June 2026 — ABIL

ABIL Global Update • June 2026

June 16, 2026/in Global Immigration Update /by ABIL

Headlines:

1. IMMIGRATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR IRANIANS: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on immigration opportunities for Iranians in several countries.

2. CANADA – The government has released official details for the permanent residence pathway for 33,000 workers. In other news, a PGWP language test upload slot has been added to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada portal; temporary travel measures have been implemented in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo; IRCC is seeking Express Entry reform consultations; and changes are coming to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

3. UNITED KINGDOM – The Home Office has issued new sponsor guidance. An expansion of right-to-work checks is also on the way.

New Publications and Items of Interest – New Publications and Items of Interest

ABIL Member / Firm News – ABIL Member / Firm News

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ABIL Global Immigration Update – June 2026

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1. IMMIGRATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR IRANIANS: AN OVERVIEW

This article provides an update on immigration opportunities for Iranians in several countries.

Spain

Despite the current situation in Iran and temporary limitations affecting consular services, Spanish authorities have implemented alternative mechanisms to ensure that migration procedures and legal mobility channels remain available for Iranian nationals wishing to relocate to Spain.

While visa applications and legalizations cannot currently be processed in Tehran, Iranian citizens may continue applying for Spanish residence visas through the embassies and consulates of Spain in Ankara, Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Istanbul, and Yerevan via the corresponding BLS offices. In parallel, Spain has also enabled a reverse legalization mechanism, allowing legal validation procedures to be carried out through the Iranian diplomatic representation in Spain. This measure facilitates the acceptance of public documents requiring legalization and helps maintain administrative continuity for Iranian applicants seeking residence permits, family reunification, studies, or professional opportunities in Spain.

Applicants are advised to remain attentive to official announcements and updates published through the embassy’s website and social media channels.

Italy

Iranian nationals, if meeting the requirements, can potentially apply for any Italian visa available to foreign citizens. At present, given the current geopolitical situation, the Embassy of Italy in Tehran has temporarily relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan. Iranian citizens may submit their visa applications at any Italian embassy or consular office that they are able to reach from Iran and in a country in which they can legally stay. For information on the countries where Iranian citizens can travel, or to request a visa appointment, applicants should email [email protected], specifying the type of visa requested and any family ties with European Union (EU) citizens.

Below is a non‑exhaustive list of immigration paths to Italy:

Elective Residence Visa—for individuals with substantial passive income who wish to reside in Italy without working
Investor Visa—for applicants making a qualifying investment in Italy
Digital Nomad/Remote Worker Visa—for highly skilled workers performing their activities remotely
Self-Employment Visa—for freelance activities, founders, Italian company officers, renowned artists (quota-based)
Startup Visa—for establishing or joining an innovative startup in Italy (self-employment category)
Intra-Company Transfer Visa—for temporary transfers of qualified staff within the same corporate group
EU Blue Card—for highly qualified workers hired by an Italian employer

Other options:

Iranian citizens already in Italy who cannot return safely or renew their permits, given the current social, political, and security crisis in Iran and the serious risks of persecution and harm, have the possibility to apply for asylum or international protection in Italy.

Türkiye

The Turkish immigration system does not ban any nationality from entry or acquiring status, and does not have quotas or limitations on any particular nationality. Therefore, Iranian nationals, even those traveling on an Iranian passport only, do not encounter particular limitations or restrictions.

Additionally, Iranians have long benefited from visa-free travel into Türkiye for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within 180 days. Iranians wishing to obtain a work permit or other resident status may apply without any special restrictions or limitations. Given that Iran shares a border with Türkiye, Türkiye has long hosted a large Iranian expatriate population. Many Iranians residing in Türkiye also purchase real estate and apply for citizenship. Applicants face mostly the same background check procedure as required for other nationalities.

Note, though, that a Turkish consular post may not always be processing visas during hostilities. Lastly, although Turkish Airlines has long engaged in direct flights to and from Iran, during hostilities those flights may not always be operational.

2. CANADA

The government has released official details for the permanent residence pathway for 33,000 workers. In other news, a PGWP language test upload slot has been added to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada portal; temporary travel measures have been implemented in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo; IRCC is seeking Express Entry reform consultations; and changes are coming to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

Permanent Residence Pathway for 33,000 Workers

After much hype and speculation about the government’s permanent residence (PR) pathway for 33,000 workers, including a report in the Toronto Star on March 6, 2026, in which Lena Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced the “soft launch” of this pathway, the government has now officially released details.

There is currently no official program that is separate from existing ones, but rather, IRCC has, since January 2026, been targeting PR applicants in rural and remote communities by accelerating the processing of PR applications for eligible workers who have applied under existing programs. These include the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, the community immigration pilots, the caregiver pilots, and the AgriFood Pilot. IRCC also has accelerated processing of the PR applications of those who have been living in smaller communities for two years or more. IRCC plans to transition 20,000 of these workers to PR status in 2026 and the remaining 13,000 in 2027. No separate PR program has been announced.

Many individuals and businesses will be disappointed with this announcement as they had hoped there would be a new pathway to PR that would reward those with solid track records of legally working and contributing to the communities they live in.

PGWP Language Test Upload Slot Added to the Portal

Since November 2024, there has been significant confusion with respect to the new requirement to include a proof-of-language assessment with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application—specifically, where and how to upload the language test results in the IRCC application portal. This resulted in many students having their PGWP refused and having to seek reconsideration and/or restoration of status. IRCC has now introduced a dedicated upload slot. Applicants must select the “Proof of Language Proficiency” slot to upload their language test results. Previously, applicants had to upload their results in one of the other slots, such as “Client Information.” Many applicants did not know about the new requirement or how to utilize the other slot, or they just forgot to include it because there was no dedicated portal.

Graduates of a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, or any program from a university must achieve CLB 7 for English or NCLC 7 for French in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Graduates of a college, polytechnic, or non-university program must achieve CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language abilities.

Temporary Travel Measures in Response to the Ebola Outbreak in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

The government announced that as of May 27, 2026, it has suspended for 90 days, or until August 25, 2026, immigration documents for people residing in countries that have a high or very high risk of outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus. As of June 1, 2026, these countries include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan. This means that those with a valid temporary resident visa (TRV), electronic travel authorization (eTA), or permanent resident visa who reside in these countries will not be allowed to travel to Canada during this period. It is unclear if those already issued a permanent resident visa who are now unable to proceed to Canada to be landed will need to ask IRCC to extend the validity and submit new medical examinations for this purpose.

From May 30, 2026, until August 29, 2026, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have been in these areas within the previous 21 days and do not show symptoms of the Ebola disease must quarantine for 21 days upon entering Canada.

As the Ebola Bundibugyo virus continues to spread in the eastern DRC, this announcement comes a few weeks before hundreds of thousands of international visitors will visit Canada as Vancouver and Toronto are set to host games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA World Cup games will be hosted in cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Express Entry Reform Consultations

IRCC is seeking consultations as it contemplates updating program requirements for the Express Entry and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points used to invite Economic Class candidates for permanent residence. IRCC has proposed simplifying Express Entry by merging the three Express Entry classes—the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program—into one program.

