Homeland Security Council Meeting Shifts to July—Extra Days to Prepare!

2026-14439, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media

Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.

2026-13392, EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022; Ensuring the Integrity of the EB-5 Program; Automatic Revocation of Petitions for Immigrant Classification

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 shakes up the investor visa program by making sure only serious investors who create real jobs get green cards. It affects foreign investors and regional centers, adds new rules to stop fraud, and sets a deadline for public comments by August 31, 2026. This means more trust and transparency in the program, with changes rolling out soon and investments under closer watch.

2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf

Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.

2026-11285, Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens

The Department of Homeland Security wants to clear up who can get special work permission if they’re temporarily allowed in the U.S. for urgent reasons, have deferred action, or are released under supervision. They’re also tightening rules for people with certain criminal records, unless helping law enforcement is involved. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or costs change yet, just a heads-up on new rules.

2026-09007, Fee Adjustment for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal

If you’re applying to pause your deportation or removal with Form I-246, get ready for a fee jump from $155 to $755! This change helps cover the real costs since the fee hasn’t changed since 1989. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new fee kicks in.

2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast

The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.

Previous: 2025-11754, Conducting Remote Regulatory Assessments-Questions and Answers; Guidance for Industry; Availability

The FDA just released a helpful guide explaining how they do remote check-ups on companies that make food, drugs, and other products they watch over. This new guide answers common questions and shows how remote assessments keep things safe without always needing in-person visits. If you’re in the business, get ready for smoother, faster reviews that save time and money starting now!

Next: 2025-11758, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers; American Pyrotechnics Association (APA)

The FMCSA is renewing special rules for 44 American Pyrotechnics Association companies during Independence Day. These drivers can skip some off-duty time when tracking their hours and use paper logs instead of electronic ones. This change keeps things safe and helps fireworks companies work smoothly during busy holiday times without extra costs or delays.