State Department Frees Seven Russians From Sanctions List

2026-04931 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States

Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.

2025-17851 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes

The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!

2025-14826 — Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program

The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.

2026-14568 — Imposition of Additional Sanctions on Sudan Under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991

The U.S. is stepping up sanctions on Sudan because it used chemical weapons, breaking international rules. Starting July 20, 2026, the U.S. will block loans and financial help from big international banks to Sudan, except for basic human needs. These tougher rules show the U.S. means business and want Sudan to change its ways fast.

2026-14499 — 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Crisis Assistance Request Form

The Department of State wants your thoughts on renewing the Crisis Assistance Request Form, used by U.S. citizens and eligible family members facing emergencies abroad. They’re asking for comments by August 17, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and not too time-consuming. This form helps about 120,000 people a year get quick help during disasters or conflicts, and filling it takes just 5 minutes.

2026-14278 — Specially Designated Global Terrorist Designations of Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras

The U.S. government has officially labeled the Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras as global terrorists because they threaten American safety and interests. This means their assets in the U.S. will be frozen, and Americans are banned from doing business with them. These actions take effect immediately to stop their harmful activities and protect the country’s security and economy.

Previous: 2026-14591 — R.J. Fortier Hydropower, Inc.; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment

R.J. Fortier Hydropower, Inc. wants to shut down and remove an old, unused dam and powerhouse on Lemon Stream in Maine, which hasn’t run for 20 years. The government is preparing an environmental check to make sure this cleanup helps Atlantic salmon habitat and plans to share results by November 30, 2026. Local communities and nature lovers should watch for a 30-day comment period to share their thoughts.

Next: 2026-14594 — Welded Stainless Steel Line and Pressure Pipe From India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations and Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations

The U.S. is launching investigations to see if welded stainless steel pipes from India, Turkey, and the UAE are being sold unfairly cheap or getting government help. If so, this could hurt American pipe makers, and extra taxes might be added to those imports. The first big decision is due by August 31, 2026, so things are moving fast!