Practice Resources
USCIS has delayed collecting new fees for certain immigration benefit requests until it can operationalize its processes. AILA expects USCIS to provide details on the implementation in the coming days.
Correspondence
AILA letter to USCIS urgently requesting adjudication of pending immigrant visa petitions for approved EB-5 beneficiaries in reserved categories by 9/30/25.
Correspondence
AILA's EB-5 Committee sent a letter to DOS urgently requesting adjudication of pending immigrant visa applications for approved EB-5 beneficiaries in reserved categories by 9/30/25.
Practice Resources
National Immigration Forum provides a fact sheet on denaturalization, including the main reasons people can be denaturalized, limits on denaturalization, denaturalization of military service members and veterans, impacts on family members, concerns around broad denaturalization efforts, and more.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
AILA provides a continually updated list of press releases announcing deaths in adult immigration detention.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on July 23, 2025.
7/23/25
AILA Announcements
New to immigration law? Establish a solid foundation with AILA’s CLE-eligible Fundamentals Online Course. This self-paced program, developed by expert faculty, covers essential concepts, procedures, and terminology—ideal for new practitioners and staff.
7/23/25
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a briefing on the contents of the August 2025 visa bulletin.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOJ notice of extension of Form EOIR-31A, Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal of Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative, used to request initial or renewed accreditation of a non-attorney representative to appear in EOIR or DHS immigration proceedings. (90 FR 34011, 7/18/25)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOS Secretary Rubio delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs the authority to determine that travel by a foreign national would serve a United States national interest to warrant an exception to entry restrictions imposed by Presidential Proclamation 10949. (90 FR 34568, 7/22/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Acting Deputy Director issued Policy Memorandum (PM) 25-37 (Amended), “Classified Information in EOIR Proceedings.” The PM consolidates and updates EOIR policies regarding the handling of classified information in EOIR adjudicatory proceedings, superseding OCIJ OPPM 24-01 and BIA OPPM 24-01.
7/22/25
AILA Doc. No. 25072205.
AILA Announcements
The Department of Justice is undermining the integrity of the U.S. immigration courts. Take Action by demanding Congressional oversight and holding the Executive Branch accountable for its systemic attacks on the immigration courts.
7/22/25
AILA Doc. No. 25031106.
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert regarding important changes to the reciprocity schedule limiting nonimmigrant visa validity to single entry visas with 3-month validity for many countries.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS notice announcing new fees pursuant to HR-1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), to whom the fees apply, instructions for payment, when and if they may be waived, and consequences of the failure to pay. Fees must be submitted for forms postmarked on or after 7/22/25. (90 FR 34511, 7/22/25)
Professional Resources
Learn how to offer payment plans that are attractive to clients and ensure you get paid without an overly steep administrative burden.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on July 22, 2025.
7/22/25
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court upheld the BIA’s denial of protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), finding that the petitioner did not meet his burden to show that it was more likely than not he would be tortured upon his return to Mexico. (Perez Cruz v. Bondi, 7/21/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOJ issued requests to sheriffs in multiple major California counties—including Los Angeles and San Francisco Counties—for lists of all inmates in their jails who are not citizens of the United States, their crimes of arrest or conviction, and their scheduled release dates.
Sample Briefs
AILA shares documents from an APA case challenging DOS's withholding or delay of adjudication of an H-1B visa application, including Civil Minutes ordering DOS to participate in discovery and Joint Status Report with the discovery plan. (Discovery or Supplementing Certified Administrative Record)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court upheld the BIA’s denial of the petitioner’s motion to reopen based on ineffective assistance of counsel, finding that he failed to fulfill the first two procedural requirements set forth in Matter of Lozada needed to bring such a motion. (Singh v. Bondi, 7/18/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court found that the petitioner had shown the requisite nexus between her family membership and her persecution and had endured a prolonged pattern of threats and accompanying violence, and had thus established past persecution. (Mejia-Hernandez, et al. v. Bondi, 7/17/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA exceeded its authority when it used an agency regulation, namely 8 CFR §1003.1(c), to self-certify DHS’s late appeal of the IJ’s order granting the petitioner’s application for adjustment to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. (Qatanani v. Att’y Gen., 7/15/25)
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS will publish a Federal Register notice on 7/22/25 with updated fees based on the H.R 1 Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1). Applicants must submit the new fees with benefit requests postmarked on or after 7/22/25. USCIS will reject any form postmarked on or after 8/21/25, without the proper fees.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court concluded that, because the petitioners were charged with inadmissibility rather than deportability, the government had the burden to prove that they were noncitizens by “clear, unequivocal, and convincing” evidence, and failed to do so. (Da Silva Borges, et al. v. Bondi, 7/18/25)
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on July 21, 2025.
