Recognition of filiation for children born abroad via surrogacy (GPA)
What changed
The French Court of Cassation issued a significant judgment on 3 July 2026, mandating the recognition of parentage for children born abroad via surrogacy (GPA) in France. This decision applies when a foreign court ruling, designating intended parents, presents guarantees compliant with international public policy. It overrides prior interpretations that would have limited such recognition to the effects of an adoption, ensuring that established filiations are acknowledged as such in France. This clarification aims to uphold the child's best interests, even though surrogacy remains prohibited domestically.
The detail
Policy history
Recognition of filiation for children born abroad via surrogacy (GPA)Related changes
United StatesCourt DecisionsEffectiveEffective 28 Aug 2026 U.S. Court Orders USCIS to Resume Adjudication of Asylum and Immigration Benefit Applications Previously Subject to Hold Policies
What changed
On 24 August 2026, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order. This order stopped two policy memos from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): PM 602-0192 and PM 602-0194. The order states that USCIS must process applications that were previously on hold. This affects people from 39 specific countries and the Palestinian Authority who have asylum or other benefit applications pending. USCIS does not agree with the court's decision. However, USCIS has said it will follow the order.
Published 28 Aug 2026Effective 28 Aug 2026USCIS Newsroom
United StatesCourt DecisionsEffectiveEffective 28 Aug 2026 U.S. District Court Temporarily Vacates USCIS Diversity Visa Hold Policy, Orders Resumption of Normal Adjudication
What changed
On 28 August 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order. This order was for the case Medani, et al., v. Trump, et al. It temporarily removed Policy Memorandum PM-602-0193. This court decision tells U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to restart the normal processing of some 'adjustment of status' applications for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV). An 'adjustment of status' application is when someone already in the United States asks to change their immigration status to become a lawful permanent resident. USCIS must do this without using the hold policy. This applies for the rest of the Diversity Visa financial year.
Published 4 Sept 2026Effective 28 Aug 2026USCIS Newsroom
FranceTravel AdvisoriesPublishedEffective 20 Aug 2026 U.S. State Department Issues Level 1 Travel Advisory for Guadeloupe: Exercise Normal Precautions
What changed
The U.S. Department of State has given Guadeloupe a Level 1 Travel Advisory. This means 'use normal precautions'. It shows that Guadeloupe is usually a safe place for U.S. citizens to visit. The main warning is that hurricanes happen often. Travellers should check advice about weather and natural disasters. They should also prepare for their trip in general.
Published 20 Aug 2026Effective 20 Aug 2026U.S. State Department — Travel advisories
United KingdomCourt DecisionsEffectiveEffective 12 Aug 2026 UK launches asylum appeals target for faster removals
What changed
The UK Home Office has brought in a new 24-week target for the First-tier Tribunal to deal with asylum and immigration appeals. This policy began on 12 August 2026 and covers new appeals from foreign national offenders who are not detained, and people receiving asylum support and housing. The aim is to greatly reduce the time it takes for appeals to be decided, down from the previous average of 67 weeks. This will allow for faster removals of those who do not have the right to stay in the UK.
Published 14 Aug 2026Effective 12 Aug 2026UK Home Office — News & communications
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