F4 Visa Bulletin Update: Waiting Time for Family-Based Sibling Immigration
The U.S. immigration system provides a specific pathway for U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings for lawful permanent residency (“Green Card.”) The Family-Based Fourth Preference (F4) category is dedicated to the brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens ages twenty-one (21) and above. While this is a popular route for family reunification, the F4 category […]
USCIS To Implements the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its Policy Manual to reintroduce a revised version of the 2020 Civics Test – now called the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. This update applies to all Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, filed on or after October 20, 2025. The change is intended to reinforce the […]
New Visa Waiver Program ESTA Fees Authorized by the Reconciliation Bill
On July 4, 2025, U.S. President Trump signed into law a Reconciliation Bill passed by both houses of Congress. Among many U.S. immigration-related provisions, the Bill includes new fees for various immigration-related applications. In most cases, these fees are in addition to existing fees. The fees listed are minimum fees that could increase by regulation and […]
How Can My Relatives and Dependents Help Me Meet the Income Requirements for the Affidavit of Support?
For individuals seeking lawful permanent residency while remaining in the United States, the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process offers a pathway to obtain a Green Card without leaving the country. In family-based immigration scenarios, a pivotal element of this process is the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (“Form I-864”). This document creates a legal obligation […]
Supreme Court Hands the Trump Administration a Partial Victory in Ongoing Birthright Citizenship Litigation
The United States Supreme Court has given President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (“EO”) curbing birthright citizenship a partial victory. The ruling does not impact “Birthright Citizenship” but rather restricts district court judges from issuing nation-wide (or “universal”) injunctions against Executive Orders. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court held that lower federal court judges who […]
F, M and J Student Visa Interviews to Resume with Enhanced Social Media Vetting
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has instructed Embassies and Consulates to begin accepting new F, M, and J student visa application appointments following a temporary suspension. The pause was initiated to allow DOS to implement policy changes regarding social media vetting. After the suspension, e F, M, and J student visa applicants are […]
United States Announces New Visa Policies Targeting Chinese Nationals
The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has announced a new set of visa policies aimed at increasing scrutiny of Chinese nationals seeking to enter the United States. In a press statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the DOS outlined forthcoming measures that align with President Trump’s directive to prioritize national interests. Press StatementMarco […]
USCIS Proposes to Collect Social Media Handles on Immigration Forms
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued a 60-day notice and comment on a proposal to collect information pertaining to social-media handles and associated social media platform names from applicants in an effort to verify identification, streamline public safety screening and related inspections. The proposal, which was published in the Federal Register on […]
What is a Form I-212 Following Deportation From the United States?
If you have been deported from the United States and looking to re-enter, you may be eligible to file a Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (“Form I-212”). The Form I-212, which is submitted and adjudicated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services […]
What is Birthright Citizenship and Can Trump End It
Beginning in 2018, President Donald Trump voiced support for ending birthright citizenship. Following the 2024 election results, Trump has made several additional public comments about ending birthright citizenship. Or at least redefine it. This poses the question: “what is birthright citizenship and can Trump end it?” What is Birthright Citizenship? Following the American Civil War, […]