U.S. FEDRegulation
DHS cuts refugee status termination response period from 30 days to 10 days
The Department of Homeland Security published an interim final rule on October 14, 2026, amending 8 CFR 207.9 to shorten the period for a refugee to respond to a Notice of Intent to Terminate from thirty days to ten days. The rule applies where DHS determines the alien was not a refugee when admitted. It takes effect October 14, 2026, with comments due November 13, 2026.
Key points
- USCIS may act as soon as ten days after service of a Notice of Intent to Terminate under the amended 8 CFR 207.9 process.Federal Register
- A refugee may respond with evidence or request a USCIS interview, and any interview request must be made within the response period.Federal Register
- Termination of refugee status also results in termination of the alien’s employment authorization, the rule states.Federal Register
- The interim final rule is issued as CIS No. 2856-26, RIN 1615-AD23, under DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0397.Federal Register
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Federal Register