Policy & litigation

The State Department is streamlining reporting requirements for international arms sales under Executive Order 14268, specifically reducing the burden of political contribution and fee disclosures in the International Traffic in Arms…

A federal court in Rhode Island on June 5, 2026 vacated three USCIS policy memoranda (PM 602-0192, PM 602-0194, and PA 2025-26) related to hold policies. The court order overturns these guidance documents, which likely affects how USCIS…

Secretary Mullin met with Marcus and Dalilah Coleman, members of an 'Angel Family'—a family that has lost a loved one to a crime committed by an undocumented immigrant. This meeting highlights the Trump administration's focus on victims of…

The Department of Justice is updating fee regulations for cases filed with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the immigration court system, to comply with new statutory requirements. This interim final rule establishes new…

DHS has directed ICE to prioritize deportation of foreign nationals who vote in U.S. elections. Voting while not a citizen is a federal crime and grounds for deportation under immigration law. This directive aims to enforce existing…

The State Department is updating its Risk Analysis and Management (RAM) information collection process used in visa adjudication and immigration screening. The agency is requesting public comments on the revised procedures. Public comments…

The U.S. has designated Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. These designations may affect visa eligibility, financial transactions, and immigration benefits for individuals or…

USCIS has discovered widespread fraud in applications from immigrants claiming to be juveniles, potentially affecting thousands of pending cases. The agency is reviewing claims and may deny or delay benefits for applicants found to have…

ICE officers conducted enforcement operations targeting individuals convicted of murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, and other serious offenses. The agency publicized these arrests as part of its deportation and criminal enforcement…

DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is updating the Departure Notification Record information collection system and has submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget for final review and approval. The collection was…

DHS released a statement highlighting arrests of individuals with criminal records in New Jersey, describing them as part of enforcement operations in the state. The announcement appears to be a response to criticism of ICE operations.…

A criminal alien was released from jail by California authorities and subsequently committed violent crimes including the stabbing of two women and a baby. This incident highlights tensions between local sanctuary policies and federal…

The Department of Labor has cancelled its 2026 civil monetary penalty adjustments for immigration-related violations because the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release required October 2025 inflation data due to a government funding…

DHS is implementing new measures to identify and prevent fraudulent asylum claims. The agency is focusing on applicants who misrepresent facts or submit false documentation to gain asylum protection. These steps aim to speed up case…

USCIS announced a new policy restricting adjustment of status (green card applications within the U.S.) to only extraordinary circumstances, requiring most applicants to process through consular processing abroad instead. This reverses…

ICE has requested that California Governor Gavin Newsom and state officials not release a truck driver who is in custody following a fatal crash that killed two people. The driver's immigration status appears to be a central issue in ICE's…

The U.S. government has issued a determination and certification identifying countries that are not fully cooperating with antiterrorism efforts. This certification may affect visa policy, travel restrictions, and security screening for…

The U.S. has temporarily paused visa operations, affecting the processing of new visa applications. This suspension impacts travelers, workers, students, and families seeking to enter or remain in the country. The exact duration and scope…

The Trump administration has maintained a policy of zero migrant releases at the southern border for a full year, meaning all apprehended individuals are either detained or removed rather than released into the United States pending legal…

USCIS and the Department of Justice have filed denaturalization actions against 12 individuals in federal district courts, alleging serious crimes including providing material support to terrorist organizations, committing war crimes,…

The Department of Homeland Security released a video honoring Carissa Aspnes, who was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident caused by a driver in the country illegally. The video commemorates her story as part of DHS messaging on…

ICE has announced arrests of immigrants with criminal convictions including murder, child predation, and violent assault. The agency emphasized public safety enforcement as a priority. This reflects ongoing immigration enforcement…

An individual was arrested by ICE after being released from local custody in a sanctuary jurisdiction. The article frames this as a failure of sanctuary policies, though specific details about the arrest, charges, or immigration…

Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a individual with a violent criminal record and sex offender status after he was released from state custody in Illinois. The arrest highlights tension between federal immigration enforcement…

ICE has requested that California Governor Newsom and local officials not release an undocumented immigrant who was arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing in San Francisco. The request highlights tension between federal immigration…

This headline reports on a court decision involving the release of a person described as a wanted criminal. Without access to the full article, the specific immigration implications, legal basis, or procedural details cannot be determined.…

A semi-truck driver arrested by ICE was previously released from local custody despite immigration violations. The driver is accused of causing a fatal crash involving honeymooners in Oregon. This case highlights tensions between local law…