It has proposed that the minimum requirements for this program are to have:

A minimum education of high school or equivalent;
Achievement of at least CLB 6 for English or NCLC 6 for French on a language test; and
Skilled work experience of a minimum of one year in the past three years in TEER 0-3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), which equates to managerial occupations (TEER 0) to those usually requiring university (TEER 1) or college education (TEER 2-3).

IRCC has also proposed adding a high-wage occupation factor for CRS points in which occupations where the median wage throughout Canada is higher than the median wage of all Canadians would provide further points. This factor would depend on an applicant’s work experience in the occupation with a higher median wage rather than the applicant’s wage being high.

OINP Changes to Come

As of May 30, 2026, the Ontario government’s amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act to allow it to make changes more easily to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) have come into force. Actual changes to the OINP have not yet been finalized, but the Ontario government has announced that it is redesigning the OINP.

3. UNITED KINGDOM

The Home Office has issued new sponsor guidance. An expansion of right-to-work checks is also on the way.

A recent previous Home Office guidance update said that sponsors needed to perform additional right-to-work checks on “any worker” they “directly engage.” There was a lack of clarity on what this meant and who sponsors needed to check. The Home Office has now issued new sponsor guidance that reverts to the previous, much simpler position. In summary, sponsors only need to check the right to work of (1) everyone they sponsor, regardless of employment status; and (2) all other employees.

This is good news and will be a relief for many sponsors. However, new legislation is on the way that will expand right-to-work checks to non-employees. This will apply to all employers and sponsors. The new legislation is in section 48 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act. Section 48 could be in force as soon as October 1, 2026.

Given that section 48 will mean employers need to check the right to work of those under a worker’s contract (people who have the status of a worker in employment law), individual subcontractors, and those providing a service under any online matching service, employers should start to prepare for that now. Preparations could involve auditing the workforce and labor supply chains, reviewing contracts and onboarding processes, and training human resources staff.

5. New Publications and Items of Interest

Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers:

ABIL is available on X (formerly Twitter): @ABILImmigration
Recent ABIL member blogs are at http://www.abilblog.com/

ABIL Member / Firm News

Dagmar Butte and Vic Goel were quoted by Forbes in New Immigration Restrictions On H-1B Visas And Students Are Coming. Ms. Butte said, “Processing times are getting longer and longer. We are filing everything premium or upgrading when timing becomes critical, such as when the 240-day authorization for timely filed extensions is about to run out.” She noted that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is not adjudicating some cases despite the $100,000 fee having been paid, even if the filing is premium. She said that USCIS also has demanded $100,000 in cases where it is not required. “I think the wheels have come off the bus,” she said. Ms. Butte noted that USCIS is sending Requests for Evidence (RFEs) that challenge wage levels on certified labor condition applications (LCAs) even when employers use the LCA wage calculation worksheet, including on extensions. “Not only does this go beyond USCIS jurisdiction, but their adjudicators do not have any training, nor do they use the tools provided by DOL to make the proper determination. We are starting to submit the worksheet with our petitions.” “Dagmar’s observation about wage-level RFEs matches exactly what I am seeing,” said Mr. Goel, who noted that “the trigger” is the addition of five new questions to the revised Form I-129 (edition 02/27/26). These questions create a “structural problem,” he said, by requiring petitioners to state, under penalty of perjury, their education level, qualifying fields of study, years of experience, special skills, and the supervisory scope associated with the proffered position. “A strong specialty occupation argument therefore emphasizes the position’s complexity, the depth of expertise required, and the advanced qualifications the role demands. The appropriate prevailing wage level, on the other hand, is determined by reference to the minimum qualifications required to perform the position’s duties, i.e., what an entry-level, qualified, experienced, or fully competent worker in that occupation would need, benchmarked against the Department of Labor’s O*NET occupational database. These are related but distinct inquiries, and what strengthens one can undermine the other.” He noted that questions added as part of a rulemaking about the weighted H-1B lottery registration process apply to all H-1B petitions on the new form, including extensions, amendments, changes of employer, and cap-exempt filings at universities and nonprofits, not just cap-subject petitions. “They do not tell petitioners that their answers to Questions 7 through 11 will be run through the DOL’s prevailing wage level analysis framework, or that stating a higher experience requirement may simultaneously support the specialty occupation argument and generate [an RFE] challenging the labor condition application wage level. But that is precisely what is happening. USCIS adjudicators are mapping petitioners’ answers directly onto the DOL’s prevailing wage level analysis and issuing RFEs when they conclude that the certified LCA wage level is lower than the stated requirements would support.”

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, was named among the “Best Companies to Work For” by U.S. News & World Report for 2026 in the Law Firms category for the third year in a row.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has announced that four of its partners have been ranked in the 2026 Lexicology Index: H. Ronald Klasko and William Stock (Global Elite Thought Leaders), Elise Fialkowski (Thought Leader), and Michele Madera (Highly Recommended).

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published a new blog post: AOS: SOL? No, Just SOS.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published a podcast episode: ICE Approaching: Preparing Your Company and Your People, and an accompanying blog post.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published a podcast episode: Episode 35 (Part 1): I-9 Compliance Made Practical: What Employers Need to Know. An accompanying blog post is also available.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published a new podcast episode in its Worksite Compliance series: Episode 36: I-9 Notice of Inspection: Preparing in Advance.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published several new client alerts: New USCIS Policy Limiting Adjustment of Status: What You Need to Know, Ebola Travel Restrictions to the U.S. From Countries Impacted by Outbreak, How the Elimination of “D/S” May Affect F, J, and I Visa Holders, Avoiding PERM Pitfalls: Takeaways From DOJ’s Lawsuit Against Cloudera and DOL’s Enforcement Action, Blanche v. Lau: What Every Green Card Holder Needs to Know, and Expanded Social Media Screening, Continuing Trend of Heightened Scrutiny in Visa Applications.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, held a webinar, “New USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy: Key Considerations and Recommendations for Employers,” on May 28, 2026. Key topics included pending and future case considerations; workforce planning impacts; employee communication considerations; travel and consular processing delays; and risk mitigation strategies for human resources and legal teams. Registration for the live event has ended, but you can register to watch it on demand.

Charles Kuck, of Kuck Baxter, was quoted by the New York Times in Can a U.S. Citizen Become Colombia’s President? Commenting on the fact that acts that might appear inconsistent with U.S. citizenship, such as running for foreign office, do not necessarily result in loss of citizenship, Mr. Kuck said, “It’s certainly not unprecedented and it really just depends on the country’s laws.”

Mr. Kuck was quoted by the Washington Post in Trump Administration Begins Making New Requests of Green-Card Applicants. Regarding a new USCIS policy requiring many adjustment of status applicants to apply outside the United States, he said, “People are generally freaking out. I have had multiple calls since Friday with people asking about when they have to leave the U.S.”

