News & Resources

Alert – USCIS Changes Policy on EB-5 Regional Center Program Adjustment of Status Filings

July 9, 2021

One day after announcing its policy on handling EB-5 immigrant investor petitions and applications, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has reversed its decision on accepting Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (“Form I-485”). The updated “Alert” with this change has been posted on

USCIS Issues Alert on the EB-5 Regional Center Program

July 5, 2021

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has posted an “Alert” on its “Approved EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Centers webpage”. The Alert explains how the USCIS will handle relevant petitions and applications following the sunset of the Immigrant Investor “Regional Center” Program (the “Program”). We emphasis herein guidance related

The EB-5 Regional Center Program Will Lapse on June 30, 2021

June 29, 2021

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor “Regional Center” Program (“Program”) will lapse on June 30, 2021 due to the failure of the U.S. Congress to reauthorize or extend it before the expiration date. Because the Senate has adjourned for recess until July 12, 2021, the Program will remain unavailable as no legislation

AILA – Practice Advisory: Immigrant Visa (Green Card) Processing Delays

June 28, 2021

Update: The Department of State has updated their triad approach. For more information, click here. After enduring the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year, most U.S. embassies and consulates are not operating at full capacity. Due to limited appointment availability, a significant backlog was created for immigrant (IV) and nonimmigrant visa

USCIS Policy Update to “Requests for Evidence” and “Notices of Intent to Deny”

June 27, 2021

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the circumstances in which officers should issue Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”) and Notices of Intent to Deny (“NOIDs”). In 2013, USCIS published guidance instructing officers to issue RFEs in cases involving

Delinquent U.S. Taxpayers in Southeast Asia

February 27, 2025

While living in the Southeast Asian region, it’s easy to forget about U.S. tax obligations, especially if the taxpayer’s income is deemed “minimal.” Let’s first re-visit our tax filing requirements, where an excerpt is noted right on the last page of one’s U.S. Passport, “All U.S. Citizens working and residing

Federal Court of Appeals Rules Against Trump’s EO Ending Birthright Citizenship

February 25, 2025

A Federal Court of Appeals handed the Trump Administration another blow in its fight to redefine the 14th Amendment ending birthright citizenship through Executive Order (“EO”). The San Francisco-based Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Administration’s request for an emergency order putting on hold a nationwide ban issued by

U.S. Taxes for Americans Abroad

February 20, 2025

A common concern raised by our clients departing the United States to reside abroad is what do they need to do about U.S. taxes. Furthermore, there are several misconceptions and misunderstandings that permeate the American expatriate community about U.S. taxes; especially about filing thresholds and some exclusion amounts. Allow us

Nonimmigrant Visa Dropbox Renewal Eligibility Reverts Back to Pre-COVID Standards

February 18, 2025

Effective immediately, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) has revised the requirements for interview waiver eligibility (commonly referred to as dropbox eligibility) to applicants renewing a nonimmigrant visa in the classification that expired within the past twelve (“12”) months. Previously, some nonimmigrant visa applicants were eligible to renew through

Trump’s EO Ending Birthright Citizenship Dealt Another Setback by A Second Judge

February 7, 2025

President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (“EO”) ending birthright citizenship was dealt another setback after a second federal judge ordered an additional pause. Judge Deborah Boardman of the Federal District of Maryland issued a nationwide injunction against the EO commenting that no court in the country has endorsed the Trump administration’s

USCIS Will No Longer Require Covid -19 Vaccinations For Adjustment Of Status Applicants

February 6, 2025

Effective January 22, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will no longer require adjustment of status applicants to present proof of a COVID-19 vaccination as part of their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. The USCIS further commented that the agency will no

CATEGORY

Delinquent U.S. Taxpayers in Southeast Asia

Federal Court of Appeals Rules Against Trump’s EO Ending Birthright Citizenship

U.S. Taxes for Americans Abroad

Nonimmigrant Visa Dropbox Renewal Eligibility Reverts Back to Pre-COVID Standards

Trump’s EO Ending Birthright Citizenship Dealt Another Setback by A Second Judge