIC or any public insurance policy document showing your date of birth

The address will no longer be printed on passports.

The residential address will not be printed on the last page of new passports. Instead, immigration officials can scan a barcode to access this information. This change is to protect privacy.

Different passport colors for different categories

The government has introduced different passport colors for particular categories

• Red Colour for diplomats, 
• White for government employees 
• Blue  for regular passport holders

Parents' names were removed from the last page.

The last page of the passport will no longer display the parents' names. This change is helpful for children of single parents or those from severed families.

These new rules are applicable once it is officially published in the Govt Gazette. When you are applying for a new passport or renewal, please check the official government website for more updates, if any.

Previous Passport Rules introduced in 2016 - A Lookback: 

Previous Passport Rules introduced on December 23, 2016, include the documents as follows: 

Birth Certificate:  Issued by the government or municipal office.

School Certificate:  Leaving certificate or matriculation certificate with DOB.

PAN Card  Issued by the Income Tax Department.

Aadhar Card:  Physical or e-Aadhar with DOB.

Government Employee Records:  Service record or pension order (for retired employees).

Driving Licence:  Issued by the transport department.

Voter ID (EPIC Card): Issued by the Election Commission.

Insurance Policy Bond: Issued by public insurance companies with DOB.

Other Major Passport Rule Changes

Single Parent-Friendly Forms: Now, applicants only need to provide the name of one parent or guardian instead of both.

Fewer Annexure Forms: The number of required annexures has been reduced from 15 to 9. 

Some forms have been removed or merged.

No More Attestation: Applicants no longer need to get annexures attested by a notary or magistrate. A self-declaration on plain paper is enough.

No Marriage Certificate Required: Married applicants don’t need to provide Annexure K or a marriage certificate.

No Need to Mention Spouse’s Name: Divorced or separated applicants don’t need to mention their spouse’s name or submit a divorce decree.

Easier Process for Orphans: Orphaned children without a birth certificate can get a passport if 

The orphanage head confirms their DOB in a letter.

Children Born Outside Marriage: Only Annexure G is needed for such cases.

Simpler Adoption Process: Adopted children no longer need a registered adoption deed. A declaration on plain paper is enough.

For Government Employees: If they cannot get a No Objection Certificate from their employer, they can submit a self-declaration instead.

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Passport Surrenders In 10 Years: See Updates

Over 22,000 People in Gujarat Gave Up Passports in 10 Years

In the last 10 years, more than 22,000 people from Gujarat gave back their Indian passports because they moved to live in other countries. Last year alone, 181 people gave back their passports. So far, the total is 22,993 since 2014. But in 2024, fewer people gave back their passports. The number this year is three times less than in 2023. On average, about 15 people gave back their passports every month this year

Gujarat is One of the Top States for Giving Up Passports

From 2014 to 2022, Delhi had the most people giving up Indian passports with 60,414 cases. 

After Delhi, Punjab had 28,117, Gujarat had 22,993, Goa had 18,610, and Maharashtra had 17,171. 

Across all of India, around 12.88 lakh people gave back their passports during this time.

More People Going to Live in Other Countries

In the last six years, the Ahmedabad Passport Office gave out about 36 lakh passports. This means more people are now traveling, studying, or moving to other countries to live.

Read More: US Visa Bulletin April 2025: Green Card Delays Worsen, Check Latest Updates Here

Biggest Economies in the World (2015-2025) in terms of GDP at a Glance

 

World Biggest Economies in terms of GDP

Synopsis

The United States has been identified as the world's biggest economy from 2015 to 2025 and  China is in second place. India is rapidly fast and by 2025, India is poised to move ahead of Japan and become the fourth-largest economy. India's economy is growing on account of new technology, more businesses, and also with better farming. Experts say that by 2027, India will be the third-largest economy, overcoming Germany. 

Key Highlights:

• The top ten largest economies in the world contribute significantly to global GDP - Gross Domestic Product -  and have a strong influence on international trade and economic policies. In this report, it s covers the 10 largest economies of the world based on the GDP.

