Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy memo (PM-602-0201) on good moral character evaluations for naturalization applicants USCIS deems to have willfully failed to support dependents; failed to meet sponsorship obligations; or obtained public benefits by illegal means or by intentionally avoiding self-sufficiency.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Stay current with AILA’s 2026 INA and CFR editions, featuring updated statutes, regulations, and helpful editorial notes for efficient research. Save with combo options and build a trusted immigration law reference library.
11/4/26
Accessible to Public.
Correspondence
AILA calls on the 120th Congress to take bold action on immigration by ending the Trump Administration's abuses and enacting solutions to build a faster, fairer, and more secure immigration system that works for Americans and advances the national interest.
11/4/26
AILA Doc. No. 26110401.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Public Statements
Following the midterm elections, AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson reflects on opportunities ahead for immigration law and the vital role AILA members can play in shaping meaningful change. He outlines AILA’s commitment to advancing practical solutions and preparing members for what comes next.
11/4/26
AILA Doc. No. 26110400.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on November 4, 2026.
11/4/26
Accessible to Public.
Press Releases
With election results giving Democrats control of Congress, AILA called on the incoming majority to move quickly from campaign promises to concrete action that restores accountability, strengthens the rule of law, and begins the long-overdue work of modernizing America’s immigration system.
11/4/26
AILA Doc. No. 26110461.
Congress
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AILA Announcements
On November 13, 2026, join AILA’s Well-Being Committee for a candid roundtable on navigating holiday gatherings after the election. Share strategies for maintaining relationships across differences, setting healthy boundaries, and finding joy and connection.
11/4/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
On November 13, 2026, learn best practices for responding when an immigration client is unexpectedly detained, including communicating with officers, gathering information, protecting the client’s rights and property, documenting the encounter, and taking immediate next steps.
11/4/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
On November 13, 2026, join AILA’s Family Section Steering Committee for a quarterly call featuring practical tips, tricks, and best practices for electronic filing. Connect with peers and strengthen your approach to family immigration practice.
11/4/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the IJ clearly erred in finding the respondent credible where late-filed asylum amendments did not merely add details but completely changed the nature and substance of his original claim, and he did not explain prior omissions. Matter of S–N–K–C–, 30 I&N Dec. 207 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the IJ erred in granting LPR cancellation in discretion by inadequately accounting for the nature, recency, and seriousness of the respondent’s criminal record, including drug convictions and a domestic violence arrest. Matter of Yang, 30 I&N Dec. 199 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
The landmark 20th edition of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook is now available on AILALink! Stay on top of the latest updates in immigration law with this essential resource at your fingertips. Access the new addition today or subscribe to try a 30-day trial!
11/3/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Public Statements, Press Releases
AILA ED Ben Johnson responded to reports that the Trump Administration plans to deport scores of Afghan immigrants to Pakistan where they are expected to then be sent back to danger in Afghanistan, stating that “America can enforce its immigration laws without abandoning our values.”
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
AILA Member Mustafa Cetin explains what happens when CBP refers travelers to secondary inspection, how visa cancellation, withdrawal, and expedited removal differ, and why reviewing immigration history before travel can head off problems at the airport.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on November 3, 2026.
11/3/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s EB-5 Committee provides guidance on regional center investor filings after September 30, 2026, detailing filing deadlines, benefit risks, investment recovery, and upcoming costs. EB-5 investors may file after September 30 but face reduced grandfathering protection if the program lapses.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held the IJ inadequately assessed flight risk by failing to address evidence concerning the respondent’s marriage, path to lawful status, residence, and sponsor, and that a pending asylum application alone does not mitigate flight risk. Matter of N–L–U–, 30 I&N Dec. 195 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the IJ erred in granting LPR cancellation as a matter of discretion because the respondent’s serious criminal history outweighed his positive equities and he presented no objective evidence of rehabilitation. Matter of Mata Rodriguez, 30 I&N Dec. 191 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the IJ’s finding of likely future torture was speculative where generalized country conditions evidence failed to establish a particularized risk or support the IJ’s finding that the respondent could not internally relocate. Matter of K–Y–V–R–, 30 I&N Dec. 203 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held it lacked jurisdiction over a petition challenging only an IJ’s negative reasonable-fear determination and recognized that Riley v. Bondi abrogated precedent permitting standalone review of withholding and CAT rulings. (Castro-Fuentes v. Blanche, 10/27/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that reinstatement orders remain reviewable after Riley but dismissed the petition as untimely, assuming without deciding that equitable tolling was available and finding that no extraordinary circumstance prevented timely filing. (Vizguerra-Ramirez v. Blanche, 10/26/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Join AILA on November 17, 2026, to tackle the asylum one-year filing bar. Learn to identify changed and extraordinary circumstances, satisfy the reasonable-period requirement, document exceptions, avoid pretermission, and address recent adjudication trends.
11/3/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Join AILA on November 4, 2026, to navigate the ethical and legal complexities of withdrawing a USCIS case. Panelists examine timing, informed consent, withdrawal risks, attorney misconduct, and ABA Model Rules to help immigration practitioners protect clients and meet professional duties.
11/3/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
On November 11, 2026, law students can learn how to build real-world immigration law experience through internships, clerkships, externships, pro bono work, and professional connections, with practical guidance for strengthening skills, résumés, and career readiness.
