Practice Resources
The June 5, 2026 decision vacating USCIS policies pausing certain adjudications will remain in effect while the government pursues an appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. AILA members should share examples how this decision is being implemented by USCIS.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements
E-Verify posted that employer accounts are having technical issues related to a new account validation feature. E-Verify is working to address the issue but does not have a timeline for its resolution.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR Director Daren Margolin issued a Policy Memorandum (PM 26-06) on public access to EOIR hearings. The memo outlines policy for providing public access to EOIR spaces, when immigration hearings may be closed, guidance for observing hearings, and reporting procedures for public access violations.
Accessible to Public.
Press Releases
AILA raised serious concerns about the Trump Administration’s changes to the “public charge” rule which will take effect on September 20, 2026, warning that the policy would create confusion, expand government agents’ discretion without accountability, and harm immigrant families and communities.
7/16/26
AILA Doc. No. 26071604.
Accessible to Public.
Federal Court Cases
The U.S. District Court in Rhode Island denied the government’s motion to stay the 6/5/26 decision vacating USCIS's Benefits and Global Asylum Hold Policies, Comprehensive Re-Review Policy, and Country-Specific Factors Policy pending appeal. (Dorcas Int'l Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS, 6/5/26)
Accessible to Public.
Examples & Questions
Practitioners have reported experiencing delays in adjudication of premium processing requests across all eligible form types. AILA's USCIS Operations Committee seeks examples of premium processing delays, including instances when a reimbursement has been requested but not issued.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced a final rule changing the admission period in the F (academic student), J (exchange visitor), and I (representatives of foreign information media) classifications from duration of status to admission for a fixed period. The rule will publish on 7/17/26. An advance copy is available.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced a final rule to rescind the 2022 regulation on public charge determinations, which instructed USCIS officers to consider specific public benefits when determining if an applicant is likely to become a public charge. The rule will be published on 7/17/26. An advance copy is available.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
A significant provision included in H.R. 1 will take effect on July 22, 2026, dramatically curtailing the length and availability of automatic extensions for TPS-based EADs. Please see this pointer for more details.
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 July 16, 2026.
7/16/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court declined to address unexhausted arguments that the agency relied on the wrong statute to declare the petitioner ineligible for cancellation of removal based on her Nebraska negligent child abuse conviction and overlooked the petty-offense exception. (Lopez-Lopez v. Blanche, 7/7/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA abused its discretion in denying reopening based on ineffective assistance of counsel, incorrectly concluding it lacked authority over conduct before a different tribunal and finding a courtesy copy provided sufficient notice. (Menjivar-Ayala v. Blanche, 7/9/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that Matter of Y–L–’s unrebutted presumption that drug trafficking aggravated felonies are particularly serious triggered the regulatory presumption of danger to the community, and no separate dangerousness determination was required. (Sarr v. Blanche, 7/7/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that a motion to reopen based on ineffective assistance of counsel must include a copy of the bar complaint filed with disciplinary authorities and proof of the filing, or an explanation why a bar complaint was not filed. Matter of L–R–M–C– & V–A–M–M–, 29 I&N Dec. 757 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that embezzlement under Va. Code Ann. §18.2-111 is not categorically a crime involving fraud or deceit under INA §101(a)(43)(M)(i), because “fraudulently” in the statute means wrongful or felonious intent and the elements do not require concealment. (Ramos v. Blanche, 7/9/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Planning has already begun for the 2027 AILA Annual Conference! The Conference Planning Committee needs your suggestions for topics, speakers, and preferred formats for AC 27. Please submit them for consideration by July 17, 2026.
7/16/26
Accessible to Public.
Featured Issues
The Administration has ramped up immigration enforcement efforts, including arresting people attending hearings at immigration courts and appointments at USCIS and ICE field offices. Far from keeping us safe, indiscriminate enforcement harms our families, communities, and our nation as a whole.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOL Committee provides an overview of updated guidance shared by BALCA regarding the interplay of ETA Form 9141 and ETA Form 9089 on travel given the continued reports on PERM denials.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOL Committee provides updates on clarification of eligibility for dairy employers by USCIS, and provides pointers on what the USCIS memo dos not do, including practical considerations for attorneys.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Blog
AILA’s Rule of Law Task Force Chair Jerry Grzeca describes how the Trump Administration has undermined the immigration system, writing that “The rule of law depends not only on what the law says, but also on whether people can reasonably understand it, rely on it, and comply with it.”
7/15/26
AILA Doc. No. 26071501.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on July 15, 2026.
7/15/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA's DOL Committee shares updates on OEWS Prevailing Wages and Appendix A, which became effective on 07/01/2026, including impacts on the LCA and PWD.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Prepare to advocate effectively with Trial Skills for Immigration Court. Drawing on extensive practitioner training experience, Michelle N. Méndez and Victoria Neilson provide practical strategies for case preparation, testimony, evidence, and appeals. Get your copy today!
7/15/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2026-04) updating its Policy Manual regarding attorneys and representatives. It includes guidance on eligibility, responsibilities, expectations for professional conduct. The guidance is effective 7/13/26. Feedback is due 8/13/26.
7/14/26
AILA Doc. No. 26071411.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Learn how AILALink is the perfect tool for electronic access to the books and other research resources you need. Sign up for our next group training at 2:00 pm (ET) on Tuesday, August 4.
7/14/26
AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
Accessible to Public.
FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice of the recission, effective 7/14/26, of its 2011 guidance to Federal financial assistance recipients regarding the Title VI prohibition against national origin discrimination affecting limited English proficient persons, consistent with E.O. 14224. (91 FR 43108, 7/14/26)
Accessible to Public.
Policy Briefs
Since the start of the Administration, ICE and Border Patrol have been responsible for countless unlawful and violent abuses against immigrants and U.S. citizens, leading to serious injury and death. This policy brief highlights recent abuses and offers AILA’s solutions for reforming the system.
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that reinstatement orders are reviewable final orders of removal and that INA §242(b)(1)’s 30-day petition for review deadline is subject to equitable tolling where petitioners relied on binding pre-Riley circuit precedent. (E.E.V. and M.C.C.-G. v. Blanche, 7/6/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the BIA and the IJ failed to apply the two-step test required by Matter of N–A–M– in determining that the petitioner’s Virginia conviction for assault and battery against a family member was a particularly serious crime. (Guevara Martinez v. Blanche, 7/7/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that the agency failed to properly assess whether petitioner’s likely detention in El Salvador, including prison conditions intentionally created and maintained by the government, would amount to torture, and thus remanded his CAT claim. (Aguilar-Villalobos v. Blanche, 7/8/26)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
AILA Announcements
Immigration Law and the Family delivers practical guidance on today's family-based immigration challenges. Gain the legal insight and real-world strategies you need to anticipate issues and advocate effectively for clients.
7/14/26
Accessible to Public.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that DHS need not provide an asylum cooperative agreement (ACA) implementing instrument or a full set of operative terms and criteria to show respondents are subject to the ACA for purposes of the safe third country bar. Matter of N–E–R–S–, et al., 29 I&N Dec. 753 (BIA 2026)
Accessible to: Member, Student, Govt/Policy, Paralegal.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that DHS’s oral motion to pretermit respondents’ applications for asylum and related protection provided sufficient notice of its intent to remove them to a third country pursuant to an asylum cooperative agreement (ACA). Matter of E–A–R–M–, et al., 29 I&N Dec. 746 (BIA 2026)
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 July 14, 2026.
7/14/26
Accessible to Public.
AILA Blog
AILA Members John Pratt and Clayton Oates describe the devastation affecting Venezuela and urge the Trump Administration to implement protections for Venezuelan nationals in the U.S, calling on Congress to act if the Administration refuses to do so.
7/14/26
AILA Doc. No. 26071403.
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Navigate today's toughest waiver and discretionary relief issues with the newly updated fifth edition of The Waivers Book. Covering key barriers to immigration benefits, it also includes a digital add-on with sample materials.
7/14/26
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
AILA provides recommendations for potential resolution of issues related to myUSCIS. AILA will continue to monitor other issues for potential advocacy.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
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 Public.
Practice Resources
AILA members have reported a growing number of concerns in affirmative asylum adjudications. These reports suggest emerging patterns that may be affecting case processing, interview procedures, adjudication timelines, and decision-making in affirmative asylum cases.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
Agency Memos & Announcements
DHS announced that 20% of states’ Homeland Security Grant Program awards will be contingent on adopting specific election processes, including using SAVE to verify the citizenship of individuals in state voter registration databases, working at polling places, and operating election systems.
7/13/26
AILA Doc. No. 26071302.
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
OFLC announced a webinar on 7/22/26 at 1:00 PM ET on preparing an Application for Prevailing Wage Determination (Form ETA-9141) for the permanent and labor condition application programs. It will provide technical assistance, filing best practices, and an overview of common post-filing issues.
Accessible to Public.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on July 13, 2026.
7/13/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2026-03) to update the policy manual regarding what is considered a valid signature when submitting benefit request documents. Feedback is due 8/10/26.
7/10/26
AILA Doc. No. 26071005.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On 6/22/26, a federal district court in Texas issued an order in State of Texas v. Department of Justice declaring that no statute authorizes immigration judges to indefinitely pause removal proceedings. The EOIR Committee provides this practice alert with more details and practice implications.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA members may share the attached flyer with clients preparing for U.S. citizenship. Welcome.US’s Citizen Guide Program offers free, flexible online tutoring for lawful permanent residents, pairing each participant with a volunteer tutor for guidance and support. Available in Spanish.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
The Verification Committee provides a comprehensive chart on current status and EAD notes for TPS and parole programs.
Special thank you to Kathleen Campbell Walker, Meredith Jolie, John Mazzeo, Timothy D’Arduini, Sarah Peterson, and Kimberley Best Robidoux for their contributions to the chart.
Accessible to Public.
Practice Resources
On July 1, USCIS E-Verify and SAVE issued guidance acknowledging that affected TPS beneficiaries will maintain their right to remain and work in the United States until lower courts dissolve the previously issued injunctions.
Accessible to: Member, Student, Paralegal.
AILA Citizenship Day will take place on or around September 17, 2026, with local chapters planning their own events. Join AILA and our partners for webinars so you feel confident and prepared to volunteer!
Accessible to Public.
AILA Announcements
Submit your article for the Fall 2026 AILA Law Journal. We welcome timely, practice-focused, and scholarly articles on immigration law and policy developments. Share your insights with a national audience of practitioners and thought leaders. Submit by July 13, 2026.
7/10/26
Accessible to Public.
Agency Memos & Announcements
SAVE and E-Verify issued updates on the status of EADs issued to TPS-holders from Haiti. Category A12 or C19 EADs issued under this designation remain valid and extended. SAVE and E-Verify will display a 7/24/26 expiration date.
Accessible to Public.