• The biggest economy in the world is the United States, having a GDP of USD 26,854 billion. The U.S. has come to the top of the list since the 20th century. However, in the coming years, it is more likely that China will surpass the US as the biggest economy in the world. 

What is GDP?

GDP means Gross Domestic Product. GDP is often cited in government reports,  newspapers, television, and  central banks (RBI), and the business community

India's Economy in 2025

Ahead of 2025, India is cited to be the fifth richest country in the world. But by 2025, India will be in 4th place. But India will be richer than Japan. By 2027, India will be in third place, richer than Germany.

Top 10 Richest Countries in 2025

Here are the biggest economies in the world, according to India Monetary Fund (IMF) data:-

• United States: Richest country! (USD29,840 billion) - The US GDP per capita  is USD89,680
• China : (USD18,533 billion) - The GDP per capita in China stands at USD13,870.
• Germany : (USD4,772 billion)  The GDP per capita is USD55,520. 
• India : (USD4,340 billion) - GDP per capita at USD2,940.
• Japan : (USD4,310 billion) - The GDP per capita is USD35,610. 
• United Kingdom : (USD3,685 billion) - The GDP per capita of the UK is USD54,280. 
• France : (USD3,223 billion) - GDP per capita of USD49,530. 
• Brazil : (USD2,438 billion) - The GDP per capita in Brazil is USD10,820.
• Italy : (USD2,390 billion) - GDP per capita stands at USD41,710.
• Canada : (USD2,361 billion) - GDP per capita is USD55,890.

How is India Growing?

India is growing very fast! India is generating more benefits of revenue from farming, computers, and small businesses. In 2024, India's economy will grow by 7 percent, which is shown as the fastest in the world! More people are buying things, and big companies from other countries are coming to India.

How Much Revenue Do People Make in India?

People in India are earning more income now. 

The average income of India in 2012 was Rs. 71,609 per annum, whereas in the year  2023, it became Rs.2.00 lakh. In addition, more jobs and businesses are helping Indians earn more.

Check India's GDP Growth in the Last 10 Years at a glance.

India’s economy has gone up and down in the last 10 years:

• Year 2013: 6.39% growth
• Year 2014: 7.41% growth
• Year 2015: 8.00% growth
• Year 2016: 8.26% growth
• Year 2017: 6.80% growth
• Year 2018: 6.45% growth
• Year 2019: 3.74% growth (big drop)
• Year 2020: -6.60% (COVID-19 hit hard)
• Year 2021: 8.68% growth (India bounced back!)
• Year 2022: 7.00% growth
• Year 2023: 8.20% growth
• Year 2024: 8.20% growth

 

Notably, even though COVID-19 slowed India down, it recovered fast.

 

Why is India Growing Fast?

 

India is growing because of:

• Farming (crops, fruits, vegetables)
• Computers and technology
• Businesses and shops
• Better roads, hospitals, and schools

 

To sum up, India is becoming one of the richest countries. In 2024, India became the fourth richest, but in 2025, it will be fourth. Soon, it is expected it will be in the top 3. 

 

US Visa Bulletin April 2025: Green Card Delays Worsen, Check Latest Updates Here

 

US Visa Bulletin, Green Card, EB5 green card

Synopsis:

The US State Department released the latest updated Visa Bulletin for April 2025. It has, some changes for employment-based (EB) & family-sponsored green card applicants. For India and China in the EB-5 Unreserved category,  there were some modifications while other categories show a little changes

Key Highlights

• Employment-Based Green Card Updates
• EB-5 Unreserved Delays
• India: Moved back by over two years to November 1, 2019.
• China: Pushed back by two and a half years to January 22, 2014.
• For all other countries, EB-5 remains unchanged.

 The U.S. State Department has released the Visa Bulletin for April 2025. The Bulletin shows significant major for employment-based (EB) green card applicants. 

 One of the major changes for India is that the EB-5 Unreserved category has been pushed back by more than two years to November 1, 2019. 

