Other authorities
Articles covering policy from Other authorities. Sorted by the agency's own publication date.
Federal judge rules mandatory immigration detention violates due process without individualized review
A Houston federal court order finds that applying INA mandatory detention statutes without considering an individual's circumstances violates Fifth Amendment rights, requiring release of witness detained after ICE shooting.
Post-Mullin TPS battles pivot to due process claims
After Supreme Court barred statutory review of TPS terminations, legal advocates for migrants from four countries are pursuing Fifth Amendment due process challenges. Learn what the new litigation strategy means for practitioners.
Deportation orders for children in Newark court jump to 81%, double the Biden-era rate
Immigration court advocates report a dramatic surge in child removal orders in Newark as the Trump administration accelerates backlogs through mega master hearings, with children increasingly processed in adult dockets.
Trump admin bypasses asylum interviews, refers cases directly to immigration court
USCIS can now refer certain affirmative asylum applications directly to immigration judges without conducting interviews. Practitioners must adjust filing strategy and client expectations.
Federal court blocks Illinois in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants
A federal judge ruled Illinois's RISE and DREAM Acts violate the Supremacy Clause. Immigration practitioners must update eligibility guidance for undocumented applicants seeking higher education benefits in the state.
Civil Rights Groups Renew Legal Challenge to Tennessee Unauthorized Immigration Law
ACLU and National Immigration Law Center refile federal lawsuit challenging HB 1704 after initial dismissal, seeking to halt state criminal penalties for immigrants with final removal orders.
Federal court strikes down Illinois in-state tuition laws for undocumented immigrants
U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled Illinois' RISE Act and DREAM Act unconstitutional as applied to undocumented immigrants. The decision bars states from providing in-state tuition and financial aid to noncitizens, affecting how you advise clients on education benefits.
Judge Allows Arizona Immigration Arrest Law to Stand—For Now
A federal judge has declined to block Proposition 314, allowing Arizona police and state courts to enforce immigration provisions while a lawsuit challenging the law's constitutionality continues.
Chicago immigration court sets record for in absentia removal orders
Data shows Chicago immigration court issued unprecedented number of removal orders for no-show cases in June 2026, with 58% of scheduled hearings resulting in in absentia rulings. Practitioners must prepare clients for higher risk of removal without hearing.
EOIR Closes Batavia Immigration Court; Cases Transfer to Buffalo
The Executive Office for Immigration Review has permanently closed the Batavia Immigration Court as of July 24, 2026. All pending cases transfer to Buffalo and will be heard by teleconference. Learn new filing procedures.
Legal Aid Contract Expiration Leaves Migrant Children Without Counsel
The Acacia Center's federal legal services contract expires July 31 with no government guidance on replacing representation for unaccompanied minors.
Appeals Court Blocks Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee (Again)
Federal appeals court rejects Trump administration bid to enforce $100,000 H-1B visa fee, upholding lower court ruling that it constitutes unauthorized tax.
Disputed Israeli Convictions at Center of Sarsour Deportation Hearing
An immigration judge heard testimony in the removal case against Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, focusing on whether his teenage Israeli military court convictions support deportation grounds.
Federal Judge Blocks ICE From Using Missed Departure Deadline as Basis for Continued Detention
A New Jersey federal judge ruled that ICE cannot prevent someone from leaving the country, then detain them for missing a voluntary departure deadline—raising questions about how ICE applies mandatory detention in voluntary departure cases.
Federal judge rules ICE made warrantless arrest outside Baltimore school
U.S. District Judge Julie Rubin orders release of man detained by ICE at school, finding no probable cause and due process violations in the arrest.
'Mega masters' hearings pack immigration court dockets: what practitioners need to know
Immigration courts are scheduling mass 'mega masters' hearings with 100+ cases at once, often with inadequate notice. Experts say the tactic accelerates deportations, especially in absentia orders.
4th Circuit Affirms District Judge Can Hear Constitutional Challenge to ICE Detention
A split 4th Circuit panel ruled that federal immigration law does not strip district judges of jurisdiction to hear constitutional challenges to detention by noncitizens, disagreeing with other circuits.
