FR Regulations & Notices
DHS and DOJ final rule, effective 10/14/26, for DHS to fine noncitizens for not departing during the VD period or after a final removal order, or for “improperly” entering the U.S. Unlike the IFR, it allows acceptance of late-filed appeals due to mail delivery issues. (91 FR 65390, 10/14/26)
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS notice of proposed rulemaking to end the policy of generally giving deference to a prior approval involving the same facts when adjudicating a request to extend a petition for a person’s employment or stay. Comments are due 11/13/26. (91 FR 65119, 10/14/26)
10/14/26
AILA Doc. No. 26101464.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS final rule affirming the October 2025 interim final rule that ended automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain EAD categories. The rule is effective 10/14/26. (91 FR 65306, 10/14/26)
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
DHS interim final rule to reduce the response period for a Notice of Intent to Terminate (NOIT) for refugees from 30 days to 10 days. The IFR is effective 10/14/26. Comments are due 11/13/26. (91 FR 65077, 10/14/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA's EOIR Committee shares this practice alert regarding an increase in the filing fee for a Notice of Appeal to the BIA from $1,030 to $1,060, effective 10/1/26. This new fee applies based on the date that Notice of Appeal is filed, not the payment date.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Blog
AILA Affiliated Paralegal Erick Assis shares how he has found it useful to apply "a layer of review that operates after the completeness check and before submission" ensuring that each piece of evidence maps to a specific element of the legal standard on the cases he works on.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 14, 2026.
10/14/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The district court approved a class action settlement agreement in a lawsuit relating to families who were apprehended together by the U.S. government at the U.S.-Mexico border between 1/20/17 and 1/20/21, but were then separated and kept apart. (Ms. L., et al. v. ICE, et al., 12/1/23)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Your AILA community starts here. Meet fellow new members, exchange insights, ask questions, and learn about the tools, resources, and opportunities available to help you succeed.
10/14/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The 20th edition of Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook provides expert analysis of the latest developments in immigration law. Whether you're researching complex issues or staying current on policy changes, this trusted resource offers the insight that you need. Get your copy today!
10/14/26
Accessible to Public.
USCIS proposes an interim final rule (IFR) regarding refugee cases USCIS intends to terminate, which significantly shortens the number of days an individual with refugee status has to respond to USCIS notification that it intends to terminate their refugee status.
Accessible to Public.
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.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 13, 2026.
10/13/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Federal court litigation is essential for immigration practitioners. The updated Litigating Immigration Cases in Federal Court delivers practical strategies, recent Supreme Court developments, and evolving precedent to help protect clients' rights. Order your copy today!
10/13/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee has received reports from members that the DS-260 now includes several new and expanded questions on travel history, spouses/partners, prior passports, and nationalities. The new questions have caused technical issues and raise concerns about the notice and comment process.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held a noncitizen who returns to a country of claimed persecution under advance parole abandons their application for asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protection absent compelling reasons, and that mandatory bars turn on the record. Matter of M–R–I–, 30 I&N Dec. 137 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the respondent did not show he was not a danger where he drove long-haul trucks without a valid commercial driver’s license, and that an ambiguous social connection and uncertain financial ability do not establish a valid sponsor. Matter of M–S–V–, 30 I&N Dec. 130 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
FR Regulations & Notices
CBP notice of proposed rulemaking on advance traveler information for rail. The rule would require rail carriers to transmit advance electronic traveler information to CBP for crew and passengers arriving in or departing from the U.S. via train. Comments are due 12/14/26. (91 FR 64840, 10/13/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee provides clarification regarding FBI Continual Monitoring letters, which is a federal government requirement that USCIS has now fulfilled by sending said letters. No action is required by legal representatives or their clients at this time.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Correspondence
On 9/15/26, DHS’s GC sent AILA a letter accusing immigration attorneys of causing the asylum backlog with “meritless” asylum applications. AILA responded with a letter defending attorneys from these baseless attacks and urging the Administration to adopt commonsense policies to reduce the backlog.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee reviews the reinstatement of IV and DV processing, and subsequent appointment cancellations for consular officers to receive training on public charge screening. This resource also provides practice tips to help members navigate new public charge assessments and procedures.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions
In the ongoing Medani v. Trump litigation, CLINIC filed an Emergency Motion for Supplemental Reliefs seeking an order reserving unused diversity visa numbers beyond the September 30 cut-off date for class members. On September 28, 2026, DOS filed a response in opposition. (Medani v. Trump, 9/28/26)
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 October 12, 2026.
10/12/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Family-based immigration law is increasingly complex. The updated edition of Immigration Law and the Family delivers practical strategies, legal analysis, and real-world guidance to help attorneys navigate challenges and protect clients. Order your copy today!
