On September 23, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued Policy Alert PA-2026-14, adding Policy Manual guidance on three criminal grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act: controlled substance trafficking, significant trafficking in persons, and money laundering. The guidance is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date. See 8 USCIS-PM D.10, D.14, and D.15, linked from the Policy Manual updates page.
The statutory grounds addressed are INA 212(a)(2)(C) (controlled substance traffickers), INA 212(a)(2)(H) (significant traffickers in persons), and INA 212(a)(2)(I) (money laundering). USCIS explains that aliens inadmissible on criminal and related grounds are generally barred from visas, admission, and adjustment of status unless a waiver or exception applies.
The alert states that the new chapters define relevant terms; explain who may be found inadmissible under each ground; identify waivers, exemptions, and exceptions; and describe evidence and burden of proof for officers. It also notes that when a spouse, son, or daughter—or a former spouse—of a person inadmissible under INA 212(a)(2)(C)(i) or 212(a)(2)(H)(i) seeks a discretionary immigration benefit, an officer may consider financial or other benefits that family member obtained when deciding whether to grant discretion.
Applicants for adjustment of status, immigrant visas, and other benefits subject to these grounds should expect closer documentary review where trafficking or money-laundering issues appear in the record. This is policy guidance interpreting existing statute, not a new statutory bar. Anyone with a prior conviction, investigation, or family connection to these grounds should evaluate waiver and exception options against the new Manual chapters before filing. If you are considering a filing affected by this guidance and would like further information, please contact our office.
