Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced it will publish a notice of inflation increase of certain immigration-related fees under HR 1 for FY27, effective 10/16/26. These include the Annual Asylum Application Fee, and filing fees for Forms I-131, I-765 (for certain initial filings), and I-821. An advance copy is available.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
EOIR notice of inflationary fee adjustment of immigration-related filing fees for certain DHS forms filed with EOIR under HR 1 for FY27. Fees will increase for Forms I-485, I-601, and I-821, as well as the Annual Asylum Fee (Form I-589). The new fees are effective 10/1/26. (91 FR 61447, 9/29/26)
Accessible to Public.
Federal Agencies
In July 2026, The Department of State published a Generative AI Playbook, a guide for U.S. government agencies developing and scaling enterprise AI solutions, with a focus on GenAI technology.
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 30, 2026.
9/30/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA provides a practice pointer on revised Forms I-864, I-864A, and I-864EZ, including filing deadlines, new credit-report provisions, potential public charge implications, and practice tips for sponsors and practitioners.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
On September 23, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) announced the launch of an online tip portal to report suspected visa fraud or misuse. DOS states that it may revoke visas or refer fraud for investigation based on information received via the portal.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s Public Charge Working Group is monitoring the following lawsuits that have been recently filed in relation to the 2026 Public Charge Final Rule. The group will also continue to monitor any new litigation and provide updates as they become available.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
On September 23, 2026, DOS announced new visa restrictions on those suspected of engaging in “birth tourism.” DOS has not detailed how the policy will be implemented.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee has received reports from members that the DS-260 now includes several new and expanded questions on travel history, spouses/partners, prior passports, and nationalities. The new questions have caused technical issues and raise concerns about the notice and comment process.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Policy Briefs
EOIR is scheduling immigration hearings in DHS-operated spaces not traditionally used as courts. This policy brief explores how the use of these hidden courts threatens due process and judicial independence and offers solutions to ensure immigration courts are independent of political interference.
Accessible to Public.
Memo & Regulatory Comments
AILA submitted a comment opposing the DHS/USCIS July 28, 2026 interim final rule allowing the Asylum Division to base ineligibility findings on the Form I-589 application alone and refer affirmative asylum cases to immigration court without holding an interview.
Accessible to Public.
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.
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.