DOJ Files First-Ever Petition to Alien Terrorist Removal Court After 30 Years of Dormancy
The Justice Department has filed the first application ever to the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a specialized tribunal created in 1996 but unused until July 2026. Practitioners need to understand the court's procedures, evidence standards, and procedural safeguards.
Fifth Circuit stays lower-court bond-hearing orders in removal-detention cases
The full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals stayed district court judgments ordering bond hearings for immigrants in removal proceedings, preserving the Trump administration's mandatory detention policy pending en banc rehearing.
Over 425,000 Children Face Immigration Court Without Lawyers as Federal Funding Cuts Hit Legal Providers
New data shows 57% of children in removal proceedings lack legal representation. Federal funding cuts are forcing legal aid organizations to slash staff, leaving thousands of unaccompanied minors at heightened deportation risk.
Second Circuit Overturns Vermont Judge's Bail Order for Mahdawi; Bars District Court Habeas Review
Federal appeals court rules Vermont judge lacked jurisdiction to order Mahdawi's release from immigration detention; holds that immigration court exhaustion required before district court review.
Second Circuit Bars Habeas Relief Before Immigration Court Exhaustion in Mahdawi Case
Federal appeals court rules that district judges lack jurisdiction to grant habeas corpus relief in immigration detention cases before removal proceedings are exhausted in immigration court.
Federal Judge Blocks Retroactive Work Permit Caps and Asylum Fees for TPS and Asylum Seekers
Boston federal judge temporarily blocked Trump administration policies cutting work authorization duration for TPS holders and imposing new asylum application fees, staying enforcement until Aug. 5.
Federal judge orders Adelanto ICE facility to provide clean water and medical care
U.S. District Court grants preliminary injunction requiring Adelanto ICE Processing Center to provide detainees with clean drinking water, medical care, hygiene products, and daily headcounts. Court appoints independent monitors to ensure compliance.
AILA Policy Brief: America Needs Independent, Fair, and Efficient Immigration Courts
AILA calls for legislative reforms to insulate immigration courts from executive branch control, ban courthouse enforcement actions, and fully fund the judiciary. The brief highlights structural threats to due process and judicial independence.
DHS Rescinds 2022 Public Charge Rule
DHS issues final rule rescinding the 2022 public charge regulation and returning to a broader, discretionary case-by-case approach for evaluating public charge inadmissibility. Effective September 18, 2026.
EU Council reports early progress in applying new asylum responsibility rules
The EU Council assesses early implementation of new responsibility determination rules under the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, covering July 2026 compliance by member states on both sides of asylum transfers.
USCIS Tightens Adjustment of Status Approval Standards in July; Visa Caps Reached for EB-2 India
The Trump administration imposed stricter green card approval criteria in July 2026, including tighter visa limits, enhanced technical review, and discretionary adjustment of status standards that require individualized case assessment beyond basic eligibility.
Trump Administration Revives Expanded Public Charge Rule for Green Card Applicants
USCIS is reinstating a broad public charge rule that expands which public benefits can disqualify immigrants seeking green cards, effective September 18, 2026. The rule broadens the scope beyond the 2022 standard.
UN Panel Warns of Mass Arbitrary Removal of Immigration Judges
A United Nations Human Rights Council panel says the Trump administration's removal of over 100 immigration judges undermines court independence and reduces judicial capacity. What practitioners need to know about docket delays and litigation risk.
Immigration Courts Nationwide Are Denying More Bond Requests, Especially at Adelanto
Data analysis reveals sharp rise in bond denials since late 2025. At Adelanto, denial rate jumped from 39% to 57% after November 10 inflection point. Practitioners must adjust client expectations and filing strategies.
Federal Judge Orders ICE Release of Detainees, Threatens Sanctions for Ignoring Court Orders
U.S. District Judge in Nevada ruled DHS mandatory detention policy unlawful and ordered immediate release of 17 detainees held months without bond hearings, threatening sanctions against ICE for non-compliance.
ACLU Sues to Block Arizona Prop 314 Section 5 Before July 14 Enforcement
Federal lawsuit challenges Arizona's state-level immigration arrest provision as unconstitutional federal preemption. Section 5 set to enforce unless courts intervene.
Federal regulators issue guidance on lending to undocumented immigrants
Three banking regulators released joint guidance directing financial institutions to treat undocumented immigration status as a credit risk factor in loan underwriting decisions.
