Immigration News
The June-July 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, Paralegal, International Associate.
Examples & Questions
The EOIR committee is requesting AILA Members provide examples of delays in receiving notice (or instances of not receiving notice) to further illustrate current issues with notice from EOIR.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that a New Hampshire conviction for witness retaliation was not an aggravated felony offense relating to obstruction of justice under INA §101(a)(43)(S), so it did not render petitioner removable as an aggravated felon under INA §237(a)(2)(A)(iii). (Bangs v. Blanche, 8/11/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the only statutory or regulatory time requirement to safeguard a noncitizen’s privilege of counsel is that the first hearing not occur earlier than 10 days after service of the Notice to Appear (NTA) under INA §239(b)(1). Matter of A–K–R–, 29 I&N Dec. 839 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Federal Court Cases
A coalition of organizations filed a complaint and motion for preliminary injunction challenging the DHS final rule ending the Duration of Status framework for F, J, and I visa holders. (Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. DHS, 8/18/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued updated Policy Manual guidance on making public charge inadmissability determinations following rescission of the 2022 final rule, effective 9/18/26. It covers categories subject to and exempt from public charge determinations, factors and evidence to consider, and public charge bonds.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS posted an update on the expedited B visa appointment pilot program. It has expanded from Mission Mexico (effective 7/21/26) to Mission Canada, Embassy Bogota, Embassy Guatemala City, Embassy San Jose, and Embassy Tegucigalpa (effective 8/18/26).
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that provisional waiver regulations do not shield noncitizens from removal while pursuing I-601A waivers, and vacated summary judgment because the record did not show the government used the process to target plaintiffs for removal. (Sanchez, et al. v. Mullin, et al., 8/14/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Correspondence
There remain many outstanding questions not answered by duration of status final rule or its preamble, especially relating to the transition period. AILA seeks answers to these questions from ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2026-09) on revised Policy Manual guidance on the public charge ground of inadmissibility following rescission of the 2022 final rule. The revision provides guidance on making public charge determinations and the public charge bond process. It is effective 9/18/26.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
We know August is a busy month, so we've extended the special member discount on the 20th edition of Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook through August 20. Reserve your copy today before this incredible offer ends!
8/18/26
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on August 18, 2026.
8/18/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE and E-Verify posted updates on the status of EADs for TPS holders from Sudan. Sudan's TPS designation and related benefits are set to terminate on 10/19/26. EADs issued under this designation are extended until 10/19/26.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE and E-Verify posted updates on the status of EADs for TPS holders from Ukraine. TPS designation of Ukraine and related benefits are set to terminate on 10/19/26. EADs issued under this designation are extended until 10/19/26.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR issued a fact sheet on the training program for immigration judges. The initial training is five weeks long, with additional ongoing training.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
CDC notice extending the Title 42 Order covering non-citizens who were present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan in the last 21 days. The order took effect 8/12/26 and expires 9/11/26. Comments are due 9/1/26. (91 FR 53252, 8/17/26)
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2026-08) temporarily reverting to earlier policy guidance permitting NGOs to distribute and collect voter registration applications and register new citizens to vote at administrative oath ceremonies, to comply with the court order in League of Women Voters v. USCIS.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE and E-Verify posted updates on the termination of TPS and related benefits for Somalia. Somalia's TPS designation is terminated, effective 8/14/26. EADs with category A12 or C19 issued to TPS Somalia beneficiaries are no longer valid.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
In 2025, DHS published an interim final rule (IFR) amending DHS regulations to designate a new registration form for noncitizens and additional documentation that may serve as evidence of registration. On June 29, 2026 the final rule was published which modified portions of the IFR.
8/17/26
AILA Doc. No. 25042204.
Accessible to: Member, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
On August 14, 2025, the First Circuit Court of Appeals granted the government's request to stay the vacatur of the Comprehensive Re-Review Policy pending appeal. USCIS may resume re-review of cases approved for travel ban nationals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
AILA’s Fraud Victim Task Force supports members assisting clients affected by Alexandra Lozano’s firm closure. This resource hub offers guidance, training, and information-sharing to promote ethical immigration practice and coordinated client support.
Accessible to: Member, Student, International Associate.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court granted a partial stay to allow the government to continue its Comprehensive Re-Review Policy, which directs USCIS personnel to re-review all approved cases for people from travel ban countries who entered the U.S. on or after 1/20/21, while litigation continues. (Dorcas v. USCIS, 8/14/26)
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on August 17, 2026.
8/17/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Get fast access to the immigration statutes and regulations you use every day with AILA’s updated 2026 editions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Immigration Regulations (CFR). Explore bundles and combo options to save.
8/17/26
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Homero Calderón was arrested by ICE despite having pending applications with USCIS. AILA’s Shev Dalal-Dheini called his case “symbolic of so many other individuals who are stuck in processing backlogs … individuals doing the right thing by filing their applications timely.”
