| U.S. immigration rules continue to change quickly. Recent developments could affect people waiting for green cards, immigrant visas, or planning international travel. Here is what you need to know. Advance Parole Travel: New Risk for Certain Applicants A new immigration decision, Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, changed an important rule for people traveling with Advance Parole. Under the new decision, leaving the United States with Advance Parole may trigger the three- or ten-year unlawful presence bar for certain individuals who previously accumulated more than 180 days of unlawful presence. Having an approved Advance Parole document does not necessarily mean it is safe to travel, so anyone with a history of unlawful presence should speak with immigration counsel before leaving the United States. Travelers using Global Entry or other automated entry processing should also carefully check their I-94 after admission to confirm that they were admitted in the correct classification, such as H-1B or L-1, or properly processed as a parolee, rather than incorrectly recorded as a B-2 visitor. An incorrect admission record can create serious immigration and employment authorization issues if it is not identified and addressed promptly. 75-Country Immigrant Visa Pause Blocked Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State paused the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, affecting many people seeking permanent residence through U.S. consulates abroad. On August 21, 2026, a federal court blocked the policy, finding that the government could not broadly suspend immigrant visa issuance based on nationality in this manner. This is welcome news for individuals whose cases were delayed or refused because of the pause, as affected cases may now be able to move forward. However, further litigation or government action is possible, so applicants should continue to monitor their cases closely. September Visa Bulletin: Movement Now, Possible Retrogression Later The September 2026 Visa Bulletin shows significant forward movement in several employment- and family-based green card categories, which may allow more applicants to file or move forward with their cases. However, retrogression, when priority dates move backward, could occur as visa demand increases, so applicants whose priority dates are now eligible should review their filing options promptly, especially families with children who may be affected by CSPA age-out rules. DACA and TPS holders who also have a family- or employment-based green card process should also check whether the new dates create an opportunity to move forward. Spouses of U.S. citizens are generally not subject to Visa Bulletin waiting periods, but those who have overstayed or accumulated unlawful presence should be especially careful about international travel. Even with an approved Advance Parole document, they should have their immigration history reviewed before leaving the United States because recent changes may create serious consequences upon departure. Questions About Your Case? Immigration changes can affect every case differently and understanding how new developments apply to your specific situation is important. John Perry and Associates, P.C. is closely monitoring these changes and is available to help you understand how they may impact your green card case, priority date, or international travel plans. Our experienced immigration team can review your circumstances, answer your questions, and help you determine the appropriate next steps. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need to move forward with confidence. |