 China also has seen a major setback. China, with its date moved back by nearly two and a half years to January 22, 2014. However, for all other countries, EB-5 Unreserved remains unchanged.

 For categories such as EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3, India will see some progress,  employment-based category-4 remains "not available" for all countries till the end of the financial year 2025, as the visa limit has already been reached.

The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services confirmed that in April 2025, it will accept green card applications based on the Final Action Dates chart from the Visa Bulletin.

It implies that applicants can submit their forms if their priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff date for their category and country.

Port of Entry Drama: H1B Holders on Edge

Every time an H1B visa holder leaves the U.S. for stamping, there is a nagging worry, what if they cannot return? With the current administration’s unpredictable policies, many are left wondering if the risk is worth it.

Visa interviews have become more challenging. Even simple cases are under greater scrutiny, with officers asking more questions than in the past.

Getting appointments is difficult. Some consulates have wait times that stretch for months, while, others suddenly open slots that fill up in minutes. Those who manage to secure an appointment often encounter additional processing delays.

Then there is the dreaded 221(g), a temporary refusal that can extend for weeks or even months. Many H1B holders who thought their travel would be routine have found themselves stuck outside, waiting with no clear timeline.

Some have even run into issues at Port Of Entry, with officers probing everything from job roles to the legitimacy of their employers. Even individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years are not exempt from unexpected denials.

Because of all this, many are opting to stay put. They are skipping weddings, avoiding vacations, and even postponing important family visits, just to steer clear of the uncertainty surrounding re-entry into the country.

Why are EB-5 Visas delayed for India and China?

The U.S. State Department said that the EB-5 delays for India and China took place because of a high demand for these visas. If demand continues to rise, a Final Action Date may be set by the govt for applicants from all other countries under the EB-5 Unreserved category also.

For EB-4 visas, all available visas for the 2025 fiscal year, have already been issued by February 28, 2025. This means, no more EB-4 visas will be given till the next financial year begins on October 1, 2025.

What Does Visa Bulletin Mean a Lot for Green Card Applicants?

The Visa Bulletin helps aspirants know when they can apply for a green card. It is based on their visa category and the origin of the country. It includes two key sections:

Dates for Filing: These applicants are the earliest date they can submit their green card application.

Final Action Dates is determined when a green card application will be processed and approved.

For employment-based green card applicants, it is mandatory to check if their priority date falls before the listed date in the bulletin. If so, the applicant can move forward with their application.

Family-Sponsored Green Card Updates for India

Those applying for family-sponsored green cards, check the latest updates on the Final date of 

Action and Filing Dates for India:

Final Action Dates

• F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens): March 15, 2016. it was previously set as November 22, 2015.
• F2A (Spouses & Children of Permanent Residents):  No change as applicable - Earlier it was January 1, 2022 
• F2B (Unmarried Adult Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents): July 22, 2016. Earlier it was set as May 22, 2016.
• F3 (Married Sons & Daughters of U.S. Citizens): April 1, 2011, Earllier it was July 1, 2010.
• F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens): June 15, 2006.  Earlier it was April 8, 2006)

Dates for Filing:

• F1 No change: September 1, 2017 
• F2A: October 15, 2024. Earlier it was by July 15, 2024
• F2B No change: January 1, 2017
• F3 No change: July 22, 2012
• F4: October 1, 2006. Previously it was by  August 15, 2006.

These dates help understand families when they can move forward with their green card process. Applicants should keep checking for updates.

 Employment-Based Green Card Categories

 Employment-based green cards are given based on different categories. It ensures a fair distribution of visas among skilled professionals, workers, and investors.

 EB-1 (Priority Workers): 28.6% of total employment-based visas go to:

• People with outstanding ability in their field
• Exceptional professors and researchers
• Executives/Managers of multinational companies
• EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders): 28.6% of visas, plus any unused EB-1 visas, go to:

• People with advanced degrees and those  with exceptional skills in their industry
• EB-3 (Professionals/Skilled Workers/Other Workers): 28.6% of visas, plus any unused 

 EB-1 and EB-2 visas, go to:

• 
  
• Skilled workers and professionals
• “Other workers” doing unskilled labor are limited to 10,000 visas per year.

