Weekly Immigration News Roundup: July 10

This week, Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar offers her insights on the latest headlines.

Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship in landmark case

In a 6-3 decision issued on June 30, the Supreme Court affirmed that children born in the U.S. to parents unlawfully or temporarily present are citizens at birth, striking down Executive Order 14160. A U.S. birth certificate remains proof of citizenship.

Urizar: “The Supreme Court’s decision preserves a principle that has existed for more than 150 years: If you are born in the United States, you are a U.S. citizen, regardless of your parents' immigration status. For thousands of families, this provides certainty and prevents children from becoming caught in the middle of immigration policy changes.”

Homeland Security proposed big changes to the EB-5 program

If finalized, the proposed rule would implement the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 by formally codifying the current minimum investment amounts of $1,050,000 for a standard EB-5 investment and $800,000 for investments in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or qualifying infrastructure project. The proposal would also establish a new $1,400,000 investment threshold for projects located in high-employment (low-unemployment) areas, subject to future implementation, while tightening job-creation proof and expanding audits and enforcement.

Urizar: “The biggest takeaway for investors is that DHS is providing greater regulatory clarity while signaling a much stronger emphasis on compliance, transparency, and oversight. Investors should understand that a successful EB-5 case is no longer just about making the qualifying investment. It's equally important to choose a compliant project, work with experienced professionals, and ensure the investment continues to satisfy the program's evolving requirements throughout the process.”

The Labor Department released its 2026-27 prevailing wage data

On July 1, the Department of Labor published its 2026-27 prevailing wages. Across the frequently sponsored roles we reviewed, wages rose about 2.7% on average, but one in four figures fell, and entry-level (Level I) wages rose the fastest at 3.9%.

Urizar: “Prevailing wage updates can have a direct impact on hiring budgets and immigration strategy. Even relatively small wage adjustments can affect whether an employer moves forward with a sponsorship, particularly for PERM labor certifications and H-1B petitions. Reviewing the updated wage data early allows employers to plan ahead and avoid surprises during the filing process.”

EB-5 closes for India for the rest of the fiscal year

After a surge in demand from Indian applicants, the State Department's July 2026 Visa Bulletin marked India's EB-5 unreserved category as “unavailable.” It will remain this way until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2026.

Urizar: “For Indian nationals, this development reinforces the importance of filing as early as possible and evaluating all available EB-5 options. As demand continues to grow, visa availability can become just as important as having a strong petition. Filing early secures an earlier priority date, even if you can’t file for adjustment of status yet.”

A final rule ending automatic EAD renewals enters White House review

This policy, first implemented as an interim final rule in October 2025, would continue to end the automatic extension of employment authorization documents for almost all those applying for a work permit renewal.

Urizar: “If this rule takes effect, many applicants renewing their work permits could face unnecessary gaps in employment authorization if they don't file early enough. Individuals and employers should plan well in advance of EAD expiration dates, as timely filing will become even more critical to maintaining uninterrupted work authorization.”