Mr. Kuck was quoted by the New York Times in Confusion and Worry After Trump Administration’s Abrupt Green Card Changes. “This is simply an attempt to slow immigration and make immigration so unpleasant that you go home,” he said. Mr. Kuck noted that the changes will be of particular concern to those who are married to U.S. citizens and seeking permanent residence.

Mr. Kuck was quoted by MSN in U.S. Immigration System Has a Backlog of 11.3 Million Pending Applications. Mr. Kuck said, “By the end of 2028, we will pine for the days of a functioning legal immigration system because it will effectively not exist by the end of the Trump term.”

Maggio Kattar has published a new article: USCIS Announces New Policy Limiting Adjustment of Status Eligibility.

Cyrus Mehta was quoted by Forbes in Immigration Service May Significantly Restrict Green Cards in the U.S. Forbes quoted Mr. Mehta’s comment on X: “While adjustment of status is discretionary under INA 245, it has never been interpreted as an extraordinary form of relief and USCIS is inventing a new standard to deprive noncitizens from getting green cards in the U.S.” He said that interpreting “may” in INA 245(a) as “extraordinary” is a “giant unfaithful leap” and that the Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright about deference to federal agencies “should allow a court to strike the USCIS memo as being contrary to the statute and also because there was no notice and comment.”

Mr. Mehta was quoted by the Times of India in Massive, Absurd: Immigration Experts, Foreign-Born Founder React to New Green Card Rule. The Times quoted Mr. Mehta’s comment on X: “While adjustment of status is discretionary under INA 245, it has never been interpreted as an extraordinary form of relief and USCIS is inventing a new standard to deprive noncitizens from getting green cards in the U.S.”

Mr. Mehta was quoted by Forbes in Will Dispute Led ICE To Put 85-Year-Old Widow In Immigration Detention. He said he believes the case raises ethical and legal issues. “There are federal rules at 5 CFR 2635.701 that prohibit a government official from using public office for private gain. If a government official used official authority or non-public information to weaponize ICE against another, such as a noncitizen, this could trigger sanctions such as reprimand, suspension, demotion or firing. It can also potentially lead to criminal liability. Regarding the governmental attorneys who may authorize such an action or have knowledge of it, they too are subject to the rules of professional conduct in their state bar jurisdictions.” He noted that the American Bar Association Model Rule 8.4 or its state bar analog “provides a basis for disciplining an attorney who engages in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation or conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.”

Mr. Mehta was interviewed by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now on the retaliatory firing of Immigration Judges (IJs) when they have ruled against the Trump administration. He said that the firing of so many IJs was “egregious” because noncitizens will be “subject to the ruling of judges that are under pressure.”

Mr. Mehta was quoted by the Times of India in USCIS Drops Appeal in EB-1A Case, Lower Court Ruling Will Have Persuasive Value for Green Card Applicants. He said, “By withdrawing the appeal, USCIS avoided the risk of an adverse appellate ruling while leaving the district court judgment intact.”

Mr. Mehta was quoted by Times Now in ‘Trump’s Power Has Limits’: U.S. Immigration Experts on Why H-1B Fee Was Struck Down and What Next. He said, “This district court decision is a major victory for H-1B employers and a sharp reminder that presidential power under INA § 212(f) has real limits.” He also noted that the court “rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to use § 212(f) to impose a flat $100,000 ‘supplemental payment’ on every new H-1B petition.” Mr. Mehta pointed out that “[a]gencies may not condition H-1B approval on payment of the vacated $100,000 charge. H-1B costs are again limited to the statutory charges Congress has enacted.” He said that at present, “this ruling will only impact those who have already been selected in the H-1B lottery either this year or in previous years and are outside the U.S. An employer who files an H-1B petition for a prospective H-1B worker who is outside the U.S. will no longer have to pay the $100,000 fee. Also, [for] one who may have fallen out of status in the U.S. and has to leave the U.S. to obtain an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate, their employer who files the H-1B petition also does not need to pay the $100,000 fee.” The article includes additional quotes from Mr. Mehta.

Mr. Mehta was quoted by Bloomberg Law in Congress’ Taxing Power Key to Trump Loss on $100,000 H-1B Fee. He said that several court decisions show that INA § 212(f) cannot be wielded as broadly as the Trump administration would like, and that “[t]here’s more power to that argument since Learning Resources. It’s moved the needle in favor of plaintiffs challenging the $100,000 fee now.”

Mr. Mehta authored several new blog posts: Think Immigration: Using Loper Bright to Advocate for Your Clients in Immigration Cases and Think Immigration: A Focus on Executive Power, published in the AILA Law Journal, a publication of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Mr. Mehta is Editor-in-Chief of the journal.

Mr. Mehta, Damira Zhanatova, and Kaitlyn Box co-authored a new blog post: Federal Court Strikes Down Trump’s $100,000 H‑1B Fee: INA § 212(f) Is Not a Taxing Power.

Mr. Mehta and Kaitlyn Box co-authored several new blog posts: New USCIS Memo Abruptly Changes Adjustment of Status Policy, Blanche v. Lau: Will the Supreme Court Degrade the Rights of Lawful Permanent Residents?, and H-1B Enforcement While Working Abroad: Why Are CBP Officers in Abu Dhabi Scrutinizing LCAs?

Mr. Mehta and Damira Zhanatova co-authored several new blog posts: Dorcas v. USCIS: Federal Court Reaffirms That USCIS Must Adjudicate, Not Stonewall, Immigration Benefits; USCIS New Policy Limiting Adjustment of Status Eligibility Is Bad Policy and Contrary to Law; The Diplomatic Exception to Birthright Citizenship: Paths to Permanent Residence and Naturalization; Navigating the Downgrade of the Indian LL.B in Green Card Sponsorships for Lawyers; and L-1 Eligibility Without Traditional Employment: Pozzoli, Tessel, and Historic INS Guidance.

Mr. Mehta and Manjeeta Chowdhary co-authored a new blog post: USCIS Withdraws Appeal in Mukherji: What Changes–And What Does Not?

Mr. Mehta’s “Insightful Immigration Blog” published a new post, Deportation Judges.

Stephen Yale-Loehr, of Miller Mayer, LLP, will co-present a free Zoom webinar, “The Changing Landscape of Immigration Law: Expanding Limits and Shrinking Protections,” to be held June 5, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. ET. The webinar is sponsored by Cornell Law School. Lawyers who view the webinar can receive 1 NYS CLE credit. If you are not available that day, you can register to get the recording.

Mr. Yale-Loehr was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle in Trump Plan to Target Sanctuary Cities’ Airports Ahead of World Cup Probably Illegal, Experts Say. He said that “basic issues of fairness and due process” should prevent the federal government from punishing travelers to sanctuary cities.

