At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to keeping our Vietnamese clients informed about significant U.S. policy changes that may impact your lives. The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in May 2025 and widely discussed as a major legislative shift, introduces changes to taxes, social support programs, and immigration enforcement. Below, we summarize these developments and their effects on the Vietnamese community, offering clear, neutral updates and guidance on how our services can help.

Key Policy Changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and Related News

1. 1. Tax Cuts for Workers and Seniors
      The bill introduces temporary tax benefits, effective through 2028:
      • A deduction for tips and overtime pay (up to $25,000 for joint filers, phasing out above $150,000 income), benefiting Vietnamese workers in service industries like restaurants, nail salons, or delivery.
      • A $6,000 standard deduction for seniors over 65, potentially helping Vietnamese retirees.
      • An increased child tax credit to $2,200 per child, but requiring Social Security numbers, which may exclude mixed-status Vietnamese families.
        These measures aim to reward hardworking individuals but are temporary and may not fully offset other financial pressures.
   2. Social Support Program Restrictions
      Starting in 2025, the bill imposes stricter eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP, including work requirements for adults and enhanced verification processes. These changes could affect up to 11 million low-income individuals, including Vietnamese families, especially those in mixed-status households who may lose access to healthcare and food assistance. The restrictions aim to reduce program costs but may create challenges for vulnerable communities.
   3. Increased Immigration Enforcement
      The legislation allocates $150 billion for immigration enforcement, including expanded detention centers and border security. This has led to increased ICE worksite raids and check-ins, with reports of Vietnamese immigrants in states like California and Texas facing detentions, even those with long-standing deportation stays. This heightened enforcement may create uncertainty for Vietnamese clients with pending immigration cases.
   4. Proposed Student Visa Tightening
      While not part of the bill, related 2025 policies have introduced stricter F-1 student visa requirements, including mandatory social media reviews. Discussions on X suggest further restrictions may be proposed, potentially impacting Vietnamese students seeking U.S. education by increasing scrutiny and documentation demands.

How These Changes Impact You

• Positive Impacts:
  • Vietnamese workers in tipped or overtime-heavy jobs, such as restaurant staff or nail technicians, may see increased take-home pay from tax deductions.
  • Seniors over 65 in the Vietnamese community could benefit from the new standard deduction, if eligible.
  • Opportunities for education in the U.S. remain open for Vietnamese students, though with stricter visa processes.
• Challenges to Consider:
  • Stricter Medicaid and SNAP rules may limit access for low-income Vietnamese families, particularly those with mixed immigration statuses.
  • The child tax credit’s Social Security number requirement could exclude Vietnamese families with U.S.-citizen children but undocumented parents.
  • Increased ICE enforcement raises risks for Vietnamese immigrants with unresolved statuses, especially during worksite raids or check-ins.
  • Tighter student visa rules may delay or complicate applications for Vietnamese students.