This Week in Immigration: June 26, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

USCIS Proposes Major Citizenship Fee Increase

USCIS has proposed increasing the cost of becoming a U.S. citizen. Under the proposal, the online naturalization application fee would rise from $710 to $1,280, while the paper filing fee would increase to $1,330. The agency would also eliminate reduced fees and fee waivers for most applicants, meaning some lower-income green card holders could pay more than three times what they do today. The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days, and current fees remain unchanged while the rulemaking process continues.

Supreme Court Limits Protections for Some Returning Green Card Holders

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that immigration officers do not need "clear and convincing evidence" that a green card holder committed a disqualifying crime before treating them as an applicant for admission when they return from abroad. The 6-3 decision makes it easier for border officers to deny returning lawful permanent residents immediate admission while their immigration case proceeds. The ruling does not create new grounds for removal but changes the standard officers may use when deciding whether certain green card holders can reenter the United States.

Adjustment of Status Memo: Few Changes So Far

More than a month after USCIS issued its new adjustment of status (AOS) policy memo, there have been few signs of major changes in how family-based cases are being adjudicated. Boundless attorneys continue to see AOS applications approved following interviews, although more applicants are choosing to bring legal representation. USCIS has not issued any additional guidance, and there are no significant new implementation trends to report. We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and will share any relevant updates.

Federal Judge Blocks ICE Courthouse Arrests Nationwide

A federal judge has barred Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from making civil immigration arrests inside immigration courts nationwide, ruling that the agency improperly reversed longstanding policies without following required federal rulemaking procedures. The decision also invalidates an ICE policy allowing detainees to be held in short-term facilities for more than 72 hours. The ruling temporarily halts a key enforcement tactic used during the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, though the administration is expected to appeal.

Supreme Court Poised to Rule on Birthright Citizenship

The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision soon in the challenge to President Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship. The order would deny automatic U.S. citizenship to some children born in the United States if their parents are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents. The policy has been blocked by multiple federal courts and is not currently in effect. During oral arguments, several justices, including conservatives, questioned the administration's interpretation of the 14th Amendment.

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