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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has officially reminded citizenship applicants that an older form of background check — personal neighborhood investigations — is being reinstated as part of the naturalization process. This practice had largely been dormant for decades but has now resumed as USCIS emphasizes deeper vetting of applicants. Key Points: • USCIS may conduct in-person visits to an applicant’s neighborhood, workplace, employer, and potentially

Recent developments in Congress have brought renewed attention—and uncertainty—to the H-1B visa program , one of the most widely used employment-based visas in the United States. A bill introduced by a member of Congress seeks to eliminate the H-1B program entirely, reigniting a long-standing debate about the role of foreign professionals in the U.S. workforce. While the proposal has generated headlines, it is important to understand what has actually happened, what it could

On January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented inflation-based fee increases for certain immigration applications. These changes were announced in a Federal Register notice on November 20, 2025, and are required under H.R. 1 . While the increases are relatively modest, they may still affect individuals and families who are planning to file immigration applications in the coming year. If you are preparing to file an application or renewal wi

On December 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced important changes to how long certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), commonly known as work permits, will be valid. These changes are part of increased screening and vetting efforts and will affect many immigrants who rely on work authorization to support themselves and their families. If you currently have a work permit or plan to apply for one, it is important to understand how thes

On December 29, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a new federal rule that directly impacts who may qualify for asylum or withholding of removal in the United States. The rule, which became effective December 31, 2025 , focuses on asylum applicants who may be considered a security risk due to public health emergencies . If you or a loved one has a pending or future asylum case, understanding this rule—and how it may a

The Trump Administration has announced new policy guidelines aimed at strengthening the integrity of immigration benefits available to victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and other serious crimes. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the changes are intended to curb fraud and misuse while preserving protections for legitimate survivors. Increased Scrutiny of VAWA Self-Petitions The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain foreign n

On December 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a significant change to the H-1B visa program. Beginning with the FY 2027 H-1B cap season, DHS will replace the random lottery system with a weighted selection process that prioritizes higher-paid and higher-skilled foreign workers. Key Changes at a Glance Random lottery eliminated and replaced with a weighted selection system Greater selection probability for higher wages and higher skill levels Annual

Beginning December 26, 2025, the United States will implement a significant expansion of its Biometric Entry/Exit Program, requiring mandatory biometric collection at both entry and exit points for virtually all non-U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States. This change represents a major operational shift at U.S. ports of entry and departure and has important implications for travelers, employers, and immigration practitioners. Who Is Affected The new biometric re

California: Recent federal action has created uncertainty for thousands of immigrant workers in California who depend on Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for employment. The federal government has blocked California from issuing new CDLs to certain immigrant drivers, including asylum seekers and DACA recipients, affecting both workers and employers across the state. What Is Happening? Federal authorities have concluded that California’s CDL issuance process does not fully

Today, December 19, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an immediate suspension of its role in the Diversity Visa (DV) program, citing national security concerns. According to USCIS: “At the direction of President Trump and Secretary Noem, USCIS is immediately suspending its role in the Diversity Visa program to protect Americans from criminal aliens. This dangerous program continues to raise significant security concerns as it can attract th

New U.S. travel bans announced this week may prevent fans from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire from entering the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in part by the U.S. According to recent reports, these restrictions could impact visitor visa eligibility and admissibility, raising concerns for individuals planning to travel for major international events like the World Cup. What this means: Travelers from affected countries may face visa denials or entry