Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS issued a final rule implementing a weighted selection process that will generally favor the allocation of cap-subject H-1B visas to higher-paid workers. This rule will be effective on 2/27/26, in time for the FY 2027 registration season. (90 FR 60864, 12/29/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced it has stopped issuing visas to diversity immigrant visa (DV) applicants. Applicants may submit applications and attend interviews. DOS will keep scheduling appointments and generally will not reschedule or cancel existing appointments. This guidance does not impact existing visas.
Federal Court Cases
The Chamber of Commerce and AAU challenged the presidential proclamation restricting H-1B visas and imposing a $100,000 fee, claiming it exceeded legal authority. The court upheld the proclamation, ruling the President acted within broad statutory powers. (Chamber of Commerce v. DHS, 12/23/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petition was untimely under INA §242(b)(1), that the 30-day filing deadline is a mandatory claim-processing rule, that the government did not waive its timeliness objection, and that the prison mailbox rule did not render the petition timely. (Liao v. Bondi, 12/17/25)
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 24, 2025.
12/24/25
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
On 8/20/25, DOS Secretary delegated authority to Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration to determine if allowing a refugee or a national of a travel ban country entry to the U.S. is in the national interest and poses no threat to U.S. security or welfare. (90 FR 59635, 12/19/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2025-34) updating guidance in the Policy Manual to clarify when USCIS will allow confidentiality protections to apply in certain cases, such as VAWA self-petitions, T, and U visas. The guidance is effective 12/22/25. Feedback is due 1/22/26.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS published the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Paraguay for Cooperation in the Examination of Protection Requests. It was signed by representatives from DHS, DOS, and the Paraguayan National Commission for Stateless Persons and Refugees on 8/14/25. (90 FR 60114, 12/23/25)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOS request for comment on extension without change of Electronic Medical Examination for Visa or Immigration Benefit (eMedical). Comments are due 1/22/26. (90 FR 60217, 12/23/25)
Federal Court Cases, Featured Issues
DOS request for comment on extension without change of Medical Examination for Visa or Immigration Benefit (Forms DS-2054, DS-3025, DS-3026, and DS-3030.) The notice incorporates responses to a 4/17/25 notice in the Federal Register. Comments are due 1/22/26. (90 FR 60219, 12/23/25)
Practice Resources
A USCIS a policy alert on 11/3/25 stating that the grant of U nonimmigrant status to an individual in the U.S. is not an “admission” for purposes of adjustment of status under INA § 245(a). U nonimmigrants who obtained their status in the U.S. remain eligible for adjustment under INA § 245(m).
Practice Resources
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee provides this practice pointer to serve as guidance for practitioners preparing clients for USCIS field office interviews in light of increasing ICE actions at these locations.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
CBP’s Carrier Liaison Program (CLP) released updates regarding the posting of the Visa Bonds Pilot Program.
12/23/25
AILA Doc. No. 25122332.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced a final rule implementing a weighted selection process for cap-subject H-1B petitions that prioritizes higher-paid individuals, effective 2/27/26. It will be in place for the FY27 H-1B cap registration season. An advance copy of the rule, to be published on 12/29/25, is available.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 23, 2025.
12/23/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2025-33) updating guidance in the Policy Manual to clarify policies and requirements for individuals seeking classification as a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioner. This guidance is effective 12/22/25. Feedback is due 1/22/26.
12/22/25
AILA Doc. No. 25122241.
VAWA
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 Paso Sector of New Mexico. The waiver is effective 12/18/2025. (90 FR 59157, 12/18/2025)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOL notice of availability and request for comments on Application for Permanent Employment Certification. A related Federal Register notice with more substantive information on this collection was posted 7/7/25. Comments are due 1/21/26. (90 FR 59874, 12/22/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a Policy Alert (PA-2025-31) on new policy manual guidance addressing DOL’s adoption of the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system and its impact on certain immigrant visa petitions for professional athletes. The guidance is effective 12/18/25. Feedback is due 1/18/26.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced that it will increase the stipend for individuals who “self-deport” through the CBP home app to $3,000 until the end of the year.
12/22/25
AILA Doc. No. 25122237.
