Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2025-29) updating the policy manual to reflect a shortened photograph reuse policy. Effective 12/15/25, applicants may only reuse photographs previously collected at a biometric services appointment no more than 3 years before filing. Feedback is due 1/12/26.
12/15/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121531.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice that DHS Secretary is terminating the designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Termination will be effective 2/13/26. EADs issued under this designation will also expire 2/13/26. (90 FR 58028, 12/15/25)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice terminating Family Reunification Parole processes for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, effective 12/15/25. Parole under the programs terminates 1/14/26 except for those with pending Form I-485s submitted by 12/15/25. (90 FR 58032, 12/15/25)
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 15, 2025.
12/15/25
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the IJ erred in granting the respondent deferral of removal under the CAT where the record contained anecdotal reports of bribery in Haitian prisons and generalized violence by gangs against travelers or outsiders. Matter of W–F–, 29 I&N Dec. 319 (BIA 2025)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that it lacked jurisdiction to review the denial of the petitioner’s untimely asylum application and dismissed his withholding of removal claim, finding that he failed to exhaust the issue of government protection from gang violence. (Osabas-Rivera v. Bondi, 12/8/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that substantial evidence supported the denial of asylum, withholding, and CAT relief as to the petitioner, a Peruvian survivor of domestic violence, finding there was no nexus to a protected ground and a speculative fear of future torture. (De La Cruz-Quispe v. Bondi, 12/5/25)
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that the respondent had not satisfied his burden of demonstrating that he was not a danger to the community given his inappropriate behavior with his stepdaughter and his criminal convictions for DUI and disturbing the peace. Matter of Dubon Miranda, 29 I&N Dec. 335 (BIA 2025)
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA found the applicant, who cooperated with law enforcement against CJNG, did not show a clear probability of torture, where his fear was based on unsubstantiated statements from a coconspirator and generalized evidence of cartel violence. Matter of J–C–A–G–, 29 I&N Dec. 331 (BIA 2025)
Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia effective Dec 12, 2025, with a 60-day transition period ending Feb 13, 2026, citing improved conditions that no longer threaten returning nationals’ safety.
Examples & Questions
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee seeks examples of H-1B and H-4 visa appointments that were suddenly rescheduled in December 2025.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOL Committee provides recommendations on correctly filling out ETA Form 9141 and ETA Form 9089, including key practice guidance.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced updated instructions for all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants. Applicants must schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence or at the embassy or consulate designated for their country in the announcement.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced updated instructions for all immigrant visa (IV) applicants. Applicants must interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence, country of nationality (on request), or designated immigrant visa processing post (for certain countries).
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC issued technical release notes for an update to registration number linking ability. FLAG has updated the 9142B Registration Number linking to return matches for registration number records containing Primary Worksite MSAs, which were created in prior years but map to a current MSA value.
Practice Resources
AILA’s CBP Liaison Committee addresses the foreign terrorist organization notice that CBP is now providing to refused travelers.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia. The termination will be effective 2/13/26. An advance copy of the termination notice is available in the Federal Register.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced termination of family reunification parole processes for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras and their family members. Parole under the programs will expire 1/14/26 unless the individual has a pending Form I-485 sent by 12/15/25.
Professional Resources
Many immigration lawyers are chronically sleep deprived, whether from stress, workload, or other factors. If this describes you, protect your good ethics record and foster personal well-being by reading this quick article on sleep debt and making changes to get valuable sleep.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that respondent’s criminal history of drug use and her exposure of her children to drugs outweighed the favorable factors, including her remorse and intention to avoid drug use, and warranted a discretionary cancellation denial. Matter of Jimenez-Ayala, 29 I&N Dec. 325 (BIA 2025)
12/12/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121200.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 12, 2025.
12/12/25
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petitioner’s New Mexico child abuse conviction was categorically a “crime of child abuse” under INA §237(a)(2)(E)(i), and that his state conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was an aggravated felony under the INA. (Silva de Santiago v. Bondi, 12/4/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA abused its discretion by rejecting petitioners’ brief because it listed an address for their attorney that was different from the address on the attorney’s notice of appearance and then summarily dismissing their appeal. (Pineda-Guerra, et al. v. Bondi, 12/3/25)
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee is monitoring these visa restrictions, as they are part of DOS’s expanded use of visa revocation.
Practice Resources
Reports of technical glitches with newly available online PDF filing for Form I-140 have been reported. Members are encouraged to report tech issues to USCIS' Digital Services Division via the "Need Help Form." A sample reporting form is included with this practice alert.
