Global Scans · Migration & Mobility Shifts · Weekly Summary

• [New] Rising sea levels and increased cyclonic activity further endanger coastal populations, while escalating tensions over water sharing, public health crises, and climate-induced migration underscore Pakistan's profound vulnerability. MorungExpress
• [New] In the U.S., the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, which the Federal Reserve watches closely, is forecast to rise in the first quarter of 2026 because of tariffs and immigration restrictions before resuming its gradual descent. Morgan Stanley
• [New] Washington's threat to impose tariffs of 25-30% on Mexican goods tied to border and immigration issues effectively made Mexico's tariff system an extension of broader US-China trade tensions. Mexico Tariff Policy 2025 Explained: Impacts and Strate
• [New] Legal challenges could test whether federal government can condition nutrition programs on immigration enforcement cooperation, affecting both federalism (Sub-national Autonomy) and separation of powers. RealTime DemTrends
• [New] The Agriculture Department threatened to withhold SNAP nutrition benefits from Democratic-led states unless they provide immigration enforcement data, using food assistance programs as political leverage for unrelated policy compliance. RealTime DemTrends
• [New] Ministers could allow more than 40,000 European citizens into Britain as part of a youth mobility scheme without increasing net migration. The Times
• [New] Europe is in economic decline and faces the risk of civilizational erasure through immigration and the EU's overregulation. The Atlantic
• [New] Rising investment needs risk fresh supply shortages, at a time of tighter immigration rules in the US and Europe. investing.com
• [New] Diverging threat perceptions between the United States and Europe regarding issues including Russia, China, migration, and climate change could strain alliance cohesion and reduce predictability. Atlantic Council
• [New] As institutions plan 2025 admissions, nearly 85% of U.S. universities now cite visa barriers and tougher immigration policies as a major concern - up sharply from 58% the year before. The Silicon Journal
• [New] Legal immigration could help, but among the major EU countries, Italy has the lowest proportion of immigrants with university degrees. economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it will follow the State Department's Dates for Filing chart published in the December Visa Bulletin to determine whether candidates are eligible to submit an Adjustment of Status application on Form I-485 for that month. Fisher Phillips
• [New] Lowered immigration targets - which could bring population growth to near zero in 2026 and 2027 - might let some air out of the rate-cut balloon, if the unemployment rate lowers due to fewer people looking for work. True North Mortgage
• [New] Civil unrest in Europe and the UK: Migration, identity politics, and economic pressures could destabilize governments. Economic Times
• [New] In countries like Chad, refugee camps are likely to become uninhabitable by 2050 as extreme weather worsens. Democracy Now!
• Without rapid changes in the development of climate-resilient crops, the world faces widespread food shortages that could lead to famine, mass migration, and global instability. Science Speaks
• The government of New Zealand has made big changes to its immigration policies that will change how skilled workers, students, and families go about getting a visa. Business Kiwi
• The UK and Malta will explore opportunities for collaboration between the UK and the MED5 countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Malta), recognising their pivotal role in managing migration flows at the EU's external borders. GOV.UK
• Malta and the UK will continue to share information and best practice to tackle irregular migration; modern slavery, human smuggling and trafficking; and financial crime. GOV.UK
• Green cards issued to citizens of 19 countries will be reviewed and immigration requests from Afghans have been suspended. SKY
• Refugee migration: Switzerland grants asylum to people who face persecution in their home country on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, or when they must fear for their liberty. Avenir Suisse
• Hard ceilings will give cantons, employers and housing markets clearer visibility earlier in the year, easing pressure on public services after net migration hit a 17-year high in 2025. VisaHQ
• Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced increases in fees for certain benefits for Fiscal Year 2026. / USA Cyrus D Mehta & Partners PLLC

Last updated: 13 December 2025