June 24, 2026|Contributed by: Luke Niermann
What the new fee hike proposal means for you — and what you can do about it If you or someone in your family has been working toward U.S. citizenship, pay attention to what happened today. The federal government published a proposal in the Federal Register that would dramatically raise the cost of applying for […]
June 23, 2026|Contributed by: Joseph & Hall P.C.
A federal court has ruled that the federal government lacked authority to impose a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions and H-1B workers seeking visa issuance abroad. The decision is a major development for employers and foreign nationals who had been affected by the substantial fee requirement. However, shortly after issuing its decision, the […]
June 23, 2026|Contributed by: Joseph & Hall P.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has resumed processing certain immigration benefit applications for nationals of 39 designated countries following a federal court order in Dorcas v. USCIS. The development comes after the court vacated several USCIS policy memoranda that had contributed to significant delays and heightened review for many pending immigration cases. Although this […]
June 23, 2026|Contributed by: Aaron C. Hall, Esq.
On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island decided Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS, No. 26-cv-132-JJM-PAS, holding that USCIS violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it indefinitely paused adjudication of immigration benefit requests for nationals of thirty-nine designated countries. The court vacated and set aside the […]
May 28, 2026|Contributed by: Luke Niermann
Multiple news agencies reported at the end of April 2026 that the U.S. Department of State recently began directing consular officers to ask additional questions during certain visa interviews, signaling increased scrutiny of travelers seeking entry to the United States. According to multiple reports published in April and May 2026, many visa applicants will now […]
May 28, 2026|Contributed by: Ellen Atkinson
As the 2026 midterm election season ramps up, noncitizens should be especially careful and refrain from signing any form that requires the signer to be a U.S. citizen. Election season brings a lot of clipboard requests, voter registration drives, and well-meaning reminders to “make sure you are registered.” For U.S. citizens, that is civic participation. […]
May 22, 2026|Contributed by: Aaron C. Hall, Esq.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, reminding officers that adjustment of status under INA § 245 is “a matter of discretion and administrative grace” not intended to supersede the ordinary consular visa process. The memo emphasizes that adjustment is an “extraordinary” form of relief, that applicants bear the burden of demonstrating they deserve […]
April 24, 2026|Contributed by: Luke Niermann
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs), commonly known as green card holders, generally have the right to return to the United States after international travel. However, recent increases in enforcement at U.S. ports of entry mean that even long-term residents may face heightened scrutiny when reentering the country. Understanding your rights before you travel can help you […]
April 24, 2026|Contributed by: Aaron C. Hall, Esq.
A recent USCIS policy change will significantly affect how applicants are represented at interviews. Beginning May 18, 2026, USCIS will generally no longer allow attorneys and accredited representatives to appear telephonically at interviews, with only limited and still-unclear exceptions. This change makes it more important than ever to consider the value of legal representation at […]
April 24, 2026|Contributed by: Ellen Atkinson
April 16, 2026: It’s a clear day on Capitol Hill. Hundreds of immigration attorneys and advocates from around the country flock to represent the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA) and constituent clients to meet with members of Congress about the need for structural immigration reform, accountability, and pathways to permanent status. By the end of […]
