Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that cancellation-of-removal hardship determinations are to be reviewed under the IIRAIRA substantial evidence standard and that the Guatemalan petitioner did not establish exceptional and extremely unusual hardship. (Baltazar Us v. Blanche, 4/29/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petitioner did not establish grounds to reopen his removal proceedings based on alleged interpreter errors where he failed to identify specific mistranslations or show prejudice. (Deh v. Blanche, 4/29/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petitioner was removable for fraud and willful misrepresentation and failed to establish eligibility for asylum, withholding of removal, or Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection. (Usma Acosta v. Blanche, 5/1/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Immigration News
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, to encourage thought and discussion and may not necessarily express the views of AILA or any individual member.
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 8, 2026.
5/8/26
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
There are ethical obligations, and some jurisdictional variety, around giving a client their file at termination of representation, and what constitutes “the file.” This article answers these questions and discusses whether a retaining lien is an option.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
In this video, immigration attorney and AILA Upstate New York Chapter member Sharon Ames shares practical tips for micro-recovery. She offers simple strategies to help you recenter throughout the day, manage stress in real time, and maintain steadier focus amid a demanding practice.
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.
AILA Blog
AILA Law Journal Editor-in-Chief Cyrus Mehta highlights how the articles in the new Spring 2026 issue “focused on examining the different dimensions of the expansion of executive power and offering practical strategies for representing clients in the face of that power.”
5/7/26
AILA Doc. No. 26050703.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS notice of extension without change of Form G-884, Request for the Return of Original Documents. Comments are due 7/6/26. (91 FR 24911, 5/7/26)
5/7/26
AILA Doc. No. 26050702.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 7, 2026.
5/7/26
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
ICE notice of proposed rulemaking that would increase the fee for adjudicating Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal, from $155 to $755, representing a 387% increase. Comments are due 7/6/26. (91 FR 24739, 5/7/26)
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
USCIS notice of reinstatement with change of Form AR-11, Alien Change of Address. The revised form will now collect information on individuals’ employment, schooling, and any receipt of means-tested public benefits in addition to change of address. Comments are due 7/6/26. (91 FR 24910, 5/7/26)
5/7/26
AILA Doc. No. 26050700.
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.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
September 9-10, 2026
More details coming soon!
5/7/26
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources, Tutorial Videos
Following the March 22, 2025, executive order questioning immigration lawyers’ integrity, many now seek clarity. This article provides an overview of the EOIR and DHS practitioner disciplinary process to educate members and reduce anxiety about this relatively unknown system.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
In this concluding video, immigration attorney and Well-Being Committee member Margo Chernysheva shares her “if you remember nothing else” 5-minute reset formula. Beginning at 5:10, she guides a simple 3-minute breathing exercise designed to quickly restore focus and calm.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
This summer, join thousands of immigration attorneys, law professors, paralegals, students, exhibitors, and special guests in San Diego, California—set against the calm beauty of the Pacific coast. Together, we’ll recharge, sharpen our expertise, and fortify the bonds that strengthen our community.
5/6/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
AILA National and the Global Migration Section (GMS) invite you to attend its annual Global Migration Forum, which this year will be held in the beautiful border city of San Diego on the southern coast of California.
5/6/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
In this blog post, part of a series by AILA's Rule of Law (AROL) Task Force members, Task Force Chair Jerry Grzeca describes its purpose and plans focused on "defending our profession, protecting judicial process, and safeguarding the right to counsel for all."
5/6/26
AILA Doc. No. 26050661.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on May 6, 2026.
5/6/26
AILA Doc. No. 26050601.
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
Learn how strength training helps AILA member Morgan Rosinia stay resilient and focused.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the respondent did not establish eligibility for CAT protection because he failed to show a clear probability of harm rising to the level of torture by gang or cartel members and did not show government acquiescence to torture. Matter of J–E–L–, 29 I&N Dec. 605 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA provides updates regarding a new security vetting process effective Apr 27, 2026, requiring many pending cases to resubmit fingerprints. that has resulted in holds on final approvals until new checks are run.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
SAVE and E-Verify provided updates regarding extension of EADs for TPS-holders from Yemen in response to the 5/1/26 order in Doe v. Noem postponing TPS termination. Expiration dates for such EADs should be listed in E-Verify and SAVE as 7/1/26. The updates supersede prior guidance.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The AILA Law Journal Editorial Board seeks submission for the Fall 2026 issue. Articles must be within the range of 2,500-7,000 words, including citations. The submission deadline is July 13, 2026.
5/5/26
AILA Doc. No. 19072960.
Accessible to Public.
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.