Memo & Regulatory Comments
AILA submits a comment to USCIS urging the consideration of a tiered fee structure for Forms I-956 and I-956F and proposing clarifications for dependents of investors filing form I-829 without the investor, among other asks.
Visa Bulletins
USCIS determined that, for January 2026, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 18, 2025.
12/18/25
Practice Resources
On December 15, 2025, DHS published a Federal Register notice announcing that it is terminating Family Reunification Parole (“FRP”) processes announced, or updated, by DHS in 2023. The Verification and Documentation Committee provides details and compliance considerations in this practice alert.
Visa Bulletins
DOS posted the January 2026 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.
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.
Practice Resources
AILA’s EB-5 committee provides a practice pointer on the 9/30/2026 grandfathering deadline and provides considerations for skeleton filings and pre-filing based upon partial investments.
Professional Resources
The 2025 AILA Practice Pulse offers essential insights into the economics, technology, well-being, and trends shaping immigration law. Designed for all practice types, this data-rich study is a roadmap for the future of immigration law practice. Download now!
Practice Resources
Explore five categories of our well-being resources for what you need most right now.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee provides a practice alert on the 12/16/25 Presidential Proclamation expanding the 6/4/25 travel ban.
AILA Blog
AILA Law Journal authors Lisa Jacobs, Jessica Heldman, and Sarah Diaz share more about the inherent injustice in the use of juvenile records in immigration proceedings and why the practice, which causes irreparable harm to children, must stop.
12/17/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121767.
Practice Resources
AILA received confirmation from USCIS that the double edition dates on all form types were a technical error that has now been resolved. The edition date of 11/19/2025 is solely associated with the new Form I-140G.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 17, 2025.
12/17/25
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
ICE notice of extension of Forms I-312, Designation of Attorney in Fact, and I-312A, Revocation of Designation of Attorney in Fact, used by immigration bond obligors to designate or revoke designation of a third party to accept returned collateral. Comments are due 2/13/26. (90 FR 58027, 12/15/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced that, effective 12/12/25, USCIS will limit photos used to create immigration documents to those that were taken within three years of the date a person files a USCIS form. Photos must also be taken by USCIS or other authorized entities.
12/17/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121764.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE and E-Verify issued announcements regarding the termination of TPS for Ethiopia. The TPS designation and related benefits will terminate 2/13/26. Category A12 or C19 EADs issued under this designation will also expire 2/13/26.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that respondent’s repeated violations of workplace safety regulations, resulting in deaths of two employees, were significant adverse factors and weighed against a favorable exercise of discretion for cancellation purposes. Matter of Lema Mizhirumbay, 29 I&N Dec. 351 (BIA 2025)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petitioner failed to exhaust her challenge to the IJ’s determination that her second motion to reopen was numerically barred, and found that it lacked jurisdiction to review the BIA’s discretionary refusal to reopen proceedings sua sponte. (Herrera v. Bondi, 12/15/25)
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 El Centro Sector of California. The waiver is effective 12/16/2025. (90 FR 58258, 12/16/2025)
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, January 13.
12/16/25
AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
Agency Memos & Announcements
The White House released a fact sheet on the 12/16/25 Presidential Proclamation expanding the 6/4/25 travel ban, effective 1/1/26. It imposes full restrictions on 5 more countries and individuals with Palestinian Authority-issued documentation and partial restrictions on 15 more countries.
12/16/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121604.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
On 12/16/25, President Trump issued a proclamation continuing and expanding restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals from certain countries. Thirty-nine countries now have full or partial restrictions and individuals traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents are also barred entry.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that IJ’s predictive factual findings based on a series of suppositions regarding the harm respondent would likely suffer in Panama were clearly erroneous and did not support a grant of Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection. Matter of L–A–G–B–, 29 I&N Dec. 343 (BIA 2025)
Professional Resources
This suite of resources tailored to immigration law professionals seeking to understand, implement, and ethically navigate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their practice. Resources range from how-to guides and sample documents to expert-led CLE courses and updates on government use of AI.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA found the IJ erred in holding that respondent, who engaged in systemic criminal fraud for decades, warranted a favorable exercise of discretion for cancellation purposes based on his recent remorse and rehabilitative efforts while in prison. Matter of Kim, 29 I&N Dec. 339 (BIA 2025)
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 16, 2025.
