A split Fifth Circuit panel said a federal judge was right to block a challenge to an agreement Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Trump administration struck to end Texas law provisions allowing some unauthorized immigrants to pay in-state college tuition.
After a cascade of unpredictable immigration policies in the first half of the year, immigration attorneys are bracing for more uncertainty through the year's end regarding final rules fixing the admission period for students, increasing prevailing wage rates and more. Here, Law360 looks at six policy issues that could feature prominently in the second half of 2026.
A Washington federal judge rejected claims from GEO Group that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement controls access to an ICE detention center in the state and ordered GEO to allow state inspectors into portions of the center it controls.
The full Fifth Circuit on Friday vacated a roughly week-old split panel decision holding that the Trump administration can't hold noncitizens for more than 90 days without a bond hearing, and said it will rehear the matter.
A group of Haitians who worked at Colorado meatpacking companies urged a federal court Friday to disregard JBS USA Food and Swift Beef's objection to a magistrate judge's recommendation to deny the companies' bid to toss a discrimination and wage suit against the employers.
A California federal judge blocked the Trump administration from imposing grant funding conditions on California and Oregon municipalities concerning immigration enforcement and its opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, finding the conditions likely encroach on Congress' spending powers.
Exercise normal precaution
in Samoa. Samoa is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Review our Travel Guidance for Samoa to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Exercise increased caution
in Moldova due to risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.
- There are ongoing security threats related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- Petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Be wary of people posing as police officers demanding fines. Take safety precautions against ATM "skimming" devices and online scams.
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
Although Moldova declared itself "mine-safe" in March 2001, some areas have increased risk.
Unexploded ordnance and landmines exist in central Moldova:
- These unexploded ordnances and landmines are primarily found in agricultural fields, forests, and along the banks of the Dniester (Nistru) River.
- They are found in the districts of Anenii Noi, Causeni, Stefan-Voda, and Ungheni, as well as in Chisinau, Ialoveni, Hincesti, Nisporeni, Calarasi, and Straseni.
- These areas are marked with warning signs featuring a red triangle pointing downwards, a skull and crossbones, and the word "Mine."
- Landmines and unexploded ordnance in central Moldova are from World War II and the 1992 Transnistrian conflict.
Reconsider Travel to Transnistria due to risk of armed conflict.
Exercise increased caution
in Indonesia due to risk of natural disasters, unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Unrest
Demonstrations occur frequently in Indonesia, and they are a normal part of the political landscape, but the type, size, and impact vary significantly, and some demonstrations can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
Natural disasters
Indonesia regularly experiences natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. These may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and health services. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Indonesia.
Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Indonesia. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
- Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.
- Terrorists target police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Do not travel to the provinces of Central Papua, or “Papua Tengah,” and Highland Papua, or “Papua Pegunungan,” due to civil unrest.
Exercise increased caution
when traveling to Ghana due to crime, poor health infrastructure, violence against women, and violence against lesbian and gay travelers. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Crime
Violent crime, such as carjacking, street mugging, assault, and rape occurs in Ghana. These crimes often happen at night and in remote locations. Criminal groups may use blockades to slow down or stop vehicles. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking or driving at night. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Crimes of opportunity, including petty theft, are a serious problem in Ghana. Thieves often target people who seem wealthy or vulnerable. These crimes usually happen at night and in remote places. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking by yourself.
Sexual assault, such as rape, is significantly underreported in Ghana. Domestic violence is a crime in Ghana, but police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence. Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage under the age of 18 is illegal in Ghana. However, both remain a serious problem for girls younger than 18 in some regions.
Poor health infrastructure
Medical infrastructure is limited in Ghana. There are limited emergency medical services outside of Accra. Serious medical emergencies in Ghana require medical evacuation. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
Violence involving Sexual Orientation
Ghanaian law makes it illegal for people of the same sex to have sexual relationships. This law is mostly enforced against men.
Punishments can include fines or incarceration for up to 3 years. In recent years, there has been more criticism of, and violence against, people because of their sexual orientation. There are also reports of practices pressuring gay and lesbian people to “recant” their identities.
Reconsider travel to the northern border in the Upper East Region, the Northeast Region, the Upper West Region, and areas west of the N12 highway in the Savannah Region due to crime.