Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOS 30-day request for comments on the renewal of Form DS-5537, JADE Act Questionnaire. The form is used to determine Burmese nationals’ eligibility for a visa in accordance with the JADE Act of 2008. Comments are due 6/16/26. (91 FR 6721, 2/12/26)
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced the upcoming termination of Temporary Protected Status for Yemen. The termination will be effective 60 days after the termination notice is published in the Federal Register.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA National shares information on how federal agencies may be affected as a result of the potential partial government shutdown. This page will continue to be updated as more information is received.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
On 12/15/25, DOS Secretary delegated to the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom the authority under Executive Order 14204 to permit provision of foreign aid or assistance in exception to the halt on aid for South Africa. (91 FR 6284, 2/11/26)
2/13/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021300.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On January 14, the State Department announced starting January 21, 2026, it will stop immigration visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. Applicants will still be allowed to submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no new visas will be issued.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides an overview of travel bans and pauses on visa issuance, along with practice updates, trends, and tips on how to advise clients.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert on national interest exceptions for visa applicants subject to the June 4, 2025 Presidential Proclamation.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Clarity about your priorities will help you find the time for better well-being.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert addressing reports that some H-1B and H-4 visa appointments at consular posts have been unilaterally rescheduled from December 2025 to spring 2026.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 13, 2026.
2/13/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
With heightened vetting and rapidly shifting policies at posts worldwide, the fully updated new edition of The Consular Practice Handbook equips immigration lawyers with practical guidance to prepare clients, anticipate refusals, and confidently navigate today’s demanding consular process.
2/13/26
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
Honoring Joanna Kloet’s Dedication and Looking Ahead with AILA’s Military Assistance Program
2/12/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021206.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
A leaked document from DHS, reported by Pablo Manríquez at Migrant Insider, outlines ICE's current use of administrative warrants for immigration enforcement and the legal justification being used to carry out such actions.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Practice Resources, Immigration News
Monthly newsletter brought to you by the members of the Family Section Steering Committee
The content of this email was created by Kathleen Irish, the AILA Family Section Chair, along with the assistance of other members of the Family Section Steering Committee
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Blog
Joanna Kloet reflects on her time as Morgan Lewis Military Immigration Fellow and how “the line members of the national defense apparatus with whom I interacted...steadfastly advocated for individuals who supported America’s mission at home and abroad, irrespective of citizenship status.”
2/12/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021203.
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s DOS Committee requests questions from the membership for a potential April 2026 meeting with the DOS Visa Office. Deadline to submit questions is 5pm ET, Friday, February 27, 2026.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
This short ethics article clarifies a lawyer’s ethical obligations to show up to court when a case is calendared, even if the client isn’t going to, and helps with what to say to the judge.
2/12/26
AILA Doc. No. 25082138.
Ethics
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
AI is making scams more sophisticated, including Deepfake phone calls. Implement these systems to protect yourself and your firm.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 12, 2026.
2/12/26
Accessible to Public.
Congressional Updates
AILA sent a vote recommendation to Congress on 2/12/26 urging it to block any continued funding to ICE and CBP until enforceable reforms are put in place and safety is restored to American communities.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Stay ahead with Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, the definitive resource for immigration practitioners. Packed with expert analysis, practical guidance, and comprehensive coverage of statutes, regulations, and case law, this trusted reference helps you navigate complex issues with confidence.
2/12/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
AILA National and the Global Migration Section (GMS) invite you to attend its annual Global Migration Forum, which this year will be held in the beautiful border city of San Diego on the southern coast of California.
2/11/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
This summer, join thousands of immigration attorneys, law professors, paralegals, students, exhibitors, and special guests in San Diego, California—set against the calm beauty of the Pacific coast. Together, we’ll recharge, sharpen our expertise, and fortify the bonds that strengthen our community.
2/11/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Power your practice with AILA’s editions of the INA and CFR, the primary sources immigration lawyers rely on every day. Built for clarity and speed, these volumes put the statutes and regulations you need at your fingertips. Explore our combo options to save when you bundle essential resources.
