News & Resources

USCIS Updates Guidance for F and M Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

October 1, 2024

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its guidance effective immediately regarding when students who are in either F or M nonimmigrant visa classification may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (“STEM”) field. The updated guidance, which is found

U.S. Embassy in Manila to Launch New Visa Application Center and Additional Consular Services

October 1, 2024

Beginning September 28, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Manila will open a new Visa Application Center (“VAC”), launch an updated visa appointment system, and expand call center services to U.S. citizens in the Philippines. The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. Paranaque

The New U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for United States Citizens

September 26, 2024

On September 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (“STEP”). The STEP is a free service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so DOS can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. Existing

Administrative Stay Order Issued Against Parole in Place Applications

August 29, 2024

Following litigation filed against the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), a federal judge has granted the Plaintiff, the State of Texas and fifteen (15) other U.S. states, an administrative stay against Parole in Place application approvals under Keeping Families Together for at least fourteen (14) days. While this order is

The U.S. Consulate In Ho Chi Minh City Begins Business Visa Facilitation Pilot Program (BVFPP)

August 8, 2024

The U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City has implemented the Business Visa Facilitation Pilot Program (BVFPP). The program is designed to facilitate American companies who want to send Vietnamese employees to the U.S. for business purposes. The program allows those companies to register with the U.S. Consulate in advance

Important Update Regarding F, M, and J Student Visa Application Suspension

June 6, 2025

Following the United States Department of State (“DOS”) announcement to suspend F, M, and J student visa applications at Embassies and Consulates in response to implementing new policies aimed at social media vetting, DOS has released additional information. While this action immediately impacts plans of foreign and exchange students, DOS

AILA Sends Letter to Department of Homeland Security Regarding Alien Registration Requirement

June 3, 2025

On May 12, 2025 The American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) submitted a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in response to requests for comments to the DHS Interim Final Rule (“IFR”) for information collection described in the Paperwork Reduction Act section with a

DOS Suspends F M and J Student Visa Interviews to Expand Social Media Vetting Process

May 30, 2025

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has ordered all Embassies and Consulates to stop scheduling new appointments for applicants applying for F, M, and J student visas. In a released cable, DOS Secretary Marco Rubio said that the suspension is in place because DOS plans to expand the screening

David Enterline Receives I-829 Petition Award For 2024 From IIUSA

May 29, 2025

David Enterline of Enterline and Partners was recognized by IIUSA as having obtained Form I-829 Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (“I-829 Petition”) approvals for his EB-5 immigrant investor clients in 2024. David was recognized along with a select group of EB-5 Regional Centers and experienced

What is Trump’s Self-Deportation Executive Order?

May 27, 2025

On May 9, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (“EO”) aimed at incentivizing undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States in exchange for a cash bonus and a free flight. The EO, entitled Project Homecoming authorizes the U.S. government to pay a $1000 stipend for a one-way

National Visa Center/American Institute In Taiwan No Longer Accepting Taiwan Birth Certificates

May 12, 2025

Sometime in 2024, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) quietly updated its requirements for birth certificates in the DOS Reciprocity Schedule for Taiwan. Birth Certificates seem no longer required or accepted for Taiwan nationals. The only acceptable document for proof of birth is now an Individual Household Registration Transcript.

CATEGORY

Supreme Court Hands the Trump Administration a Partial Victory in Ongoing Birthright Citizenship Litigation

When Do Sponsor Obligations End Under Form I-864?

United States Announces New Visa Policies Targeting Chinese Nationals

U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong Announces New Policy for Immigrant Visa Applicants