These four step-by-step guides will walk you through the steps for filing your first petition for habeas corpus (immigration) in each of the California federal district courts--the Eastern District of California, the Northern District of California, the Central District of California, and the Southern District of California.

This practice advisory will cover some common grounds of inadmissibility, waivers available for VAWA self-petitioners who will be filing for adjustment of status, and how to identify whether a ground of inadmissibility has been triggered and whether a waiver is available.

On October 12, 2026, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) submitted a comment opposing a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) interim final rule that would make electronic filing mandatory for immigration benefit applications, along with a proposed form requiring applicants to request a waiver from that requirement.

After receiving $170.7 billion in additional funding through H.R. 1, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is finding new and dangerous ways to rapidly target and deport Texas residents. On August 31, 2026, DHS awarded GardaWorld Federal Services, a privately owned company, a $382 million contract to begin an armed 287(g) transportation scheme throughout the state. Texas has one of the highest number of 287(g) agreements in the country. These agreements deputize law enforcement to act as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to target communities for arrest and deportation. The newly announced program will include armed transport teams, stationed in every Texas county that has a 287(g) agreement, ready to pick up individuals and families from a wide range of locations (traffic stops, hospitals, residences, jails, etc.) to ICE facilities. The transport scheme raises serious safety and legal concerns regarding GardaWorld’s authority to transport individuals, families, and children.