This Week in Immigration: November 6, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

Appeals Court Keeps Diversity Visa Lottery on Hold

A federal appeals court has allowed the Trump administration to keep the Diversity Visa lottery suspended, overturning a lower court order that would have required registration to begin November 1. The Ninth Circuit ruled that the organization challenging the suspension lacked legal standing, without deciding whether the administration's decision to halt the program was lawful. The lottery typically makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to people from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States.

Midterm Election Results Could Reshape Immigration Debate

Democrats' gains in the November 3 midterm elections could change how Congress approaches immigration policy, particularly oversight of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement practices. Democratic lawmakers are preparing investigations into immigration detention and ICE operations, while President Trump has expressed openness to bipartisan immigration negotiations. However, major policy changes remain uncertain, and previously approved enforcement funding extends through 2029. Vice President JD Vance has also suggested placing greater emphasis on businesses employing undocumented workers.

USCIS Reports Drop in Pending Employment-Based Green Card Applications

Newly published USCIS data show that the number of pending employment-based green card applications fell between September and October. The agency's latest inventory lists approximately 225,000 pending applications as of October 5, compared with about 266,000 in early September. The figures cover adjustment of status applications filed in the United States and exclude applicants waiting for consular processing abroad. The data also provide a breakdown by visa category, country, and priority date, helping applicants better understand the backlog.

International Students Face November Deadline on Proposed OPT Fees

International students have until November 9 to comment on a proposal that would introduce substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT). The proposal recommends a $70,000 fee for initial OPT participation and $30,000 for subsequent participation, potentially affecting students and employers. Meanwhile, a federal court hearing concerning Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is scheduled for November 6. A separate proposal to replace duration-of-status protections with fixed admission periods also remains blocked by a federal court. None of these developments currently changes existing OPT or student status rules. Read more

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