USCIS Policy Alert: Updated Guidance on Attorney and Representative Requirements and Conduct
USCIS consolidates and updates guidance on attorney and representative requirements, establishing authority and professional conduct standards in the Policy Manual.
Federal Judge Rejects Tennessee Immigration Law Challenge on Standing Grounds; ACLU Seeks Reconsideration
Civil rights lawyers asked a federal judge to reopen a dismissed constitutional challenge to Tennessee's law criminalizing illegal immigration. The judge initially ruled plaintiffs lacked standing, but attorneys now argue their clients face arrest under the law.
Federal Court Certifies Class of People Recording DHS Immigration Enforcement in California
A Central District of California court grants class action certification in the LA Press Club case, extending First Amendment protections to anyone who films or photographs DHS immigration operations in Southern California.
DHS Sets New Expiration Dates for TPS Work Permits After Supreme Court Ruling
The Trump administration extended work authorization deadlines for TPS holders from seven countries to July 17–24, 2026. Employers must verify updated expiration dates and adjust termination timelines.
Federal Judge Orders USCIS to Resume I-765 Work Permit Processing for 39-Country Nationals
U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia DeMarchi partially granted preliminary injunction forcing USCIS to resume employment authorization applications for nationals of 39 designated high-risk countries after months-long adjudication freeze.
DHS temporarily extends TPS work permits after Supreme Court ruling
On July 10, DHS pushed back work permit expiration dates for hundreds of thousands of TPS holders from seven countries, following a Supreme Court decision that allowed termination. Practitioners must understand the temporary scope and new deadlines.
Supreme Court ends Haiti TPS: work permits expire July 10, 2026
After the Supreme Court's June 25 ruling in Mullin v. Doe, Haitian TPS holders' work permits expire July 10, 2026. Practitioners must advise clients on alternative remedies before status lapses.
Seattle Immigration Court launches accelerated 'mega master' hearings for children
Hundreds of unaccompanied minors ordered to appear in accelerated 'mega master' hearings in Seattle immigration court, compressing timeline for legal preparation and raising due-process concerns among advocates.
TPS Ethiopia: July 10, 2026 I-9 and E-Verify Guidance Update
USCIS updates I-9 completion and E-Verify entry procedures for Ethiopian TPS holders following a federal court stay of the termination. Employers must enter 'as per court order' and July 10, 2026 dates on employment authorization forms.
Federal judge orders GEO Group to admit Washington health inspectors to Tacoma detention center
U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle issued preliminary injunction orders requiring GEO Group to allow Washington state health inspectors into Northwest ICE Processing Center, enforcing 2023 state law on detention facility oversight.
5th Circuit denies effort to defend Texas Dream Act in-state tuition law
Federal appeals court rejects intervention by advocates and students seeking to defend Texas law allowing undocumented students in-state tuition, citing federal preemption.
Federal judge orders Tacoma ICE detention center to allow health inspections
A federal judge ruled that the private operator of Washington's largest immigrant detention center must allow state health inspectors inside. The ruling clarifies contractor liability for state law compliance.
Immigration judges report mass firings, pressure campaigns, and due-process conflicts under Trump administration
Immigration judges describe institutional pressure to prioritize policy goals over law, with more than 100 fired and 200 departed since Trump took office. Implications for caseload, case timing, and judicial independence.
Trump Admin Tightens Vetting and Enforcement of Marriage-Based Green Card Cases
USCIS August 2025 policy update intensifies fraud detection and security screening for spouses of U.S. citizens. Practitioners must now prepare for expanded removal referrals, stronger documentation demands, and discretionary adjudication.
New Jersey Immigration Judge's Appointment Raises Judicial Fitness Concerns
A New Jersey judge appointed to the Elizabeth Immigration Court faced recent appellate criticism for insensitive remarks toward a sexual assault victim, raising concerns among immigration attorneys about how he will handle asylum and bond cases.
Seattle Immigration Court launches mega hearings for rapid case processing
Seattle Immigration Court is now holding 'mega master' hearings with 100+ deportation cases per session. Immigration attorneys and practitioners must monitor hearing dates daily to avoid surprise rescheduling.