AILA Announcements
The House passed H.R. 4371, the Kayla Hamilton Act, and the Senate is now considering the legislation as S. 3054. Urge your Senators to vote NO and protect unaccompanied children.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR announced the investiture of Appellate Immigration Judge Roman Marian Chaban who was sworn in on 12/19/25. Judge Chaban previously served as EOIR Acting Deputy Director.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced that, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998, the U.S. will fully or partially suspend entry for and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, and individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority, effective 1/1/26.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy memo (PM-602-0193) placing an immediate hold on all adjustment of status, ancillary benefits, and associated waiver applications for applicants under the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program. It also directs a comprehensive review of program policies and procedures.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a Policy Alert (PA-2025-32) rescinding guidance in the policy manual to expedite processing of naturalization applications for certain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. The guidance is effective 12/19/25. Feedback is due 1/19/26.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 22, 2025.
12/22/25
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that where neither the respondent nor DHS appears at the hearing and DHS does not present evidence of removability in advance of the hearing, the IJ does not err in terminating proceedings without prejudice. Matter of Tepec-Garcia, et al., 29 I&N Dec. 371 (BIA 2025)
Executive Order, signed 12/18/25, closing all federal executive departments and agencies on 12/24/25 and 12/26/25. Department and agency heads may require some offices to remain open or some employees to work for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need. (90 FR 60545, 12/23/25)
12/19/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121943.
Press Releases
AILA President Jeff Joseph responds to the Trump Administration's recent changes, including the expansion of the ban and halt to the Diversity Visa program, noting the continued weaponization of "tragedies as a pretext to advance anti-immigrant policies" rather than actually make America safer.
12/19/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121940.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2025-30) updating the Policy Manual to incorporate the implementation of the immigration parole fee, established in HR-1. The guidance is effective 12/18/25 and applies to individuals paroled on or after 10/16/25.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the respondent did not establish a well-founded fear of persecution based on a pretextual summons for his political activity and country conditions evidence that political activists are detained and severely harmed in Moldova. Matter of N–P–A–, 29 I&N Dec. 347 (BIA 2025)
Memo & Regulatory Comments
On December 18, 2025, AILA submitted a comment opposing the 2025 Proposed Rule on Public Charge Grounds of Inadmissibility, and urged for the 2022 Public Charge Grounds of Inadmissibility to remain as the ruling authority on the matter.
Practice Resources
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert regarding the new Temporary Final Rule establishing a 12-month visa bond pilot program for B1/B2 visa applicants, and provides a list of countries subject to the visa bond.
AILA Governance
Bylaws of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), adopted on April 17, 2015, with amendments through December 19, 2025.
12/19/25
AILA Doc. No. 06141220.
Professional Resources
As 2025 ends, pause and plan for steady technology improvements in 2026, focusing on meaningful and manageable changes rather than overwhelming overhauls to get results.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 19, 2025.
12/19/25
Memo & Regulatory Comments
DOS acknowledged and adopted some of the DS-260 form changes suggested by AILA’s DOS Liaison committee in a comment submitted to the agency.
AILA Governance
Per Section 3.2 of AILA’s Bylaws, AILA President Jeff Joseph has called a Special Meeting of the Members on Tuesday, November 18 at 12:00 pm ET to present to the membership proposed amendments to AILA’s Bylaws.
12/19/25
AILA Doc. No. 25101609.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that IJ erred in finding that respondent, who had two convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI), had overcome the presumption that he lacked good moral character based on his care for his son and his history of employment. Matter of Palma-Olvera, 29 I&N Dec. 355 (BIA 2025)
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the IJ erred in concluding that the respondent was not a danger to the community, where the respondent threatened to kill someone, reacted negatively to law enforcement intervention, and used an alias to evade arrest. Matter of Rodriguez Pena, 29 I&N Dec. 358 (BIA 2025)
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that evidence that a respondent had a legal right to enter, live, work, and own property indefinitely in the country of proposed resettlement demonstrates that the respondent was offered “some other type of permanent resettlement.” Matter of L–T–A–, 29 I&N Dec. 362 (BIA 2025)
AILA Governance, AILA Announcements
Results of the 2025 Bylaws Amendments vote.
12/19/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121931.
Practice Resources
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a briefing on the contents of the December 2025 Visa Bulletin, with discussion of the December travel bans and the extension of the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) Category.
Federal Court Cases
In Neguse v. ICE, a federal judge stayed DHS’s Oversight Visit Policies for Members of Congress (MOC) under Section 705 of the Administrative Procedure Act, finding that the policies exceeded DHS’s statutory authority. The order applies to all MOC and has immediate effect. (Neguse v. ICE, 12/17/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS updated the list of countries subject to the visa bond pilot program established by the 8/5/26 temporary final rule to add Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan, to be implemented 1/1/26.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
The CBP Carrier Liaison Program issued a bulletin updating the list of countries that are exempt from the six-month rule and need only to have a passport valid for their intended period of stay.
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.