Client Flyers
AILA provides a flyer to inform your clients of the Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B workers. The flyer is available as a generic PDF version as well as a Word version you can customize with your firm's information. Please share.
Professional Resources
Being known for representing clients who commit fraud can damage an attorney’s reputation. In four hypotheticals, this article discusses whether an attorney can ethically represent a client who has engaged in marriage fraud, including fraud committed to get a green card in the first place.
12/11/25
AILA Doc. No. 22072634.
Ethics
Professional Resources
Researching salary data can be stressful, let this AI tool help you with the first steps.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS posted a new form, I-140G, Immigrant Petition for the Gold Card Program. Before filling out Form I-140G, applicants must first register on trumpcard.gov and receive confirmation that their submission was accepted. The associated fee is $15,000 per person.
12/11/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121101.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 11, 2025.
12/11/25
Client Flyers
AILA provides a flyer to inform your clients of USCIS policies pausing processing for many benefits requests and ordering re-review of certain approved applications. The flyer is available as a generic PDF as well as a Word version you can customize with your firm's information. Please share.
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
CBP request for comments on revision of Arrival and Departure Record (Form I-94) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Revisions include updates to CBP Home functionality, requiring ESTA applicants to submit a current photo, and more. Comments are due 2/9/26. (90 FR 57208, 12/10/15)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
CBP request for comments on revision of Form I-736, Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Information. The revisions are being made to transition the form to a new, automated system as outlined in an Interim Final Rule previously published in the Federal Register. Comments are due 1/9/26. (90 FR 57211, 12/10/25)
Professional Resources
Overwhelmed by all the things you need to get done? AILA member Laura Kelley is here to teach you how to use time-blocking in your schedule to create healthy boundaries and get your daily work done.
Practice Resources
Creating a happy and productive culture at your firm can feel challenging, but it's not impossible. Get inspired by these fundamental tips can help create a positive work enviroment for the entire firm.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 10, 2025.
12/10/25
AILA Blog
AILA DOS Committee Member Daniel Parisi describes changes to State Department reports on human rights, and how "the consequences are troubling: if country-condition evidence becomes less complete, the factual basis of asylum, withholding, CAT, and humanitarian-based applications may be undermined."
12/10/25
AILA Doc. No. 25121061.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
On 9/11/25, USCIS issued a Public Status Report containing class member asylum data for Ahmed v. DHS. The class action lawsuit challenged DHS’s failure to adjudicate asylum applications for Afghans who arrived in the U.S. under “Operation Allies Welcome” within Congress’s 150-day deadline.
Immigration News
Border Report highlights AILA's recent press briefing about the Trump Administration's latest far-reaching immigration restrictions. AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson stated: "These sweeping restrictions will not make our nation safer."
AILA Announcements
Urge Congress to oppose the indefinite pause on asylum and immigration processing and urge DHS to rescind these harmful policies.
12/9/25
AILA Doc. No. 25120905.
AILA Announcements
Call your representative to oppose the asylum and immigration pause and demand USCIS return to fair, timely processing for our communities.
12/9/25
AILA Doc. No. 25120904.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee provides a practice alert regarding a FAM update that provides for the issuance of B-1 visas to FIFA-accredited volunteers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the U.S.
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 Yuma Sector of California and Arizona. The waiver is effective 12/9/2025. (90 FR 57089, 12/9/2025)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice that the DHS Secretary has determined that 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 Rio Grande Sector of Texas. The determination takes effect 12/9/2025. (90 FR 57088, 12/9/2025)
Professional Resources
This week’s Practice Success Tip gives over 50 real uses for generative artificial intelligence that are safe and help save time and energy in an immigration law practice. Look for uses that can benefit you.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on December 9, 2025.
12/9/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
The CIS Ombudsman released a redacted 2025 Annual Report to the public. The report focuses on alleged exploitation of the CHNV and U4U parole programs, document authentication at ASCs, digitizing USCIS records, addressing typos in secure identity documents, and resolving NTA service errors.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced the establishment of the USCIS Vetting Center, a specialized unit to be headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The stated purpose of the unit is to "centralize the enhanced vetting" of applicants and "allow the agency to respond more nimbly to changes in a shifting threat landscape."
12/8/25
AILA Doc. No. 25120806.
Practice Resources
On November 28, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register Notice terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, effective February 3, 2026. Please see this practice alert for information on impact to employees and employers of TPS Haiti beneficiaries.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that threats from masked men, two brief beatings, and a short detention of the Sikh Mann party member petitioner did not rise to the level of past persecution, and found that he could avoid future persecution by relocating within India. (Singh v. Bondi, 12/1/25)