Frequently Asked Questions

What are government regulations?

Government regulations are rules created by federal agencies to implement laws. In immigration, these rules shape how policies work in practice and affect everything from who qualifies for a visa or asylum, to how long people wait for decisions, to what rights they have while applying.

Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and Department of State issue immigration regulations that carry the force of law. They can expand or restrict access to protections, determine how cases are processed, and influence enforcement priorities.

Because regulations can change without new laws, immigration policy often shifts with each administration. That makes it critical for advocates and impacted communities to track, understand, and respond to regulatory changes.

How do I ask for a 12866 meeting?

You can request a 12866 meeting with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to share your views on a rule under review. These meetings are open to the public. To request one, visit https://www.reginfo.gov, select the rule you’re interested in, and follow the instructions under the "Meetings" section. You'll need to provide basic information about your organization and what you’d like to discuss.

What is the APA? Why is it important?

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is a federal law that governs how agencies propose and establish regulations. It ensures transparency by requiring notice-and-comment rulemaking, giving the public a chance to weigh in before a rule becomes final. The APA is important because it holds agencies accountable and gives people, including impacted communities, a voice in the policymaking process.

What is the PRA? Why is it important?

The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) is a law that requires federal agencies to get approval before collecting information from the public. This includes forms, surveys, or any paperwork burden. The goal is to minimize unnecessary paperwork and ensure the government only collects information it truly needs. The PRA protects the public from overly burdensome requests and ensures transparency in data collection.

What is the Congressional Review Act?

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) allows Congress to review and potentially overturn new federal regulations issued by government agencies. Congress has a limited window (typically 60 legislative days) to reject a rule via a joint resolution. If both chambers of Congress and the President agree, the rule is nullified and cannot be reissued in the same form. The CRA is a key tool for legislative oversight of executive branch rulemaking.