June 25, 2026

Dear International Students and Scholars,

On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a memorandum and order declaring that the USCIS “Benefits Hold Policy,” “Global Asylum Hold Policy,” “Comprehensive Re-Review Policy,” and “Country-Specific Factors Policy” are unlawful, vacated, and set aside.

On June 12, 2026, USCIS posted a news alert stating that, while it disagrees with the court’s order, it will comply with the order pending further judicial review. While USCIS has appealed the court’s decision, the agency has stated that it will issue updated instructions to its adjudicators pending further litigation developments. 

For our international students and scholars who are citizens of or were born in countries listed in one of the two travel bans, this means USCIS may resume adjudicating petitions submitted to the agency. This would include OPT, STEM OPT, Change of Status, H-1B, O-1, and Permanent Resident petitions. All adjudication remains at the discretion of USCIS. 

The Office of International Student & Scholar Compliance (ISSC) continues to monitor the situation closely and hopes to see any pending petitions that were subject to the USCIS adjudication pause resume processing soon. We’re also monitoring the appeal process and any further litigation that may result in additional changes to USCIS adjudication policies. 

We remain committed to providing timely information, individualized guidance, and ongoing support as immigration policies evolve. UNLV deeply values our international students and scholars as vital members of our community. We’ll continue to communicate directly with affected students and scholars and offer resources and care throughout this time.

Best Regards,

Laura Chaney
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO)
Director of International Student & Scholar Compliance

Anne White
Senior Director of International Student & Scholar Success Programs

Lindsey Gruber
Senior Executive Director of UNLV Global