Policy Updates
Immigration policy changes from the Federal Register, explained in plain language.
DOT Grants Hazmat Special Permits to SpaceX, Amazon, Blue Origin & More
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration approved dozens of special permits in February 2026, allowing companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and Blue Origin to transport or package hazardous materials outside standard federal rules. One application was denied, and one was withdrawn. These permits have no direct impact on visa holders, but the comment window closes March 19, 2026.
DOT Restricts Who Can Get a Commercial Driver's License as a Non-US Resident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is locking down who qualifies for a commercial driver's license (CDL) in the US if you don't live here. Starting March 16, 2026, only foreign nationals on H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visa status can apply — cutting out many other immigration categories that were previously accepted. If you hold or are applying for a non-domiciled CDL under any other status, your eligibility may be gone.
NCUA Proposes Rules for Credit Unions to Back Stablecoins Under New GENIUS Act
A new federal law signed in 2025 lets credit unions get into the stablecoin business — and the NCUA is now writing the rules for how it works. This proposal covers how credit union subsidiaries can apply for a stablecoin license and where credit unions can invest. Comments are due April 13, 2026.
DHS & DOL Add 64,716 H-2B Visas for FY2026 — But Only for Businesses Near Collapse
DHS and DOL just unlocked nearly 65,000 extra H-2B temporary worker visas for FY2026, but there's a major catch: only employers who can prove they face severe, irreparable financial harm can access them. If your business depends on seasonal nonagricultural workers — think hospitality, landscaping, or seafood processing — this could be your lifeline. Here's what you need to know before the September 15 petition deadline.
NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Navy Construction That May Disturb San Diego Bay Marine Mammals
The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to authorize the U.S. Navy to disturb — but not kill — marine mammals during two construction projects in San Diego Bay. Pile driving at Naval Base Point Loma and Naval Base San Diego could affect up to six species. The public has until March 5, 2026 to weigh in.
DOT Seeks Public Comment on 9 Hazardous Materials Transport Exemptions
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published nine new applications for special permits that would allow companies to transport hazardous materials — including lithium batteries, compressed gases, and infectious substances — outside normal federal regulations. Public comments are due March 4, 2026. This notice has no direct impact on visa holders or immigration status.
SEC Greenlights Cash-Settled FLEX ETF Options on NYSE Arca — What Traders Should Know
NYSE Arca just won approval to offer cash-settled FLEX options on 50 of the most heavily traded ETFs, including SPY, QQQ, and IWM. This is a big deal for institutional traders who currently do this in opaque OTC markets — now they can do it on a regulated exchange. If you trade customized options or manage portfolio risk with ETFs, this new product is worth understanding.
SEC Proposes Streamlined ETF Clearing for Option-Backed Funds — Not an Immigration Issue
This Federal Register notice from the SEC concerns a proposed rule change by the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) to improve how ETFs with options as underlying components are created and redeemed. This document has no connection to visa policy, immigration status, or any rules affecting F-1 students, H-1B workers, or other visa holders. It is included here for completeness, but readers seeking immigration updates should look elsewhere.
SEC Reviews Cboe EDGX Plan to Give Retail Investors Better Stock Prices
Cboe EDGX Exchange is seeking SEC approval for a new Retail Price Improvement Program that would guarantee individual investors at least $0.001 better pricing than the national best bid or offer. This is a stock market structure proposal — not an immigration policy — and does not affect visa holders, F-1 students, or H-1B workers in any way. We're flagging this so you know it's outside our coverage area.
NOAA Overhauls Deep Seabed Mining Rules — Not an Immigration Story
NOAA has finalized updates to its deep seabed mining regulations under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act, streamlining the license and permit application process. This rule has no connection to US visa policy, immigration status, or the H-1B, F-1, or OPT programs. Visa Pulse readers can safely skip this one.
FCC Kills E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Program — Schools Lose Home Internet Funding
The FCC has reversed a 2024 rule that would have let schools and libraries use federal E-Rate funds to lend Wi-Fi hotspots to students for home use. The rollback takes effect February 20, 2026, and all pending funding applications for off-premises hotspot programs will be denied. For schools that were counting on this funding to bridge the homework gap, the door is now firmly closed.
SEC Notice: MIAX Pearl Launches Market Quoting Program — Not an Immigration Story
This Federal Register notice covers a Securities and Exchange Commission filing by MIAX Pearl, a stock exchange, introducing a new rebate program for equity traders. It has no connection to US immigration policy, visa programs, or the readers of The Visa Pulse. No action needed for F-1 students or H-1B workers.