Family Immigration Updates 2026: What Every Immigrant Family Needs to Know Right Now

If you have a family member waiting for a visa, a petition in progress, or questions about what recent policy changes mean for your household, you are not alone. The landscape of family-based immigration in the United States has shifted dramatically over the past year, and 2026 is bringing some of the most significant changes many families have seen in a generation.

At Novo Legal Group, we work directly with immigrant families and mixed-status households every day. We see the confusion, the anxiety, and the misinformation circulating on social media and in community group chats. This article is designed to cut through the noise with clear, honest, and actionable information about what is changing and what your family can do right now to stay prepared.

Whether you are in Denver, Colorado, Washington State, or anywhere in the United States, here is what you need to understand about family immigration in 2026.

Family Petition Processing Times Are Getting Longer

One of the most immediate concerns for families with pending petitions is the growing backlog at USCIS. As of early 2026, the median processing time for an I-130 family petition filed by a U.S. citizen is approximately 14.5 months. For petitions filed by lawful permanent residents (green card holders), the median wait has stretched to around 35 months.

These numbers represent median times, meaning many families experience even longer waits depending on their specific circumstances. Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens may wait between 52 and 100 months. For married children, processing can take anywhere from 47 to 178 months. Siblings of U.S. citizens face some of the longest waits in the entire immigration system.

Why the delays? A combination of factors is at play: increased filing volumes, more rigorous background checks, staffing constraints at USCIS, and policy changes that have added new layers of review. For families from certain countries identified as high-risk, processing times have been particularly unpredictable, with cases that would normally be straightforward encountering unexplained, nationality-linked delays.

What this means for you: If you have a pending family petition, patience and vigilance are essential. Make sure your contact information is current with USCIS, respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and stay in regular communication with your immigration attorney. Filing a complete and accurate application from the start is the single best thing you can do to avoid additional delays.

Visa Issuance Pauses and What They Mean for Families

In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of approximately 75 countries. This pause covers family-based and employment-based green card categories processed at U.S. consulates abroad. It does not affect tourist or student visas, but it has a direct and serious impact on families waiting to bring loved ones to the United States.

For families with approved petitions whose relatives are awaiting consular processing overseas, this means that visa interviews and final visa stamps may be delayed indefinitely until the pause is lifted. The pause remains in effect until further notice, and there is no announced timeline for when it will end.

If your family is affected by this pause, it is important to keep all of your documentation current and to continue maintaining your petition. Do not assume that a pause means your case has been denied or abandoned. Work with your attorney to understand whether there are alternative pathways, such as adjustment of status for family members already present in the United States, that may be available in your situation.

The End of Family Reunification Parole Programs

The Department of Homeland Security officially terminated Family Reunification Parole programs in late 2025, with all remaining parole under these programs expiring no later than January 14, 2026. Additionally, the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) humanitarian parole programs ended in April 2025.

These programs had provided a temporary legal pathway for many families, allowing certain individuals to enter the United States with parole status and work authorization while waiting for their immigrant visa numbers to become available. With their termination, families who had relied on these programs now need to explore other options.

If you or a family member had parole status under one of these programs, it is critical that you consult with an immigration attorney immediately. Your work authorization, your ability to remain in the United States, and your options going forward all depend on your individual circumstances. There may be other forms of relief or protection available, but the window to act can be narrow.

TPS Updates Affecting Families

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) continues to be an area of rapid change. TPS for Afghanistan ended in July 2025. TPS for Haiti, which was originally set to expire in September 2025, was extended through at least early February 2026 following a federal court ruling that prevented the government from terminating the program prematurely.

For families with members who hold TPS, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. TPS provides both protection from deportation and work authorization, so its loss can upend an entire household's stability. If you hold TPS or have a family member who does, staying informed about your specific country's designation and renewal deadlines is essential. Your immigration attorney can help you understand your timeline and explore whether other forms of immigration relief may apply.

New Fees and Payment Changes at USCIS

USCIS has implemented significant fee increases and payment changes that affect nearly every immigration application. The agency has moved to a cashless payment system, and filing fees across the board have gone up. Notably, a new $250 consular visa fee applies each time a visa is stamped, making trips to the consulate more expensive for families.

Additionally, as of February 2026, asylum seekers with applications pending for more than one year are now required to pay an annual fee. While this may not directly affect all family-based petitioners, it reflects a broader trend of increasing costs throughout the immigration system.

Budgeting for immigration-related expenses has always been important, but it is now more critical than ever. When planning your family's immigration journey, factor in not only legal fees but also the rising government filing fees, biometric appointment costs, and potential medical exam expenses. Your attorney can provide a realistic estimate of total costs so that there are no surprises.

Increased Enforcement and What Families Should Know

Immigration enforcement activity has intensified significantly. Reports indicate that 2025 was one of the most aggressive years for immigration enforcement in modern U.S. history, and early indicators suggest that 2026 will continue this trend. For mixed-status families, this creates a climate of heightened anxiety.

At Novo Legal Group, we believe that knowledge is the best protection against fear. Every person in the United States has constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status. You have the right to remain silent, the right to not open your door to immigration officers without a judicial warrant, and the right to consult with an attorney. Knowing your rights and having a plan in place is not a sign of wrongdoing. It is a sign of responsibility.

We encourage every family to have an emergency plan, including having important documents organized and accessible, knowing who to contact if a family member is detained, and having a power of attorney in place for childcare and financial matters if needed. Being prepared is one of the most empowering steps you can take.

What Your Family Can Do Right Now

We understand that all of this information can feel heavy. Immigration law is complex, and the current environment makes it even more challenging. But there are concrete steps you can take today to protect your family and strengthen your case:

• Review your case status. If you have a pending petition or application, check your case status on the USCIS website and make sure your information is current.
• Gather your documents. Keep copies of all immigration documents, identification, and financial records in a safe, accessible place. Consider having both physical and digital copies.
• Consult with an immigration attorney. Every family's situation is unique. An attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions. At Novo Legal Group, we offer consultations and take the time to understand the whole picture.
• Be cautious with misinformation. Social media and community group chats are full of immigration advice that is often incomplete or outright wrong. Always verify information with a trusted legal professional before making any decisions based on what you've seen online.
• Create an emergency plan. Know your rights, designate a trusted person who can care for your children and manage your affairs if needed, and have your attorney's contact information readily available.

Novo Legal Group Is Here for You

We know the road ahead feels uncertain. But you do not have to navigate it alone. At Novo Legal Group, we are committed to providing clear, compassionate, and expert immigration representation to families in Denver, Colorado, Washington State, and across the country. We take a holistic approach to every case because we understand that immigration is not just paperwork — it is about your family's future.

If you have questions about how these changes affect your family, or if you need help with a pending petition, renewal, or any other immigration matter, we encourage you to reach out. Schedule a consultation with our team today and let us help you understand your options.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney. Contacting Novo Legal Group does not create an attorney-client relationship.