AILA Blog
AILA Board of Governors Member Andrew Nietor calls for America to make some resolutions this New Year, writing that we must “remember that being a nation of immigrants is not a weakness to manage but an opportunity and a strength we must cultivate and steward.”
1/6/26
AILA Doc. No. 26010602.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on January 6, 2026.
1/6/26
Practice Resources
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a briefing on the contents of the January 2026 visa bulletin.
Chapter Documents
Broken Systems, Open Hearts: 2026 Georgia-Alabama Chapter Annual Conference
February 13, 2026
Emory Conference Center
Atlanta, GA
This event is being presented by AILA's Georgia-Alabama Chapter. This event is not being organized by the AILA National Office.
1/6/26
AILA Doc. No. 26010600.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC published the assignment groups for 10,062 H-2B applications covering 162,603 worker positions with the start date of work of 4/1/26. Group A includes enough worker positions to reach the H-2B semi-annual visa allotment of 33,000.
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 Del Rio Sector of Texas. The waiver is effective 12/30/2025. (90 FR 61158, 12/30/2025)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
CBP interim final rule and request for comments on CBP transitioning to electronic refunds, subject to limited exceptions. The rule outlines the process for receiving electronic refunds and, in case of a waiver, paper checks. The rule is effective 2/6/26. Comments are due 3/3/26. (91 FR 21, 1/2/26)
AILA Blog
AILA member Muhammed Üzüm explains why talking with candidates and employers about cap-independent options such as O-1 and L-1 visas that may fit their circumstances is crucial given the uncertainty surrounding the cost and timing of H-1B visa petitions.
1/5/26
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOL and DHS announced that 35,000 additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas will be available for FY26, on top of the 66,000 mandated by Congress for each fiscal year.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy memorandum (PM-602-0194) expanding the existing hold on all benefit applications and re-review of approved benefits for people from countries named in the travel ban to apply to the additional countries named in Presidential Proclamation 10998.
1/5/26
AILA Doc. No. 26010531.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on January 5, 2026.
1/5/26