DHS is implementing new fees and requirements for asylum cases under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act of 2025. The agency has announced consequences for applicants who fail to pay annual asylum fees. This interim final rule affects asylum…

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced multiple arrests of individuals convicted of serious crimes including child exploitation, kidnapping, and violent offenses. These enforcement actions target criminal aliens with severe…

The White House has announced a suspension of visa issuance to foreign nationals to protect U.S. security. This is a broad action affecting multiple visa categories and classes of admission. Details on scope, duration, and specific visa…

A New York sanctuary jurisdiction declined to honor an ICE arrest detainer for an individual charged with murder and arson. The incident illustrates ongoing tensions between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement…

Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested three individuals in Minnesota in a single day, all of whom were undocumented and had prior convictions for child sex crimes. ICE prioritizes removal of criminal aliens, particularly those…

USCIS announced that the Trump administration is implementing heightened screening and vetting procedures for foreign nationals applying for entry or immigration benefits, citing national security and public safety priorities. These…

USCIS assisted in the successful denaturalization of Carlos Noe Gallegos, a convicted child sex offender, in a case announced by the U.S. attorney's office in Texas. The denaturalization process removes citizenship status from individuals…

The Executive Office for Immigration Review is requiring electronic filing and document submission for all cases before the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO), effective immediately. The interim final rule updates…

The Executive Office for Immigration Review has extended the public comment deadline for proposed changes to appellate procedures before the Board of Immigration Appeals from March 9, 2026 to April 8, 2026. The interim final rule was…

USCIS assisted federal investigators in an immigration fraud case that resulted in indictments and arrests of four individuals in New York City on five counts. The investigation demonstrates ongoing enforcement against immigration-related…

A federal judge revoked the U.S. citizenship of a Salvadoran national, Isidro Arcenio Alvarado, after he pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining citizenship. He was convicted of child molestation and sentenced to active prison time, then…

USCIS and the Department of Justice have initiated a denaturalization lawsuit against Philippe Bien-Aime, the former Mayor of North Miami, based on an investigation into how he obtained U.S. citizenship. The civil complaint was filed in…

DHS is proposing a new rule designed to reduce fraudulent asylum applications and limit work authorization abuse. The rule would strengthen screening procedures for asylum seekers to verify the legitimacy of their claims. Public comments…

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Yemeni nationals currently holding TPS will need to explore alternative immigration…

USCIS assisted law enforcement in an investigation that resulted in 11 federal indictments related to marriage fraud and bribery schemes. The conspiracy involved fraudulent marriage-based immigration petitions and corrupt officials or…

The Department of Justice issued an interim final rule streamlining the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) appellate procedures by making merits review discretionary and setting new briefing timelines. The rule aims to speed up case…

An MS-13 gang member accused of five murders was arrested in Virginia with help from U.S. immigration authorities. The arrest occurred just weeks before Virginia's Governor ended the state's cooperation agreement with ICE. This reflects…

Two Pakistani nationals in New Jersey were indicted for illegally voting in a federal election and submitting false information on their U.S. citizenship applications. USCIS investigation and cooperation with law enforcement led to the…

DHS and DOJ have announced a new rule that bars asylum eligibility for foreign nationals who pose security threats or public health risks to the United States. The rule clarifies when aliens may be ineligible for asylum or withholding of…

DHS is changing how H-1B visas are awarded to prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid workers. The new regulations aim to protect American workers' wages, working conditions, and job opportunities. This shift could affect which foreign…

USCIS released an end-of-year review highlighting enforcement actions and policy changes implemented in 2025, including enhanced background screening, stricter vetting procedures, and increased coordination with DHS immigration…

The Department of Homeland Security is terminating all family reunification parole programs for nationals from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their family members. This eliminates a humanitarian…

USCIS has created a new specialized screening unit designed to identify and exclude terrorists, criminals, and fraudsters from the immigration system. The center will enhance security vetting across various immigration benefit applications…

USCIS is updating its policy on biometrics collection for detainees to prevent frivolous immigration claims and ensure consistent procedures across offices. This change affects how immigration officials screen and process detainees during…

USCIS has updated its policy to reduce the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories of workers and to increase screening and vetting procedures for foreign nationals working in the United…

Following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. by an Afghan national, USCIS has issued new guidance that allows country-specific security risk factors to be considered when vetting aliens from 19 identified high-risk countries. This…

A 64-year-old Cuban Air Force pilot has been indicted for immigration fraud, including misuse of visa and permit documents and making false statements to federal authorities. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services played a key role…

