This Week in Immigration: May 29, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

USCIS Issues New Guidance on Adjustment of Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memo this week that has raised concerns about whether some green card applicants may be required to complete the process abroad rather than from within the United States. The memo emphasizes that adjustment of status — applying for a green card while already in the U.S. — is a discretionary benefit and directs officers to more carefully weigh positive and negative factors when reviewing applications. While the guidance does not eliminate adjustment of status or change existing law, immigration attorneys expect it could lead to increased scrutiny, more Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and longer processing times. Learn more about what this might mean for employers and families.

Higher-Paid H-1B Jobs Are Winning More Lottery Selections, New Boundless Data Shows

The first H-1B cap season under the new wage-weighted selection system is producing clear winners and losers. According to a new Boundless report, higher-wage positions were selected at significantly higher rates than entry-level roles. Boundless client data from the FY2027 cap season found selection rates of 68% for Level III positions and 64% for Level IV positions, compared with 40% for Level I roles. The report also examines how education, occupation, and work authorization status may influence outcomes.

India EB-1 and EB-2 Retrogress in June Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State released the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing significant setbacks for some employment-based applicants. The biggest change was retrogression in the EB-1 and EB-2 categories for India, while India EB-3 and China EB-3 moved forward slightly. Family-based categories saw relatively little movement, with modest progress in F-2B and slight retrogression in F4. Applicants already in the United States should use the Dates for Filing chart for family-based cases and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases.

DHS Invests $25 Million in Iris Scanning Technology

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $25 million contract to iris-scanning company BI2 Technologies, significantly expanding the agency’s biometric identification capabilities. The deal includes more than 1,500 scanners and access to a database of stored iris scans. DHS says the technology helps Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accurately identify people during enforcement operations. Privacy advocates and immigration attorneys, however, warn that expanded biometric collection could increase surveillance and raise questions about oversight, data storage, and how the information is used.

Trump Administration Floats Ending International Flight Processing in Some Sanctuary Cities

The U.S. government is considering a proposal that could halt the processing of international flights at airports in some sanctuary jurisdictions. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the administration is "drawing up plans" to take the action in response to local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No formal policy has been announced, and it remains unclear whether the administration has the legal authority to implement such a move. If enacted, the proposal could disrupt international travel and airport operations in some major U.S. cities.

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