June 2026 Immigration Bulletin: USCIS, Asylum Fees, Visa Bonds, and Case Successes

Index

New USCIS Standard for Adjustment of Status
Annual Fee Consequences for Asylum Applications
“Zero Releases” Period in Border Policy
Countries Subject to Visa Bond Program Announced
H-2B Returning Worker Supplemental Cap Reached
Popular Articles
Client Successes

June 2026 brings several important immigration updates for individuals, families, employers, and applicants with pending cases in the United States. This month’s bulletin covers USCIS’s new approach to Adjustment of Status applications, annual asylum fee obligations, and key EOIR and DHS developments announced in May 2026.

USCIS has introduced a stricter discretionary standard for certain Adjustment of Status applications, signaling a renewed emphasis on consular processing for many applicants. DHS has also announced new asylum fee requirements under H.R. 1 and explained the potential consequences for unpaid annual asylum fees.

Enforcement and visa-related developments also remain active. CBP reported a full year of “zero releases” at the border, the Department of State announced the countries subject to the visa bond program, and USCIS confirmed that the second allocation of returning worker H-2B visas for FY 2026 has been reached.

Read our June Immigration Bulletin to learn how these updates may affect pending immigration applications, visa planning, and case strategy in the coming months.

New USCIS Standard for Adjustment of Status

USCIS announced a new policy on May 22, 2026, stating that Adjustment of Status applications will generally be favorably considered as a matter of discretion only in cases involving extraordinary circumstances.

This policy update may significantly affect temporary status holders applying for a Green Card from inside the United States. The announcement appears to place renewed emphasis on consular processing as the default pathway for many applicants, rather than Adjustment of Status inside the U.S.

Applicants with a pending or planned Form I-485 should carefully review how this new discretionary standard may affect their case strategy, timing, and eligibility considerations.

Policy Update: Read more about the new Adjustment of Status policy

Annual Fee Consequences for Asylum Applications

DHS announced new asylum fee requirements under H.R. 1 and explained the consequences of failing to pay required annual asylum fees.

Starting May 29, 2026, Form I-102 filings may be rejected if they are not submitted with the correct fee. In addition, certain pending Form I-589 asylum applications may be denied if the applicant fails to pay the required annual asylum fee.

This development is especially important for asylum applicants with long-pending cases. Applicants should confirm whether the new annual fee requirement applies to their case and take timely action to avoid potential denial based on nonpayment.

Fee Update: View the DHS asylum fee announcement

“Zero Releases” Period in Border Policy

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on May 15, 2026, that U.S. Border Patrol has continued its “zero releases” approach at the border for the twelfth consecutive month.

This announcement reflects the administration’s ongoing border enforcement posture and may affect how recently arrived individuals are processed, detained, or referred for further immigration proceedings.

Individuals and families with loved ones in border custody should closely monitor case location, custody status, and any upcoming immigration court or DHS deadlines.

Details: Read the CBP announcement

Countries Subject to Visa Bond Program Announced

The U.S. Department of State published an updated announcement on May 13, 2026, listing the countries subject to the visa bond program.

This program may apply to certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants and may create an additional financial requirement during the consular visa process. If a consular officer determines that a visa bond is required, the applicant may need to complete additional steps before visa issuance can proceed.

Applicants from listed countries should review the official Department of State notice before scheduling or attending a visitor visa interview.

Country List: View the Department of State visa news page

H-2B Returning Worker Supplemental Cap Reached

USCIS announced that the second allocation of supplemental returning worker H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2026 has been reached.

This update is important for employers with seasonal or temporary labor needs, as well as workers planning to return under the H-2B program. When supplemental allocations are reached, timing becomes especially important for employers preparing future H-2B petitions.

Employers should plan early, monitor cap announcements, and coordinate filing strategy in advance of seasonal hiring needs.

H-2B Cap Announcement: Read the USCIS H-2B update

Client Successes

Second Mandamus, Second Result

Our Turkish client’s Green Card case had been pending for almost twelve months. This was not his first experience with a delayed immigration case. We had previously filed a mandamus action for his delayed asylum approval, and that case had moved forward successfully.

When his Adjustment of Status case also stalled, we reviewed the timing, venue, and litigation strategy. After the case was refiled in a more favorable federal district, USCIS scheduled his Green Card interview for this summer.

If your immigration case has been pending for months without meaningful action, waiting may not be your only option.

Approval for a Marriage-Based I-485 Case

A Turkish national in Virginia Beach had a marriage-based Green Card application pending with USCIS for fifteen months. She had filed through prior counsel but had not received a decision.

We filed a mandamus action in the Eastern District of Virginia. USCIS later issued a Notice of Intent to Deny based on a prior student visa issue. After submitting evidence explaining her good-faith intent and the equities in her case, the I-485 application was approved.

Even when USCIS raises new concerns after a long delay, a well-prepared response can still lead to approval.

A 23-Month-Pending I-130 File Was Approved in 59 Days

An I-130 petition had been pending for one year and eleven months without a decision. The family had waited for nearly two years with no clear timeline from USCIS.

After we filed a mandamus action in the Eastern District of New York, the petition was approved in 59 days.

When a family petition remains pending for an unreasonable period, federal litigation may help move the case toward a decision.

EB-3 Interview Scheduled After an 8-Month NVC Wait

An EB-3 immigrant visa case had been stuck at the National Visa Center for eight months after becoming current. Although the case was eligible to move forward, no interview had been scheduled.

We filed a mandamus action in the District of New Hampshire on March 19, 2026. On May 20, 2026, the immigrant visa interview was scheduled.

If your employment-based immigrant visa case is current but has not moved forward, there may be legal options to challenge the delay.

Immigration rules, fees, and government policies can change quickly. If you have a pending case or are planning to file a new application, reviewing the latest updates before taking action may help you avoid delays, missed deadlines, or filing issues.
You can contact our office through our short form to discuss your immigration matter and next steps.

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