Weekly Immigration News Roundup: June 18
This week, Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar offers her insights on the latest headlines.
Priority dates for family-based Green Card applicants advance in the latest Visa Bulletin
Final action dates for the F1 category (unmarried children over 21 of U.S. citizens) moved forward by 5 months for all areas, China, and India.
Urizar: “I find it particularly noteworthy that USCIS continues to honor the Dates for Filing chart for family-based adjustment of status applicants. At a time when obtaining immigrant visas abroad has become increasingly uncertain for some applicants, this policy continues to provide an important pathway for eligible individuals already in the United States to move forward with their green card process and obtain interim benefits while waiting for final adjudication.”
USCIS released Q1 FY 2026 approval data
On June 15, the federal agency USCIS published approval data for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, which covers October through December 2025.
Urizar: “One of the most noteworthy takeaways from USCIS’s first-quarter Fiscal Year 2026 data is that the EB-2 National Interest Waiver approval rate increased to 42.6%, up from 35.7% in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. The data suggests that despite the heightened scrutiny USCIS has applied to NIW petitions in recent years, well-prepared cases with a clearly defined proposed endeavor, strong evidence of national importance, and compelling proof that the applicant is well-positioned to advance that endeavor continue to succeed.”
Court strikes down the $100,000 H-1B fee
A federal judge vacated the $100,000 H-1B fee on June 8, but a stay keeps the policy in effect pending appeal.
Urizar: “The stay serves as an important reminder that a favorable court ruling does not always translate into immediate relief. Although the district court found serious legal issues with the $100,000 H-1B fee, employers and foreign nationals must continue navigating the current requirements until the appeals process is resolved.”
Four USCIS processing holds policies are vacated
A U.S. district court struck down four USCIS policies (the Global Asylum Hold, the Benefits Hold, the Comprehensive Re-Review of Adjudicated Benefits Requests) on June 5, with the judge ruling that the agency violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Urizar: “For many applicants whose cases were delayed or placed on hold, this decision represents a meaningful step towards addressing uncertainty and processing delays.”
USCIS drops its appeal in an EB-1A final merits case
While the court decision only applies directly to the plaintiff’scase, the ruling gives attorneys a non-binding case to cite when responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs).
Urizar: “Although this decision is not binding on USCIS in other cases, it provides practitioners with valuable legal authority to cite when responding to RFEs and NOIDs. It offers a persuasive framework for challenging adjudications where USCIS improperly substitutes its own judgment for the evidence presented in the petition.”
Tourists will soon be able to skip the visa interview line
Starting July 1, B-1/B-2 visa applicants can pay $750 to secure an interview appointment within 10 business days at select consular posts.
Urizar: “This new expedited interview option may provide much-needed flexibility for travelers facing urgent business or personal needs.”
