Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 7, 2025.
10/7/25
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, October 14.
10/7/25
AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA violated its own precedent by giving substantial weight to police reports from the Haitian petitioner’s arrests that did not result in convictions without corroborating evidence, and thus remanded his claim for adjustment of status. (Maurice v. Bondi, 10/2/25)
Professional Resources
Ensuring against workplace violence starts with an understanding of what it is, what increases risk, and making a plan to reduce risks and respond to emergencies effectively. AILA has researched and compiled the essential resources you need to make an emergency plan for your office.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court found that BIA misapplied the particularly serious crime framework for petitioner’s asylum and withholding claims, failed to properly assess his Convention Against Torture (CAT) claim, and failed to inform him of eligibility for an INA §212(h) waiver. (Amos v. Att’y Gen., 10/1/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA failed to give reasoned consideration to extensive expert testimony and country-conditions evidence regarding the risk of torture to the Mexican petitioner, and thus remanded petitioner’s Convention Against Torture (CAT) claim. (Uc Encarnacion v. Bondi, 9/30/25)
Join the 2025 AILA California Chapters Conference, Nov. 13–15 in Long Beach or via webcast. Gain insights on cutting-edge immigration issues from top experts while earning CLEs and connecting with colleagues statewide. Don’t miss this premier West Coast event!
10/7/25
Practice Resources
AILA provides a brief summary of ICE's operation targeting minors, including what is known so far as well as some suggested next steps for legal service providers
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted an emergency motion to enforce the 2021 court ruling that prevents ICE from illegally locking up UACs in adult detention centers once they turn 18. (Garcia Ramirez, et al. v. ICE, et al., 10/4/25)
Practice Resources
The USCIS Benefits Policy Committee provides this practice alert highlighting recent USCIS policy memos impacting naturalization and considerations members should take in response.
Practice Resources
The Verification and Documentation Committees provides a comprehensive chart on current status, key updates, and EAD notes for TPS and parole programs.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 6, 2025.
10/6/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS provided updates regarding some 2026 Diversity Visa program entrants from Cuba and Great Britain (and dependent areas) receiving incorrect Entrant Status Check results. Cuba is not eligible for the 2026 program year. Entrants from Great Britain should confirm whether their entry was selected.
10/6/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100600.
DACA
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 9 to explore the ethical implications of recalendaring administratively closed cases. Learn how to navigate client communication, case strategy, and professional responsibility in light of evolving EOIR policies.
10/6/25
AILA Blog
In this blog post, AILA Chicago Chapter Citizenship Day Coordinator Megan Davis describes how the Chicago Chapter partnered with community organizations and held a successful and inspiring AILA Citizenship Day, helping people take those final steps toward naturalization.
10/3/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100333.
Practice Resources, Immigration News
Stay Updated: Insights & Updates from the Steering Committee – October Email
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 others.
Federal Court Cases
The Administration filed a response in Texas v. United States outlining a plan to resume processing initial DACA applications for applicants residing outside of Texas. The plan is contingent on court approval, and USCIS has not provided a timeline if is is approved. (Texas v. United States, 9/29/25)
10/3/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100361.
DACA
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 3, 2025.
10/3/25
Tutorial Videos, Professional Resources
“Don’t forget to breathe.” People say this all the time, but it is amazing how we forget our breath in the midst of chaos. Watch this short video by Ritu Goswamy, an AILA member and lawyer consultant, to learn an exercise to center oneself anywhere, anytime.
AILA Announcements
Join AILA’s live online course, AI Essentials: Custom GPTs, running Oct. 14–28, 2025. Learn to build and safely use GPTs in your immigration practice. Enhance efficiency and streamline workflows. Full course available as a recording after the live sessions conclude.
10/3/25
AILA Announcements
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule that would restrict access to immigration pathways critical to America’s innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Use AILA's Advocacy Tool to get involved by submitting a comment.
10/3/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100211.
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 16 to learn how to efficiently file a habeas petition using PACER. Expert panelists will walk you through the process step-by-step and offer practical tips to help you advocate effectively for detained clients.
10/3/25
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOL is issuing an interim final rule as well as a request for comment on its proposal to revise the methodology of determining the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for non-range occupations. Comments are due 12/1/25. (90 FR 47914, 10/2/25).
Practice Resources
AILA provides an update to its practice alert on the proclamation restricting the entry of those in H-1B status without payment of a new $100,000 fee. AILA continues to monitor the situation and will provide necessary updates.
Professional Resources
Check out these five practical tips to hone your skills in the art of managing up.
