Weekly Immigration News Roundup: January 15
This week, Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar offers insights on some of the top headlines.
The State Department Froze Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
On January 14, the federal agency announced the pause would begin January 21 and continue indefinitely until it finalizes its public charge policies.
Urizar: “At this time, this would primarily impact foreign nationals attempting to secure a new immigrant visa approval at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. Nonimmigrant visas aren’t affected, so your tourist visa, student visa, or O-1 are still safe.”
The February 2026 Visa Bulletin Was Released
This month, USCIS has confirmed that it will continue to use the dates for filing chart to determine when people can apply for an adjustment of status.
Urizar: “Little movement in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin does not, by itself, signal bad news. It’s consistent with how the Department of State and USCIS often manage visa number usage over a fiscal year, especially after several months of forward movement.”
USCIS and Department of Homeland Security reopened 5,600 refugee cases in Minnesota
Announced on January 9, Operation PARRIS will conduct additional background checks and interviews for refugees without a Green Card.
Urizar: “Now’s the time to pay close attention to these updates, especially if your case gets reopened. USCIS has already expressed that it wants to increase vetting for all foreign nationals, and it’s possible that not just refugees will be affected in the future.”
Somali Nationals Lost TPS Protections
Somali TPS holders have until March 17 to either leave the country or find another immigration status to cover them.
Urizar: “If you’re affected by this policy, talk with a lawyer on whether you qualify for a work visa or Green Card right away. Without a valid status, you may jeopardize your ability to remain in the U.S. legally after March 17.”
