United States Sets Fiscal Year 2027 Refugee Admissions Cap at 17,500, Prioritising Afrikaners from South Africa
What changed
The United States has set a maximum limit of 17,500 refugee admissions for the financial year 2027, with the main focus on admitting Afrikaners from South Africa. This decision is officially confirmed in Presidential Determination No. 2026-24, which the President signed on 25 September 2026 and was published in the Federal Register on 2 October. It allows for the admission of up to 17,500 refugees during the financial year, which runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. The determination says these admissions are justified because of humanitarian concerns or because they are otherwise in the national interest.
The detail
Policy history
United States Sets Fiscal Year 2027 Refugee Admissions Cap at 17,500, Prioritising Afrikaners from South AfricaRelated changes
United StatesBorder SecurityEffectiveEffective 2 Oct 2026 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Waives Laws to Expedite Border Barrier Construction in New Mexico
What changed
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to set aside certain federal, state, and other legal requirements related to the environment and land use in New Mexico. This action, which started on 2 October 2026, aims to allow for the swift construction of physical barriers and roads in a specific part of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector. This measure directly helps to speed up border security building projects by overriding legal rules that might otherwise cause delays.
Published 2 Oct 2026Effective 2 Oct 2026U.S. Courts — Published opinions
United StatesFeesEffectiveEffective 1 Oct 2026 U.S. Executive Office for Immigration Review Adjusts Fees for Certain DHS Forms Due to Inflation for Fiscal Year 2027
What changed
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has published adjusted fees for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 for several Department of Homeland Security (DHS) forms when filed with the EOIR, including Form I-485, Form I-589 (Annual Asylum Fee), Form I-601, and Form I-821. This statutory inflation adjustment takes effect on 1 October 2026, as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Applicants must ensure all relevant filings submitted on or after this date include the new fee amounts, otherwise applications will be rejected.
Published 29 Sept 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026Federal Register — Immigration rules & notices
United StatesFeesEffectiveEffective 16 Oct 2026 USCIS Announces Fiscal Year 2027 Inflation-Adjusted Fees for Specific Immigration Benefits
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.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 16 Oct 2026USCIS Newsroom
United StatesFeesPublishedEffective 1 Oct 2026 Inflation Adjustment for EOIR OBBBA Fees; Fiscal Year 2027
What changed
The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a final rule. This rule changes immigration fees. It is through its Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). These changes are for the financial year 2027. They start on 1 October 2026. This is a required update due to inflation for fees under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These fees cover documents like Notices of Appeal and various requests. The update makes sure the department follows legal rules.
Published 21 Aug 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026Federal Register — Immigration rules & notices
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