10/12/26
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies
On September 21, 2026, defendants in Medani v. Trump filed a Declaration of John Armstrong, Principal Deputy Assist Sec, DOS Bureau of Consular Affairs, as well as three official DOS cables.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a sample template for a public charge statement in support of an immigrant visa.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
The Court stayed DHS’s policy not to collect biometrics required for pending USCIS applications for people in ICE detention. The policy was announced in USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-28 in December 2025. (J.Z. v. DHS, 10/7/26)
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies
The DOS Liaison Committee has obtained sample public charge questions that have been given to immigrant visa applicants prior to their interviews in London, Paris, and Kingston.
Accessible to Public.
DOJ/EOIR Cases
BIA holds in Matter of B-S-A-N- that immigration judges should generally deny asylum applications filed by nationals of highly developed, democratic countries except in extraordinary circumstances. EU citizens are presumptively ineligible for a discretionary grant of asylum in the U.S.
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 October 9, 2026.
10/9/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Navigate today’s consular challenges with AILA’s updated Consular Practice Handbook. This essential guide offers timely insights on heightened scrutiny, shifting policies, and delays, plus practical strategies for complex cases and adverse decisions. Get your copy today!
10/9/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions
The Court stayed the 2025 IFR, “Imposition and Collection of Civil Penalties for Certain Immigration-Related Violations,” and associated fines while litigation continues. Under the rule, DHS issued fines of up to roughly $1.8 million to individuals for failure to depart. (Maria L. v Mullin, 9/30/26)
10/8/26
AILA Doc. No. 26100801.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA has received reports of rejections related to Form I-485, edition 9/18/2026. Examples are sought for rejections related to OMB expiration date variations and for pre-9/18/2026 postmarked filings. Examples should be submitted no later than 10/14/2026.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
The first week of October 2026 marks a new immigration enforcement surge across the U.S., including an operation specific to California called "Operation Safe California." The Administration is implementing increased ICE arrest quotas to out of status individuals even with no criminal history.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to impose new fees for each F-1 student to engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT). The fees would be $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT. Comments are due 11/9/26. (91 FR 64566, 10/8/26)
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 8, 2026.
10/8/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The 20th edition of Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook delivers authoritative analysis, updated case law, and comprehensive coverage of the latest developments. Stay informed, navigate change with confidence, and rely on the resource trusted by thousands of immigration practitioners. Order today!
10/8/26
Accessible to Public.
Memo & Regulatory Comments
AILA submitted a comment opposing the interim final rule (IFR) that would mandate e-filing for certain immigration forms. Drawing on a call for examples, the comment highlights the agency's lack of readiness for mandatory e-filing and the IFR's impact.
Accessible to Public.
Amicus Briefs/Alerts
AILA argues §237(a)(2)(E)(i)’s child abuse provision is not a unitary offense and that endangerment qualifies as child neglect only with a duty of care or conduct beyond non-injurious negligence. (Figueroa-Cruz v. U.S. Att’y Gen., 10/6/26)
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The newly updated AILA’s Guide to PERM Labor Certification is now shipping! Reorganized to follow the lifecycle of a PERM case, it features key updates on PERM law, policy, and practice, plus two new articles and 25 practical templates and tools. Order today!
10/7/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Governance
View the schedule of upcoming AILA Board of Governors meetings.
10/7/26
AILA Doc. No. 99900686.
Accessible to: Member.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 7, 2026.
10/7/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
Brittany Faith, member of the 2026 Fall Conference Planning Committee, highlights ways attendees of the 2026 AILA Fall Conference in Atlanta can balance demanding professional schedules with practical self-care and local activities, including recreation, wellness, culture, and sports options.
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, November 17.
10/6/26
AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 6, 2026.
10/6/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert regarding the expansion of online presence review to many NIV classifications beyond those previously covered.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Federal Agencies, Litigation Resources, Practice Resources
Getting a stay in front of the officers putting clients on planes; fact patterns that make a removal unlawful & cause of action each supports; jurisdictional & equitable defenses the government tends to raise; & once a removal has happened, how to obtain & enforce an order bringing the client back.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Blog
AILA member Remzi Güvenç Kulen examines how recent EB-1A adjudication trends are influencing immigration strategy for founders, emphasizing the role of evidence development, case sequencing, and the relationship between O-1A and EB-1A pathways.
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held an attorney suspended for submitting a brief containing artificial intelligence hallucinations and making false statements to the court regarding his AI use was properly subject to reciprocal discipline and suspended him for six months. Matter of Sethi, 30 I&N Dec. 112 (BIA 2026)
10/5/26
AILA Doc. No. 26100508.
Ethics
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Public Statements, Press Releases
AILA and partners filed a lawsuit challenging two administration policies that make it significantly harder or impossible for eligible immigrants already living in the United States to obtain lawful permanent residence — commonly known as a green card — without leaving the country.
Accessible to Public.