Visa Bulletins
DOS posted the May 2026 Visa Bulletin with updates on “Final Action Dates,” “Dates for Filing,” the Diversity Visa (DV) program, availability of family-sponsored and employment-based visas, EB-5 for Indian nationals, U.S. Government Employee Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), and more.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
SAVE and E-Verify provided updates regarding EADs for TPS-holders from Burma (Myanmar) in response to the 1/26/26 order in Aung 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.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 14, 2026.
4/14/26
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
The American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Immigration Council, and co‑counsel seek plaintiffs for a lawsuit to compel unlawfully withheld naturalization oath ceremonies. We seek approved applicants without an oath date or with a cancelled ceremony.
Accessible to: Member.
Professional Resources
This report, developed by the AILA Future of Immigration Law Practice Task Force, explores structural shifts—from AI to market change—reshaping immigration law and offers a framework for lawyers to adapt, lead, and shape the profession’s future.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Join us from 4/28 - 5/12 for a hands-on, beginner-friendly online course that offers participants the skills to use Microsoft 365 Copilot today, to improve writing, streamline office work, reduce research time, and build safe workflows.
4/14/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Governance
The AILA Annual Plan and Budget for 2026 was approved by the Board of Governors on January 24, 2026.
4/13/26
AILA Doc. No. 26040904.
Accessible to: Member.
Amicus Briefs/Alerts
AILA argued that meaningful access to counsel is essential in reasonable fear proceedings. Despite requesting counsel, the detained petitioner was forced to proceed pro se at the RF interview and IJ review, undermining statutory and due process protections. (Amador-Canacas v. Bondi, 4/9/26)
Accessible to: Member.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
DOL notice of availability and request for comments on the Report on Occupational Employment and Wages. Comments are due 5/13/26. (91 FR 18882, 4/13/26)
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
EOIR announced it will stop holding hearings at the San Francisco Immigration Court’s Montgomery Street location after 5/1/26. Some cases will be reassigned to the court’s Sansome Street location, and filings for such cases should be filed at the Sansome Street location beginning 5/4/26.
Accessible to Public.
Congressional Updates
On 4/13/26, AILA sent a vote recommendation to House Members urging a YES vote on H.R. 1689 which would designate Haiti for TPS.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Governance
View the schedule of upcoming AILA Board of Governors meetings.
4/13/26
AILA Doc. No. 99900686.
Accessible to: Member.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that where respondent is charged as present without admission or parole, neither party appears, and the record contains evidence of alienage, the IJ errs in terminating proceedings instead of conducting an in absentia hearing. Matter of Bolivar-Bolivar, 29 I&N Dec. 548 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA employed the wrong diligence standard in upholding the IJ’s denial of the petitioner’s second motion to reopen and that the petitioner acted with due diligence in pursuing vacatur of the conviction on which her removal order was based. (Eskilian v. Bondi, 4/2/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Blog
AILA Grassroots Advocacy Associate Paul Rampersaud describes the key components that members will be sharing with congressional delegations this week as AILA's National Day of Action takes place on Capitol Hill; he also highlights how you can take action from any location.
4/13/26
AILA Doc. No. 26041063.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 13, 2026.
4/13/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
SAVE and E-Verify provided updates regarding EADs for South Sudanese TPS-holders, given the 12/30/25 ruling in African Communities Together v. Noem extending their validity. Expiration dates for such EADs should be listed in E-Verify and SAVE as 7/1/26. The updates supersede guidance issued 3/12/26.
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the petitioner waived her due process argument based on IJ bias by failing to meaningfully raise it before the BIA, and found that it lacked jurisdiction to review DHS’s exercise of removal discretion. (Quijano-Duran, et al. v. Bondi, 4/2/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that applying IIRAIRA’s reinstatement provision to the petitioner was not impermissibly retroactive, and that a petitioner must show prejudice to obtain relief for an alleged denial of counsel in reinstatement proceedings. (Verduzco Ruiz v. Bondi, 4/1/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
USCIS issued a policy memo (PM-602-0198) to eliminate automatic consideration of deferred action for Special Immigrant Juveniles who cannot apply for adjustment of status because no immigrant visa is available. The policy will apply to requests filed on or after 30 days from the memo’s publication.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
Members continue to report receipt delays of up to 10 months for applications filed prior to November 2025. However, applications submitted on or after November 2025 appear to be receipted within 60 days. AILA will continue to monitor and provide updates, including follow-up with USCIS.
Accessible to: Member, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Understand the jurisdictional complexities and ethical responsibilities faced by multijurisdictional immigration lawyers, by looking at how various state and federal rules, such as Rule of Professional Conduct 8.5, impact disciplinary authority across state lines.
4/10/26
AILA Doc. No. 26041062.
Ethics
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.
4/10/26
AILA Doc. No. 26041061.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Professional Resources
Join Lawyer Well-Being Committee Member Ken Mayeaux as he leads a brief meditation. This program was originally a part of Lawyer Well-Being Week 2023.
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 April 10, 2026.
4/10/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
SAVE and E-Verify provided updates regarding EADs for Ethiopian TPS-holders, given the ruling in African Communities Together v. Noem on 1/30/26 extending their validity. Expiration dates for such EADs should be listed in E-Verify and SAVE as 4/13/26. The updates supersede guidance issued 3/12/26.
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
Is the fear of data migration holding you back from optimizing the technology in your firm? Explore 3 reasons why you should charge forward.
4/9/26
AILA Doc. No. 26040903.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s Student Visa Taskforce offers guidance for practitioners on verifying the employment history of international students, especially those on OPT and STEM OPT, to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and avoid penalties.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Examples & Questions
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee is aware of the significant delays members are experiencing regarding the issuance of Form I-797, Receipt Notices, either by mail and/or myUSCIS across multiple service centers.
4/9/26
AILA Doc. No. 26040901.
Accessible to: Member.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 9, 2026.
4/9/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court granted in part the petition for review, holding that for special rule cancellation under INA §240A(b)(2)(A)(i)(II), an abuser may be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or U.S. citizen at any time before the application is adjudicated. (Cardenas v. Att’y Gen., 3/31/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, 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.
4/8/26
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.
4/8/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements, Federal Agencies
EOIR announced the investiture of 15 immigration judges and 17 temporary immigration judges in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Accessible to Public.
Memo & Regulatory Comments
AILA and the American Immigration Council urge DOJ/EOIR to withdraw the BIA Appellate Procedures IFR, arguing it unlawfully cuts appeal time to 10 days, makes summary dismissal the default without a complete record, burdens counsel, and shifts errors and caseloads to federal courts.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on April 8, 2026.
4/8/26
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
AILA and the National Well-Being Committee are proud to present Well-Being Week in Law 2026. Wellness is always important but takes on new contours during times of stress or upheaval. Join us May 4–8 as we come together to prioritize well-being!
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.