This Week in Immigration: October 9, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

USCIS Updates Guidance on Citizenship Neighborhood Checks

USCIS has issued new guidance on neighborhood investigations, which may include interviews with citizenship applicants’ neighbors, coworkers, or employers. The agency resumed the checks in 2025, but not every applicant will undergo one. Applicants can voluntarily submit character reference letters, preferably from U.S. citizens who aren’t relatives, to help USCIS decide whether to waive an investigation. Letters don’t guarantee a waiver. The guidance applies to naturalization applications pending or filed on or after August 25, 2026.

DHS Proposes $70,000 Fee for Student Work Program

DHS has proposed charging schools $70,000 for an international student’s first Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendation after the rule takes effect, and $30,000 for each subsequent recommendation. OPT lets eligible F-1 students work in their field of study. Schools could pass the costs to students or employers. A student seeking OPT and a STEM extension could trigger $100,000 in fees. The proposal does not change current work authorization. Public comments are due November 9.

Microsoft, Adobe Among Eight Employers Suspended From Green Card Program

The Department of Labor has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six IT firms from PERM, the labor certification process required for most employer-sponsored green cards. New applications from these companies are blocked, and pending cases are reportedly on hold. Officials cited federal investigations and concerns about hiring foreign workers amid U.S. layoffs. No end date has been announced. The suspension does not apply to other employers or change affected employees’ existing work authorization.

Lawsuit Challenges USCIS Green Card Policies

Immigrants, unions, and advocacy groups have sued USCIS over two policies affecting people applying for green cards from inside the United States. One treats choosing to apply here rather than at a consulate abroad as a negative factor. The other gives officers more discretion to deny applications without first requesting additional evidence. The plaintiffs say the policies risk separating families and disrupting jobs, and are asking a federal court to block them. Both policies remain in effect.

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