USCIS Vacates Hold Policies Following Federal Court Order

On June 12, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it has vacated specific policy memoranda related to holds on applications, following an order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The court's decision in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, et al. v. USCIS vacates PM 602-0192, PM 602-0194, and PA 2025-26. This is a significant development in immigration news 2026, as these policies had previously allowed the agency to place broad holds on certain types of applications, causing severe delays for many immigrants. By vacating these hold policies, USCIS must now resume processing applications that were previously stalled. This change brings much-needed relief to individuals whose lives and legal status were left in limbo due to administrative delays. The court order ensures that USCIS cannot rely on these specific memoranda to justify withholding decisions on pending cases. For immigrants and their families, this means that cases previously stuck under these hold policies should now move forward. It is crucial to monitor your case status and consult with an immigration attorney to ensure your application is being processed according to the new guidelines. Understanding these policy changes is essential for navigating the current immigration landscape effectively. Anyone with a case pending under these holds should contact an attorney to review options for expedited consideration and ensure compliance with updated USCIS guidance.