This week’s immigration updates include a new USCIS rule change to the asylum system, a federal court ruling blocking the $100,000 H-1B fee, and an appeals court decision blocking the administration's mandatory detention policy. Here’s a practical overview of what you should know. 👇

USCIS announced an interim final rule allowing asylum officers to refer affirmative asylum applications directly to Immigration Judges without first conducting an interview. Currently, USCIS adjudicates affirmative asylum applications for individuals not in removal proceedings, while Immigration Judges handle defensive asylum applications for those who are. Under the new rule, USCIS may bypass the interview step and refer cases directly to immigration court. The agency stated the change is intended to reduce the affirmative asylum backlog.

On June 8, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated agency guidance implementing the $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions. The government sought a stay of that order, but on July 24, 2026, the First Circuit denied the motion. DHS has stated it strongly disagrees with the court's order and is considering next steps. The fee is not currently being collected while the matter remains pending.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration cannot hold immigrants detained inside the United States without giving them a chance to request release on bond. The 2-1 decision, in which a Trump-appointed judge joined the majority, rejected the administration's position that immigrants already living in the U.S. can be detained without a bond hearing. The ruling deepens a split among federal appeals courts, four other circuits have also rejected the policy, while the Fifth and Eighth Circuits have sided with the administration.

We are pleased to share another success! Our firm recently obtained approval of a Re-Entry Permit for a client, allowing them to travel abroad while maintaining their U.S. permanent resident status. We are proud to support our clients in protecting their immigration status every step of the way.

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