AILA Announcements, Federal Agencies
DHS will publish an NPRM changing EAD application requirements for asylum seekers. It would stop acceptance of asylum seekers' applications when average affirmative asylum processing time is over 180 days, extend the wait to apply to a year, and change processing time and eligibility requirements.
Accessible to Public.
Featured Issues, Policy Briefs
AILA presents a series of policy briefs examining the real‑world consequences of the Trump Administration’s first year and outlining a forward‑looking framework for reform. Together, these briefs show why America needs a better way forward and how we can achieve it.
2/20/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021804.
Accessible to Public.
Visa Bulletins
USCIS determined that, for March 2026, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.
Accessible to Public.
Visa Bulletins
DOS posted the March 2026 Visa Bulletin with updates on “Final Action Dates,” “Dates for Filing,” the Diversity Visa program, availability of family-sponsored and employment-based visas, extension of the Employment Fourth Preference Religious Workers category, Special Immigrant Visas, and more.
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that a background check remand is limited to the IJ's consideration of DHS’s background check results and issuance of a final order on the underlying relief, and that any new relief must be sought through a separate motion to reopen. Matter of L–S–C–R–, 29 I&N Dec. 451 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
The Verification and Documentation Committees provides a comprehensive chart on current status, key updates, and EAD notes for TPS and parole programs.
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 20, 2026.
2/20/26
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
The January 2026 GMS E-Bulletin provides the latest updates from around the Globe, introductions of new GMS members, and useful information for your practice!
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal, International Associate.
Professional Resources
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is understanding your emotions as well as others’, and being able to communicate with them in healthy ways. This article illustrates how immigration lawyers can apply EQ in many daily instances and offers resources for expanding your EQ.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Equip your staff with AILA’s Guide to Immigration Law for Paralegals. This clear, practice‑focused reference helps paralegals master core immigration concepts, procedures, and case support so they can assist attorneys more effectively—every day. Order the guide today.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Join us from 4/28 - 5/12 for a hands-on, beginner-friendly online course that offers participants the skills to use Microsoft 365 Copilot today, to improve writing, streamline office work, reduce research time, and build safe workflows.
2/20/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
DOL announced that it will be conducting system maintenance on the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System on 2/19/26, 9:00-11:00 PM ET. System users will not be able to access FLAG during this time.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
AILA Directors of Government Relations Greg Chen and Shev Dalal-Dheini introduce AILA’s A Better Way on Immigration policy brief series about the Trump Administration’s destructive changes to the immigration system and the key steps to build a system that reflects our values and benefits us all.
2/19/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021903.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOS and DOL Committees provide an update on visa issuance pause for commercial truck drivers, including guidance from Mission Mexico, and updates on the injunction to Dept. of Transportation (DOT) Interim Final Rule.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
You know a deepfake photo or video when you see one... Right? Wrong. As these items get better, systems for verification become increasingly important.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
On February 18, 2026, Judge Sykes vacated the Board’s decision in Matter of Yajure Hurtado. AILA urges members to submit this order with bond requests and report IJ responses. The Acacia Center is also collecting data on bond decisions post-Maldonado Bautista.
2/19/26
AILA Doc. No. 26011404.
Accessible to Public.
Policy Briefs
This brief explores the impact of recent changes to USCIS policy promoting “extreme vetting” and how a smarter, risk‑based approach to screening and vetting can enhance security while preserving fairness, efficiency, and constitutional principles.
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The District Court for the Central District of California ruled that DHS is continuing to detain individuals who are eligible to receive bond in violation of the case's final judgement. The ruling also vacates the BIA's decision in Matter of Yajure Hurtado. (Matter of Maldonado Bautista, 2/18/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Policy Briefs
Significant changes at DOS have weakened U.S. economic power, global influence, and credibility by slowing and halting visa processing. This brief analyzes these changes and how DOS can leverage and improve upon proven tools to safeguard national security and advance prosperity.
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.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
USCIS and ICE Directors released a memo stating USCIS and ICE policy on detaining refugees who have not applied to adjust to LPR status after one year. DHS will arrest such refugees and may detain them for the duration of the inspection and examination process.
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 19, 2026.
2/19/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Take the guesswork out of PERM with AILA’s Guide to PERM Labor Certification. This comprehensive, practice‑ready resource delivers clear strategy, step‑by‑step guidance, and proven templates to help you navigate recruitment, wages, audits, and appeals with confidence. Order your copy today.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
Member Experience Committee members Roman Zelichenko, Whitney Wootton & Elizabeth Wood describe how local chapters help “us meet colleagues, share information, and build real friendships that make our work easier,” as they offer some simple ways to plug in and participate.
2/18/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021803.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Join the Business Section for their February 2026 quarterly call.
