Month: January 2026

USCIS Places Adjudication Hold on Benefit Requests for Applicants from Newly Designated “High-Risk” Countries

On January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Memorandum directing adjudicators to place an immediate hold on final adjudication of a wide range of immigration benefit requests filed by (or on behalf of) individuals associated with countries newly designated as “high-risk” by recent Presidential Proclamation. While USCIS may continue processing […]

Written by on January 8, 2026

Employers Face Heightened Risk of ICE Worksite Enforcement in 2026: Practical Steps to Reduce Exposure

As the new year begins, it is increasingly evident that worksite immigration enforcement will accelerate in 2026. Recent public reporting, agency statements, and enforcement patterns point to more Form I‑9 audits, more Notices of Inspection (NOIs), more site visits, and higher civil penalty exposure, even for employers with otherwise robust compliance program. Why This Matters: […]

Written by on January 8, 2026

Visa Bond Countries Expanded — Key Employer & Traveler Takeaways

The U.S. Department of State has expanded the list of countries whose nationals may be required to post a visa bond as a condition of obtaining a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The updated list was last revised January 6, 2026, with the largest set of additions taking effect January 21, 2026. This change may impact short-term […]

Written by on January 8, 2026

Court Approves Fast Track Appeal of H-1B Fee Decision

Appeals Court Fast-Tracks U.S. Chamber’s Challenge to Lower Court Decision on $100,000 H-1B Fee A federal appeals court has agreed to fast-track a legal challenge to the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, with a decision expected in February 2026, just weeks before the annual H-1B cap registration period is scheduled to begin […]

Written by on January 8, 2026

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