Federal Register #2026-20956

DHS Rule Shortens Refugee Status Termination Notice Response Period

DHS and USCIS issued a regulatory rule changing how quickly certain refugee status termination notices must be answered. - Government: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). - Rule change: The response period for a Notice of Intent to Terminate refugee status is shortened from 30 days to 10 days. - Affected individuals: May submit evidence contesting termination and/or request an interview. - Purpose: DHS cites immigration system integrity, national security, public safety, and prevention of fraud and exploitation. - Procurement: This is a regulatory notice, not a procurement opportunity. No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are identified.

Description

This interim final rule amends Department of Homeland Security regulations governing termination of refugee status when DHS determines that a person did not meet the statutory refugee definition at the time of admission to the United States. It reduces the response period for a Notice of Intent to Terminate from 30 days to 10 days. The rule states that the change aims to restore integrity to the immigration system, mitigate national security and public safety risks, and prevent fraud and exploitation. Written comments are due by November 13, 2026.

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