7/21/25
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court concluded that “clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence” requires a greater degree of proof than the “clear and convincing evidence” standard, and found the agency erred by requiring DHS to show alienage only by clear and convincing evidence. (Rosa, et al. v. Bondi, 7/11/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court upheld the agency’s denial of cancellation of removal, finding that petitioner failed to show that his removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to his U.S.-citizen son, who faced troubles in school, the community, and at home. (Goncalves Leao v. Bondi, 7/14/25)
Policy Briefs
On June 11, 2025, DOJ issued a memorandum that included denaturalization as a top enforcement priority for its civil division. This policy brief analyzes the implications of that memorandum and recent statements by the President that point to the expansion and weaponization of denaturalization.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court upheld the BIA’s order affirming the IJ’s denial of cancellation of removal, finding that the petitioner failed to show that her removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to her two U.S.-citizen children under INA §240A(b)(1)(D). (Alay v. Bondi, 7/16/25)
AILA Announcements
Join AILA’s AAP roundtable on August 27, 2025, to learn best practices for addressing and correcting mistakes in client matters. Gain insights on ethical communication, mitigation strategies, and maintaining professionalism when errors occur.
7/21/25
AILA Governance
AILA Chapter dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes, although a portion of your Chapter dues may be deductible as a business expense.
7/18/25
AILA Doc. No. 99900695.
Memo & Regulatory Comments
EOIR Acting Director Sirce Owen issued Policy Memorandum (PM) 25-35, addressing updates in the statutory fees under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. On 7/17/25, PM 25-36 (amended) was posted to replace this PM and clarify certain points for adjudicators, including updates to the table of EOIR fees.
AILA Announcements
Boost your practice with AILA’s AI-Powered Legal Research and Drafting online course! Learn how to responsibly use AI tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and creativity in legal writing and research. Self-paced and CLE eligible—start anytime!
7/18/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year 2026. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
Tutorial Videos, Professional Resources
Mindful walking is an excellent way to get out of a stressful and anxious head and feel your feet upon the earth. With walking meditation, the point is to arrive in the present moment with each step. Practice walking mindfully with this AILA Moment of Mindfulness Recording.
AILA is seeking to understand the application and impact of the expanded screening and social media vetting procedures for F, M, and J visas that were announced by DOS in June.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that a particular social group (PSG) defined by a noncitizen’s sex or sex and nationality, standing alone, is overbroad and insufficiently particular to be cognizable. Matter of K-E-S-G-, 29 I&N Dec. 145 (BIA 2025)
Examples & Questions
AILA's USCIS Benefits Policy Committee seeks examples of NOIDs with the stated basis being that the applicant had a prior law enforcement encounter and requesting the applicant to provide more detailed information with respect to the incident.
7/18/25
AILA Doc. No. 25071800.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on July 18, 2025.
7/18/25
AILA Announcements
Join AILA's web seminar on August 5 from 2:00–3:30 PM ET to learn how to prepare clients for credible and reasonable fear interviews in detention. Experts will cover legal standards, client communication, and advocacy strategies to improve outcomes.
Examples & Questions
On July 8, 2025, ICE issued interim guidance that dramatically shifts its official legal position on bond eligibility for noncitizens. Please help AILA in tracking these cases by filling out the survey.
7/17/25
AILA Doc. No. 25071707.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases, Litigation Resources
In C.M. et al. v. ICE et al., the ACLU, ACLU of Florida, and Americans for Immigrant Justice sued over inhumane conditions at “Alligator Alcatraz,” citing rights violations, lack of legal access, and isolation. Filed for detainees and their legal reps. Read more via ACLU of Florida.
Professional Resources
Nonprofit lawyers typically carry some of the highest caseloads among immigration practitioners. This article will focus on common ethics issues that arise in nonprofit organizations that assist immigration clients and offers practical tips and best practices when lawyers transition in their career.
7/17/25
AILA Doc. No. 22100306.
Ethics
Federal Agencies
USCIS training materials—including slide deck, recorded presentation, and notes—from the FY22 Q1 National Training Curriculum Working Group presentation on COI research methods for Nicaragua. Special thanks to Louise Trauma Center for sharing these documents, which were obtained via a FOIA request.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on July 17, 2025.
7/17/25
Professional Resources
Consultations with potential clients and conversations with staff can be vastly improved with a deeper understanding of how phenomenal communicators connect with people and applying their methods. Learn where to start in this short article, to win more clients and become a better leader.
AILA Blog
In this blog post, AILA member Nikki Esposito Whetstone shares three unique examples of AILA members’ pro bono work that changed the lives of clients, and the attorney members who were able to use their legal expertise and “skills in service of those with nowhere else to turn.”
7/17/25
AILA Doc. No. 25071704.
Practice Resources
The Verification and Documentation Committee provides this practice pointer to to highlight ever-evolving compliance considerations and answer questions for members to consider when counseling their employer-clients relating to changing compliance considerations.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the applicant’s extensive and lengthy history of immigration law violations showed that she posed a significant flight risk, such that no monetary bond would be sufficient to ensure her appearance at future immigration hearings. Matter of C–M–M–, 29 I&N Dec. 141 (BIA 2025)
Client Flyers
This flyer provides crucial information for employees about their constitutional rights if ICE agents come to your workplace. You have the right to remain silent, decline to show ID, and request a lawyer before signing any documents.