Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 19, 2026.
2/19/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Take the guesswork out of PERM with AILA’s Guide to PERM Labor Certification. This comprehensive, practice‑ready resource delivers clear strategy, step‑by‑step guidance, and proven templates to help you navigate recruitment, wages, audits, and appeals with confidence. Order your copy today.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
Member Experience Committee members Roman Zelichenko, Whitney Wootton & Elizabeth Wood describe how local chapters help “us meet colleagues, share information, and build real friendships that make our work easier,” as they offer some simple ways to plug in and participate.
2/18/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021803.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on February 18, 2026.
2/18/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee provides a resource with recommended strategies for practitioners assisting their clients with H-1B appointment cancellations, TCN filings, and expedite requests.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that, based on the petitioner’s extensive allegations and evidence of marriage fraud regarding the approved visa petition, the record should be returned to USCIS to further consider the visa petition and take action as warranted. Matter of Jin, 29 I&N Dec. 441 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Tutorial Videos
This video provides six steps attorneys can take when faced with procrastination.
Speaker: Ritu Goswamy
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petitioner automatically became a U.S. citizen when his mother naturalized in 1998, because his paternity had not been established “by legitimation” under the then-governing derivative citizenship statute, former INA §321(a)(3). (Lopez v. Bondi, 2/13/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the IJ and BIA abused their discretion by applying a categorical rule that traffic delays cannot constitute exceptional circumstances to reopen in absentia removal orders and failed to consider the totality of the circumstances. (Montejo-Gonzalez v. Bondi, 2/5/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
The AILA Law Journal seeks submissions related to immigration and the expansion of executive authority for its Fall 2026 issue. Articles must be within the range of 2,500-7,000 words, including citations. The submission deadline is 7/13/26.
2/18/26
AILA Doc. No. 19072960.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Join us for the 2026 AILA Spring CLE Conference and Webcast to get an insider’s view of what is happening at the government agencies. Agency officials and AILA liaison committee members will discuss the latest regulatory and policy initiatives affecting your practice and clients.
2/18/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Handle citizenship cases with confidence using AILA’s newly updated U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Law Toolbox. This practical resource delivers clear analysis, checklists, and tools for naturalization, citizenship claims, denaturalization, and more. Get the Toolbox today.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOS request for comments on the extension without change of Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. Comments are due 4/20/26. (91 FR 7362, 2/17/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s H-1B Cap Working Group FY 2027, comprised of members from the USCIS Operations Committee and USCIS Benefits Policy Committee, provide the following pointer on the most up-to-date information regarding H-1B cap-subject registration for FY 2027. This resource will be updated as needed.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
OFLC released public disclosure data through Q1 of FY26 and selected program statistics for Q1 of FY26 for the PERM, LCA (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3), H-2A, H-2B, CW-1, and Prevailing Wage programs.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) published a list of the names and locations of foreign labor recruiters for the H-2B program who are associated with applications processed or issued final decisions during the first quarter of FY26, 10/1/25-12/31/25.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
SAVE and E-Verify issued updates on the impact of a 2/2/26 court order in Lesly Miot v. Trump staying the termination of TPS for Haiti, which was set for 2/3/26. TPS Haiti beneficiaries will keep their status and employment authorization, and category A12 and C19 EADs remain valid and are extended.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice that the DHS Secretary has determined it is necessary to waive certain legal requirements in order to construct barriers and roads near the international border in the U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector of Texas. The waiver is effective 2/17/26. (91 FR 7297, 2/17/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On February 9, 2026, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in National TPS Alliance, et. al v. Noem et. al granted the government’s request to stay a December 31, 2025 district court order that had continued TPS for Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua. Please see practice alert for employer implications.
Accessible to: Member, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
On February 2, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a decision indefinitely postponing the Administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Please see this practice alert for information on impact to employees and employers of TPS Haiti beneficiaries.
Accessible to: Member, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
USCIS announced that the cap was reached for the additional 18,490 H-2B visas made available by the H-2B supplemental cap TFR for the first allocation of returning workers of FY26 with 1/1/26-3/31/26 start dates. On 2/13/26, USCIS conducted a random selection process to allocate the visas.
