This Week in Immigration: October 30, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

Federal judge temporarily blocks rule shortening refugees' appeal window

A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked a USCIS rule that cut the time refugees have to respond to a notice of intent to terminate their status from 30 days to 10 days. The order from Judge Julia Kobick runs through November 6, when a different judge will decide whether to extend it, and the court has not yet ruled on whether the rule is lawful. DHS estimated the rule, published in the Federal Register on October 14, could affect up to 186,000 refugees. Refugees who receive a termination notice should act promptly and consult an attorney, since the deadline could change depending on how the court rules.

USCIS allows certain CBP One parolees to request case reopening without a fee

Following a federal court order, USCIS has announced that qualifying individuals whose parole was terminated in April 2025 may request reopening or reconsideration of certain adverse immigration decisions without paying a filing fee. The update applies to members of a specific class in the Sileiri Doe litigation, and eligibility is limited to certain class members and decisions. Anyone who believes they may qualify should review the USCIS announcement and speak with an immigration attorney.

DOL proposed rule to modernize PERM labor certification clears White House review

The Office of Management and Budget has cleared a Department of Labor proposed rule that could substantially update the PERM labor certification process, a key step in many employment-based green card cases. The proposal is expected to address recruitment standards, protections for U.S. workers affected by layoffs, and employer compliance requirements. However, the regulatory text has not yet been published, and the specific proposed requirements remain unknown. Current PERM regulations remain in effect. Employers with pending or planned PERM filings should monitor publication of the proposal and the subsequent public comment period.

Citizenship approvals fall 72% as the naturalization backlog grows

U.S. citizenship approvals dropped 72% in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to The Washington Post. The naturalization backlog has grown from roughly 500,000 to more than 800,000 applications, and applicants report delayed interviews and canceled ceremonies. The administration attributes the slowdown to expanded screening and vetting requirements. Anyone who has applied should expect potentially longer processing times and monitor their USCIS account for updates.

Supreme Court leaves restrictions on immigration court case closures in place

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a dispute over administrative closure, a longstanding practice allowing immigration judges to temporarily remove deportation cases from their active dockets. The October 27 decision leaves a nationwide restriction in place while litigation continues. The change could affect individuals awaiting decisions on family-based petitions or other immigration benefits, as removal proceedings may continue before those applications are resolved. The Court has not issued a final ruling on the underlying legal dispute.

{{cta-component-horizontal-aligned}}