Examples & Questions
AILA’s DOS Committee requests questions from membership for the development of the fall 2026 agenda for DOS engagement. Please submit questions no later than October 18.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Visa Bulletins
USCIS determined that, for October 2026, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced that it is increasing fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in a rule that will be published in the Federal Register on 9/30/26. The rule also codifies provisions of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and will go into effect 11/30/26. An advance copy is available.
Accessible to Public.
Visa Bulletins
DOS posted the October 2026 Visa Bulletin with updates on family-sponsored and employment-based “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing,” extension of the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category, and U.S. Government Employee Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
In Matter Delcarmen-Lara, 29 I&N Dec. 830 (BIA 2026), the BIA held that traveling outside of the United States under a grant of Advance Parole is considered a departure for purposes of the unlawful presence bar. Please see this practice pointer for considerations to make in light of the decision.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
On September 5, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City announced a new pre-interview submission procedure for TN and TD visa applicants interviewing in Mexico City.
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 September 29, 2026.
9/29/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
AILA's Asylum Primer remains the definitive resource on U.S. asylum law and procedure. This publication also includes exclusive OnDemand access to a roundtable with author and asylum expert Dree Collopy, offering practical insights and real-world guidance to support effective advocacy. Order today.
9/29/26
Accessible to Public.
Memo & Regulatory Comments
AILA and the Council submitted a joint comment opposing DOS’s proposed changes to the Exchange Visitor Program, arguing that the proposal could produce harsh consequences for J-1 participants without adequate opportunities to correct errors, contest termination, or arrange departure.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR released an updated fact sheet on observing court hearings. Notably, this version permits people to observe web-only hearings over Webex. It explicitly states that observers will not be permitted to attend via Webex if the judge, respondent, or counsel is appearing in a physical courtroom.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA's Public Charge Working Group provides the latest information known regarding Form I-485 (9/18/26 edition) as it relates to Public Charge, including practice tips related to screening for means-tested benefits, submission of initial evidence, and electronic filing among others.
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 September 28, 2026.
9/28/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held the IJ erred in finding exceptional circumstances warranting sua sponte reopening and rescission of an in absentia removal order where the record did not support his claim an individual misled him into believing he need not appear. Matter of K–K–U–J–, 30 I&N Dec. 81 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that respondent’s admission to possessing and using cocaine made him inadmissible under INA §212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) and thus ineligible for adjustment, and that he need not first be informed of the offense’s essential elements. Matter of Mendez Maldonado, 30 I&N Dec. 62 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Charity Anastasio, Director of AILA’s Practice, Innovation, & Professionalism Center, shares her approach to focusing on gratitude rather than negative thinking using the Atomic Habits framework, to show how people can change bad habits and make good habits.
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 September 25, 2026.
9/25/26
Accessible to Public.
Memo & Regulatory Comments
AILA submitted a comment opposing a EOIR NPRM that would allow immigration judges to impose monetary penalties on private attorneys, clients, and witnesses in the courtroom who are found in contempt. AILA urges EOIR to withdraw the rule in its entirety.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA members are reporting that, as of mid-September 2026, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) is no longer providing information on individuals with final removal orders. AILA is continuing to monitor the issue.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announces the launch of a new online tip portal for individuals to report instances of alleged visa fraud. DOS states that the information the portal collects will help "thwart attempts to travel to the United States through fraudulent means or for illegal purposes".
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS Secretary Rubio announced a new policy targeting individuals who help to facilitate or engage in "birth tourism". This policy would prevent visas being issued to individuals who "knowingly engage in, have engaged in, or facilitate birth tourism".
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2026-14) on new Policy Manual guidance, effective 9/23/26, addressing the inadmissibility of individuals engaged in controlled substance trafficking, significant trafficking in persons, and money laundering under section 212(a)(2) of the INA. Feedback is due 10/23/26.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR announced the investiture of 47 IJs and 6 temporary IJs who joined immigration courts in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
Accessible to Public.
Memo & Regulatory Comments
AILA and the Council submitted a joint comment opposing the proposed rule imposing a $103,265 fee on certain H-1B petitions and urging DHS to withdraw.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on September 24, 2026.
9/24/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
The U.S. Supreme Court on 9/29/26 allowed third country removals (TCR) to resume, for now. It granted the government's request for a stay of the ruling that a class of noncitizens subject to TCR are entitled to meaningful notice and a chance to raise fears of harm in the third countries.
Accessible to: Member, Student.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2026-15) updating Policy Manual to clarify how USCIS applies the regulatory definition of “day” to filing deadlines. The policy is effective 10/23/26. Feedback is due 10/23/26.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
On 9/18/26, President Trump signed a proclamation extending a previous proclamation from last year restricting entry of certain nonimmigrant (H-1B) workers while continuing to apply a $100,000 fee to all H-1B applications, except for those in the national interest. (91 FR 60497, 9/23/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On September 18, 2026, the White House issued a proclamation and an executive order (EO) impacting the H-1B program. Please see alert for more details.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the government violated due process by ordering the petitioner removed in absentia after sending the only notice of his hearing to a residential address provided by third parties on a bond form that did not ask for a mailing address. (Meza Medina v. Blanche, 9/18/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that paragraph four of 18 USC §1546(a) categorically describes a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT), including when a person presents a required immigration document knowing it lacks any reasonable basis in law or fact. (Nemis v. Blanche, 9/17/26)
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 September 23, 2026.
9/23/26
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
On 9/18/26, the President issued an Executive Order instructing DOS, DOL, and DHS Secretaries to adopt changes to ensure that all provisions of the H-1B program are being followed. (91 FR 60501, 9/23/2026)
Accessible to Public.