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s CBP Committee requests examples of negative outcomes at Abu Dhabi Preclearance related to extended absences outside of the U.S. and mentions of LCA compliance for international remote work. Deadline to submit examples is 5pm ET, Monday, March 30, 2026.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Read up on three ways to increase your firm’s profitability.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Prepared by Lawfully in collaboration with AILA’s Innovation & Technology Committee, this report analyzes 2025 employment-based USCIS case data, including a gap in official statistics for July–September 2025. It reveals observable processing patterns and provides clearer insights for practitioners.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that noncitizens present in the United States who were never admitted or paroled are applicants for admission under INA §235(a)(1) and are subject to mandatory detention under INA §235(b)(2)(A) during removal proceedings. (Buenrostro-Mendez v. Bondi, 2/6/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA abused its discretion in denying the petitioner’s motion to reopen his removal proceedings, finding that the BIA failed to provide sufficient reasons or apply the proper equitable tolling analysis concerning reasonable diligence. (Pinilla Perez v. Bondi, 2/5/26)
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 February 17, 2026.
2/17/26
Accessible to Public.
Federal Court Cases
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit stayed a district court's decision vacating the termination of Temporary Protective Status for Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua pending appeal, holding that the government is likely to succeed in its appeal. (National TPS Alliance v. Noem, 2/9/26)
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DOS 30-day request for comments on the renewal of Form DS-5537, JADE Act Questionnaire. The form is used to determine Burmese nationals’ eligibility for a visa in accordance with the JADE Act of 2008. Comments are due 6/16/26. (91 FR 6721, 2/12/26)
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced the upcoming termination of Temporary Protected Status for Yemen. The termination will be effective 60 days after the termination notice is published in the Federal Register.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
On 12/15/25, DOS Secretary delegated to the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom the authority under Executive Order 14204 to permit provision of foreign aid or assistance in exception to the halt on aid for South Africa. (91 FR 6284, 2/11/26)
2/13/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021300.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On January 14, the State Department announced starting January 21, 2026, it will stop immigration visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. Applicants will still be allowed to submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no new visas will be issued.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides an overview of travel bans and pauses on visa issuance, along with practice updates, trends, and tips on how to advise clients.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert on national interest exceptions for visa applicants subject to the June 4, 2025 Presidential Proclamation.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Clarity about your priorities will help you find the time for better well-being.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert addressing reports that some H-1B and H-4 visa appointments at consular posts have been unilaterally rescheduled from December 2025 to spring 2026.
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 February 13, 2026.
2/13/26
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
Honoring Joanna Kloet’s Dedication and Looking Ahead with AILA’s Military Assistance Program
2/12/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021206.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
A leaked document from DHS, reported by Pablo Manríquez at Migrant Insider, outlines ICE's current use of administrative warrants for immigration enforcement and the legal justification being used to carry out such actions.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Immigration News, Practice Resources
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 other members of the Family Section Steering Committee
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Blog
Joanna Kloet reflects on her time as Morgan Lewis Military Immigration Fellow and how “the line members of the national defense apparatus with whom I interacted...steadfastly advocated for individuals who supported America’s mission at home and abroad, irrespective of citizenship status.”
2/12/26
AILA Doc. No. 26021203.
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s DOS Committee requests questions from the membership for a potential April 2026 meeting with the DOS Visa Office. Deadline to submit questions is 5pm ET, Friday, February 27, 2026.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
This short ethics article clarifies a lawyer’s ethical obligations to show up to court when a case is calendared, even if the client isn’t going to, and helps with what to say to the judge.
2/12/26
AILA Doc. No. 25082138.
Ethics
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
AI is making scams more sophisticated, including Deepfake phone calls. Implement these systems to protect yourself and your firm.
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 February 12, 2026.
2/12/26
Accessible to Public.
Congressional Updates
AILA sent a vote recommendation to Congress on 2/12/26 urging it to block any continued funding to ICE and CBP until enforceable reforms are put in place and safety is restored to American communities.
Accessible to Public.