Mr. Yale-Loehr was quoted by the Times of India in India GCCs to Gain as U.S. Plans Sharp H-1B Wage Hikes. Mr. Yale-Loehr noted that a Department of Labor proposed rule would increase wages for foreign-born workers. “However, it will also put wage pressure on U.S. employers. U.S. companies will either hire fewer U.S. workers or offshore more of their work to India and other foreign countries. Ultimately this rule will hurt, not help, U.S. workers.”

Mr. Yale-Loehr co-authored an op-ed, A Proposal to Change Foreign Workers’ Wages Could Threaten American Jobs, published in The Hill.

ABIL Immigration Insider • June 7, 2026

June 07, 2026/in Immigration Insider /by ABIL

In this issue:

1. DHS Proposes to Limit Eligibility for Certain Discretionary Work Authorization – The Department of Homeland Security issued a proposed rule to limit and clarify eligibility for discretionary employment authorization for those “paroled into the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, who have been granted deferred action, or against whom a final order of removal exists and who are temporarily released from custody on an order of supervision.”

2. Senate Passes Immigration Enforcement Funding Bill – The Senate passed a $70 billion bill to fund the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies for three years. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.

3. DOS Releases FAQs on FIFA World Cup Visa Processing – The Department of State recently released frequently asked questions on visa processing for the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System.

4. USCIS Announces 16 New Classes of Admission for Employment-Based Immigrants Under the Gold Card Program – The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system will now provide an initial verification response of “Lawful Permanent Resident—Employment Authorized” for the 16 Gold Card classes of admission.

5. USCIS Opens New Asylum Office in San Antonio – Those who filed for asylum with USCIS who reside in the jurisdiction of the Houston Asylum Office may be interviewed at either the Houston or San Antonio Asylum Offices.

6. Trump Admin ‘Drawing Up Plans’ to Withdraw Processing of International Travelers and Flights at ‘Sanctuary City’ Airports – The Trump administration is “drawing up plans” to withdraw immigration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing of international flights at so-called “sanctuary city” airports, to include international travelers and cargo.

7. CDC Issues Interim Final Rule To Suspend the Entry of LPRs From Designated Countries for Public Health Reasons – The interim final rule provides a procedure for the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director or other delegate, “to suspend the introduction of persons from designated countries or places, if required, in the interest of public health,” including lawful permanent residents.

8. CBP Updates List of Airports for Flights Arriving With Ebola-Related Travel Restrictions – U.S. Customs and Border Protection has updated its Carrier Liaison Program notice related to Ebola-related restrictions on flights carrying persons who recently traveled from or were otherwise present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan.

9. DHS Automatically Extends TPS for Lebanon – The Department of Homeland Security has automatically extended Temporary Protected Status for Lebanon for six months, through November 27, 2026.

10. New USCIS Policy Limits Adjustment of Status – The new memo signals a major policy shift toward restrictive adjudication. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said that it views immigrant visa processing at a U.S. consulate abroad as the default route to a green card for most people, with adjustment applications filed inside the U.S. treated as a discretionary option.

11. DHS Announces Ebola-Related Flight Arrival Restrictions for DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan; CDC Implements Public Health Measures; DOS Pauses Visa Services – The Department of Homeland Security announced immediate restrictions on flights arriving in the United States carrying persons who have recently traveled from, or were otherwise present within, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. Flights carrying such persons must arrive only at Washington-Dulles International Airport and must undergo public health measures.

12. Work Authorization Extended for Certain Salvadoran TPS Recipients – The validity of Employment Authorization Documents with category codes A12 or C19 that expired on March 9, 2025, for TPS El Salvador recipients has been automatically extended through July 22, 2026.

13. Elimination of “D/S” May Affect F, J, and I Visa Holders – A Department of Homeland Security proposed rule ending the use of “duration of status” for F students, J exchange visitors, and I foreign media representatives is likely to be finalized in the coming weeks.

14. Visa Bulletin for June Notes High Demand in Several Categories – The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for June 2026 includes several updates on the effects on visa number availability of high demand in several employment-based green card categories.

15. DOL Suspends Processing of PERM Applications for Software Firm Cloudera – The Department of Labor announced an enforcement action against Cloudera, Inc., a software firm based in Santa Clara, California, following allegations that it unlawfully discriminated against U.S. workers in favor of foreign labor.

16. DOS Adds to Countries on Visa Bond List, Provides Info on Waivers for Certain World Cup Participants – The Department of State added to its list of countries subject to visa bonds. There are now 50 countries on the list. DOS also provided information about waivers for individuals traveling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

17. OFLC FAQ Reminds Employers About English Language Requirements for Commercial Drivers – All job orders and applications seeking temporary or permanent labor certification for jobs requiring the operation of a commercial motor vehicle must include an English-language proficiency standard.

18. USCIS Publishes 60-Day Notice of Revisions to E-Verify Program – Comments will be accepted until July 13, 2026.

19. U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar Closing in Phases – Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

20. DOS Announces Passport Revocations Due to Child Support Debt – The Department of State is coordinating with the Department of Health and Human Services to revoke the passports of U.S. citizens with more than $2,500 in outstanding child support debt.

21. USCIS Ordered to Resume Processing for Certain ‘Restricted’ Countries’ Applicants – On April 30, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts ordered the U.S. government to lift its blanket hold on certain U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services immigration applications for approximately 200 plaintiffs from specific countries.

22. Enhanced Security Vetting Causes Adjudications Pause, Coinciding With New RFE Trends – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has begun implementing enhanced security vetting procedures that are expected to delay certain pending immigration benefit adjudications. In addition, more types of petitions and applications will require fingerprint-based background checks.

23. USCIS Lifts Adjudication Hold for Foreign Physicians – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has quietly updated its enhanced screening and vetting policy to lift the adjudication hold for foreign national physicians. The update applies only to cases pending or filed with USCIS and does not affect visa applications processed abroad through the Department of State.

New Publications and Items of Interest – New Publications and Items of Interest

ABIL Member / Firm News – ABIL Member / Firm News

Government Agency Links – Government Agency Links

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ABIL Immigration Insider – June 7, 2026

1. DHS Proposes to Limit Eligibility for Certain Discretionary Work Authorization

On June 5, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a proposed rule to limit and clarify eligibility for discretionary employment authorization for those “paroled into the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, who have been granted deferred action, or against whom a final order of removal exists and who are temporarily released from custody on an order of supervision.”

DHS further proposes to specify that those applying for work authorization who “admit to committing, have been arrested for, or have been convicted of certain criminal acts do not warrant a favorable exercise of discretion unless there are significant countervailing public interests, which may include assisting law enforcement activity in the United States.”

DHS also proposes to add automatic termination conditions for employment authorization with “triggering events.” The proposed rule will also require that those in certain categories establish their economic necessity for employment and that they warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.

Written comments must be submitted by August 4, 2026.

2. Senate Passes Immigration Enforcement Funding Bill

Early on June 5, 2026, the Senate passed (52-47) a $70 billion bill to fund the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies for three years, under the Department of Homeland Security.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.

