This Week in Immigration: April 10, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

What Naturalized Citizens Should Know About New Election Order

A new executive order could change how states verify voter eligibility, with potential implications for naturalized citizens. The policy is already facing legal challenges and may not take effect before the 2026 midterms. Even so, it highlights a bigger issue: voter records don’t always match across federal and state systems. When that happens, naturalized citizens may be more likely to face verification issues. Experts recommend checking Social Security records and voter registration now to avoid problems later.

K-1 Visa Guide Updated for 2026

As immigration timelines and fees continue to shift, we’ve updated our K-1 fiancé visa guide with the latest 2026 information, including current processing times, costs, and requirements. Most applications now take about 8–11 months, though timelines can vary by case and embassy. The guide also breaks down common pitfalls and what happens after approval. If you’re deciding between a fiancé visa and other options, our eligibility tool can help you compare paths based on your situation.

H-1B Investigations Increase Under New DOL Enforcement Push

Employers using the H-1B visa program are facing increased scrutiny, with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reporting a 48% rise in investigations since launching “Project Firewall.” The effort relies more on internally initiated cases, along with more frequent site visits and broader information requests. Agencies are also sharing data and using AI tools to identify inconsistencies across filings. Attorneys say even minor discrepancies can lead to deeper reviews, increasing compliance risks for companies hiring foreign workers.

Judge Blocks End of TPS for Ethiopians

A federal judge in Massachusetts has postponed the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopians in the U.S., finding the Trump administration did not follow the process set by Congress. The protections, first granted in 2022 and extended in 2024, were set to end in February. The ruling allows thousands to continue living and working in the U.S. for now. It marks another legal setback as the administration moves to end TPS designations for multiple countries.

U.S. Refugee Admissions Shift Sharply Toward South Africans

The Refugee Processing Center found that since October 2025, the United States has admitted 4,499 refugees — all but three from Afghanistan were South African. The shift follows policy changes under Trump prioritizing Afrikaners, a white minority he described as facing discrimination, a claim disputed by South Africa. That’s down from 125,000 refugees from 85 countries the previous year and has fueled diplomatic tensions with Cyril Ramaphosa’s government.

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