U.S. Establishes Four New Customs-Enforcement Areas (CEAs) to Combat Smuggling

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 Home Office and Immigration Enforcement published Interim Operational Instruction (IOI) 08/2026 on 9 October 2026. This instruction clarifies how transgender individuals are cared for, managed, placed, and accommodated within Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) and Residential Short-Term Holding Facilities (RSTHFs). It replaces IOI 01/2025. This update ensures that the management of transgender people follows the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) statutory Code of Practice. It also upholds legal requirements for separating sleeping and sanitary accommodation based on biological sex. As a result, this updated guidance sets out specific operational procedures for assessing risks, deciding where to place individuals, and keeping them safe, which will affect how centres manage transgender detainees.

What changed

The United States government has initiated the suspension of prominent technology firms, including Microsoft and Adobe, from a visa programme that facilitates permanent residency for skilled foreign workers. This measure, announced by US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, stems from claims of visa fraud and aims to prioritise American employment. Concurrently, an investigation has commenced into alleged J-1 visa fraud involving several universities accused of undercutting US wages by employing international students. The policy came into effect immediately following the announcement on 8 October 2026, impacting the ability of these entities to utilise specific visa categories for foreign labour.

What changed

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has issued Order INT/1033/2026, which started on 8 October 2026. This order extends the temporary return of border controls at Spain's internal air and sea borders for people travelling from Italy. This measure, which continues earlier extensions, covers passenger flights and maritime links until 22 October 2026. It suggests that the Spanish authorities believe there are still serious threats to public order and internal security, meaning checks are still needed at borders that would normally be open under the Schengen Agreement.