3. DOS Releases FAQs on FIFA World Cup Visa Processing

The Department of State (DOS) recently released frequently asked questions (FAQs) on visa processing for the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). DOS explained that PASS gives those who purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets directly from FIFA and who opt in to PASS the chance to interview for a B1/B2 visitor visa before the tournament begins.

DOS noted that the immigrant visa issuance pause announced on January 14, 2026, for 75 countries “applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only. It does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals.”

Scheduling an interview appointment via FIFA PASS does not guarantee that a visa will be issued, DOS noted.

4. USCIS Announces 16 New Classes of Admission for Employment-Based Immigrants Under the Gold Card Program

On June 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced 16 new classes of admission (COAs) for employment-based immigrant categories under the Gold Card program, established by Executive Order 14351.

USCIS noted that the Gold Card program is available to certain individuals who make an “unrestricted gift” to the Department of Commerce under 15 U.S.C. 1522 (or for whom a corporation or similar entity makes such a gift), and their spouses and children.

The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system will now provide an initial verification response of “Lawful Permanent Resident—Employment Authorized” for the 16 Gold Card COAs, USCIS said.

5. USCIS Opens New Asylum Office in San Antonio

On June 5, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has opened an additional asylum office in San Antonio, Texas.

As of May 28, 2026, those who filed for asylum with USCIS who reside in the jurisdiction of the Houston Asylum Office may be interviewed at either the Houston or San Antonio Asylum Offices. USCIS said that the additional location “increases the Houston Asylum Office’s capacity to schedule and conduct affirmative asylum interviews.”

6. Trump Admin ‘Drawing Up Plans’ to Withdraw Processing of International Travelers and Flights at ‘Sanctuary City’ Airports

Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin reportedly said on Fox News that the Trump administration is “drawing up plans” to withdraw immigration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing of international flights at so-called “sanctuary city” airports, to include international travelers and cargo. Secretary Mullin said that if “radical left Democrats” are not allowing the government to “enforce federal laws …, we shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities either.”

Secretary Mullin did not specify a timeline or the cities to which he was referring. Some believe it might not be implemented before the FIFA World Cup games conclude in July. Regarding the possible locations, the Department of Justice previously identified, among others, New York City; Newark, New Jersey; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as cities that are hindering U.S. immigration enforcement.

The U.S. Travel Association (USTA), which represents major airlines and hotels, confirmed that Secretary Mullin has told the group that such a policy is under consideration, which USTA said would have “devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on international visitation.” Airlines for America, a trade association, echoed that view, noting that “[r]educing [CBP] staffing at major airports would have a devastating effect on the airline and tourism industries, causing a significant operational disruption to carriers, travelers and the flow of international cargo.”

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy reportedly said recently that it would be “a bad idea to start restricting travel based on political views.” He noted, “We have people from around the world and around the country that need to be able to fly into all different kinds of places. We shouldn’t shut down air travel in a state that doesn’t agree with our politics.”

7. CDC Issues Interim Final Rule To Suspend the Entry of LPRs From Designated Countries for Public Health Reasons

On May 27, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an interim final rule with request for comments to amend its Foreign Quarantine Regulations. The interim final rule provides a procedure for the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the CDC Director or other delegate, “to suspend the introduction of persons from designated countries or places, if required, in the interest of public health,” including lawful permanent residents (LPRs).

The CDC explained that “[g]iven the complexities of global disease outbreaks, including the current Ebola disease outbreak in the [Democratic Republic of the Congo], Uganda and South Sudan, the logistics of trying [to] identify cases at the numerous ports of entry (POE) of the United States (air, land, and sea), and the fact that there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for this strain of Ebola disease, CDC needs a more efficient regulatory mechanism to exercise its section 362 authority and suspend the introduction of persons other than U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals who would otherwise pose a serious danger of introduction of Ebola disease into the United States.”

The CDC noted that travelers using air transit pathways originating in or passing through DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan “include non-U.S. citizens, foreign contract workers, humanitarian personnel, business travelers, students, refugees, and third-country nationals moving through international aviation hubs in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Many travelers entering U.S.-bound itineraries from these pathways may do so under temporary visas, refugee or asylum processing mechanisms, international organizational travel, or multi country itineraries that obscure their original point of departure.” Restricting the entry of LPRs, “in addition to other non-U.S. citizens, who originate from or have recently traveled through DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan would reduce the volume of higher-risk international arrivals requiring public health monitoring and follow-up,” the CDC said.

The CDC also noted that the suspension authority is also critical due to risks of other “quarantinable” communicable diseases. The interim rule mentions Andes virus, Hantavirus, and pandemic influenza as examples. CDC said it expects to mitigate the risk in the future by issuing a final rule, after considering comments, “to implement a permanent regulatory structure regarding the potential suspension of introduction of persons, including LPRs, into the United States in the event a serious danger of the introduction of a quarantinable communicable disease arises in the future.”

Comments must be received by June 26, 2026.

8. CBP Updates List of Airports for Flights Arriving With Ebola-Related Travel Restrictions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has updated its Carrier Liaison Program notice related to Ebola-related restrictions on flights carrying persons who recently traveled from or were otherwise present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan.

The only travelers not subject to the Ebola-related suspension of entry are U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals if they have departed from, or were otherwise present in, those three countries during the 21 days prior to their travel to the United States, CBP said. “The introduction of [lawful permanent residents] who have departed from or were otherwise present in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan during the 21 days prior to their travel to the United States remains suspended.”

CBP also said, “All flights carrying any U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or pre-approved excepted aliens with nexus to these three countries in the 21 days prior to their travel to or encounter in the United States will be required to arrive at the airports designated below where travelers may [be] subject to enhanced medical screening” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC “will focus public health resources to implement enhanced public health measures at those locations.”

The updated notice includes the following designated airports: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.

9. DHS Automatically Extends TPS for Lebanon

On May 28, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a Federal Register notice automatically extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon for six months, from May 28, 2026, through November 27, 2026. Employment Authorization Documents that were already issued under Lebanon’s TPS designation will automatically be valid through November 27, 2026.

DHS explained that former Secretary Kristi Noem and current Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who was sworn in on March 24, 2026, “were unable to make an informed determination on Lebanon’s TPS designation by the March 28, 2026 statutory deadline due to the dynamic and quickly unfolding events in Lebanon that required a new review of country conditions and impacted the ability to provide information for Secretarial consideration.”

10. New USCIS Policy Limits Adjustment of Status

On May 22, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy memorandum, issued May 21, 2026, that addresses how officers should exercise discretion in adjustment of status (AOS) adjudications. USCIS said that it views immigrant visa processing at a U.S. consulate abroad as the default route to a green card for most people, with AOS applications filed inside the U.S. treated as a discretionary option.

What Has Changed

Historically, USCIS officers exercising discretion in adjustment cases followed longstanding agency and Board of Immigration Appeals precedent recognizing that favorable discretion ordinarily should be exercised where applicants establish eligibility and do not present significant adverse factors such as fraud, criminal conduct, or substantial immigration violations.

