Practice Resources
On May 1st, a federal judge in New York blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 2,800 individuals from Yemen. The Verification and Documentation Committee provide this practice alert for more details.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
Under the 2025 travel ban and refugee ban, the government has halted Refugee and Asylee Relative Petition (Form I-730) adjudications for many individuals around the world. This practice alert explains how I-730s for derivative asylees and refugees are impacted and the state of ongoing litigation.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal, International Associate.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 5, 2026.
5/5/26
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
The April 2026 edition of the AILA Law Journal is now available.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
In this Well-Being Week in Law video, Margo Chernysheva shares her top tips for using meditation and sleep apps, explaining how she incorporates them into her routine in this 7-minute segment.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
EOIR final rule adopting with minor changes the provisions of the 2020 IFR (85 FR 63204, 10/7/20) amending regulations to create the position of Chief Administrative Law Judge in the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO). The rule is effective 4/30/26. (91 FR 23168, 4/30/26)
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
Granting the petition for review and remanding, the court held that the BIA erred in applying a categorical rule that opposition to gangs cannot constitute a political opinion and failed to adequately address the petitioner’s religion-based asylum claim. (Lopez Martinez v. Blanche, 4/23/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee provides a summary report of findings from examples collected in regard to courtesy emails from USCIS prior to field office interviews, including a practice tip.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 4, 2026.
5/4/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that when respondents, including minors, fail to appear and DHS has established proper notice and removability, the IJ lacks authority to administratively close proceedings and must enter an in absentia removal order. Matter of Orozco Becerra, 29 I&N Dec. 600 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
EOIR announced it will close the San Francisco Immigration Court at the close of business on 9/4/26 and make its Sansome Street location a hearing location under the Concord Immigration Court's adminstrative control. EOIR will issue new hearing notices for all cases reassigned to the Concord court.
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
Immigration practice places emotional, cognitive, and physical demands on attorneys who navigate shifting policies and clients’ high-stakes needs. This piece highlights stretching as a tool to reduce stress, ease tension, and support wellbeing in work.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
This 5-minute meditation, led by immigration lawyer and AILA well-being committee member Margo Chernysheva, offers a quick nervous system reset. It is the first in a three-part series for the 2026 Well-Being Week in Law.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee provides pointers to assist members with better understanding of the Processing Times chart following a shift within USCIS SCOPS processing times metrics.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
USCIS update on increased vetting procedures. Notably, USCIS is lifting benefit processing holds for some cases and groups, such as asylum seekers not from “high-risk” countries and certain applications for EADs, oath ceremonies, and petitions from U.S. citizens, and, as of 4/30/26, medical doctors.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
USCIS quietly adds medical physicians to group cases eligible for lift of processing holds. AILA recommends that members closely monitor the Strengthening Vetting USCIS page for unannounced updates.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 1, 2026.
5/1/26
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s DOS Committee request questions from the membership for the upcoming DOS Agency Updates panel at Annual Conference. DOS representatives have been invited to participate but have not yet confirmed. Deadline to submit questions is May 17th, 2026, at 11:59pm ET.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
In a world where results don’t always reflect your true competence, learn how to overcome feelings of inadequacy and reclaim your focus.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
In this series, AILA’s National Pro Bono Committee interviews Chapter Pro Bono Champions, asking them five questions to learn more about how they began doing pro bono work and the impact of their work.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Press Releases
AILA ED Ben Johnson responded to Congress restoring most DHS funding, noting that “it does not resolve the deeper policy failures that led to this shutdown or address the repeated, documented abuses within immigration enforcement that sparked this crisis.”
4/30/26
AILA Doc. No. 26043005.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOL notice of availability and request for comments on extension and revision of Forms ETA-9142C, Application for Temporary Employment Certification and ETA-9141C, Application for Prevailing Wage Determination. Comments are due 6/1/26. (91 FR 23308, 4/30/26)
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
AILA and the National Well-Being Committee are proud to present Well-Being Week in Law 2026. Wellness is always important but takes on new contours during times of stress or upheaval. Join us May 4–8 as we come together to prioritize well-being!
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
USCIS has published an Interim Final Rule codifying the collection of fees and other provisions for asylum, Form I-94, temporary protected status, and employment authorization documents. This alert will continue to be updated with any new details provided.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal, International Associate.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
USCIS announced it reached the cap for the additional 27,736 H-2B visas made available for the second allocation of returning workers for FY26 with 4/1/26-4/30/26 start dates. 4/21/26 was the final receipt date for petitions requesting supplemental H-2B visas under this allocation.
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s CBP Committee request questions from the membership for the upcoming CBP Agency Updates panel at Annual Conference. Deadline to submit questions is May 17th, 2026, at 11:59pm ET.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
Check out this practical guide to crafting effective AI prompts, featuring key tips and a step-by-step template.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 30, 2026.
4/30/26
Accessible to Public.
Press Releases
As direct armed conflict continues in Iran and across the region, AILA commends bicameral Democratic action echoing AILA’s call for protections for Iranian nationals who are unable to return home and urges similar protections for people unable to return safely to other conflict-affected countries.
4/30/26
AILA Doc. No. 26043000.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On April 28, 2026, DOS issued a cable directing consular officers to ask nonimmigrant visa applicants if they fear returning to their country of residence, and to refuse visas for those who respond affirmatively.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS IFR implementing certain H.R. 1 fees and requirements, effective 5/29/26. It states USCIS will reject asylum applications if the Annual Asylum Fee is not paid within 30 days of notification, limits validity of EADs under TPS to a year, and more. Comments are due 6/29/26. (91 FR 22952, 4/29/26)
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 29, 2026.
4/29/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Interested in maximizing your AILA membership? Join us on May 1st for our introductory roundtable, where AILA staff and volunteer leaders will provide a comprehensive overview of your benefits and answer any questions.
4/29/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that an FBI Letterhead Memorandum indicating that the respondent is a potential national security risk warrants significant weight in bond proceedings, and ordered the respondent detained without bond. Matter of Shentu, 29 I&N Dec. 595 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
This article provides a practical overview of the federal attorney disciplinary systems within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA is tracking increased reports of detentions at USCIS biometrics appointments.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS will publish an IFR implementing H.R. 1 fees and requirements, effective 5/29/26. It states USCIS will reject asylum applications if the Annual Asylum Fee is not paid within 30 days of notification, limits validity of EADs for TPS-holders to a year, and more. Comments will be due 6/29/26.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 28, 2026.
4/28/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that Matter of K– does not apply where a petitioner, represented by counsel, admits to controlled substance offenses under oath in seeking cancellation of removal, and that such admissions preclude a finding of good moral character. (Sandoval Diaz v. Blanche, 4/20/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.