Professional Resources
An attorney’s threat to escalate a client’s threats to court could be viewed as corrosive or extortive. The decision to threaten prosecution or discuss criminal liability shouldn’t be taken lightly. Learn more about threats and an attorney’s duty of professionalism in this ethics article.
10/2/25
AILA Doc. No. 23110102.
Ethics
Examples & Questions
AILA’s EB-5 Committee is seeking specific examples of NTAs issued to immigrant investors and their family members.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOL H-2 Subcommittee shares a brief summary of the H-2A Final Rule, including a few do's and don'ts that may help members navigate the new process.
Policy Briefs
The Trump administration's immigration policies targeting highly skilled immigrants threatens to weaken the U.S. economy through undercutting innovation and not providing ample opportunity for potential talent to stay and contribute.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS will fully restore Hungary’s status in the Visa Waiver Program, following the country’s completion of steps to address vulnerabilities.
Agency Memos & Announcements, DOL/BALCA Cases
Chief Administrative Law Judge, Stephen Henley, issued an order for cancellation of certain proceedings, tolling deadlines, & suspended filing before the Office of Administrative Law Judge as a direct result of lapse in funding for the DOL. Operations will resume 5 business days following reopening.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 2, 2025.
10/2/25
AILA Announcements
Help us tailor AILA’s member benefits to better serve your practice. Take our quick 3-question survey on client referrals—your input will help shape valuable tools and services. It only takes a minute to make a meaningful impact!
10/2/25
Memo & Regulatory Comments
Despite having taken effect on September 21, 2025, there remain many outstanding questions on the implementation of the H-1B proclamation and collection of the $100,000 fee. AILA seeks answers on these questions from various Administration agencies, including the White House.
Agency Memos & Announcements
E-Verify announced that the program is currently unavailable due to the government shutdown. New temporary policies are now in place, including suspending the three-day rule for creating E-Verify cases and extending the period for employees to resolve mismatches.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court denied the petition for review as to cancellation of removal, but found that the BIA abused its discretion by treating the petitioner’s asylum appeal as waived, and thus remanded for the BIA to address the merits of the petitioner’s asylum appeal. (Rangel-Fuentes v. Bondi, 9/29/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOJ published a contingency plan for DOJ operations in case of a lapse in appropriations. For EOIR, the plan states that cases “involving detained respondents” will move forward during the shutdown. It does not address non-detained dockets.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOL Committee provides a brief overview regarding the newly announced Project Firewall, which is slated to increase enforcement around the H-1B program. Among the most notable changes is that the Secretary of Labor, and not WHD, will certify initiation of investigations.
Federal Court Cases
DOJ has filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin County, Minnesota Attorney General, and Hennepin County Sheriff alleging that their sanctuary policies are unlawful and interfere with federal immigration enforcement efforts. (U.S. v. Minnesota, et.al., 9/29/25)
10/1/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100107.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS notice of request to collect biographic and employment information on immigration forms in accordance with EO 14161. Comments due 10/31/25. (90 FR 47318, 10/1/25).
10/1/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100106.
Client Flyers
AILA provides an easy flyer for you to share with your clients to help them understand what happens to immigration-related agencies during a government shutdown.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Acting Deputy Director Roman Chaban issued a policy memo (PM 25-52) rescinding OPPM 97-8, Naturalization Oath Ceremonies, that has been in effect for over 25 years. The memo notes that procedures and guidance in the memo are outdated and no longer needed to perform naturalization ceremonies.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
HHS request for public comment regarding the revision of several ORR forms related to placement and transfer of unaccompanied children into ORR facilities. HHS is requesting a 180-day approval for this request under procedures for expedited processing. Comments due 12/1/25. (90 FR 46898, 9/30/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced an upcoming final rule, effective 10/2/25, that will allow USCIS to begin processing petitions for H-2A workers as DOL reviews the request. DHS will also introduce a new form to facilitate this process, Form I-129H2A, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: H-2A Classification.
Liaison Minutes
AILA’s CBP Liaison Committee plans to meet with CBP officials in Washington, D.C. on October 17, 2025. Read the proposed agenda.
Immigration News
The September 2025 GMS E-Bulletin contains the latest updates from around the Globe, new GMS members, and useful information for your practice!
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides an update on consular services in the event of a U.S. government shutdown.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 1, 2025.
10/1/25
Practice Resources
AILA National shares information on how federal agencies may be affected as a result of the government shutdown. This page will continue to be updated as more information is received.
Professional Resources
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is understanding your emotions as well as others’, and being able to communicate with them in healthy ways. This article illustrates how immigration lawyers can apply EQ in many daily instances and offers resources for expanding your EQ.