2/18/26
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 18, 2026.
2/18/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee provides a resource with recommended strategies for practitioners assisting their clients with H-1B appointment cancellations, TCN filings, and expedite requests.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that, based on the petitioner’s extensive allegations and evidence of marriage fraud regarding the approved visa petition, the record should be returned to USCIS to further consider the visa petition and take action as warranted. Matter of Jin, 29 I&N Dec. 441 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Tutorial Videos
This video provides six steps attorneys can take when faced with procrastination.
Speaker: Ritu Goswamy
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petitioner automatically became a U.S. citizen when his mother naturalized in 1998, because his paternity had not been established “by legitimation” under the then-governing derivative citizenship statute, former INA §321(a)(3). (Lopez v. Bondi, 2/13/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the IJ and BIA abused their discretion by applying a categorical rule that traffic delays cannot constitute exceptional circumstances to reopen in absentia removal orders and failed to consider the totality of the circumstances. (Montejo-Gonzalez v. Bondi, 2/5/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, 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.
2/18/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The AILA Law Journal seeks submissions related to immigration and the expansion of executive authority for its Fall 2026 issue. Articles must be within the range of 2,500-7,000 words, including citations. The submission deadline is 7/13/26.
2/18/26
AILA Doc. No. 19072960.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Join us for the 2026 AILA Spring CLE Conference and Webcast to get an insider’s view of what is happening at the government agencies. Agency officials and AILA liaison committee members will discuss the latest regulatory and policy initiatives affecting your practice and clients.
2/18/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Handle citizenship cases with confidence using AILA’s newly updated U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Law Toolbox. This practical resource delivers clear analysis, checklists, and tools for naturalization, citizenship claims, denaturalization, and more. Get the Toolbox today.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOS request for comments on the extension without change of Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. Comments are due 4/20/26. (91 FR 7362, 2/17/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s H-1B Cap Working Group FY 2027, comprised of members from the USCIS Operations Committee and USCIS Benefits Policy Committee, provide the following pointer on the most up-to-date information regarding H-1B cap-subject registration for FY 2027. This resource will be updated as needed.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
OFLC released public disclosure data through Q1 of FY26 and selected program statistics for Q1 of FY26 for the PERM, LCA (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3), H-2A, H-2B, CW-1, and Prevailing Wage programs.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) published a list of the names and locations of foreign labor recruiters for the H-2B program who are associated with applications processed or issued final decisions during the first quarter of FY26, 10/1/25-12/31/25.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
SAVE and E-Verify issued updates on the impact of a 2/2/26 court order in Lesly Miot v. Trump staying the termination of TPS for Haiti, which was set for 2/3/26. TPS Haiti beneficiaries will keep their status and employment authorization, and category A12 and C19 EADs remain valid and are extended.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice that the DHS Secretary has determined it is necessary to waive certain legal requirements in order to construct barriers and roads near the international border in the U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector of Texas. The waiver is effective 2/17/26. (91 FR 7297, 2/17/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On February 9, 2026, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in National TPS Alliance, et. al v. Noem et. al granted the government’s request to stay a December 31, 2025 district court order that had continued TPS for Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua. Please see practice alert for employer implications.
Accessible to: Member, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
On February 2, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a decision indefinitely postponing the Administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Please see this practice alert for information on impact to employees and employers of TPS Haiti beneficiaries.
Accessible to: Member, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
USCIS announced that the cap was reached for the additional 18,490 H-2B visas made available by the H-2B supplemental cap TFR for the first allocation of returning workers of FY26 with 1/1/26-3/31/26 start dates. On 2/13/26, USCIS conducted a random selection process to allocate the visas.
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s CBP Committee requests examples of negative outcomes at Abu Dhabi Preclearance related to extended absences outside of the U.S. and mentions of LCA compliance for international remote work. Deadline to submit examples is 5pm ET, Monday, March 30, 2026.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Read up on three ways to increase your firm’s profitability.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Prepared by Lawfully in collaboration with AILA’s Innovation & Technology Committee, this report analyzes 2025 employment-based USCIS case data, including a gap in official statistics for July–September 2025. It reveals observable processing patterns and provides clearer insights for practitioners.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that noncitizens present in the United States who were never admitted or paroled are applicants for admission under INA §235(a)(1) and are subject to mandatory detention under INA §235(b)(2)(A) during removal proceedings. (Buenrostro-Mendez v. Bondi, 2/6/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA abused its discretion in denying the petitioner’s motion to reopen his removal proceedings, finding that the BIA failed to provide sufficient reasons or apply the proper equitable tolling analysis concerning reasonable diligence. (Pinilla Perez v. Bondi, 2/5/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 17, 2026.
2/17/26
Accessible to Public.