Current stage: Preliminary Injunction
The plaintiff filed a mandamus and APA action challenging two USCIS policy memoranda and seeking expedited adjudication of a pending I-765 and issuance of an EAD. The defendants did not oppose the plaintiff's ex parte emergency request, and the court granted emergency injunctive relief enjoining application of the agency memoranda to the plaintiff and ordering the agency to decide the I-765 within 10 days and to ensure the plaintiff receives an EAD by May 31, 2026 (or provide substitute written work authorization). The case was reassigned to a different district judge and the court permitted limited additional pages for the plaintiff's memorandum.
Deadlines, hearings, and court-ordered dates from this docket
Hearing on the plaintiff's ex parte application (temporary restraining order and related relief) set for 01:30 PM on this date.
Court-ordered deadline for the agency to issue a decision on the plaintiff's pending I-765, within 10 days of the May 4, 2026 order (due by 2026-05-14).
Court-ordered deadline for the agency to have issued and delivered the plaintiff's physical EAD so the plaintiff receives it on or before May 31, 2026.
Extracted from court filings. Check linked sources for official deadlines.
May 4, 2026
Key EventThe court granted the plaintiff's ex parte application to extend the page limit for the memorandum in support of the emergency motion by six pages. This is an order allowing additional briefing length.
May 4, 2026
Key EventThe court issued an in-chambers order granting the plaintiff's ex parte application: the court granted emergency injunctive relief (temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction), enjoined the agency from applying the adjudication-hold policy memoranda to the plaintiff, and ordered the agency to adjudicate the pending I-765 and take specific actions regarding issuance of an EAD. The order also set a schedule and specific obligations for the agency.
May 1, 2026
The plaintiff filed a supplemental declaration attaching an employer letter in support of the ex parte TRO application. This is additional evidentiary material supporting the emergency request.
May 1, 2026
The defendants filed a notice stating they do not oppose the plaintiff's ex parte application for emergency injunctive relief. This indicates defendants did not contest the emergency motion.
April 29, 2026
The plaintiff filed an additional proof of service showing various documents (including the amended complaint, ex parte filings, and declarations) were served on April 28, 2026. This confirms service of multiple filings on the defendants.
April 28, 2026
The newly assigned judge issued a standing order that controls case procedures and may differ from local rules; the order advises counsel to read it carefully. This sets docket-management expectations for the case.
April 28, 2026
A 60-day summons was issued on the amended complaint as to the named defendants. This initiates the formal service period for those defendants.
April 27, 2026
The plaintiff filed a proof of service showing that the ex parte application and related filings were served on the defendants on April 27, 2026. This documents that defendants received the emergency filings.
April 27, 2026
The plaintiff filed an ex parte application requesting permission to exceed the page limit for the memorandum supporting the ex parte TRO motion and submitted a proposed order. This is a procedural request about briefing length.
April 27, 2026
Key EventThe judge returned the case for random reassignment and the case was reassigned to a different district judge for all further proceedings. The clerk was instructed to update the case number initials to reflect the transferee judge.
April 27, 2026
The plaintiff filed a first ex parte application seeking emergency relief including a temporary restraining order, an order compelling USCIS to decide and approve the plaintiff's I-765 before the end of May, and a declaratory judgment regarding two policy memoranda; a hearing on the ex parte application was set for April 30, 2026. The filing included declarations and a proposed order.
April 22, 2026
A second declaration (by another declarant) was filed in support of the complaint. This provides additional factual support for the plaintiff's filings.
April 22, 2026
The case was assigned to a district judge and a magistrate judge as part of standard case administration. The notice informs counsel which judges are handling the matter.
April 22, 2026
After amending the complaint, the plaintiff submitted a corrected request for the clerk to issue a summons on the amended complaint. This is an administrative step toward service.
April 22, 2026
The plaintiff filed a first amended complaint adding or amending defendants and attaching exhibits. This replaces or supplements the initial complaint.
April 22, 2026
The clerk issued a notice to counsel regarding consent to proceed before a magistrate judge. This is an informational administrative notice.
April 22, 2026
The clerk identified deficiencies in the plaintiff's earlier summons request, explaining the summons caption did not match the complaint and instructing how to correct it before the summons can be issued. The filing cannot proceed until corrected.
April 22, 2026
The plaintiff submitted a declaration in support of the complaint. This is evidentiary support for the pleadings.
April 20, 2026
The plaintiff requested that the clerk issue a summons based on the complaint. This is an administrative filing to begin service proceedings.
April 20, 2026
A civil cover sheet was filed by the plaintiff as part of the case opening documents. This is a routine filing required at case commencement.
April 20, 2026
The plaintiff filed the initial federal complaint seeking mandamus and APA relief to compel USCIS to decide a pending I-765 and to challenge two USCIS policy memoranda, and paid the filing fee. The complaint requests expedited adjudication and issuance of an EAD, attorneys' fees, and other relief.
April 20, 2026
The plaintiff filed a certificate of interested parties identifying none. This is an administrative disclosure filing.