2/11/26
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s CBP Committee requests questions from the membership for a potential April 2026 meeting with CBP’s Office of Field Operations. Deadline to submit questions is 5pm ET, Friday, February 27, 2026.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
On 1/28/26, DOS Secretary delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs authority to determine that a foreign national's entry would serve a U.S. national interest in exception to P.P. 10998 and 10949, which restrict entry to the U.S. for nationals of 39 countries. (91 FR 6283, 2/11/26)
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
On 2/6/26, President Trump issued Executive Order 14385 requiring DHS access to “criminal history record information (CHRI) in the custody of Federal criminal justice agencies.” DHS Secretary may exchange CHRI with certain countries on a reciprocal basis. (91 FR 6505, 2/11/26)
2/11/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021108.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Join the Business Section for their February 2026 quarterly call.
2/11/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
Charity Anastasio, AILA Senior Counsel, Practice and Ethics, details the recent surge in immigration scams and the coordinated and sophisticated schemes threatening legitimate providers’ reputations.
2/11/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021162.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 11, 2026.
2/11/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Learn how AILALink is the perfect tool for electronic access to the books and other research resources you need. Sign up for our next group training at 2:00 pm (ET) on Tuesday, March 10.
2/11/26
AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
The Department of State confirmed that China is not part of the immigrant visa processing pause, following an erroneous alert on the Travel Docs website for China.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
In response to federal threats of sanctions and prosecution for lawfully aiding noncitizens, AILA, NACDL, and NAPD co-hosted a program in August. These videos cover defenses to obstruction, material support, and 8 USC 1324 to support zealous, lawful representation.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Join us on Feb. 26th for the 2026 AILA EB-5 Conference! This virtual conference for all levels will focus on the major issues surrounding EB-5 cases leading up to the September 30, 2026, deadline and what to expect of the Regional Center program after the close of the fiscal year 2026.
2/11/26
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
Take 15 minutes out of your day to slow down and enjoy this mediation led by Judi Cohen. This program was originally a part of Well-Being Week 2023.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Join us on Feb. 19th for a seminar on new federal immigration policies are reshaping asylum practice. EOIR now allows judges to pretermit asylum applications they find legally insufficient, often without a hearing.
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee seeks examples of home and neighborhood visits in connection with a pending Form N-400 naturalization application.
2/10/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021002.
Accessible to: Member.
Professional Resources
This short article talks about the ethics considerations when advising clients on the risks and uncertainties of the Gold Card.
2/10/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021001.
Ethics
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS published the proposed changes to the H-1B Cap-Subject Registration Tool for FY 2027.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 10, 2026.
2/10/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The American Immigration Lawyers Association urges Congress to oppose funding for ICE and CBP without real reforms and to reject immigration enforcement that is causing harm and making communities less safe. Use AILA’s advocacy tool to call your member of Congress.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The American Immigration Lawyers Association urges Congress to oppose funding for ICE and CBP without real reforms and to reject immigration enforcement that is causing harm and making communities less safe.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
AILA provides a continually updated list of press releases announcing deaths in adult immigration detention.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Get the OnDemand recording of our web seminar, Preparing for the FY2027 H-1B Season: What You Need to Know, for an overview of major changes, weighted lottery rules, fees, and strategies to navigate new challenges in the upcoming cap‑subject filing season.
Accessible to Public.
Featured Issues
This page provides key information on the FY2027 H‑1B cap-subject filing season. It will be updated with official announcements, policy guidance, and tools to assist practitioners. Check back often for filing dates, regulatory updates, and compliance resources to ensure timely, accurate submissions.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS technical amendment on its 6/9/25 final rule on protection of federal property. The amendment revises and clarifies language of the section regarding photography and recording and removes references to rescinded GSA regulations. This change is effective 2/9/26. (91 FR 5665, 2/9/26)
2/9/26
AILA Doc. No. 26020962.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 9, 2026.
2/9/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that a respondent’s valid marriage to a U.S. citizen entered into after a removal order does not constitute an exceptional situation warranting sua sponte reopening of removal proceedings. Matter of Yadav, 29 I&N Dec. 438 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Join us on Feb. 18th for a roundtable that explores how to safely use AI to serve more immigrants while keeping client and firm data secure.
2/9/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
USCIS released a new edition of Form G-1450, dated 2/6/2026. The agency stated that it will continue to accept prior form editions.
2/6/26
AILA Doc. No. 26020603.
Accessible to: Member, Paralegal.