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.
AILA Announcements
Need a trusted go-to for everyday immigration practice? AILA’s Immigration Law Practice and Procedure Manual (“the Cookbook”) is packed with practical guidance, checklists, sample letters, and more to help you confidently handle common immigration matters. Order your copy today.
9/25/26
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.
AILA Announcements
For decades, immigration practitioners have trusted Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook as the definitive guide to U.S. immigration law. Now shipping, this essential resource delivers reliable, practical analysis to help attorneys navigate an ever-changing legal landscape. Get your copy today.
9/24/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On 9/18/26, the 1st Circuit largely affirmed D.Mass vacatur of DHS’s third country removal (TCR) policy in D.V.D. v. DHS. It affirms key relief for the nationwide class, including the conclusion that DHS’s TCR policies are unlawful, while modifying the order on sequencing of countries for removal.
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.
AILA Announcements
Equip your practice with AILA's updated 2026 editions of the INA and CFR. Get fast access to key statutes, regulations, and editorial notes. Explore savings with bundle options and add these essential resources to your library today.
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.
FR Regulations & Notices
DOS final rule amending its regulations governing the availability of information under DOS control to the public, effective 10/21/26. The rule implements the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Improvement Act of 2016. (91 FR 59698, 9/21/26)
9/22/26
AILA Doc. No. 26092200.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Looking for a resource to help you navigate the latest challenges in consular practice? Packed with timely insights, the newly updated Consular Practice Handbook helps you address heightened scrutiny, shifting policies, and ongoing delays. Pick up your copy of this popular resource today!
9/22/26
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 22, 2026.
9/22/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
Correct edition dates were not updated on the USCIS website on 9/18/2026, until AILA notified USCIS. However, it remains unclear when Form I-485 Supplement A and Form I-356 were properly updated on the USCIS. Members are encouraged to review edition dates before filing.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Chapter Documents
November 6, 2026
Hynes Convention Center
Boston, MA
Registration is Now Open!
Join AILA New England for our 23rd Annual Conference, Forward with Purpose: Upholding Justice in Uncertain Times.
9/21/26
AILA Doc. No. 26042206.
Accessible to: Member, Student, International Associate.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee provides a practice alert regarding DOS’s acknowledgement that the DV pause and 75-country IV pause are no longer in effect. The Committee also provides advice on next steps for practitioners.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that, in the absence of a timely answer to the Notice of Intent to Discipline, the Board generally does not diverge from the sanction recommended in a Notice of Intent to Discipline that is based on reciprocal discipline. Matter of Cuber, 30 I&N Dec. 59 (BIA 2026)
9/21/26
AILA Doc. No. 26092107.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Stay current with the 11th edition of Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity. Mary E. Kramer provides essential updates and proven strategies for representing noncitizens facing immigration consequences. Order your copy today.
9/21/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
On September 10, 2026, DOS issued an official cable instructing all U.S. embassies and consulates to immediately resume processing and issuance of immigrant visas and diversity visas.
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 21, 2026.
9/21/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA’s DOS Committee provides a practice alert on the August 24, 2026, recission of Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, discussing what the recission means for Syrian nationals.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
FR Regulations & Notices
DOL Wage and Hour Division notice and request for comments on a proposed information request extension regarding MSPA requirements on disclosures to farmworkers related to pay, calculation of pay, housing, meals, and more. Comments are due 11/20/26. (91 FR 59807, 9/21/26)
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice stating that DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin is further extending the “Finding of Mass Influx of Aliens” first issued on 1/23/25. This extension, dated 9/21/26, will expire in 180 days. (91 FR 59795, 9/21/26)
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
In this blog post, AILA member Angelo Paparelli interviews former USCIS asylum adjudicator Joshua Perez about the adjudicator’s view of an asylum filing and concludes that “understanding the digital context in which cases are reviewed is becoming an essential part of effective advocacy.”
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced that, effective 10/1/26, it will expand its online presence review to cover I, TN, and TD visa applicants. DOS instructs all applicants subject to this expanded vetting to set all of their social media profiles to "public" or "open."
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
DOS 60-day notice of comment request on the creation of Form DS-864E, Request for Exemption From Immigrant Visa Applicant's Affidavit of Support. Comments are due 11/17/26. (91 FR 59292, 9/18/26)
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
The Asylum & Refugee Committee holds monthly office hours every 3rd Monday, 2-3 pm ET. Join this open forum to discuss issues practitioners are facing, to strategize, and to otherwise collaborate with a group of experts. All are welcome and the committee is grateful for members' participation.
Accessible to: Member.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on September 18, 2026.
9/18/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that a noncitizen convicted of an aggravated felony is inadmissible under INA §212(a)(8)(A) as an immigrant ineligible to citizenship, overruled Matter of Kanga, and held that its decision applies prospectively only. Matter of A–V–O–, 30 I&N Dec. 44 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
USCIS responds to AILA's inquiry regarding cases impacted by a system glitch that caused online case statuses to state that the case was being placed on hold due to issues with payment. USCIS is actively working to resolve the issue.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
FR Regulations & Notices
CDC notice with comment period to announce the extension of the Title 42 order denying entry of non-citizens who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan during the last 21 days until 10/11/26. (91 FR 58673, 9/16/26)
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee provides clarification on the effective dates and versions for Form I-485 and associated supplement forms given the interim final rule published on 9/04/26. As a reminder, due to the Public Charge FR, the 9/18/26 edition of Form I-485 becomes effective on 9/18/26.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Blog
AILA Benefits Litigation Committee Member Steven Brown details the recent injunction postponing the effective date of DHS's Final Rule replacing duration of status with fixed periods of admission for F, J, and I nonimmigrants (international students) and what the ruling means.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC announced a new Records Management page on the Foreign Labor Certification website. It covers OFLC’s records retention policy, explains how FLAG retains and disposes of records, and provides guidance on searching for and retrieving case information from FLAG.
Accessible to Public.
DOS Secretary announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals who allegedly enact or implement laws or policy “that enable uncompensated land seizures, race-based discrimination, and/or the incitement of imminent violence” against Afrikaners and other minority groups in South Africa.
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 17, 2026.
9/17/26
Accessible to Public.
Professional Resources
A strong business plan helps immigration law firms define their vision and serve clients effectively. This article provides a business plan template that can help your firm align strategy, operations, and resources to establish long-term success in a competitive market.
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 16, 2026.
9/16/26
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 15, 2026.
9/15/26
Accessible to Public.