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Important U.S. Immigration Changes in 2026

Over the past several months, we’ve seen significant changes in U.S. immigration 2026 policy, including a pause on asylum decisions by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a freeze on immigration benefits for individuals from 19 “high‑risk” countries, and re‑reviews of prior approvals for many applicants. Many of us (our attorneys included) felt like we were on an immigration roller coaster!

At the same time, USCIS and related agencies have announced new fees for applications that were low-cost or free, as well as across‑the-board fee increases effective January 1, 2026.

Given these developments, here are several predictions our firm expects to shape U.S. immigration trends in 2026:

Immigration Processing Delays and Restrictions in 2026

The freeze on applications from the 19 (and potentially more) countries, combined with re‑reviews, likely means significant backlog and processing delays. This will impact green cards, asylum, work authorizations, and family‑based petitions.

The government may expand the list of “restricted” countries beyond the initial 19, creating broader uncertainty for applicants from many regions.

As agencies sort through re‑reviews and heightened security scrutiny, new applications (even from previously eligible populations) may face longer wait times or greater scrutiny.

Fee Increases for U.S. Immigration in 2026: What You Need to Know

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, many filing fees for forms such as work permits (EADs), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and asylum‑related applications will increase by roughly 2%.

As inflation indexing becomes routine under the new law, expect additional fee hikes in future years. This means that applicants will regularly have to budget more for immigration filings.

These rising costs will especially burden low‑income immigrants, as well as people applying for humanitarian categories or renewals, where budgets are often tight.

Work Visas and Employer-Sponsored Immigration Challenges in 2026

The new high filing fee structure and restrictive environment for visas under employer‑sponsored categories (such as H‑1B visas) suggest that employers may reduce hiring of foreign workers or pass on costs to employees.

Given overall uncertainty, employers may prefer hiring domestic labor over foreign nationals. This would further reduce opportunities for noncitizen professionals.

We expect an increase in legal challenges to agency policies. This includes lawsuits contesting the freezes on benefit processing or re‑review policies. It also includes challenges to denial of applications based on national‑origin bans.

Yet, even successful challenges may result in long delays and administrative burden. Many immigrants could be stuck waiting months or years before their status changes are resolved.

Risk-Based & Security-Focused U.S. Immigration Review in 2026: What This Means for You

Immigration adjudications are likely to become more security‑driven and risk‑averse, with more scrutiny on background, travel history, and national origin.

Benefit requests from applicants with any link to high‑risk countries (even if previously cleared) may face additional vetting or repeated interviews.

Given the heightened complexity, fee hikes, and greater discretion by agencies, individuals applying for asylum, family‑based visas, work authorization, TPS, or other benefits will need careful legal guidance to avoid rejection, misfiling due to incorrect fees, or missing deadlines.

Legal representation will become essential, especially for vulnerable populations, complex cases, or those from restricted countries.

Do I Need an Immigration Attorney?

  • With the introduction of stricter immigration policies, increased fees, and complex application processes, experienced immigration attorneys will be essential to guide clients through evolving laws and ensure proper documentation and timely filings.
  • As restrictions and delays increase for certain immigration categories, applicants will need expert legal assistance to handle denials and challenges, improving the chances of success in appeals or reapplications.
  • The heightened focus on national security and increased vetting for individuals from high‑risk countries will require skilled attorneys to effectively navigate the complex background checks and manage cases involving security clearances or additional scrutiny.
  • With anticipated increases in legal challenges to government policies, there will be a rising demand for attorneys who are well-versed in litigation, helping clients pursue their rights through court proceedings or administrative challenges.

At Shepelsky Law Group, we are closely monitoring these developments. We consistently adjust our strategies and preparing to assist clients through uncertain and rapidly changing immigration rules.

If you or a loved one is navigating deportation, employment visas, asylum, humanitarian visas, abuse situations, green card applications, family petitions, work authorization, or related immigration issues in 2026, we encourage you to get help early.

At Shepelsky Law Group, we understand how concerning and frustrating these delays can be, especially for families and individuals waiting for relief. If you or a loved one are affected by this immigration pause and need legal assistance to navigate the process, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Call us today at Tel: (718) 769-6352 or schedule your paid consultation directly at: https://shepelskylaw.cliogrow.com/book.