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Latest Immigration News & Updates

Policy changes, visa bulletin movement, and the stories shaping immigration in the United States, curated and summarized by our licensed attorneys.

Latest Immigration News

Last updated September 24, 2026

Updated automatically several times a day from national news sources. Newest first.

Immigration Policy
September 24, 2026

US tightens birth tourism crackdown: Rubio announces visa curbs as judge blocks Trump’s latest birthright citizenship bid

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals who engage in or facilitate commercial birth tourism, escalating the Trump administration's ...

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Major Regulatory Updates

Official announcements from USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State and the Federal Register — rules, fees, visa bulletins and policy manual changes, grouped by week.

This week

Last week

Regulatory
September 18, 2026

Five Defendants Charged with Defrauding and Exploiting H-2A Visa Program to Smuggle Aliens into the United States

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) supported a federal investigation that resulted in the indictment of five people for their roles in a scheme to exploit a nonimmigrant visa worker program. The defendants fraudulently obtained worker visas and smuggled aliens into the United States. The U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Georgia made the announcement.

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Week of Sep 7 – Sep 13, 2026

Regulatory
September 11, 2026

Department of Justice Removes Alien Terrorist in First Use of United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court

In the first-ever case before the United States Alien Terrorist Removal Court (ATRC), Nazira Haji Zada, 47, an Afghan national previously residing in Fort Worth, Texas, was removed from the United States after conceding that she is an alien terrorist.

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Week of Aug 31 – Sep 6, 2026

Regulatory
September 4, 2026

DHS Announces Rule for Certain Children Born in the United States to Foreign Government Employees

The Department of Homeland Security today issued an interim final rule amending its regulations to allow certain children born in the United States to foreign government employees who are not U.S. citizens to register as lawful permanent residents.

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Regulatory
September 4, 2026

Court Order on Diversity Immigrant Visa Program Hold Policy

On Aug. 28, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order in Medani, et al., v. Trump, et al., 26-cv-6332 (NDCA), temporarily vacating PM-602-0193 pending further litigation. USCIS is ordered, “to the extent practicable and in good faith, to take all reasonable steps during the remainder of the Diversity Visa fiscal year to resume ordinary adjudication of plaintiffs’ pending adjustment of status applications without applying” PM-602-0193.

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Attorney Briefings Archive

Earlier commentary written by our attorneys. Kept for reference — check the sections above for current news.

Major Policy Shift
June 13, 2026

USCIS Directs Most Immigrants To Return Home For Green Cards; DOJ Expands Denaturalization

USCIS has ended most in-country adjustment of status, directing applicants to consular processing abroad. At the same time, DOJ is escalating denaturalization for citizens who concealed material facts.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has directed most immigrants temporarily in the U.S. to return to their home countries to apply for a Green Card, ending the ability to adjust status from within the U.S. Additionally, the U.S. government is actively revoking (denaturalizing) citizenship for individuals who lied or concealed material information during their original immigration processes.

1. Returning Home To Apply For A Green Card

  • The general rule: Current U.S. policy requires immigrants seeking permanent residency to return to their home country to complete the immigrant visa process.
  • The "Catch-22" / reentry bars: Leaving the U.S. can trigger mandatory unlawful presence bars that block reentry for 3 to 10 years. Waivers like the Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver exist but require showing "extreme hardship" to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent.
  • Exceptions: Officials note exceptions may be made for individuals who provide an "economic benefit" or serve a "national interest."

2. Fraud And Revocation Of Citizenship

  • Denaturalization efforts: The Department of Justice has escalated proceedings to revoke citizenship from naturalized citizens found guilty of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts.
  • The effect of fraud: If someone lied or omitted critical information (criminal records, prior deportations, identity fraud) on a Green Card application, that fraud renders any subsequent naturalization illegally procured.
  • Current government stance: The government has expanded the categories of offenses prioritized for denaturalization beyond violent crimes to include financial and drug-related offenses.

Serving immigrants in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, throughout Florida, Massachusetts, and across the United States. This summary is general information, not legal advice — speak with a licensed attorney before acting.

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Policy Update
May 28, 2026

USCIS Announces Updated Filing Fees For Family-Based Petitions

New fee schedule takes effect later this year, affecting I-130, I-485, and naturalization filings. Petitioners should plan ahead and confirm the current amount before submitting.

Ask an attorney
Visa Bulletin
May 20, 2026

June Visa Bulletin: Movement For Several Employment-Based Categories

The Department of State's latest Visa Bulletin shows forward movement in EB-2 and EB-3 final action dates for several countries. Adjustment of status applicants should review their priority dates.

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Asylum & Humanitarian
May 15, 2026

New Guidance Issued On Credible Fear Interview Procedures

Recent policy clarifications change how certain credible fear interviews are scheduled and reviewed. Individuals at the border should consult counsel before responding.

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Naturalization
May 8, 2026

Citizenship Test Updates: What Applicants Should Know

USCIS continues to refine the civics test format. We break down what's changing, what isn't, and how to prepare.

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Work Visas
April 30, 2026

H-1B Cap Season Wrap-Up: Selection Rates And Next Steps

With selections complete, employers and beneficiaries should focus on timely I-129 filing, RFE preparedness, and consular processing strategy.

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DACA
April 22, 2026

DACA Renewals: Current Status And Recommended Timing

Renewals continue while litigation proceeds. Recipients should file 120–150 days before expiration to avoid lapses in work authorization.

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Note: News summaries are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently. Confirm details with a licensed attorney before acting on any policy update.