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, October 14.
9/16/25
AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced that it has received enough petitions to meet the congressionally established H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year 2026. 9/12/25 was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before 4/1/26.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE posted an announcement clarifying the impact of a 8/20/25 Ninth Circuit ruling that stayed a lower court order postponing DHS’s termination of TPS for Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Accordingly, TPS for Nepal was terminated 8/20/25 and TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua was terminated 9/8/25.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced that all available immigrant visas in the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) unreserved category for fiscal year 2025 have been issued. Embassies and consulates may resume issuing immigrant visas in this category with the start of the new fiscal year (FY 2026) on 10/1/25.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS Secretary announced that Hungary will have its status in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) fully restored after it took steps to address security vulnerabilities. Restrictions had limited Hungarians' ability to travel under the VWP and use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Launch your immigration practice with confidence! AILA’s live online course runs Sept. 16–Oct. 8, 2025, with recordings available afterward. Gain practical guidance from experienced attorneys on building, managing, and growing a successful solo or small firm.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
On 9/15/25, President Trump issued a memorandum establishing a “Memphis Safe Task Force” to deploy federal law enforcement officers to Memphis, Tennessee and mobilizing the National Guard to assist in their objectives. Immigration enforcement is one of the task force’s priorities.
9/16/25
AILA Doc. No. 25091607.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Acting Director released a policy memo (PM 25-46) setting forth EOIR procedures for providing a notice of hearings to an individual in removal proceedings after a Notice to Appear is issued. The PM cancels and replaces OPPM 97-2, Notices of Immigration Judge Hearings.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Acting Director Sirce E. Owen released a policy memo (PM 25-47) to clarify and reaffirm EOIR case priorities and performance measures. This PM supersedes and replaces the 1/17/18 Case Priorities and Immigration Court Performance Measures memo and supplements both PM 19-13 and PM 20-07.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS 60-day notice of the reinstatement of Form I-945, Public Chage Bond. USCIS uses Form I-945 to ensure that the conditions of the bond are fully articulated and met when USCIS accepts the public charge bond posting. Comments are due 11/17/25. (90 FR 44694, 9/16/25.)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOS final rule adjusting Schedule of Fees for Consular Services of the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs to establish a $1 fee to register for the Diversity Visa lottery program, to be collected at the time of registration. This final rule is effective 9/16/25. (90 FR 44524, 9/16/25)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice and request for comments on a new generic clearance for the collection of social media identifier(s) on immigration forms, in accordance with EO 14161. This will apply to forms N- I-131, I-192, I-485, I-589, I-590, I-730, I-751, and I-829. Comments are due 10/16/25. (90 FR 44693, 9/16/25)
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on September 16, 2025.
9/16/25
Professional Resources
Michele Carney examines new ethical challenges facing removal defense attorneys in 2025 amid changing enforcement and procedural practices.
9/16/25
AILA Doc. No. 25091601.
Ethics
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.
Professional Resources
Knowing the true value of your services and setting appropriate fees are essential to the longevity and financial viability of a practice. When you undercharge, you sell yourself and the work you do short. This article provides five useful tips for setting fees that represent what you are worth.
Join the 2025 AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium on Dec. 1, 2025, in NYC or via webcast. Gain insights from top experts on cutting-edge immigration issues and earn CLE credit while connecting with fellow practitioners.
9/16/25
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 21 to learn how to safeguard clients and fight denaturalization efforts. Expert panelists will cover risk factors, government strategies, and practical approaches to defend naturalized clients facing scrutiny.
9/16/25
AILA Announcements
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 17 2025, for key takeaways from the Fall 2025 AILA DOS Liaison Committee meeting. Hear the latest updates on visa processing, consular trends, and agency communications to better support your clients worldwide.
9/16/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Acting Director Sirce E. Owen released a policy memo (PM 25-40) to re-establish case completion goals for the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO).
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Acting Director Sirce E. Owen released a policy memo (PM 25-49) to provide guidance on clerical transfers of bond redetermination requests.
Join AILA’s roundtable on Sept. 17 to explore when your client may have a viable habeas claim. Expert panelists will cover legal standards, jurisdictional hurdles, timing, and practical strategies for pursuing habeas relief in federal court.
9/15/25
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on September 15, 2025.
9/15/25
Visa Bulletins
USCIS determined that, for October 2025, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.
Visa Bulletins
DOS posted the October 2025 Visa Bulletin, with updates on “Final Action Dates,” “Dates for Filing,” the Diversity Visa (DV) program, scheduled expiration of the Employment Fourth Preference Religious Workers (SR) category, U.S. government employee Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), and more.
