Recent changes in U.S. immigration policy and law

Law.com Immigration Law September 25, 2026

Supreme Court rulings and federal courts

Voter Database Purges: The U.S. Supreme Court authorized the Trump administration to use a modified, centralized Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) immigration database to initiate voter registration purges.

Deportations to third parties países: The Supreme Court is reviewing challenges to the administration's third-country deportation campaign, which targets detainees and immigrants in West Africa and other nations without prior notice or opportunity to challenge removal.

Asylum cases and travel restrictions: A ruling by a federal court blockó the políticas that suspendían the processing of asylum applications from más of 30 países, although the government has appealed the decisión.

USCIS Policies and Visa Restrictions

Public Charge Guidance: Following the rescission of previous public charge rules, updated adjudication guidance went into effect on September 18, 2026, to assess whether applicants rely on taxpayer-funded government benefits.

Birth Tourism Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State announced new visa restrictions under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act targeting individuals who engage in or facilitate birth tourism.

Controlled Substance & Trafficking Guidance: USCIS issued policy guidance (PA-2026-14) effective September 23, 2026, addressing the inadmissibility of individuals involved in controlled substance trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.

Naturalization Review: USCIS updated the Policy Manual on September 14, 2026, regarding guidelines for referring cases for denaturalization (revocation of naturalization) under Section 340 of the INA.

H-1B Caps and Fees: USCIS announced the receipt of enough petitions to meet the fiscal year 2027 H-1B regular and master's caps. Meanwhile, AILA and partner groups filed comments opposing a proposed rule for a $103,265 H-1B fee.

You can track active agency announcements directly via the USCIS Newsroom or review practice alerts through the American Immigration Lawyers Association.