The White House is resuming student visa interviews with stricter social media scrutiny to filter out applicants with hostile attitudes towards the U.S., reflecting a cautious shift in immigration policy amidst political recalibration. This change, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to reduce administrative burdens while still tightening entry standards, signaling a more measured approach after initial aggressive policies.
Industry groups dependent on immigrant workers are upset after the White House reversed a pause on immigration raids, which had been temporarily implemented to address concerns from sectors like agriculture and hospitality. The reversal has led to increased raids and ongoing lobbying efforts, highlighting internal conflicts within the administration over immigration enforcement and its impact on the workforce. Some lawmakers and industry leaders are advocating for policies that balance enforcement with the need for immigrant labor, especially in agriculture.
The White House has directed NASA to develop a strategy for a new time standard, Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), to be used on cislunar missions for improved navigation and related services on and around the moon. The new time standard is necessary due to the differences in time measurement between Earth and the moon, impacting precision operations such as navigation and space situational awareness. NASA will work with other agencies to finalize the strategy by the end of 2026 and incorporate it into its Moon to Mars Architecture reviews.
