USCIS

Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Yemen

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is terminating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Yemen, effective May 4, 2026. This decision means that Yemeni nationals granted TPS will no longer have this status after that date, as the Secretary determined that Yemen no longer meets the conditions for designation.

USCIS Proposes Asylum Applicant Employment Authorization Reform

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed new rules to reform employment authorization for asylum applicants. Key changes include extending the waiting period for employment authorization to 365 days and pausing EAD applications when asylum processing times exceed 180 days.

USCIS Gold Card Program Revision Notice Comment Period

USCIS is seeking public comment on a proposed revision to an existing information collection for the Immigrant Petition Gold Card Program. The 60-day comment period closes on May 11, 2026, and is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act process.

USCIS Memo on Asylum and Benefit Applications from High-Risk Countries

USCIS issued a policy memorandum on December 2, 2025, directing personnel to place a hold on all pending asylum applications and certain benefit requests from aliens from high-risk countries. The memo mandates a comprehensive re-review of these applications and previously approved benefits for national security and public safety threats.

H-1B Visa Entry Restricted for Specialty Occupations

USCIS issued a memorandum restricting the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers, effective September 21, 2025. The restriction applies to new petitions unless accompanied by a $100,000 payment. This action aims to address systemic abuse of the H-1B visa program.

USCIS Holds Diversity Visa Adjustment of Status Applications for Review

USCIS has placed a hold on all pending Diversity Visa (DV) Program adjustment of status applications for a comprehensive security review. This action mandates a thorough review of policies, procedures, and vetting processes, including interviews for Form I-485, for all affected applicants.

USCIS Policy Memo: Hold and Review of Applications from High-Risk Countries

USCIS issued a policy memorandum directing personnel to place a hold on all pending benefit applications from aliens listed in Presidential Proclamation 10998, which identifies additional high-risk countries for security review. This action requires a comprehensive review of policies and existing approved benefit requests.

USCIS Policy: DACA Termination for Firearm Purchase Attempts

USCIS has issued new policy guidance instructing officers to terminate Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status for recipients who unlawfully attempt to purchase a firearm. This policy aligns with Executive Order 14161 and federal firearms regulations.

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Yemen

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, effective May 4, 2026. This decision follows a review of country conditions and consultations with government agencies, determining that Yemen no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS designation.

DHS Proposes Rule to Strengthen Asylum Seeker Screening

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule to strengthen the screening of asylum seekers and reduce fraudulent claims for work authorization. The proposed changes aim to decrease the incentive for meritless applications, thereby reducing processing times and the asylum backlog.