Utah Immigration Court Accelerates Hearings Through \"Mega Master\" Dockets
Salt Lake City Immigration Court is consolidating dozens of cases into massive master calendar hearings and moving individual hearing dates forward by years, affecting preparation time and unrepresented immigrants' due process.
Federal judge orders ICE detainee's release based on Fifth Amendment due process violation
District of Montana rules that ICE detention without a bond hearing violates Fifth Amendment due process rights. Practitioner guidance on habeas corpus strategy and warrantless seizure challenges.
Trump Administration Releases Immigration Regulatory Agenda: H-1B, Prevailing Wage, and Student Visa Changes
The Trump administration has unveiled a multi-agency regulatory agenda targeting H-1B eligibility, prevailing wage increases, PERM labor certification, and international student work authorization. Changes are expected from August 2026 onward.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Issues Stay in Challenge to Sheriff-ICE Relationships
The Wisconsin Supreme Court paused a major lawsuit challenging ICE detainers and 287(g) agreements with local sheriffs, deferring action until federal appeals are exhausted. Here's what practitioners need to know about the stay order and its procedural implications.
Trump Administration Policies Affecting Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Trump administration policies on visa holds, travel bans, and interview scrutiny are slowing down family-based immigration cases for spouses of U.S. citizens, affecting processing timelines and international mobility.
Trump Administration Tightens Scrutiny of Marriage-Based Immigration: What You Need to Know
Spouses of U.S. citizens face new interview requirements, good moral character evidence demands, and enforcement vulnerability under Trump administration policy shifts affecting family-based green card applications.
Greece Ties Lawyer Fees to Voluntary Returns, Reshaping Asylum Legal Guidance
Greece has introduced new rules requiring accredited lawyers to provide free legal guidance to asylum seekers, with bonuses tied to clients' voluntary returns. What practitioners need to know about the conflict-of-interest safeguards and financial incentives.
Federal judge blocks Philadelphia's ICE masking ban
A Pennsylvania federal court ruled that Philadelphia cannot enforce its ban on federal ICE agents wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles, citing constitutional limits on local authority over federal officers.
DHS Proposes EB-5 Regulations: New $1.4M Tier, Two-Year Capital Rule, Penalties for Breach
DHS issues notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to codify EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act requirements, including a new $1.4 million investment tier for high-employment areas, revised capital-at-risk timing, and sanctions for regional center violations. Comments due August 31, 2026.
Federal Judge Blocks Philadelphia's Ban on Masked ICE Agents
US District Court invalidates Philadelphia ordinance requiring federal agents to remove masks and display badges, citing constitutional preemption. Preliminary injunction blocks enforcement pending full litigation.
Trump Administration Proposes Major Overhaul of EB-5 Investor Visa Program
DHS releases comprehensive proposed rule to implement the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, tightening oversight, expanding anti-fraud powers, and eliminating the troubled business pathway.
Federal judge awards EAJA fees for wrongful detention; finds mandatory detention policy not substantially justified
A Nebraska federal judge awarded attorney's fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act to an immigrant detained without a bond hearing, finding the government's mandatory detention position lacked substantial justification.
Trump administration immigration agenda: Mixed wins in Supreme Court's 2025-2026 term
The Trump administration scored major Supreme Court victories on TPS termination and asylum metering, but suffered a significant defeat on birthright citizenship. Review what changed and what it means for clients.
Indiana State Court Temporarily Blocks ICE Detainer Mandate for Monroe County Sheriff
A Monroe County judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Section 9(a)(3) of SEA 76 as applied to Sheriff Marté, finding warrantless ICE detainer holds likely violate the Fourth Amendment. The injunction applies only to the sheriff's office, not statewide.
Trump v. Barbara: SCOTUS Upholds Birthright Citizenship—What Practitioners Need to Know
The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Trump v. Barbara strikes down Executive Order 14160 and reaffirms birthright citizenship under the Citizenship Clause. Key takeaways for immigration practitioners on statutory interpretation, precedent, and litigation strategy.
UK Tightens Asylum Policy: Refugee Status Now Temporary, Permanent Settlement Delayed
The UK government fundamentally reformed its asylum system, shortening initial refugee protection from 5 years to 30 months and delaying permanent settlement to 20 years. Family reunion is severely restricted and asylum support is now discretionary.
