In January 2026, the U.S. government implemented a significant change affecting many families and employers waiting for immigrant visas. The U.S. Department of State announced a pause on issuing immigrant visas for nationals of certain countries, and this policy has already caused confusion, delays, and hardship for many applicants. What is the immigrant visa pause? Read More >>
Under the direction of the Trump administration, to continue its effort to limit legal immigration, the Secretary of State sent a cable to U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad to consider health issues when issuing visas. This cable only affects applicants abroad who are applying for visas to enter the United States and will more likely Read More >>
Over the past several weeks, many non-citizens across the United States have begun receiving letters in the mail from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requesting that they appear for a “Call-In Appointment” at their local ICE Field Office. These notices can be alarming and confusing—particularly for people who have lived in the United States for Read More >>
When Congress fails to pass funding legislation or a continuing resolution, many federal agencies must curb or halt operations. In the immigration context, the consequences can ripple through USCIS, EOIR (immigration courts), the State Department (consular and visa operations), and enforcement/detention functions. Some services will continue; others may slow, pause, or be suspended altogether. Below Read More >>
Overview of the August 15, 2025 USCIS Memo On August 15, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new Policy Memorandum (PM-602-0188) that changes the way officers evaluate the "good moral character" (GMC) requirement for naturalization applicants. Instead of focusing mainly on whether an applicant has avoided disqualifying conduct, officers are now instructed Read More >>
The status of DACA has changed very little in the years since several states filed a lawsuit in Texas to attempt to end DACA almost five years ago. The most recent developments are from earlier this year in January, when the U.S. District Court responsible for the case and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Read More >>
The Laken Riley Act: What It Does In January 2025, Congress passed—and President Trump signed—the Laken Riley Act, which broadens the scope of mandatory immigration detention. The Laken Riley Act erodes due process and means that a larger group of individuals may be subject to mandatory detention while they fight their immigration case. Mandatory detention Read More >>
In January 2025, the Trump Administration tried to end Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans who registered under the 2023 designation. The Biden administration had previously announced an extension. TPS stakeholders filed a lawsuit to enjoin the Trump administration from ending TPS and the district court judge issued a nationwide injunction, preventing the government from ending Read More >>
At our office, we are increasingly alarmed by a troubling trend: some unscrupulous lawyers are filing fraudulent applications under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) on behalf of unsuspecting clients. These lawyers promise “magic” solutions—work permits and lawful status “sin salir” (without leaving the country)—but they are doing so by fabricating stories of abuse without Read More >>
This week, the Department of Homeland Security announced travel assistance and a $1,000 payment to certain undocumented immigrants to depart the United States. However, this option is only available to individuals who do not have lawful status and had an encounter with Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) at the border or between ports of entry Read More >>