 EB-4 (Special Immigrants) – 7.1% of visas go to:

• Religious workers
• U.S. foreign service employees
• U.S. military personnel
• EB-5 (Investor Green Cards): 7.1% of visas go to investors who:
• Invest in rural areas (20%)
• Invest in high-unemployment areas (10%)
• Invest in infrastructure projects (2%)
• The remaining 68% is open to other investors

 The April 2025 Visa Bulletin shows more delays for green card applicants, particularly in the EB-5 category for India & China. 

 The more demand grows, the more processing times get longer. If you are applying for a green card, check the Visa Bulletin regularly and get updated on your application status.

Latest Update on Employment-Based Green Cards for India

If you are applying for a U.S. employment-based green card, here are the latest updates on priority dates for India.

• Some categories have moved forward, while others remain the same.
• Final Action Dates -When green cards can be issued.
• EB-1 (Priority Workers): February 15, 2022 - Previously February 1, 2022.
• EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals): January 1, 2013 -Previously December 1, 2012.
• EB-3 (Skilled Workers & Professionals): April 1, 2013. Previously it was February 1, 2013.
• Other Workers: April 1, 2013  - Previously it was  February 1, 2013.
• EB-4 - Special Immigrants: Unavailable
• Certain Religious Workers: Unavailable
• EB-5 Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5): November 1, 2019. Previously it was  January 1, 2022.
• EB-5 Set Aside - Rural - 20%: Current
• EB-5 Set Aside - High Unemployment 10%: Current
• EB-5 Set Aside Infrastructure - 2%: Current
• Dates for Filing; When applicants can submit documents
• EB-1: April 15, 2022: No change
• EB-2: February 1, 2013: Previously January 1, 2013.
• EB-3: June 8, 2013: No change
• Other Workers: June 8, 2013 - No change
• EB-4: February 1, 2021 - No change.
• Certain Religious Workers: February 1, 2021, No change
• EB-5 Unreserved (C5, T5, I5, R5): April 1, 2022 No change
• EB-5 Set Aside (Rural - 20%): Current
• EB-5 Set Aside (High Unemployment - 10%): Current
• EB-5 Set Aside (Infrastructure - 2%): Current

 

These dates show when applicants can move forward in the green card process. Keep checking for more updates.

More Updates: US Dept of Labor to Purge H-1B & Other Visa Records Older Than 5 Years

The U.S. Department of Labor is getting rid of H-1B and other work visa records that are more than five years old. If you applied for an H-1B visa a while back, those old files won’t be around anymore. They are clearing out the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system, and anything past the five-year mark is gone. 

This could make life tricky for people who need those details later on - like for renewals or legal stuff. An immigration firm called XIPHIAS Immigration said this might mess things up for folks who didn’t keep their copies of things like Labor Condition Applications or approval papers. 

If you need to prove where you worked before, you could be out of luck without those records. The folks at the Office of Foreign Labor Certification, which is under the Department of Labor, told everyone they are starting this cleanup at midnight on March 20. In the past, they’d just tuck these records away, but now they are trashing them completely after five years. That’s a big shift, and it could hit anyone who needs old info for visa extensions or changes. 

 The FLAG system is what companies use to hire foreign workers while keeping things fair for everyone. It handles applications for H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and a few other visa types, plus permanent labor certifications. But don’t worry- not everything is getting deleted. Only records in FLAG that are over five years past their final decision date are going away, as per the latest report.

Employers have been told to grab any employee records older than five years before March 19, because the official deletion kicks off on March 20, 2025. So, if your case was finalized on, say, March 23, 2020, it will disappear on March 23, 2025. The advice now is to hang onto your copies of key immigration papers-like those LCAs, I-797 notices, or PERM docs. XIPHIAS Immigration stressed that employers and lawyers should keep their records organized and safe since they cannot count on the government to hold onto them anymore. With U.S. immigration rules always shifting, it is smart to stay prepared.