12/16/25
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
ICE notice of extension of Electronic Bonds Online (eBonds) Access, which ICE uses to grant access to eBonds and to notify the public of the duties and responsibilities associated with accessing eBonds. Comments are due 2/13/25. (90 FR 58028, 12/15/25)
Agency Memos & Announcements
On 10/27/25, ICE issued Policy Memo 11066.2, rescinding prior guidance and affirming ICE's authority to request and use certain HHS data, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) information, for immigration enforcement when permitted by law.
Practice Resources
AILA’s EB-5 Committee provides a practice pointer regarding USCIS scrutiny of investor financing from affiliated lenders.
Congressional Updates
AILA sent a vote recommendation to House Members on 12/15/25 urging a NO vote on H.R. 4371, the Kayla Hamilton Act.
Practice Resources
AILA provides a practice pointer with what we know about the Gold Card, along with tips and ethical considerations for attorneys with clients considering the card.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2025-29) updating the policy manual to reflect a shortened photograph reuse policy. Effective 12/15/25, applicants may only reuse photographs previously collected at a biometric services appointment no more than 3 years before filing. Feedback is due 1/12/26.
12/15/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121531.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice that DHS Secretary is terminating the designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Termination will be effective 2/13/26. EADs issued under this designation will also expire 2/13/26. (90 FR 58028, 12/15/25)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice terminating Family Reunification Parole processes for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, effective 12/15/25. Parole under the programs terminates 1/14/26 except for those with pending Form I-485s submitted by 12/15/25. (90 FR 58032, 12/15/25)
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 15, 2025.
12/15/25
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the IJ erred in granting the respondent deferral of removal under the CAT where the record contained anecdotal reports of bribery in Haitian prisons and generalized violence by gangs against travelers or outsiders. Matter of W–F–, 29 I&N Dec. 319 (BIA 2025)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that it lacked jurisdiction to review the denial of the petitioner’s untimely asylum application and dismissed his withholding of removal claim, finding that he failed to exhaust the issue of government protection from gang violence. (Osabas-Rivera v. Bondi, 12/8/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that substantial evidence supported the denial of asylum, withholding, and CAT relief as to the petitioner, a Peruvian survivor of domestic violence, finding there was no nexus to a protected ground and a speculative fear of future torture. (De La Cruz-Quispe v. Bondi, 12/5/25)
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the respondent had not satisfied his burden of demonstrating that he was not a danger to the community given his inappropriate behavior with his stepdaughter and his criminal convictions for DUI and disturbing the peace. Matter of Dubon Miranda, 29 I&N Dec. 335 (BIA 2025)
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA found the applicant, who cooperated with law enforcement against CJNG, did not show a clear probability of torture, where his fear was based on unsubstantiated statements from a coconspirator and generalized evidence of cartel violence. Matter of J–C–A–G–, 29 I&N Dec. 331 (BIA 2025)
Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia effective Dec 12, 2025, with a 60-day transition period ending Feb 13, 2026, citing improved conditions that no longer threaten returning nationals’ safety.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee seeks examples of H-1B and H-4 visa appointments that were suddenly rescheduled in December 2025.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOL Committee provides recommendations on correctly filling out ETA Form 9141 and ETA Form 9089, including key practice guidance.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced updated instructions for all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants. Applicants must schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence or at the embassy or consulate designated for their country in the announcement.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced updated instructions for all immigrant visa (IV) applicants. Applicants must interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence, country of nationality (on request), or designated immigrant visa processing post (for certain countries).
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC issued technical release notes for an update to registration number linking ability. FLAG has updated the 9142B Registration Number linking to return matches for registration number records containing Primary Worksite MSAs, which were created in prior years but map to a current MSA value.
Practice Resources
AILA’s CBP Liaison Committee addresses the foreign terrorist organization notice that CBP is now providing to refused travelers.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia. The termination will be effective 2/13/26. An advance copy of the termination notice is available in the Federal Register.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced termination of categorical family reunification parole processes for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras and their family members. Parole under the programs will expire 1/14/26 unless the individual has a pending Form I-485 sent by 12/15/25.
Professional Resources
Many immigration lawyers are chronically sleep deprived, whether from stress, workload, or other factors. If this describes you, protect your good ethics record and foster personal well-being by reading this quick article on sleep debt and making changes to get valuable sleep.