The new memorandum shifts this framework. It instructs officers to conduct a broader evaluation of each applicant’s immigration history. The memo does not mention any positive factors, such as compliance with immigration requirements, U.S. citizen family members, or gainful employment, and stresses that officers must consider negative factors, including any history of status violations or conduct inconsistent with the purpose of the applicant’s original nonimmigrant entry. The memorandum also signals that officers may consider why an applicant chose adjustment of status over consular processing as part of the discretionary analysis.

Overall, the new memo signals a major policy shift toward restrictive discretionary adjudication. USCIS specifically emphasized that:

Temporary visas are intended for limited-duration stays tied to a specific purpose;
Nonimmigrant status should not serve as a “first step” toward permanent residence;
Consular processing abroad should become the default path for obtaining immigrant visas; and
USCIS resources should be focused instead on other agency priorities.

The memo’s title, and the accompanying press communications, characterize adjustment of status as an “extraordinary measure” rather than the routine process it has been for most applicants—although the memorandum itself does not go that far.

Potential Impact

Potentially affected groups include:

Employment-based adjustment applicants;
H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, and other temporary workers pursuing permanent residence;
Family-based adjustment applicants;
Self-petitioners, including EB-1 extraordinary ability and National Interest Waiver applicants;
Dependent spouses and children; and
Individuals relying on concurrent filing strategies.

The memorandum reiterates that pursuing adjustment of status is not inconsistent with maintaining lawful status in recognized dual intent classifications such as H-1B and L-1 categories. USCIS notes, however, that maintenance of lawful status alone does not necessarily warrant a favorable exercise of discretion in every case.

For employers, practical implications may include the need to reassess immigration strategies for sponsored employees, anticipate potential delays or increased Requests for Evidence in pending adjustment cases, and evaluate whether consular processing may be preferable for certain employees depending on their individual circumstances.

The new policy memorandum promises additional guidance on the application of the discretionary standard to specific categories of adjustment applicants. Questions regarding the scope and implementation of this policy may ultimately be addressed through future agency guidance or litigation.

11. DHS Announces Ebola-Related Flight Arrival Restrictions for DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan; CDC Implements Public Health Measures; DOS Pauses Visa Services

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced immediate restrictions on flights arriving in the United States carrying persons who have recently traveled from, or were otherwise present within, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan. DHS said the restrictions were implemented in response to concerns about outbreaks of the “Bundibugyo” strain of the Ebola virus in those countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also announced related public health measures, and the Department of State (DOS) has paused visa services in those countries. Below are highlights of these developments.

Flight Arrival Restrictions

Initially, affected flights were required to arrive at Washington-Dulles International Airport. CBP has since announced modifications to the list of designated airports. DHS considers a person to have recently traveled from the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan if that person departed from, or was otherwise present within, the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of the date of the person’s entry or attempted entry into the United States.

Crew and flights carrying only cargo (no passengers or non-crew) are excluded from the arrival restrictions. Also excluded are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, members of the armed forces, and some others. DHS said that the restrictions will continue until cancelled or modified by the Secretary of Homeland Security and notice of such cancellation or modification is published in the Federal Register.

CDC Measures

On May 19, 2026, the CDC released a related statement. The CDC said it would “[c]oordinate with airlines, international partners, and port-of-entry officials to identify and manage travelers who may have been exposed to Ebola virus.”

On May 21, 2026, the CDC outlined public health entry screening measures it is implementing at designated airports:

Travelers who were in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the 21 days before arriving in the United States will be escorted to an area of the airport set aside for screening.
Travelers will respond to a brief questionnaire that asks about their travel history and symptoms, and collects information so the travelers can be contacted if needed.
CDC staff will observe these travelers for signs of illness and take travelers’ temperatures using non-contact thermometers (thermometers that do not touch the skin).
Travelers who do not have symptoms but have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days will be given information on monitoring their health and actions to take if symptoms later appear. These travelers will continue to their final destinations. Traveler contact information will be shared with state and local health departments for additional follow-up and support.
Travelers who have a fever or other symptoms will be evaluated by a CDC public health officer.
If a suspect case is identified, CDC will work with state and local health departments to conduct routine contact investigations to notify passengers.

Visa Services Pause

Effective May 18, 2026, the U.S. Embassies in Juba, South Sudan; Kinshasa, DRC; and Kampala, Uganda have temporarily paused all visa services/operations. The pause includes applications for immigrant visas as well as nonimmigrant visas for tourists, business travelers, students, exchange visitors, and all other nonimmigrant categories.

DOS said that affected visa applicants have been notified, and that the agency will update its website when appointment scheduling resumes and will inform applicants whose appointments were rescheduled. DOS said that the pause does not affect any currently valid visas.

12. Work Authorization Extended for Certain Salvadoran TPS Recipients

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently updated its webpage on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador to note that the validity of Employment Authorization Documents with category codes A12 or C19 that expired on March 9, 2025, for TPS El Salvador recipients has been automatically extended through July 22, 2026.

13. Elimination of “D/S” May Affect F, J, and I Visa Holders

According to reports, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed rule ending the use of “duration of status” (D/S) for F students, J exchange visitors, and I foreign media representatives, issued in 2025, is likely to be finalized in the coming weeks. If finalized as proposed, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would issue an expiration date on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, each time these nonimmigrants enter the United States. Under this rule, F/J/I visa holders would only be allowed to extend their time in the United States through an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This change would mark a significant shift from the current framework, under which many F, J, and I visa holders are admitted for D/S and may remain in the United States as long as they comply with the terms of the underlying program or classification. Once implemented, it will create new compliance obligations and timing concerns for visa holders, Designated School Officials (DSOs), program sponsors, universities, and employers that rely on F, J, or I nonimmigrants.

The most significant change is that F, J, and I nonimmigrants will have a fixed I-94 expiration date. Another noteworthy change is a proposed increase in USCIS oversight of student and exchange visitor programs related to changes in educational level. Universities, DSOs, and exchange program personnel would need to train staff and visa holders to identify changes that could affect status (e.g., a change in program, major, educational objective, or degree level).

Under D/S, many F and J visa holders generally do not begin accruing unlawful presence until USCIS or an immigration judge determines that a status violation occurred. Under fixed admission periods, individuals who remain beyond the I-94 expiration date could begin accruing unlawful presence and, depending on the length of the overstay, may become subject to the three- or ten-year bars. This risk is particularly acute for individuals who mistake the visa stamp expiration date for the controlling I-94 expiration date. The I-94 date, not the visa stamp date, controls authorized stay in the United States. The proposed shortening of grace periods from 60 to 30 days would further reduce flexibility for students and exchange visitors to depart, transfer, change status, or make other post-program arrangements.

The I-94 expiration date controls authorized stay in the United States, even if the visa stamp remains valid for a longer period. Individuals considering program changes, transfers, new educational levels, CPT, OPT strategy, extensions, or travel should consult with counsel or their DSO before taking action.

