ImLaw

09/17/2026

Federal Court Enjoins Rule Eliminating D/S for F-1s and J-1s

On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court in the District of Massachusetts granted plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary junction under the Administrative Procedure Act, postponing the effective date of a DHS final rule that would replace the longstanding Duration of Status (D/S) framework for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors with fixed admission periods, reduce the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days, shorten the window for filing initial OPT applications, and prohibit international students from seeking a second degree at the same or lower level (which effectively prevents students from obtaining joint degrees and prohibits students from changing educational goals or transferring schools). The Court found serious concerns with the rule, including DHS’s failure to adequately evaluate its impact and respond to public feedback.

The Court further held:

Accordingly, plaintiffs have demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success of the merits of their claims; that immediate irreparable harm will ensue if the Final Rule is not enjoined; and that the balance of the equities and the public interest favor issuance of a preliminary injunction staying the operation of the rule.

The current Duration of Status (D/S) system remains in effect for now.

You can read the federal court’s Memorandum and Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction below:

09/14/2026

"Federal immigration agencies are increasingly relying on civil monetary penalties as a powerful enforcement tool," writes member Gunda Brost.

Read more about Notices of Intent to Fine (NIFs) in the latest blog post.

AILA Member Gunda Brost describes recent efforts by the Trump Administration to impose fines on individuals and businesses, writing that such notices “are essentially legal proceedings—not simply bills” and that one must “respond in a timely manner or important rights could be lost.”

09/11/2026

For colleges, universities, and research institutions, immigration planning often has to work in coordination with academic calendars, research timelines, funding periods, and institutional processes.

That makes timing particularly important when supporting international faculty, researchers, scholars, and other professionals.

ImLaw works with these institutions to navigate immigration requirements thoughtfully, helping teams understand the legal process and plan ahead for the people they employ and support.

Photo by Dom Fou on Unsplash

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, our nation experienced a loss that continues to be felt across generations. We remember those whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001. We honor the courage of the first responders and everyday people who stepped forward to help. And we hold close the families and communities who carry the weight of that day still.

Today, we pause and remember.

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

09/10/2026

Today marks the beginning of Welcoming Week, a time to celebrate the people, stories, and connections that help make our communities stronger.

This year’s theme, “Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect,” feels especially meaningful. Every day in our work, we have the privilege of hearing the stories of people who have crossed borders, built careers, reunited with family, pursued an education, started businesses, and created new lives in the United States.

We are proud to practice immigration law in Michigan, a state that has once again formally recognized Welcoming Week and the contributions of immigrants and refugees to our communities.

At ImLaw, we believe immigration matters. It matters to individuals and families. It matters to businesses and institutions. And it matters to the communities we share.

During Welcoming Week, we celebrate the courage it takes to begin a new chapter and the connections that remind us we are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to belong.

Learn more:

Welcoming Week is September 10-19, 2026 Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. Visit the Welcoming Week website to fi...

09/08/2026

Immigration law is complex. Our communication with clients should not be.

We believe part of providing excellent legal counsel is taking policy shifts, new rules, and complicated processes and making them understandable based on the information that is available.

Clarity does not eliminate every uncertainty in the immigration process, particularly in today’s evolving environment, but it does make navigating that uncertainty more manageable.

09/04/2026

Five years of trust is something we do not take lightly.

One client recently shared that they first came to ImLaw for help with DACA renewals and have continued working with our team for approximately five years, describing the experience as professional, efficient, and helpful.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve clients through the various seasons of their immigration journey. Thank you for trusting us in this process.

09/01/2026

Manufacturers often depend on highly specialized professionals whose experience, technical knowledge, and leadership are important to their operations.

When an organization is supporting an international employee, immigration considerations intersect with timing, job duties, corporate structure, and long-term planning.

ImLaw works with manufacturers to navigate the immigration side of those decisions with a strategy tailored to both the organization and the individual.

Photo by Homa Appliances on Unsplash

08/31/2026

The latest proposed H-1B fees "do not make our country great, but signal to the world that the United States is closing its doors to scientists, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs who help build companies, expand research, and strengthen communities."

Read more: https://bit.ly/4qADCOI

08/30/2026

How important is the I-94 record?

If you are not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you should download your I-94 record upon every new entry to the U.S. and review it for accuracy at the link below.

Despite any error by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry, the I-94 record governs how long you can legally stay in the U.S. (not the visa, not the passport, and not the petition approval notice).

If you notice any errors or discrepancies in your I-94 record such as an incorrect “Class of Admission”, or “Admit Until Date”, contact your immigration counsel immediately. There may be a way to obtain a corrected I-94 before harsh immigration consequences result.

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov

Photo by Sohan Shingade on Unsplash Shingadeutm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Sohan Shingade on Unsplashutm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Sohan Shingade on Unsplash