For non-US citizens, even domestic travel is something that should be considered very carefully these days. We are currently recommending that nonimmigrants with pending extensions of stay or adjustment of status applications avoid domestic travel due to reports of some individuals being detained while trying to board a domestic flight.

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A new Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) decision overturns longstanding precedent and may create new risks for individuals traveling with Advance Parole. The decision could have significant implications for certain noncitizens who leave and return to the United States using Advance Parole, making it increasingly important to understand the potential immigration consequences before traveling.

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Effective August 11, 2026, USCIS has issued an interim final rule, “Mandatory Electronic Filing (e-Filing)”, that will allow the agency to require certain immigration applications and petitions to be filed electronically rather than by mail.

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USCIS has implemented a new policy, effective August 5, 2026, that restores officers' discretion to deny immigration benefit requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when applicants fail to submit required initial evidence or establish eligibility at the time of filing.

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On June 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a proposed rule, “Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments,” that would substantially increase filing fees for naturalization applications and requests for a hearing on a naturalization decision.

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On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island vacated and set aside a series of Trump administration policies that had indefinitely halted the processing of immigration applications for individuals from 39 countries. 

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On June 8, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated the $100,000 H-1B fee requirement created by Presidential Proclamation, ruling that the fee was unlawful because the government lacked the authority to impose this excessive fee. 

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ImLaw attorneys are closely monitoring how USCIS is implementing the new policy memorandum, “Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process,” PM-602-0199, issued on May 22, 2026.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule changing the random selection process for H-1B cap registrations to a weighted selection process based on wage level. Effective February 27, 2026, the final rule will apply to the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration period, which is anticipated to occur in March 2026.

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As of October 31, 2025, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has resumed processing of Prevailing Wage Requests (PWRs), PERM applications, and Labor Condition Applications (LCAs). Employers can now move forward with H-1B and PERM filings, though longer processing times are expected as the agency becomes fully operational.

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On October 20, 2025, USCIS updated its “H-1B Specialty Occupations” webpage, clarifying who is subject to the $100,000 payment required of certain H-1B petitions filed on or after 9/21/25.

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Last night, without warning, President Trump signed a proclamation after hours, which goes into effect at 12:01AM on Sunday, 9/21/25. Any H-1B workers seeking to enter the United States after that time will be required to show they have paid a $100,000 entry fee to the U.S. Government.

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On 9/17/25, USCIS announced a change to the Naturalization Civics Test. USCIS will implement a new 2025 Naturalization Civics Test.

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Reach out to ImLaw at Contact ImLaw in Grand Rapids, MI • Imlaw; we’ll be happy to recommend reputable immigration counsel for consultation.

Changes in U.S. immigration policy are making headlines daily. Employers should also prepare for changes in business immigration, including delays and longer processing times, higher scrutiny on employment-based applications, and a greater focus on employer compliance.