Immigration
Policy changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments shaping U.S. immigration in 2026. From executive orders and congressional bills to USCIS processing updates — analysis that cuts through the noise.
Can Canadians Apply for TN Status at Ports During a Shutdown?
During the October 2025 shutdown, CBP continues TN processing at ports and preclearance for Canadians; Mexicans still need consular TN visas. USCIS accepts I-129 petitions; expect longer waits and reduced…
Do I-751 Petitions Get Processed During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS is fee-funded and generally continues I-751 processing during shutdowns. Receipt notices extend conditional resident status up to…
O-1A/O-1B Petitions and Premium Processing During a Shutdown
USCIS remains operational during the October 2025 shutdown and continues accepting O-1A/B petitions. Premium processing is active at…
Australian E-3 Visa at U.S. Consulates During a Government Shutdown
During a shutdown, the Department of Labor suspends LCA processing, blocking new E-3 consular visas unless the LCA…
Will the Visa Bulletin Be Released During a Government Shutdown?
The Visa Bulletin usually continues during shutdowns, keeping filing and priority dates public. But DOL pauses on LCAs…
Can I-485 Filings Continue During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Guidance
USCIS, funded mainly by application fees, will accept and process Form I-485 during a government shutdown. Biometrics and…
Can I-485 Filing Use Visa Bulletin Dates for Filing During a Shutdown?
USCIS’s monthly Visa Bulletin chart choice controls whether I-485 filings are allowed during a shutdown. If Dates for…
Will USCIS Process H-1B Change-of-Employer Petitions During Shutdown?
USCIS will keep processing H-1B petitions during a shutdown because it’s fee-funded, but new filings needing a DOL-certified…
Can You File Form I-539 to Change Status During a Government Shutdown?
Because USCIS is largely fee-funded, it continues accepting Form I-539 during shutdowns. File before your status expires to…
Are Combo EAD and Advance Parole Cards Still Issued During Shutdowns?
USCIS stopped combo cards in July 2025 and issues separate EADs and Advance Parole documents. Fee funding lets…