IMMIGRATION ALERTS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a Final Rule formalising the foreign national registration requirement first introduced in 2025. The rule codifies existing processes without expanding scope. Key clarifications include explicit exemptions for Trusted Traveler Program members (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), no new categories added, and a requirement for foreign national children turning 14 while in the US to re-register.

Senator Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) is set to introduce the Living Wage for All Act, a sweeping proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour by 2031 for large employers. The bill includes an extended timeline for smaller employers until 2038. MIT's Living Wage Calculator shows $25/hour is enough for single adults in 36 states, but falls short for families in most states.

The U.S. Department of State has released June 18, 2026 visa wait times data showing Toronto at 21 months (one of the longest globally), Ottawa 14 months, Vancouver 12 months, Hyderabad 9.5 months, Mumbai 9.5 months, and New Delhi 7.5 months for B-1/B-2 interviews. Kinshasa H/L/O/P/Q waits surged 257% to 12.5 months.

USCIS has issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0200 clarifying that dairy operations may qualify for H-2A visas when they can demonstrate a temporary or seasonal labor need. The "totality of circumstances" test applies, and existing H-2A requirements—including U.S. worker recruitment and wage obligations—remain in effect. The guidance took effect June 17, 2026.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that federal courts cannot review DHS TPS determinations on non-constitutional grounds, clearing the way for termination of Haiti and Syria TPS designations. Tens of thousands of beneficiaries will lose work authorization and deportation protections. DHS is expected to issue wind-down guidance shortly.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed significant increases in US naturalization fees, with the N-400 form rising by up to 75% to $1,330 for paper filings. The rule eliminates reduced fees for low-income applicants and fee waivers for most. Public comments are open for 60 days

I-9 compliance is now one of the highest-risk areas for US employers in 2026. ICE has ramped up worksite enforcement, reclassified many errors as substantive violations, and increased penalties. This guide covers the latest I-9 rules, E-Verify mandates, step-by-step audit readiness, and practical strategies to avoid fines and legal exposure.

The July 2026 Visa Bulletin brings mixed news: EB-1 India retrogresses 2 months to October 15, 2022; EB-3 China advances nearly 5 months to December 22, 2021; EB-2 India and EB-5 India remain unavailable. USCIS will accept adjustment of status filings based on Final Action Dates. EB-3 India moves forward 2 weeks to January 1, 2014.

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the H-2B visa filing window for employers seeking foreign non-agricultural workers starting October 1, 2026. The three-day window runs from July 3 to July 5, 2026. With only 33,000 visas available for the first half of FY2027, employers must prepare now and file early to secure workers for landscaping, hospitality, construction, and seafood processing.

The U.S. State Department has announced that the EB-5 Unreserved immigrant visa category for India has reached its FY2026 annual limit and is immediately unavailable through September 30, 2026. USCIS can accept I-485 filings but cannot approve them until October 1. Indian investors should explore set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment) and consult experienced attorneys.

The U.S. Department of State is launching a pilot program from July 1 to December 31, 2026, offering $750 expedited B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa appointments at select consulates. Applicants can secure an interview within 10 business days. The fee does not accelerate adjudication or processing. Ideal for urgent business, medical, or family travel.

June 2026 H-2B visa update: DOL reports 9,825 final decisions with 133,804 certified positions for second half FY2026. Prevailing wage determinations for April 2026 requests are still processing (2,200 pending). Employers advised to file PWD requests at least 60 days in advance.

A federal court has struck down the Trump-era USCIS travel ban adjudication hold, which blocked or delayed immigration benefits for nationals from 40 countries. Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. ruled the policies unlawful, potentially unlocking thousands of pending green card, asylum, and family-based applications nationwide.

The UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its review of sponsored work route salary thresholds. Key proposals: Skilled Worker going rates shift from median to 25th percentile, new entrant threshold set at £33,400, Global Business Mobility alignment, and a three-year smoothing formula to prevent sharp spikes. If adopted, these changes would widen eligible overseas talent pools for UK employers.

The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking public input on H-2A Labor Supply States through July 21, 2026. This annual process determines how agricultural employers recruit U.S. workers before hiring foreign H-2A visa holders – a critical opportunity for farmers, associations, and stakeholders to shape labor market testing rules.

The U.S. CDC has expanded its Ebola-related entry ban to include Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. The 30-day suspension removes previous exceptions for LPRs, effective immediately. U.S. citizens remain exempt.

USCIS adjustment of status policy 2026 treats AOS as extraordinary relief. Stricter discretion, negative factors, consular processing push. Complete FAQ for green card applicants.

The EB-2 India visa category is fully unavailable through September 2026 after reaching its annual FY2026 limit. USCIS cannot approve adjustment of status applications until October 1. Thousands of Indian professionals on H-1B visas face extended waits.

USCIS adjustment of status limited 2026: Most green card applicants must leave US for consular processing. Extraordinary circumstances only.

US Visa Bulletin June 2026: India EB-2 retrogression 10.5 months, EB-1 India -3.5 months. F-1 +7 months, F-2B +2.5 months.