Under the Trump administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it has closed loopholes and implemented changes to immigration policy since January 20, 2025, aiming to restore integrity to the immigration system and…

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has upgraded the SAVE program, which verifies immigration status, to help states confirm that only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections. The enhanced system enables better coordination between…

The Department of Homeland Security has ended the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (work permits) for immigrants renewing their applications in certain employment categories. Individuals in affected categories will…

The President issued a proclamation on September 19, 2025, restricting entry of certain nonimmigrant workers, signaling an intent to overhaul the H-1B visa program. The proclamation is framed as an initial reform step affecting worker…

USCIS, ICE, and the FBI jointly conducted Operation Twin Shield, a targeted fraud investigation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area from September 19–28, 2025. Officers identified suspected fraud in 275 immigration cases during this surge…

USCIS has updated guidance on military naturalization to clarify that uncharacterized discharges occurring on or after August 1, 2024 do not satisfy the "honorable conditions" requirement for alien service members to naturalize. Former…

President Trump signed a proclamation on September 19, 2025 restricting entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers to protect American workers and curb visa abuses. This marks an initial reform step targeting the H-1B program. The FAQ…

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria, ending legal protections for Syrian nationals currently in the United States under this program. Affected individuals will face removal…

USCIS has announced the implementation of the 2025 naturalization civics test, marking the first changes to the citizenship test as part of a broader overhaul of American citizenship standards. The updated test was posted in a Federal…

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has gained expanded law enforcement authorities, allowing its newly designated special agents (1811 classified officers) to investigate, arrest, and prosecute immigration law violators. This final…

USCIS is strengthening its screening and vetting processes to detect fraud and abuse in the immigration system, including false claims to U.S. citizenship. The agency is enforcing consequences for aliens who provide false or fraudulent…

USCIS is updating its policy manual to include anti-American activity, antisemitic activity, and involvement in terrorist organizations as factors that officers may consider when exercising discretion in certain immigrant benefit requests,…

Joseph B. Edlow was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 15, 2025, as the new Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. As the head of USCIS, Edlow will oversee immigration benefits processing, naturalization, and asylum…

A Brazilian national in Massachusetts was sentenced for unlawful reentry and selling fraudulent documents, including three counterfeit Social Security cards and three fake green cards, to an undercover officer. This criminal prosecution…

USCIS assisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the July 9 arrest of a high-ranking MS-13 gang member wanted by El Salvador authorities and listed among the country's top 100 most wanted fugitives who was hiding in Nebraska. The…

A 30-year-old Mexican-born U.S. citizen has been indicted for naturalization fraud by federal prosecutors in North Carolina. The defendant, Anibal Rios Lavias, previously had a conviction for a sex offense. This case highlights federal…

DHS and DOJ issued a new rule establishing procedures for imposing civil monetary penalties on immigrants who violate removal orders, fail to depart voluntarily, or are caught entering the country illegally. The rule centralizes DHS…

USCIS updated its policy for processing Form N-648 (disability exceptions to naturalization test requirements) to strengthen verification of medical certifications and prevent fraud. The agency will conduct more rigorous review of medical…

USCIS issued new guidance clarifying when and how the agency must disclose derogatory information to applicants in naturalization, green card, and other immigration cases. The guidance generally requires disclosure in Notices of Intent to…

USCIS has issued removal proceedings against over 26,700 individuals since late February under new guidance on Notices to Appear. The agency updated its policy on issuing NTAs to streamline removal actions against people with no legal…

The Supreme Court on May 30, 2025, overturned a federal court's preliminary injunction that had blocked enforcement of the Trump administration's March 2025 termination of the parole process for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan…

DHS agencies (CBP, ICE, and USCIS) are launching an intensified crackdown on visa overstayers following a recent terrorist attack in Boulder. The enforcement effort, directed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, will focus on reviewing…

USCIS updated the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to improve accuracy in verifying immigration status and U.S. citizenship for eligibility determination purposes. The enhancement aims to provide a single…

USCIS is prioritizing national security by tightening immigration policies and reducing misuse of humanitarian parole programs. The agency is working closely with enforcement agencies to identify and remove undocumented immigrants. This…

USCIS assisted ICE, the State Department, and federal prosecutors in dismantling a nationwide marriage fraud operation, resulting in arrests. The agency's data and investigation support helped identify fraudulent family-based petitions.…

USCIS assisted in the investigation and conviction of a Mexican national for operating a smuggling and labor trafficking scheme. The agency provided investigative support that contributed to the guilty plea. This case highlights USCIS…