14. Visa Bulletin for June Notes High Demand in Several Categories

The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for June 2026 includes several updates on the effects on visa number availability of high demand in several employment-based green card categories:

High demand and number use by individuals chargeable to India in the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories have made it necessary to retrogress the final action dates to hold number use within the fiscal year 2026 annual limit. Further retrogressions, or making the categories “unavailable,” may be necessary in the coming months if India’s pro-rated limits in the EB-1 or EB-2 categories are reached before the fiscal year ends, the bulletin states.
Sufficient demand and increased number use by individuals chargeable to China in the EB-2 visa category may make it necessary to retrogress the final action date or make the category “unavailable” in the coming months.
Similar alerts about possible retrogression or unavailability in the coming months are included for visa availability in the EB-3 category for the Philippines and in the EB-5 unreserved category for India.

15. DOL Suspends Processing of PERM Applications for Software Firm Cloudera

On May 12, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced an enforcement action against Cloudera, Inc., a software firm based in Santa Clara, California, following allegations that it violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by unlawfully discriminating against U.S. workers in favor of foreign labor. The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), of DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification, has suspended processing of all permanent labor certification applications filed by, or on behalf of, Cloudera for 180 days.

DOL said that an extension of the enforcement action is possible pending the results of a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation. DOJ’s Civil Rights Division alleged that Cloudera engineered a “non-functional” recruitment process that prevented qualified U.S. workers from applying for high-paying technology positions while certifying to ETA that no qualified U.S. workers were available. On April 28, 2026, DOJ filed a lawsuit against Cloudera.

16. DOS Adds to Countries on Visa Bond List, Provides Info on Waivers for Certain World Cup Participants

On May 13, 2026, the Department of State published a notice adding to its list of countries subject to visa bonds. There are now 50 countries on the list. DOS also provided information about waivers for individuals traveling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The visa bond requirement will be waived for:

Athletes and team members (including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives) who are nationals of competing countries and demonstrate that they meet all requirements for the visa.
Nationals of competing countries who purchased FIFA World Cup tickets by April 15, 2026, and opted in to the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) through the FIFA website, and who demonstrate that they are otherwise fully eligible for a U.S. visitor visa.

DOS noted that “rigorous screening and vetting” will be conducted, as with every visa application.

17. OFLC FAQ Reminds Employers About English Language Requirements for Commercial Drivers

On May 14, 2026, the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) issued a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, Minimum Job Requirements for the Operation of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV). The FAQ reminds employers about the minimum requirements for CMV drivers and focuses on the English language proficiency (ELP) requirement.

The FAQ notes that explicit inclusion of ELP language for all employers has not previously been required. The FAQ states that “[a]ll job orders and/or applications seeking temporary or permanent labor certification for jobs requiring the operation of a CMV must include an ELP standard consistent with 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(2). Additionally, possessing knowledge of the structure and content of the English language is already an expected qualitative skill by those employers who presently employ U.S. workers in occupations involving the operation of CMVs.”

OFLC said that employers should include language in their job orders and applications that is consistent with federal regulatory standards concerning ELP. As an example, OFLC said the following would be in compliance: “The worker must be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals in English, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.”

OFLC reminded employers that “other agencies involved in the employment-based visa petition or issuance processes may have additional evidentiary requirements regarding ELP.”

18. USCIS Publishes 60-Day Notice of Revisions to E-Verify Program

On May 13, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a 60-day notice of revisions to the E-Verify program. The notice does not clearly identify or summarize the specific revisions being proposed, although USCIS states that the information collection instrument, instructions, and additional information may be accessed through Regulations.gov under docket number USCIS-2007-0023.

Comments will be accepted until July 13, 2026.

19. U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar Closing in Phases

The Department of State (DOS) announced the “phased closure” of the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan, citing safety and resource management considerations. Reports have noted security concerns and tensions in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area.

Responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will transfer to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. DOS said it remains dedicated to advancing the U.S.-Pakistan relationship through its remaining diplomatic posts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. DOS did not provide specifics about the closure phases or timetable.

20. DOS Announces Passport Revocations Due to Child Support Debt

The Department of State (DOS) announced that it is coordinating with the Department of Health and Human Services to revoke the passports of U.S. citizens with “significant” outstanding child support debt, defined as more than $2,500.

Eligibility for a new passport will only be restored after child support debt is paid to the relevant state child support enforcement agency and the individual is no longer delinquent according to HHS records, DOS said.

21. USCIS Ordered to Resume Processing for Certain ‘Restricted’ Countries’ Applicants

On April 30, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts issued a significant ruling ordering the U.S. government to lift its blanket hold on certain U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration applications for approximately 200 plaintiffs from specific countries. The court found that two key USCIS policies, which have been responsible for freezing cases for months, are likely unlawful. While this marks an important legal victory, the decision currently applies only to the individuals involved in the case. Thousands of other applicants remain subject to these policies and may need to take additional steps to obtain relief.

The court found that:

USCIS likely does not have the authority to freeze applications indefinitely based on nationality;
Using nationality as a negative factor is likely inconsistent with immigration law;
The government did not follow proper rulemaking procedures before implementing these policies; and
Applicants suffered real and immediate harm, including:
- Loss of work authorization
- Disruption of lawful status
- Financial and personal hardship

The decision signals the type of relief other litigants may be able to pursue through similar lawsuits. The court held that:

USCIS must resume processing applications for certain plaintiffs;
USCIS must stop applying these policies to those individuals; and
The court will determine whether additional plaintiffs are also entitled to relief.

The affected countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo), Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, The Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Authority (those using P.A.-issued documents), Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

22. Enhanced Security Vetting Causes Adjudications Pause, Coinciding With New RFE Trends

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun implementing enhanced security vetting procedures that are expected to delay certain pending immigration benefit adjudications. In addition, more types of petitions and applications will require fingerprint-based background checks.

These changes follow Executive Order 14385, issued on February 6, 2026, which directs the Attorney General to provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with access to criminal history record information, maintained by the Department of Justice for DHS screening and vetting purposes, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

USCIS has not yet issued detailed public guidance explaining how the new process will be applied across all case types, but recent internal guidance and public reporting indicate that, effective April 27, 2026, USCIS began receiving enhanced criminal history record information for fingerprint-based background checks submitted through the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) “Next Generation Identification (NGI)” system. According to reporting on the internal guidance, USCIS officers have been directed not to approve certain pending cases until the enhanced checks have been completed, and to resubmit fingerprint-based screenings for any application or petition where the FBI information was received before April 27, 2026.

The most immediate impact appears to be on pending applications and petitions that require fingerprint-based background checks. These commonly include adjustment of status, naturalization, asylum-related filings, and certain employment authorization applications. The new process has coincided with emerging trends in requests for evidence involving biometrics in certain employment-based matters.

23. USCIS Lifts Adjudication Hold for Foreign Physicians

According to reports, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has quietly updated its enhanced screening and vetting policy to lift the adjudication hold for foreign national physicians. The update applies only to cases pending or filed with USCIS and does not affect visa applications processed abroad through the Department of State.

