Posts

Sep 16, 2026 • Policy Updates • 3 min read

New USCIS Guidance Checks Whether You Lawfully Naturalized Every Time You File a Petition

Policy Alert PA-2026-13, effective September 14, rewrites the denaturalization referral framework - publishing a 16-category priority list and confirming USCIS screens a citizen petitioner's own naturalization on any pending or future filing.

USCIS Naturalization Policy Updates Citizenship

Sep 16, 2026 • Policy Updates • 3 min read

The New I-765 and I-539 Editions Never Took Effect - USCIS Is Still Accepting the Old Ones

The September 14 court order postponing the Duration of Status rule also killed the 09/15/26 form editions. USCIS is rejecting them and still accepting I-765 08/21/25 and I-539 08/28/24 - but the I-485 change on September 18 is still on.

USCIS Processing Times Policy Updates H-1B

Sep 15, 2026 • Policy Updates • 3 min read

Court Halts the End of Duration of Status One Day Before It Took Effect: F-1 and J-1 Holders Keep D/S for Now

On September 14, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts granted nationwide preliminary relief postponing the DHS rule that would have replaced duration of status with fixed four-year admission periods for F-1 and J-1 holders. D/S remains in place while the case continues, and a government appeal is expected.

F-1 Duration of Status USCIS OPT

Sep 15, 2026 • Green Card • 3 min read

States and Cities Sue to Block the Public Charge Rule Four Days Before It Takes Effect: What Green Card Applicants Should Do Before Sept. 18

On September 14, 2026, a coalition of more than 20 states led by New York, California and Illinois, plus a separate group of cities, sued in Manhattan federal court to vacate DHS's public charge rule. The rule still takes effect September 18 unless a court blocks it.

USCIS Public Charge Adjustment of Status EB-2

Sep 15, 2026 • Policy Updates • 3 min read

White House Clears ICE's OPT Fee Proposal, but the $100,000 Figure Is Still Unconfirmed

OIRA concluded review of ICE's proposed Optional Practical Training Fees rule (RIN 1653-AB01) on September 11, 2026, clearing the way for publication. The fee amount has not been disclosed, and the widely shared $100,000 figure comes from a July media report, not rule text.

OPT F-1 H-1B Policy Updates

Sep 14, 2026 • Green Card • 2 min read

PERM Wait Drops to 336 Days as DOL Reaches November 2025 Filings

The Labor Department's average PERM analyst-review time fell to 336 days in August 2026, 36 days faster than July, with November 2025 filings now under review.

EB-2 Processing Times NIW

Sep 12, 2026 • Immigration News • 2 min read

A Secret Terrorism Court Congress Built in 1996 Just Removed Its First Person Ever

The Justice Department used the Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since its creation in 1996, removing an Afghan national from Fort Worth, Texas. USCIS confirmed its role in the interagency operation.

USCIS Policy Updates Enforcement

Sep 11, 2026 • Policy Updates • 3 min read

DHS Issues the First Rule Implementing E.O. 14418 — Children of Consular and International-Organization Staff Lose Birthright Citizenship

An interim final rule effective September 4, 2026 extends the diplomat exception to a much broader class of 'foreign government employees,' offering their U.S.-born children LPR registration instead of citizenship. A Maryland injunction limits implementation.

Birthright Citizenship USCIS Green Card Policy Updates

Sep 11, 2026 • Immigration News • 3 min read

El Salvador TPS Passed Its September 9 Deadline With No Decision — USCIS Says Status and Work Permits Stay Valid For Now

TPS for roughly 200,000 Salvadorans was set to end September 9, 2026. DHS made no announcement, and USCIS confirmed that night that both protection and work authorization remain valid — with no end date given.

TPS USCIS Work Authorization Policy Updates

Sep 11, 2026 • Immigration News • 2 min read

Federal Court Vacates the USCIS Diversity Visa Hold — and DV-2026 Selectees Have Under Three Weeks to Use It

A Northern District of California order in Medani v. Trump vacated Policy Memorandum PM-602-0193, forcing USCIS to resume DV adjustment adjudications. With the DV-2026 year ending September 30, the window is nearly closed.

Diversity Visa USCIS Green Card Policy Updates