This Week in Immigration: September 4, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

USCIS Can Now Request Credit Reports From Green Card Sponsors

USCIS can now request consumer reports for people sponsoring green card applicants under the latest Form I-864, effective Aug. 31. The agency has not announced a minimum credit score or explained how debt, late payments, bankruptcies, or other credit information could affect sponsorship decisions. Sponsors with credit freezes may be asked to temporarily lift them to avoid delays. Applicants should use the new 08/24/26 form edition and sponsors may want to review their credit reports for errors.

Judge Blocks Latest Attempt to Restrict Birthright Citizenship

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s latest attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, preventing federal agencies from denying citizenship to children covered by the new policy. The August executive order sought to limit automatic citizenship in certain cases involving parents who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The ruling comes after the Supreme Court struck down an earlier, broader version of the policy. The administration can continue preparing implementation guidance while the case proceeds

DHS Moves Closer to Ending 60-Day Grace Period for H-1B Workers

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal to eliminate the 60-day grace period for certain foreign workers has cleared White House review, moving it closer to publication. The grace period currently gives eligible H-1B and other visa holders up to 60 days after losing a job to find new employment or change their immigration status. The current rules remain in effect for now. The full proposal has not yet been published, so details about possible exceptions or implementation are still unknown.

CPT Enforcement Tightens for International Student Work Programs

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is tightening scrutiny of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows F-1 international students to participate in qualifying internships and other off-campus training. New guidance takes a more restrictive approach to when CPT is considered an “integral part” of a student’s curriculum. UC Berkeley and UC Davis have temporarily suspended some course-credit CPT programs, while other universities are reviewing their policies. The changes could reduce internship opportunities for international students and narrow a key hiring pipeline for employers.

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