All Posts

Court Finds USCIS Exceeded Its Authority by Placing Thousands of Applicants in Legal Limbo On June 5, 2026, a Federal Judge invalidated several USCIS policies that delayed asylum applications, work permits, green card applications, and other immigration benefits for individuals from 39 designated countries. The decision is significant for thousands of immigrants whose applications were placed on hold for extended periods, often leaving them unable to work, obtain permanent re

A newly reported Trump administration proposal could significantly change how certain asylum applications are processed in the United States. According to internal government documents, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") is considering a regulation that would allow U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services "(USCIS") to reject certain asylum applications without conducting an asylum interview. If implemented, this proposal would represent one of the most significant c

Recent USCIS guidance has created confusion about adjustment of status and consular processing. Here’s what immigrants should know before filing a green card case. A recent USCIS policy clarification is causing concern for many immigrants planning to apply for a green card from inside the United States. Social media posts and online discussions have led some people to believe that adjustment of status is ending altogether. That is not what happened. Green cards are still avai

A significant new immigration policy announced by the Trump administration may dramatically change how many immigrants obtain Lawful Permanent Residence ("LPR") in the U.S. According to a newly issued USCIS policy memorandum, many individuals who are currently eligible to apply for a Green Card ("GC") from within the U.S. through the Adjustment of Status ("AOS") process may now be required to leave the country and complete immigrant visa processing abroad through a U.S. consu

Recent reports indicate that the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") is increasing scrutiny of certain Lawful Permanent Residents ("LPRs") or Green Card h olders through expanded “re-vetting” efforts aimed at reviewing prior immigration history, criminal records, and other factors that could potentially trigger removal proceedings. For many Green Card holders, these developments are understandably creating anxiety and uncertainty about what this means for their status and

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has recently implemented a new security vetting procedure that is already causing significant delays in the processing of many immigration applications nationwide. While USCIS has described the disruption as temporary, the new process is expected to affect a broad range of pending cases and may lead to slower adjudications for many applicants and families across the United States. For individuals with pending immigration mat

The United States immigration landscape for foreign-trained physicians is shifting once again—and this time, the change brings renewed opportunity. A recent, largely unpublicized policy reversal has restored key immigration benefits for international medical graduates who were previously affected by a broader immigration freeze tied to expanded travel restrictions. For physicians seeking to live and work in the U.S., this development has important implications for visa eligib

On April 28, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a major policy shift that will directly impact thousands of asylum seekers across the United States. Under a new interim final rule interim final rule implementing provisions from the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act of 2025, asylum applicants now face strict financial and procedural requirements—with serious consequences for noncompliance. This change marks one of the most significant updates to asylum processin

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is expanding efforts to review and potentially revoke the citizenship of certain naturalized Americans. According to officials, approximately 384 individuals have been identified for possible denaturalization, with cases expected to be handled by prosecutors across multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. While this may sound concerning, it is important to understand what denaturalization is, who may be aff

If you’ve been waiting months—or even years—for a decision on your immigration application, you’re not alone. Many applicants find themselves stuck in a frustrating limbo, unable to move forward with their lives while government agencies delay action without clear explanation. What most people don’t realize is that you may not have to wait indefinitely. In certain situations, a legal tool called a writ of mandamus can help compel the government to act on your case. This arti

If you have a two-year conditional green card, you’re likely thinking about your next step—and possibly feeling some pressure to get it right. Filing Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) is an important milestone, and how you approach it can affect how smoothly your case moves forward. At Geofrey M. Law, we work closely with couples to make this process clear, organized, and manageable—so you can move ahead with confidence. Why This Step Matters for You You

If you are waiting for a Green Card or planning your next immigration step, the newly released April 2026 Visa Bulletin brings important updates that could directly impact your timeline. Understanding how to read and apply the Visa Bulletin is critical — even small changes can determine whether you can move forward now or must continue waiting. What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why It Matters Each month, the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin to show: When immi

A concerning trend is emerging in U.S. immigration courts—one that many asylum applicants are unaware of until it is too late. Recent data shows that in February 2026 alone, over 17,000 asylum cases were subject to motions to pretermit. This procedural tool is increasingly being used to deny cases before applicants ever have the opportunity to testify in court. What Is a Motion to Pretermit? A motion to pretermit allows an immigration judge to deny an asylum application witho

In a major legal development, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts has ruled that the Trump administration must restore the legal status of potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants who entered the United States lawfully through a Biden-era program. This decision is not just political—it has real, immediate consequences for immigrants currently living, working, and building their lives in the United States. What Happened? During the prior administra

After a prolonged nationwide pause, certain affirmative asylum applications filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") are beginning to move forward again. The pause began in 2025, after a security incident in Washington, D.C., stopped decisions on all affirmative asylum cases. While asylum officers were still permitted to review files during that time, they were not issuing final decisions. Recent updates from the Department of Homeland Security indicate

Immigration enforcement is becoming more visible in U.S. airports, and many travelers are unsure what that means for their safety and rights. Recently, officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been assigned to several major airports across the country, including Chicago, Phoenix, Atlanta, Houston, and New York. According to officials, their role is to assist the Transportation Security Administration during peak travel times and help manage passenger flow.

A new rule in Texas could directly impact your ability to work legally in your profession—and many immigrants may not realize the risk until it’s too late. If you hold (or plan to apply for) a professional license in Texas, this change could affect your livelihood, your income, and your future in the United States. What’s Changing? Texas regulators have approved a rule requiring applicants for many professional licenses to prove lawful immigration status. This applies to a wi

U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill, the Keep Innovators in America Act , (the "Act") aimed at safeguarding the Optional Practical Training ("OPT") program—an essential work authorization pathway for international students, including a significant number from India. The Act, introduced by Representatives Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, seeks to formally codify the OPT program into federal law. This move is designed to provide long-term stabi

The H-1B visa program is one of the most important pathways for U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals. Soon, the process used to select H-1B candidates may look very different. According to recent updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the government plans to introduce a wage-based selection system for H-1B registrations and require employers to use a new version of Form I-129 beginning April 1, 2026 . These changes could si

Recent immigration policy discussions in Texas have drawn national attention, particularly regarding the H-1B visa program , which allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals. Following a deadly attack in Austin, more than 50 Texas lawmakers called on Congress to temporarily freeze new H-1B visas while federal authorities conduct a review of current visa holders. At the same time, Texas has already implemented certain state-level restrictions on the use