Hartford Immigration Court backlog strains legal representation and relief prospects
Former judge warns court backlog of 46,000 cases in Hartford is compromising asylum seekers' ability to prepare cases, as judge staffing declines nationally and processing accelerates dramatically.
Supreme Court Expands Border Officer Power Over Returning Green Card Holders
A 6-3 Supreme Court decision in Blanche v. Lau lowers the evidentiary standard for border officials to reclassify returning green card holders. Immigration attorneys warn clients with any criminal history to consult before international travel.
Federal judges dismiss Trump administration's sanctuary city lawsuits across multiple jurisdictions
Courts in California, Illinois, New Jersey, and other states have rejected DOJ challenges to local sanctuary policies, finding they don't violate federal law or the Supremacy Clause.
State Actions on Immigrant Benefits and Enforcement During 2025-2026
KFF tracks recent state legislation affecting immigrant access to health coverage, benefits, and immigration enforcement coordination. Key changes include coverage rollbacks, benefit expansions in some states, and data-sharing laws.
Santa Clara County Funds Expansion of Habeas Corpus Legal Aid Network
Santa Clara County commits $200,000 to expand the Bay Area Habeas Network, increasing attorneys available to file habeas petitions for people detained by ICE. Implications for removal defense practitioners and detainees in the region.
New Orleans Immigration Court Among Sites Where Mega Master Hearings Speed Deportations
Immigration courts are scheduling 100+ removal cases in single hearings with little notice. Practitioners must monitor for rescheduled dates and prepare clients for accelerated timelines and in absentia deportation risk.
BIA Precedent: Consider Aliens' Crimes, Not Convictions, in Exercising Discretionary Relief
A new BIA precedent holds that immigration judges must examine an alien's actual criminal conduct—not just convictions—when exercising the attorney general's discretion to grant cancellation of removal or other discretionary relief.
Immigration Courts Accelerate Mass Hearings to Speed Deportations
EOIR is consolidating hearings into 'mega masters' with 100+ immigrants per session, creating due-process risks for unrepresented respondents. Practitioners must verify hearing dates and ensure client notice.
USCIS Issues Stricter Adjustment of Status Policy Memo
USCIS PM-602-0199 reframes adjustment of status as extraordinary discretionary relief, requiring officers to apply heightened scrutiny. What practitioners need to know about the shift.
USCIS Narrows Deferred Action to Extraordinary Cases—Policy Alert Raises Bar for DACA Renewals
USCIS Policy Alert PA-2026-01 reframes deferred action as limited prosecutorial discretion, applying immediately to pending DACA renewals and other DA-based relief. Practitioners must revise filing strategy.
Vera Study: Newly Appointed Judges Grant Voluntary Departure at Higher Rates
Immigration judges appointed under the second Trump administration are granting voluntary departure at significantly higher rates than experienced judges. New analysis shows the trend disproportionately affects detained immigrants and those without legal counsel.
Massachusetts Executive Order 650: Higher Education Institutions Must Establish ICE Policies
Governor Healey's Executive Order 650 requires Massachusetts colleges and universities to adopt written policies on federal immigration officer interactions and restrict ICE access to campus nonpublic areas absent judicial warrants.
DHS Proposes to Rescind 2022 Public Charge Rule, Restore Broader Discretion
DHS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking rescinding the 2022 public charge ground of inadmissibility regulations and expanding discretion to consider any public benefit in admission and adjustment determinations.
Federal Government Files Plan to Resume DACA New Applications Nationwide
DOJ proposes reopening DACA to new applicants in 49 states while limiting work permits in Texas, subject to federal court approval in ongoing Texas v. United States litigation.
Bondi Issues Two Precedential Decisions Restricting Asylum for Domestic Violence and Gang Violence Survivors
Attorney General Bondi overruled Biden-era asylum precedent and reinstated restrictive 2018 and 2021 rules that make asylum harder to obtain for victims of domestic abuse and gang violence. Practitioners must update case strategy immediately.
DOJ Office of Immigration Litigation: federal appellate review of immigration cases
OIL defends the government in petitions for review of BIA decisions across all twelve circuits — and its appellate posture quietly shapes the precedent every removal-defense practitioner relies on.