Immigration Update – June 08, 2026
Headlines:
DHS Proposes to Limit Eligibility for Certain Discretionary Work Authorization – The Department of Homeland Security issued a proposed rule to limit and clarify eligibility for discretionary employment authorization for those “paroled into the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, who have been granted deferred action, or against whom a final order of removal exists and who are temporarily released from custody on an order of supervision.”
Senate Passes Immigration Enforcement Funding Bill – The Senate passed a $70 billion bill to fund the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies for three years. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.
DOS Releases FAQs on FIFA World Cup Visa Processing – The Department of State recently released frequently asked questions on visa processing for the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System.
USCIS Announces 16 New Classes of Admission for Employment-Based Immigrants Under the Gold Card Program – The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system will now provide an initial verification response of “Lawful Permanent Resident—Employment Authorized” for the 16 Gold Card classes of admission.
USCIS Opens New Asylum Office in San Antonio – Those who filed for asylum with USCIS who reside in the jurisdiction of the Houston Asylum Office may be interviewed at either the Houston or San Antonio Asylum Offices.
Details:
DHS Proposes to Limit Eligibility for Certain Discretionary Work Authorization
On June 5, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a proposed rule to limit and clarify eligibility for discretionary employment authorization for those “paroled into the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, who have been granted deferred action, or against whom a final order of removal exists and who are temporarily released from custody on an order of supervision.”
DHS further proposes to specify that those applying for work authorization who “admit to committing, have been arrested for, or have been convicted of certain criminal acts do not warrant a favorable exercise of discretion unless there are significant countervailing public interests, which may include assisting law enforcement activity in the United States.”
DHS also proposes to add automatic termination conditions for employment authorization with “triggering events.” The proposed rule will also require that those in certain categories establish their economic necessity for employment and that they warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.
Written comments must be submitted by August 4, 2026.
Senate Passes Immigration Enforcement Funding Bill
Early on June 5, 2026, the Senate passed (52-47) a $70 billion bill to fund the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies for three years, under the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.
DOS Releases FAQs on FIFA World Cup Visa Processing
The Department of State (DOS) recently released frequently asked questions (FAQs) on visa processing for the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). DOS explained that PASS gives those who purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets directly from FIFA and who opt in to PASS the chance to interview for a B1/B2 visitor visa before the tournament begins.
DOS noted that the immigrant visa issuance pause announced on January 14, 2026, for 75 countries “applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only. It does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals.”
Scheduling an interview appointment via FIFA PASS does not guarantee that a visa will be issued, DOS noted.
USCIS Announces 16 New Classes of Admission for Employment-Based Immigrants Under the Gold Card Program
On June 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced 16 new classes of admission (COAs) for employment-based immigrant categories under the Gold Card program, established by Executive Order 14351.
USCIS noted that the Gold Card program is available to certain individuals who make an “unrestricted gift” to the Department of Commerce under 15 U.S.C. 1522 (or for whom a corporation or similar entity makes such a gift), and their spouses and children.
The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system will now provide an initial verification response of “Lawful Permanent Resident—Employment Authorized” for the 16 Gold Card COAs, USCIS said.
USCIS Opens New Asylum Office in San Antonio
On June 5, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has opened an additional asylum office in San Antonio, Texas.
As of May 28, 2026, those who filed for asylum with USCIS who reside in the jurisdiction of the Houston Asylum Office may be interviewed at either the Houston or San Antonio Asylum Offices. USCIS said that the additional location “increases the Houston Asylum Office’s capacity to schedule and conduct affirmative asylum interviews.”
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