March 2026 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2026, detailing immigrant visa availability. This bulletin provides "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications" for various preference categories, guiding applicants on when to submit documentation for immigrant visas and adjustment of status applications.

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 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.

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 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: 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.

USCIS Aids Immigration Fraud Investigation Leading to Indictments

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assisted an investigation in New York that resulted in the indictment and arrest of four individuals for alleged immigration fraud. The charges include wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and false impersonation of U.S. officials, with over $100,000 in fraudulent transactions identified.

Immigration Fraudster Arrested Working as Corrections Officer

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the arrest of Morris Brown, a Liberian national working as a Minnesota corrections officer, for serial immigration fraud. Brown allegedly overstayed his student visa, made false claims to U.S. citizenship, and committed marriage fraud.

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.