Policy Updates

FCC Rescinds E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Program, Blocking Off-Campus Internet Funding

The FCC has reversed its 2024 decision to allow E-Rate program funds to pay for Wi-Fi hotspots lent to students and library patrons for home use. The Commission concluded it lacked legal authority under the Communications Act to fund off-premises internet access. Pending FY 2025 funding applications for off-premises hotspot services will be denied.

NOAA Streamlines Deep Seabed Mining Applications with New Consolidated Process

NOAA has updated its deep seabed mining regulations to allow applicants to apply for an exploration license and commercial recovery permit simultaneously, rather than sequentially. The rule takes effect immediately as of January 21, 2026. This change reflects decades of technological advances in seafloor mapping and deep-sea mining capabilities.

Cboe Proposes New 'Future-Option Orders' Combining VIX Options and VX Futures

Cboe Exchange has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to allow traders to submit combined orders that include both VIX options and VX futures in a single transaction. This is a securities market structure proposal affecting derivatives traders and has no direct impact on immigration status or visa holders. The SEC is soliciting public comments on the proposal.

PHMSA Seeks Public Comment on 17 New Hazardous Materials Special Permit Applications

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published 17 new applications for special permits related to hazardous materials transportation. Applicants include major companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and Walmart, with requests covering lithium battery transport, pressure vessel testing, and compressed gas containers. Public comments are due by February 17, 2026.

MIAX Pearl Launches Market Quoting Program With Enhanced Rebates for Active Market Makers

MIAX Pearl Equities introduced a new Market Quoting Program effective January 1, 2026, offering an enhanced rebate of $0.0026 per share to equity members who quote at the national best bid or offer in at least 750 securities for at least 50% of trading time. This program is a stock exchange fee schedule change and has no direct impact on H-1B workers, F-1 students, or other visa holders.

PHMSA Grants 17 Hazardous Materials Special Permits, Including for Amazon and Blue Origin

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has granted 17 special permits allowing companies to transport hazardous materials under conditions that differ from standard regulations. Notable approvals include permits for Amazon's electronic shipping papers, Zipline's drone deliveries, and Blue Origin's rocket launch vehicle. This notice has no direct impact on F-1 students or H-1B workers.

2 reports · One policy timeline

USCIS Drops 1-Year Abroad Rule for R-1 Religious Workers — Effective Now

R-1 religious workers who've maxed out their 5-year stay no longer have to wait a full year abroad before returning to the US. The change is already in effect, offering immediate relief to churches, mosques, synagogues, and the workers they depend on. Here's what the new rule means and who benefits most.

SEC Seeks Public Comments on Form F-1 Registration Statement Renewal

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is requesting public comments on renewing its Form F-1 registration statement, used by foreign private issuers to register securities in the US. This is a routine paperwork renewal with no changes to immigration policy or visa processes. Comments are due by March 16, 2026.

2 reports · One policy timeline

DHS Ends Somalia's Temporary Protected Status Effective March 17, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security is terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, ending protections that have been in place since 1991. Somali nationals currently holding TPS will lose their protected status and work authorization at 11:59 p.m. on March 17, 2026. Affected individuals should consult an immigration attorney immediately to explore other options for remaining lawfully in the United States.

PHMSA Finalizes Integrity-Management Alternative for Gas Pipeline Class Location Changes

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a final rule allowing gas pipeline operators to use modern integrity-management (IM) principles instead of costly pipeline replacements or pressure tests when population growth triggers a class location change. The rule, effective March 16, 2026, codifies an approach that has been available via special permits for over two decades. This rule primarily affects natural gas pipeline operators and does not directly impact visa holders or immigration processes.

2 reports · One policy timeline

USCIS Raises Premium Processing Fees March 1, 2026 to Keep Pace with Inflation

USCIS is increasing its premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026, adjusting for inflation from June 2023 through June 2025. The fee hike follows a congressionally mandated biennial adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index. Anyone filing Form I-907 on or after March 1 must use the new, higher fees.

Army Corps Reissues 57 Nationwide Permits for Wetlands and Waterway Activities Through 2031

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reissuing 56 existing Nationwide Permits (NWPs) and adding one new permit governing construction and development activities in wetlands and waterways. The updated permits take effect March 15, 2026, and expire March 15, 2031. These permits streamline environmental authorization for projects with minimal aquatic impact under the Clean Water Act and Rivers and Harbors Act.