11/3/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced the annual determination of labor supply states (LSS). Changes include adding Texas to Michigan's Labor Supply Matrix and removing South Dakota from North Dakota's Labor Supply Matrix.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
AILA member Vaman Kidambi encourages everyone eligible to vote, writing “Rejecting past appeals to anger or fear, consider how your vote is likely to affect the defenseless, the vulnerable, the unrepresented, and those who will inherit the future.”
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA reaffirmed Matter of Yauri, holding that it generally will not exercise its discretion to reopen proceedings sua sponte for an arriving alien to pursue adjustment of status before USCIS. Matter of Pierre-Louis, 30 I&N Dec. 212 (BIA 2026)
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 November 2, 2026.
11/2/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Work smarter with AILA’s Immigration Law Practice and Procedure Manual, the trusted resource affectionately known as the “Cookbook.” Get practical guidance for preparing common immigration applications and petitions, plus more. Choose digital, print, or both, and order today!
11/2/26
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
DOL notice of availability and request for comments on the Housing Occupancy Certificate required under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. Comments are due 11/30/26. (91 FR 68558, 10/30/26)
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Join AILA on November 12, 2026, for practical guidance on organizational and job changes affecting PERM, I-140, and I-485 cases. Learn when to amend or refile, assess risks, address past changes, and advise clients planning restructures, mergers, acquisitions, or job releveling.
11/2/26
Accessible to Public.
Use this reference guide to quickly see a list of the AILA books, conference handbooks, and other primary and secondary sources included with a subscription to AILALink, our online immigration law library complete with the resources essential for practicing immigration law.
10/30/26
AILA Doc. No. 18022290.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS notice of the creation of a new Form I-936, Request for Waiver of Electronic Filing Requirement. Comments are due 11/30/26. (91 FR 68532, 10/30/26)
10/30/26
AILA Doc. No. 26103000.
Waivers
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
DHS final rule allowing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act of 1974 requesters to submit electronic payments via the Department's FOIA processing system on pay.gov or as otherwise directed by DHS and its components. The rule is effective 11/30/26. (91 FR 68447, 10/30/26)
10/30/26
AILA Doc. No. 26103066.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
Effective October 23, 2026, DOS has ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, amid Houthi attacks. Emergency consular assistance is available, but members should confirm routine appointment availability before clients travel for services.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the agency misunderstood the petitioner’s particular social group based on his bisexual orientation and erred by failing to give petitioner notice and a meaningful opportunity to present additional corroborating evidence to support his claim. (A.M. v. Blanche, 10/23/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that past persecution creates no presumption of future torture under the CAT, that substantial-evidence review governs CAT eligibility, and that the BIA may assess new evidence for reliability and probative value when deciding whether to remand. (Zahid v. Blanche, 10/20/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA reversed the IJ’s credibility finding and held that DHS proved by clear and convincing evidence the returning LPR engaged in illegal activity after departure and there was reason to believe she knowingly trafficked drugs. Matter of Ozuna Mendoza, 30 I&N Dec. 177 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that a conviction for assault and battery in the second degree in South Carolina, which requires a reckless mental state and the actual or attempted infliction of “moderate bodily injury,” is categorically for a CIMT. Matter of Mercader, 30 I&N Dec. 185 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
When immigration law puts up a roadblock, knowing the available remedies can make all the difference. The fifth edition of The Waivers Book offers practical strategies for waivers of inadmissibility and removability, other discretionary remedies, and selected digital samples.
10/30/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 30, 2026.
10/30/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
On November 10, 2026, join immigration leaders to unpack the election results, explore their potential impact on U.S. immigration policy, and hear AILA’s goals and strategy for the next Congress. This 60-minute Video Roundtable is free and exclusive to AILA members.
10/30/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
ICE posted ERO Delegation Order DO99-004 to the agency’s FOIA page. The order delegates authority to FODS, DFODs, and AFODs to revoke the release of certain individuals released on Orders of Supervision, even if there is no "significant likelihood of removal in the reasonably foreseeable future."
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 29, 2026.
10/29/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR announced the swearing in of 22 immigration judges and 4 temporary immigration judges. EOIR also provided biographical information for the new judges.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
DOJ notice of revision of Forms EOIR-42A, Application for Cancellation of Removal for Certain Permanent Residents and EOIR-42B, Application for Cancellation of Removal and Adjustment of Status for Certain Nonpermanent Residents. Comments due 11/25/26. (91 FR 53897, 8/20/26; 91 FR 67334, 10/26/26)
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
AILA Law Journal author David Grunblatt digs into the so-called “last action rule” shortcut and its implications, explaining that “administrative proxies are not inherently improper...The problem arises when the proxy stops assisting the legal analysis and starts replacing it.”
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
AILA's Guide to PERM Labor Certification, 2026 edition, provides an in-depth analysis of recent developments and practical guidance on recruitment, prevailing wage determinations, filing strategies, compliance obligations, and more. Add your copy to your legal library today!
10/29/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Public Statements, Press Releases
AILA ED Ben Johnson responded to the U.S. Supreme Court’s declining to take up the case regarding immigration judges’ authority to administratively close cases, stating that the Trump Administration has “coopted the courts to advance its mass deportation campaign.”
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The 20th edition of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook is here, bringing practitioners authoritative analysis and comprehensive coverage of today’s rapidly evolving immigration law landscape. Add the latest edition to your practice library today!
10/28/26
Accessible to Public.