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• Congress Ends DHS Shutdown, Funding Gaps Remain
• USCIS Allows Doctors from Restricted Countries to Remain in U.S.
• U.S. Opens New Consulate General in Casablanca
• Romania Launches New Unified Work Permit and Visa System
• Court Blocks TPS Termination for Yemen, Extends Work Authorization
• DHS Proposes Ending Duration of Status

Congress Ends DHS Shutdown, Funding Gaps Remain

Congress has passed, and the President has signed legislation restoring funding to most Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations, officially ending a 76–day shutdown that began in mid–February 2026. The Department confirmed that core functions have resumed following the lapse, which had disrupted administrative operations across multiple agencies.

The funding bill restores operations for most DHS components, but notably excludes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Lawmakers are expected to address funding for these agencies separately through ongoing budget negotiations.

During the shutdown, many immigration–related services continued at limited capacity, particularly those funded by application fees such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, broader operational slowdowns and uncertainty affected processing timelines, staffing, and interagency coordination.

Impact: While the shutdown has ended, unresolved funding for key enforcement agencies may continue to create uncertainty. Employers and applicants should expect potential delays as agencies stabilize operations and address backlogs.

USCIS Allows Doctors from Restricted Countries to Remain in U.S.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its Screening and Vetting guidance to clarify that certain physicians from countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions may continue to remain and work in the United States, providing relief to healthcare employers and communities facing staffing shortages.

This policy change applies to doctors who are already in the U.S. under a valid immigration status and are contributing to medical systems, including those working in underserved areas. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations advocated for the removal of physicians from this additional screening and vetting process.

This development follows broader federal policies related to enhanced screening and entry restrictions for certain countries. While those policies primarily address entry into the United States, the actions taken by USCIS shows that individuals already present may be treated differently in certain circumstances.

Key considerations include:

• Physicians already in the U.S. may continue working under existing authorization.
• The USCIS alert and change in policy emphasize case-by-case evaluation rather than blanket restrictions.
• Healthcare systems relying on foreign-trained doctors may see temporary stability.

Impact: This change in USCIS policy helps preserve access to critical healthcare talent, particularly in underserved areas. Employers in the healthcare sector should continue monitoring policy developments, as broader travel and screening measures remain in place.

U.S. Opens New Consulate General in Casablanca

The U.S. Department of State has officially opened a new Consulate General in Casablanca, Morocco, consolidating all consular operations into a modern facility located in the Casa Anfa development area.

The new compound replaces multiple previous locations and now serves as the primary site for American Citizen Services as well as immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing. The transition was completed in late April 2026, with services fully operational at the new location.

According to the State Department, the facility is designed to enhance security, efficiency, and long– term operational capacity. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize diplomatic infrastructure and improve service delivery in high demand regions.

Key updates include:

• All visa and citizen services now centralized in one location.
• New facility designed for improved processing efficiency.
• Transition completed with minimal disruption to scheduled services.

Impact: The new consulate is expected to improve visa processing efficiency and customer experience in Morocco. Employers and applicants may benefit from more streamlined services, though demand levels will continue to influence appointment availability.

Romania Launches New Unified Work Permit and Visa System

Romania has introduced a new unified framework for work permits and long stay visas, replacing its previously fragmented system with a centralized and digital process. The reform includes the rollout of an online platform that will manage employer registrations and application submissions.

Under the new system, work authorization is streamlined into two visa categories. One category is designed for highly qualified workers and is not subject to quotas, while the second applies to general labor and will depend on a shortage occupation list and annual limits.

The reform also introduces employer classifications, which will determine access to certain visa pathways. In addition, the government is implementing stricter compliance requirements, including reporting obligations and standardized employment conditions.

While the long– term goal is to simplify processes, the transition period may introduce challenges as systems are tested and requirements are clarified.

Key changes include:

• Introduction of two visa categories based on skill level.
• New employer classification system affecting eligibility.
• Launch of a centralized online application platform.
• Expanded compliance and reporting requirements.

Impact: The new system is expected to improve efficiency over time but may initially increase complexity for employers and applicants. Companies should prepare for evolving requirements and plan for potential delays during the transition period.

Court Blocks TPS Termination for Yemen, Extends Work Authorization

A federal court has temporarily blocked the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Yemen, allowing affected individuals to remain in the United States while litigation continues. The ruling found that the Department of Homeland Security likely did not meet required procedural standards when ending the designation, particularly around interagency consultation.

Following the court order, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued updated guidance confirming that certain Employment Authorization Documents issued under Yemen’s TPS designation remain valid. The agency clarified that EADs with prior expiration dates of March 3, 2023, September 3, 2024, and March 3, 2026 are now extended through July 1, 2026.

USCIS also provided specific Form I– 9 instructions for employers:

• Employees (new or re-hires) should note “as per court order” in the expiration date field in Section 1.
• Employers should enter July 1, 2026 as the expiration date in Section 2 or Supplement B for reverification of current employees or for re-hires.
• Employers should retain documentation of the USCIS alert with the employee’s I– 9 records.

The update follows an earlier DHS announcement that TPS for Yemen would terminate on May 4, 2026, which included a 60– day wind down period for affected individuals. The court’s intervention pauses that process and maintains temporary protections for approximately 2,800 individuals.

Impact: This decision preserves work authorization for TPS Yemen beneficiaries in the near term but introduces continued uncertainty due to ongoing litigation. Employers should closely follow USCIS guidance and ensure proper I-9 documentation, given that requirements may change quickly based on future court decisions.  The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on cases for TPS Haiti and Syria towards the end of June, which will likely have an impact on all pending litigation related to TPS designation terminations.

DHS Proposes Ending Duration of Status

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has advanced a proposed rule that could significantly reshape how certain nonimmigrants maintain status in the United States. The rule, now under federal review, would replace the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) framework for F, J, and I visa holders with fixed admission periods.

Under the current system, individuals in these categories may generally remain in the U.S. as long as they continue to comply with the terms of their status. The proposed rule would instead require students, exchange visitors, foreign media representatives, and their dependents to apply for extensions through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if additional time is needed.
The proposal would also introduce important changes to how unlawful presence is calculated. Rather than beginning only after a formal determination by USCIS or an immigration judge, unlawful presence could start accruing automatically once the authorized stay expires, potentially increasing compliance risks.

Additional anticipated changes include a shortened grace period for F-1 students, increased documentation requirements for extensions, and more formal adjudication processes across affected categories.

The regulation is currently under OMB review, the final stage before publication in the Federal Register. Once cleared, publication could occur in the near term, with implementation typically expected within 30 to 60 days thereafter.

Impact:
If finalized, the rule would heighten compliance demands, require tighter tracking of status expirations and earlier extension planning, and contribute to longer USCIS processing times as filing volumes increase.