Medical organizations lobbied for a national interest exemption from the hold, outlining the serious public health consequences and noting that 23% of licensed physicians in the United States are foreign-trained and 64% of foreign-trained physicians practice in medically underserved areas or health professional shortage areas. The prolonged adjudication hold has resulted in physicians losing their status or work authorization, thereby rendering them unable to provide much needed medical services to U.S. patients.

Other vetting measures remain in effect. Employers and physicians with pending cases should monitor their case status online for updates or requests for evidence and prepare for potential biometrics appointments or re-interviews.

New Publications and Items of Interest

Webinar on H-2B application process. The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) invites stakeholders to participate in a webinar on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET, covering best practices and helpful tips for preparing H-2B Applications for Temporary Employment Certification (Form ETA-9142B and appendices) during the three-day filing window of July 3-5, 2026, for applications requesting a work start date of October 1, 2026. The webinar will cover regulatory timeframes and filing requirements for H-2B applications with a start date of October 1, 2026, or later; procedures OFLC uses to randomly select H-2B applications for review and processing; and tips and reminders to avoid deficiencies during the application process. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the OFLC website along with presentation materials for future reference.

Know your rights. A number of organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (English and Spanish), the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., the National Immigrant Justice Center, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the Asian Law Caucus, have published resources highlighting immigrants’ and nonimmigrants’ rights in the United States and at ports of entry, including “know your rights” information and what documents they may want to carry when traveling inside the United States. ACLU of Northern California also released Know Your Rights: U.S. Airports and Ports of Entry. In addition to a client flyer for permanent residents detained at ports of entry, linked above, AILA also released Know Your Rights: If ICE Visits Your Home.

E-Verify webinars: E-Verify has updated its calendar of webinars.

SAVE webinars: Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) has updated its calendar of webinars.

Immigration agency X (formerly Twitter) accounts:

EOIR: @DOJ_EOIR
ICE: @ICEgov
Study in the States: @StudyinStates
USCIS: @USCIS

Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers: ABIL is available on X (formerly Twitter): @ABILImmigration

ABIL Member / Firm News

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published a new blog post: AOS: SOL? No, Just SOS.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published a new podcast episode in the “Statutes of Liberty” series: Episode 35 (Part 1): I-9 Compliance Made Practical: What Employers Need to Know. An accompanying blog post is also available.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published a podcast episode, ICE Approaching: Preparing Your Company and Your People, and an accompanying blog post.

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has published several new client alerts: New USCIS Policy Limiting Adjustment of Status: What You Need to Know; Ebola Travel Restrictions to the U.S. From Countries Impacted by Outbreak; How the Elimination of “D/S” May Affect F, J, and I Visa Holders; Avoiding PERM Pitfalls: Takeaways From DOJ’s Lawsuit Against Cloudera and DOL’s Enforcement Action; and Blanche v. Lau: What Every Green Card Holder Needs to Know.

Mr. Kuck authored an opinion piece, The Immigration Memo That Threatens 74 Years of U.S. Policy.

Mr. Kuck was quoted by Semafor in Debatable: The Scope of Trump’s New Green Card Curbs. He said, “I think [highly skilled workers are] fine, generally speaking. When they initially put [the memo on adjustment of status] out Friday morning, they made it seem like, ‘Oh my god, nobody can adjust status.’ And then they literally walked it back on Friday night a little bit.…I think for the most part, H-1Bs and L-1s are probably OK.”

Maggio Kattar has published a new article: USCIS Announces New Policy Limiting Adjustment of Status Eligibility.

Cyrus Mehta authored several new blog posts: Think Immigration: Using Loper Bright to Advocate for Your Clients in Immigration Cases and Think Immigration: A Focus on Executive Power, published in the AILA Law Journal, a publication of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Mr. Mehta is Editor-in-Chief of the journal.

Mr. Mehta was quoted by Vox in MAGA’s Civil War Over Immigration is Over. Silicon Valley Lost. Mr. Mehta said, “We are hearing USCIS examiners are now asking questions like, ‘Why are you applying for adjustment? Why couldn’t you have left and applied abroad?’ Different local offices will likely take different positions on how to deal with it. Some will be business as usual. Others may be instructed to get tough.”

Mr. Mehta was quoted by JURISTnews in U.S. Immigration Memo Directs Most Green Card Applicants to Apply From Abroad. Mr. Mehta said that the memo’s framing of adjustment as “extraordinary relief” appears nowhere in the Immigration and Nationality Act and is “in contravention of the law,” noting that Congress used heightened standards such as “clear and convincing evidence” elsewhere in the statute when it intended to reserve a benefit for exceptional cases. Mr. Mehta also said that the memo functions as a substantive rule promulgated without notice and comment in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Mr. Mehta was quoted by Forbes in Immigration Service May Significantly Restrict Green Cards in the U.S. Forbes quoted Mr. Mehta’s comment on X: “While adjustment of status is discretionary under INA 245, it has never been interpreted as an extraordinary form of relief and USCIS is inventing a new standard to deprive noncitizens from getting green cards in the U.S.” He said that interpreting “may” in INA 245(a) as “extraordinary” is a “giant unfaithful leap” and that the Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright about deference to federal agencies “should allow a court to strike the USCIS memo as being contrary to the statute and also because there was no notice and comment.”

Mr. Mehta and Kaitlyn Box co-authored a new blog post: New USCIS Memo Abruptly Changes Adjustment of Status Policy.

Mr. Mehta and Manjeeta Chowdhary co-authored a blog post: The Credibility Problem in Extraordinary Ability Cases: Why Evidence Matters More Than Ever in EB-1 and O-1 Petitions.

Mr. Mehta and Damira Zhanatova co-authored several new blog posts: Dorcas v. USCIS: Federal Court Reaffirms That USCIS Must Adjudicate, Not Stonewall, Immigration Benefits; USCIS New Policy Limiting Adjustment of Status Eligibility Is Bad Policy and Contrary to Law; The Diplomatic Exception to Birthright Citizenship: Paths to Permanent Residence and Naturalization; and Navigating the Downgrade of the Indian LL.B in Green Card Sponsorships for Lawyers.

Bernard Wolfsdorf, of Wolfsdorf Rosenthal, was quoted by the New York Times in Actually, Most Immigrants Won’t Need to Leave U.S. to Get Green Cards, DHS Says. He said, “The employers are incredibly worried about this. These are the people who are at the very forefront of America’s technological advantage, and they’re being chased out of the country.”

Mr. Yale-Loehr co-authored an op-ed, A Proposal to Change Foreign Workers’ Wages Could Threaten American Jobs, published in The Hill.

Government Agency Links

Follow these links to access current processing times of the USCIS Service Centers and the Department of State’s latest Visa Bulletin with the most recent cut-off dates for visa numbers:

USCIS case processing times online: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Department of State Visa Bulletin: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

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