DHS has issued an interim final rule expanding lawful permanent resident eligibility for certain U.S.-born children of foreign government employees, effective September 4, 2026, though an active federal court injunction currently limits its implementation for affected class members.
USCIS data for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 shows over 1.4 million I-485 adjustment of status applications currently pending, raising important questions about processing timelines that could affect anyone waiting for a green card.
USCIS’s April 2026 employment-based adjustment inventory shows pending cases rising to 211,719, with notable shifts across EB categories and countries. While India’s backlog declined, overall growth and category fluctuations signal continued processing challenges for employers and immigrants.
The Supreme Court issued three rulings affecting immigration enforcement, upholding policies on asylum eligibility, lawful permanent resident removal standards, and Temporary Protected Status cancellation for Syria and Haiti — giving DHS expanded authority in each area going forward.
USCIS has released FY2026 Q1 Form I-485 data, reporting 1.33 million pending green card applications and 133,531 approvals for the quarter. The update highlights an 89% overall approval rate and growing humanitarian backlogs across several field offices.
Detaining refugees without Green Cards has moved from a rarely used option to a central enforcement mechanism in a new joint memorandum from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) dated February 18, 2026. Read our article where we explain the scope and authority of the memo, highlight the key changes and affected groups, and discuss practical implications for individuals, employers, and compliance with immigration law.
USCIS has instructed officers to pause and review all pending Adjustment of Status applications filed by Diversity Visa selectees, potentially leading to processing delays for applicants adjusting status within the U.S. This update does not affect consular DV processing abroad.
The 2027 Diversity Visa (DV) Green Card Lottery offers a path to U.S. permanent residency for eligible immigrants from underrepresented countries. This guide covers key details, from eligibility checks to application tips. Stay informed on upcoming changes and avoid common pitfalls for a stronger chance at selection.