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE and E-Verify posted updated on the status of EADs for TPS holders from El Salvador. TPS designation of El Salvador and related benefits are set to terminate on 9/9/26. EADs issued under this designation are extended until 9/9/26.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE and E-Verify announced that Status Change Reports now include invalidated EADs for categories C08 (asylum applicant), C09 (adjustment of status applicant under INA §245), A12 (TPS holder) and C19 (TPS applicant). Previously, it included only category C11 (parolee) EADs.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC announced it has published an updated list of the names of foreign labor recruiters for the H-2B program as required by 20 CFR 655.9(c).
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC released public disclosure data and selected program statistics through Q3 of FY26 for the PERM, LCA (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3), H-2A, H-2B, CW-1, and Prevailing Wage programs. This data includes all OFLC final determinations for these programs.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Did you know that AILA members receive discounted rates for the Spanish for Lawyers Courses offered by the American University Washington College of Law? Get more info about the courses and register today!
8/17/26
Accessible to Public.
Client Flyers
AILA provides an easy flyer for you to share with your clients to provide an overview of nonimmigrant visa processing in the United States. There are two versions available: a generic PDF version and a customizable Word version. Share widely.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS will publish revised editions of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization on 9/15/26. These editions will be required, and versions of the forms rejected, beginning 9/15/26.
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the serious-nonpolitical-crime bar’s “serious reasons for believing” standard requires only probable cause, and that substantial evidence supported the BIA’s conclusion that the government met its burden of establishing probable cause. (Spindola v. Blanche, 8/7/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that substantial evidence supported the BIA’s conclusion that no protected ground was a reason for petitioner’s harm, where robberies were for financial gain and threats were revenge, and thus upheld the denial of asylum and related claims. (Monzon Guzman v. Blanche, 8/7/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Public Statements, Press Releases
AILA President Jeff Joseph reacted to the BIA decision overruling Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly, noting that it "flipflops on 14 years of well-settled law and policy" and is another example of the Administration "pulling the rug out from under families and workers trying to do the right thing."
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on August 14, 2026.
8/14/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The Consular Practice Handbook provides practical, up-to-date guidance on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing, interview preparation, inadmissibility issues, delays, refusals, and more. Stay current and order your copy today.
8/14/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
AILA members have less than one week left to save 25% on the 20th edition of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook. Updated with the latest immigration law and practice developments, this essential reference is available at a discount through August 17. Order today.
8/13/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held the departure bar regulation, 8 CFR §1003.2(d), conflicts with the motion to reopen statute, INA §240(c)(7), and thus found that the BIA abused its discretion in denying petitioner’s statutory motion to reopen and in holding it lacked jurisdiction. (Lacsina v. Blanche, 8/6/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that a Georgia state court sentence “clarification” order issued by a different judge more than six years after the sentencing order and after respondent had been placed into removal proceedings was not valid for immigration purposes. Matter of Boye, 29 I&N Dec. 826 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the agency’s adverse credibility finding as to the Afghan petitioner’s employment history and prior imprisonment was not supported by substantial evidence, and that the agency failed to meaningfully consider key evidence supporting his claims. (Eqbal v. Blanche, 8/6/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS released a fact sheet on its establishment of a new Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force that reviews visa holders activities “to identify instances of birth tourism, take action to revoke visas of those who engage in or facilitate it, and dismantle the networks that profit from this abuse.”
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
AILA Supervisory Policy and Practice Counsel Kate Angustia describes how the Trump Administration's "hub" system for visa processing in Africa will lead to months or years of delays, family separation and workforce disruption, among other harm.
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA overruled Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly, holding that departure from the United States pursuant to a grant of advance parole is a “departure” within the meaning of INA §212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II). Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, 29 I&N Dec. 830 (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 August 13, 2026.
8/13/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
In the AILA Law Journal article “Detained by Design: How AI-Driven Risk Assessment Algorithms Undermine Justice in Humanitarian Immigration Cases,” Abhilasha Khanal examines due process concerns and the impact of AI on humanitarian immigration cases—free to all AILA members.
8/12/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
When family unity is at stake, reliable guidance matters. Immigration Law and the Family provides practical guidance, in-depth analysis, and real-world insights to help practitioners navigate evolving issues with confidence. Strengthen your practice and order your copy today.
8/12/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On August 11, USCIS published an Interim Final Rule establishing a framework for mandatory e-filing. The USCIS Operations Committee provides this alert explaining the process by which USCIS can mandate that certain forms are filed electronically and how individuals may apply for a waiver.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held the IJ denied petitioner a reasonable opportunity under INA §240(b)(4)(B) to show third country removal would subject her citizen daughters to exceptional and extremely unusual hardship, and the BIA erred in rejecting her claim of procedural error. (Keita v. Blanche, 8/4/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held an EOIR complaint satisfies Matter of Lozada’s third requirement, that substantial compliance satisfies Lozada’s procedural requirements, and that the BIA abused its discretion in denying reopening. (Pasqual-Andres v. Att’y Gen., 8/4/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.