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Reports this week describe a new federal immigration enforcement operation in California, beginning in San Diego and expected to move north. According to the Washington Examiner, citing unnamed sources, the effort is called Operation Safe California and is expected to last at least 45 days. Federal officials have not publicly confirmed the details, and DHS did not respond to requests for comment from NBC 7 San Diego. Some reports say the operation could reach Los Angeles Coun

I recently received approval notices for a marriage-based adjustment of status case. The beneficiary and petitioner were approved for an immediate relative green card within four months of filing the I-485 application, which is substantially faster than current USCIS processing averages. The case involved circumstances that often complicate adjudication: the applicant was a DACA recipient, one spouse had been previously married, and the couple had a significant age gap betwee

K-1 and marriage-based I-130 options for Thai fiancees and spouses of US citizens

Immigration green card options for people from the Philippines

Read the latest information on K-1 fiancee visas for Filipinas from the Philippines

New changes to public charge ground of inadmissibility impacts green card applicants.

In August 2026, USCIS implemented policy changes permitting case denials on initial review without issuing a Request for Evidence. This represents a material shift in how the agency evaluates applications, and it has direct implications for how applicants should prepare their files. Previously, incomplete or insufficient documentation often triggered an RFE, giving applicants opportunity to supplement the record. That process is no longer automatic. USCIS now evaluates eligib

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