News

The Department of State is ordered to open the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery. The registration date for the lottery process must be announced by midnight, October 15, 2026. The registration period must be opened for a minimum of 30 days. The California Federal Court retains jurisdiction over implementation of the order. Interested individuals must actively monitor announcements and act as soon as possible.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reconsidering deference to a previous decision. In the proposal, the current process USCIS officers use to defer to the previous approval status as long as the employer, worker, and information remains the same will end. H-1B holders are affected the most by this potential change. The proposed rule is posted to the Federal Register and open for a 30-day comment period. Visa applications are unaffected for the time being.

F-1 Students should consider Community College for many reasons. It is critical to be informed in order to ensure compliance. It is critical to understand the importance of retaining the F-1 status as a student, the role and limitations of online classes, and what to consider when transferring from a community college to a university.

A lawsuit filed against USCIS challenges the impact of two memos issued by the current administration. The lawsuit claims USCIS policy memos significantly increased the risks of filing an adjustment of status within the United States. Those with pending I-485 files must monitor this lawsuit closely. Although it may not affect current applications, the outcome of the lawsuit may affect whether USCIS will continue requiring applicants to justify an adjustment of status.

Some immigration court hearings moved to federal buildings, where few would expect to find a courtroom, starting in September 2026. These changed court locations are driving complications, including a person being removed in absentia, when a deportation order is entered without the person being given the chance to participate in their defense. There are actions that individuals can take to minimize the negative impact.

ICE arrests set new records in the summer of 2026, with most of them happening with very little notice. In 2025 and early 2026, operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis sent thousands of protesters into the streets and kept the story in the news for weeks

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil suspended consular services, effective October 5, 2026. Solely emergency services are available for U.S. citizens in the country.

U.S. senators introduced legislation limiting warrantless ICE arrests and the time individuals are detained without a bond hearing.

ICE launched a new tip line for reporting undocumented commercial truck drivers after a series of high-profile fatal accidents.

The U.S. government will only accept 17,500 refugees during the upcoming 2027 fiscal year, most will be Afrikaners.