U.S. Justice Department Clarifies States' Duty to Report Undocumented Individuals Under Welfare-Reform Law

What changed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a proposed rulemaking to introduce substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 nonimmigrant students. This measure, announced on 8 October 2026, aims to enhance the integrity of the immigration system by deterring fraud and protecting the interests of U.S. workers. Under the proposal, an initial OPT application would incur a fee of $70,000, while any subsequent OPT would cost $30,000. Stakeholders have until 9 November 2026 to submit comments on these proposed changes.

What changed

The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) is setting up a new Vehicle Targeting System (VTS) at border crossings. This is to make border security better and to stop vehicles being smuggled. This digital change means officers will no longer do random manual checks. Instead, they will use information to decide which vehicles to inspect. The system, which is a partnership with the International Vehicle Identification Desk, will start operating on 18 October 2026 at the Lebombo Port of Entry. This will change how vehicles are processed at South Africa's borders.

What changed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented an inflation-based increase for certain immigration-related fees, effective from 16 October 2026. This adjustment, mandated by H.R. 1, impacts specific application fees, including those for asylum applications, travel documents, employment authorisation, and Temporary Protected Status. Requests postmarked on or after this date must include the new, higher fee, otherwise they will be rejected. This ensures ongoing alignment with inflationary costs as specified in the legislation.

What changed

The European Commission adopted a new Strategy on combating trafficking in human beings on 16 October 2026. This extensive strategy, which applies across the European Union, aims to deal with new types of human trafficking, especially those that use technology and are connected to migration. It introduces six main areas of focus, designed to improve how trafficking is prevented, detected, investigated, and how victims are protected, building on existing laws. This initiative intends to provide a stronger and more adaptable response to human trafficking, which often crosses borders.