USCIS Enhanced Security Screening – What To Know
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has recently implemented a new security screening and vetting process effective April 27, 2026. USCIS Enhanced Security Screening Process Under the new USCIS enhanced screening process, currently pending immigration applications that require fingerprints will have their approvals halted until the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enhanced vetting of […]
The BIA Restricts Marriage Fraud Waiver Availability
Matter of Forjoe and Section 237 (a) (1)(H) Waiver Update In a recent decision, in the Matter of Forjoe, the Board of Immigration Appeals (the BIA) restricts the availability of the 237 (h) waiver to fraud or misrepresentation committed at the time of entry. Generally, many applicants use this waiver to resolve past marriage fraud […]
Recent Green Card Interview and 2026 Updates
At a recent green card interview at the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) we observed the latest marriage green card interview process and provide an overview and updates below. Background Our foreign-born client who is married to a US citizen wants to have a legal immigration status. They entered the US legally with a […]
Green Card Holders Traveling After a Criminal Conviction
Legal permanent residents or “Green card” holders with a criminal conviction face increased risks after traveling abroad. Sometimes these risks include additional screening, detention or being placed in removal proceedings for deportation. Green Card Holders with Convictions at Increased Risk After Foreign Travel As a green card holder with a conviction, you are at increased […]
Updated EAD Work Permit Validity Rule
Here is an update about the new EAD work permit validity period for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain applicants. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) recently changed the duration of some work permits with its termination of the automatic EAD extension rule. As a result, the maximum validity period has […]
USCIS Halts All Asylum Applications, and Immigration Benefits for Some Countries
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has issued a policy memorandum halting decisions on all asylum applications, and immigration benefits for certain applicants pending a comprehensive review. USCIS Halts Asylum decisions for all nationalities. USCIS has halted all asylum decisions for all nationalities (including approvals, denials, or closure of cases), according to the agency. […]
USCIS Ends Automatic EAD Extension for EAD Renewals
The Department of Homeland Security has terminated the automatic 540-day extension for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) or work permit renewals filed after October 30, 2025. This termination cancels the previous rule by President Biden that automatically extended the validity of certain timely filed work permits by up to 540 days. EAD or Work Permit […]
What Happens After Your Provisional Waiver (I-601A) Is Approved
After your Form I-601A Provisional Waiver is approved, you are one step closer to obtaining lawful permanent residency. The next part of the process continues at the National Visa Center (NVC), where you complete your immigrant visa application by Consular Processing. Due to this, receiving a Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (Form I-601A) approval is an […]
Recent Immigration Success Stories
A Client Success Story: Overcoming Risks with an I-601A Provisional Waiver Our client has lived in the United States without lawful immigration status for over 25 years and built a life here with his wife and child. However, in order to get a green card or permanent residency, he needed to travel abroad for Consular […]
USCIS Discretionary Policy Update May Affect Your Immigration Case
The new discretionary policy update of the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will guide immigration officers on discretionary factors to use when evaluating immigration applications. With this policy update, Policy Alert PA‑2025‑16, USCIS officers can deny applications based on perceived anti-American ideology, certain immigration violations and even social media activity. USCIS Officers To Consider […]