Press Releases
AILA, NALEO Educational Fund, NPNA, Citizenshipworks, and the New Americans Campaign will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of AILA Citizenship Day, honoring two decades of service and collective impact on and around September 20, 2025, with in-person and virtual events.
9/15/25
AILA Doc. No. 25091501.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Acting Director Sirce E. Owen released a policy memorandum (PM 25-48) to establish clear guidance for productive stakeholder engagement.
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 30 for a timely update on immigration court policy changes and surprises in 2025. Expert panelists will break down recent developments, share practical tips, and help you adjust your litigation strategies.
9/15/25
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 3, to explore legal strategies for EB-5 concurrent adjustment filings. Learn how to navigate I-526E issues, maintain status, manage risks, and optimize outcomes for EB-5 investors pursuing adjustment of status.
AILA Announcements
Extraordinary by Design: Structuring O Visa Cases That Shine!
9/15/25
AILA Announcements
Join AILA’s Well-Being Committee on Oct. 10, 2025, for a roundtable on defining your “rich life.” Explore how personal values, financial planning, and intentional choices can lead to greater well-being and satisfaction—both in and out of your legal practice.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on September 12, 2025.
9/12/25
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 16 to learn how to efficiently file a habeas petition using PACER. Expert panelists will walk you through the process step-by-step and offer practical tips to help you advocate effectively for detained clients.
9/12/25
Join AILA’s roundtable on Sept. 26 for a dialogue with AILA’s DOL Committee. Get key updates on prevailing wage determinations, labor certifications, and agency trends, and bring your questions for a live Q&A with committee members.
9/12/25
Practice Resources
The Verification and Documentation Committees provides a comprehensive chart on current status, key updates, and EAD notes for TPS and parole programs.
DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that if factual allegations in a claim for asylum, withholding, or CAT protection, viewed in the light most favorable to respondent, do not prove prima facie eligibility for relief or protection, an IJ may pretermit the applications. Matter of H—A—A—V—, 29 I&N Dec. 233 (BIA 2025)
Practice Resources
On September 2, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi reinstated two precedent decisions from the first Trump Administration: 1) Matter of A-B- (both "I" from 2018 and "II" from 2021) and 2) Matter of L-E-A-. These decisions restrict asylum eligibility based on domestic violence and family membership.
Practice Resources
In response to a recent call for examples, AILA's USCIS Operations and USCIS Benefits Policy Committee share the following practice pointer regarding the 60-day grace period for H-1B holders. AILA encourages members to continue to submit examples of NTA and Immigration Court outcomes.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOJ notice that it is withdrawing 16 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, and Supplemental Notices of Proposed Rulemaking; as well as 38 other previously announced regulatory actions. These include 16 EOIR items. (90 FR 43948, 9/11/25.)
Practice Resources
The AVITS visa scheduling system now utilizes a real time validation tool for the submission of form DS-160.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on September 11, 2025.
9/11/25
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court vacated the denial of petitioner’s Convention Against Torture (CAT) claim, holding that the BIA abused its discretion by ignoring unrebutted evidence that those who share certain traits of petitioner’s faced an increased likelihood of torture in Guyana. (McDougall v. Bondi, 9/5/25)
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held the IJ exceeded his authority to consider the circumstances of respondent’s conviction by making an adverse credibility finding as to respondent’s two child victims, in effect finding respondent factually innocent of the crime. Matter of Garcia-Flores, 29 I&N Dec. 230 (BIA 2025)
AILA Announcements
An Overview and Update on The Child Status Protection Act: Will It Ever Grow Up?
9/11/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE's Status Change Report launched in June 2025 as a resource to identify SAVE cases for benefit applicants with an Employment Authorization Document later revoked by DHS. The report data was last updated on 9/9/25 and will continue to be updated bi-weekly as new data becomes available.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOL announced updates to the Administrative Review Board website, including streamlined navigation, better access to research and guidance, and an FAQ page. The stated purpose is to improve workers’ ability to file, track, and process cases and allow the board to act with more transparency.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOL announced that from Friday 9/19/25 at 7:00 PM ET to Sunday, 9/21/25 at 11:00 PM ET, it will be conducting system maintenance on the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System. System users will not be able to access FLAG during this time.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC announcement providing information about a 9/10/25 Federal Register notice proposing to revise the application forms, instructions, appendices, and other information associated with the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program. Comments are due 11/10/25.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOL Notice of proposed changes to forms and instructions included in the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Labor Certification Program collection. Comments are due 11/10/25. (90 FR 43640, 9/10/25)
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on September 10, 2025.
9/10/25