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On August 13, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, 29 I&N Dec. 830 (BIA 2026), overruling more than a decade of precedent on what counts as a departure from the United States for purposes of the unlawful presence bars. The decision has direct consequences for DACA recipients and others who travel abroad using advance parole while pursuing adjustment of status. Under INA 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II), a person who has accrued more than one year of unla

On August 5, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Alert PA-2026-05, rescinding the prior guidance that directed officers to issue a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny before denying an incomplete filing. Officers now have full discretion to deny a benefit request outright if required initial evidence is missing or if the filing does not establish eligibility at the time it is submitted. This matters most for applicants filing pro se, meaning without an attorney, relying

A case reported recently illustrates a misunderstanding that comes up often in immigration cases. A Venezuelan-born woman who is also a Spanish citizen was detained by ICE at a Houston airport in late July while she and her fiancé were preparing to board a domestic flight. She had entered the United States through the Visa Waiver Program in October 2023 and later filed an asylum application with USCIS. Her asylum case was still pending when she was detained. The important poi

For years, an adjustment of status interview was treated as a routine administrative step. An applicant filed Form I-485 under INA 245(a), attended an interview, and either received approval or a request for additional evidence. That assumption no longer holds in every jurisdiction. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun making arrests at or immediately following USCIS field office interviews. Applicants with any history of unlawful entry, visa overstay, or prior conta

Green card applicants and their families should be aware of a significant regulatory change taking effect this fall. The government is rescinding the 2022 public charge rule, and the replacement standard will apply to a broad range of pending and future cases. The Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, an applicant for lawful permanent residence may be denied on the ground that they are likely to become primarily dependent on the go

The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a rule that fundamentally changes how international students and exchange visitors are admitted to, and permitted to remain in, the United States. For nearly fifty years, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors have been admitted under "Duration of Status," an arrangement that allowed them to remain in the country for as long as they maintained their program requirements, with no fixed expiration date recorded at entry. That sy

If someone you know has to report to an ICE office, here's what that means and what to expect. What is an ICE check-in? It's a required appointment where immigrants who are not in detention have to show up in person at a local ICE office. Think of it like checking in with a parole officer. You're living your normal life, but the government requires you to regularly confirm where you are and that you're following the rules. Who has to do it? People who were released from immig

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released a policy memorandum that changes how Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications are reviewed. This update reminds applicants that obtaining a green card inside the United States is a discretionary benefit, not an automatic right. The memo calls Adjustment of Status an “extraordinary relief” that lets applicants avoid the usual consular visa process abroad. This shift signals that USCIS officers will apply cl

The U.S. government has waived a financial bond requirement of up to $15,000 for eligible World Cup fans from five qualifying countries — a rare relaxation of immigration requirements ahead of the June 11 tournament opener. Background: What is the U.S. visa bond? Under the U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program, nationals from 50 countries with elevated B1/B2 visa overstay rates are required to post a refundable deposit before a visitor visa can be issued. The bond amount — determined

Green card interviews remain a critical step in the immigration process for couples seeking permanent residency in the United States. In 2026, these interviews continue to present challenges and risks that can affect the outcome of an application. Understanding these risks, the importance of legal support, and how to prepare effectively can make a significant difference. This guide offers practical advice and insights to help couples approach their green card interviews with

The U.S. State Department recently introduced a visa policy that could block many people with valid asylum claims from entering the country. Starting April 28, consular officers worldwide must ask visa applicants if they have experienced harm in their home country or fear returning. Answering "yes" or refusing to answer either question will result in visa denial. This applies to all nonimmigrant visa categories, including tourist, student, and work visas. This policy raises s

Navigating a consular interview can be a daunting step in the immigration process. Many applicants face uncertainty about what to expect and how to prepare effectively. With over 26 years of experience handling consular processing, we have seen firsthand what makes the difference between a smooth interview and one filled with challenges. This guide offers five essential tips to help you succeed at your consular interview and move closer to your immigration goals. Understand t

When you receive a conditional green card, it means your permanent resident status is temporary and valid for only two years. To become a full permanent resident, you must go through the process of removing residence conditions. This step is crucial to secure your long-term status in the United States. Understanding Removing Residence Conditions Removing residence conditions is the process that conditional residents must complete to obtain a 10-year green card. This usually a

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When a recent client was approved at an immigrant visa interview after years of waiting, hoping for a green card, it’s a moment filled with both relief and pride. One of our clients recently completed an IV interview at the U.S. consulate in Ciudad Juarez and was approved after an eight-year journey . This success story highlights the importance of the I-601A waiver, the immigrant visa process, and the perseverance needed to navigate USCIS procedures. What is the I-601A Waive

Post on reports of green card applicants getting arrested at interviews at USCIS San Diego.

When it comes to navigating the U.S. immigration system, one of the more complex and sensitive issues is the topic of marriage fraud. It’s a serious matter that can affect your legal status, your family, and your future. I want to walk you through the legal aspects of marriage fraud, what it means for you, and how you can protect your rights. This guide is designed to be clear and straightforward, so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way. What Are the Lega

The United States military has long been a place where people from diverse backgrounds come together to serve a common cause. Among these dedicated individuals, immigrants have played a vital role in protecting the nation and ensuring its security. Their contributions often go unnoticed, yet their impact is profound and lasting. This post highlights the crucial role immigrants have played in the U.S. military and celebrates the diversity and patriotism that strengthen the arm

The US government shutdown often raises concerns for many, especially those navigating immigration processes. When the government halts operations due to budget disagreements, it can disrupt various federal services. This post explores how a government shutdown affects USCIS processing, focusing on what applicants should expect during these periods. How a Government Shutdown Affects USCIS Processing USCIS, or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, handles imm

Traveling internationally as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States often comes with a mix of excitement and anxiety. One common concern is the possibility of being hassled or subjected to secondary inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon returning to the U.S. This worry can sometimes overshadow the joy of visiting family, exploring new places, or conducting business abroad. This post explores the realities behind these concerns, clarif