Updates to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Policy Manual will change the review of applications for adjustment of status, more commonly known as green card applications. Under the new guidance to adjudicating officers at the USCIS, discretionary...
What is USCIS Public Charge Rule and Why Was It Suspended?
“Public charge” refers to a vaguely defined ground of inadmissibility that could stop someone from either entering the United States or receiving a green card. Essentially, it means that in an immigration case, the government decides that an applicant would likely...
Anticipated USCIS Furlough in August 2020; What Does That Mean for Your Case?
Everyone has been feeling the pinch of the pandemic, which has had devastating economic impacts. Numerous small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and many are finding it difficult to meet the monthly rent. USCIS is no different, and as an organization they are...
How will the Fall 2020 ICE Guidance affect F1 Visa Students?
On July 6, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent a broadcast message to all users of the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) announcing changes to their policy concerning online coursework for nonimmigrant international...
Green Card Through Marriage Process 2020
You and your girlfriend have been dating for a while. You are thinking about getting married and starting a marriage-based green card case now. You wonder how to get your spouse a green card so that you can live together in the United States. What are the requirements...
Are USCIS Offices Really Open Now after June 2020 Re-opening?
USCIS re-opening on June 4, 2020 was supposed to jumpstart stalled immigration cases. However, the reopening has shown disparate impacts on green card, naturalization, and H1B cases The first, in fact only, action taken by USCIS after the reopening was to gradually...
USCIS Reopening on June 4, 2020
On May 27, 2020, USCIS confirmed its reopening to the public on June 4, 2020. Although USCIS will resume routine public services, local USCIS field offices will operate at a reduced capacity. The number of appointments and interviews will be reduced to ensure social...
Recent USCIS Denial or Rejection of Green Card Cases
You spent many hours preparing forms and documents, and then submitted a family-based green card case to USCIS. You have heard about the numerous, new requirements that have come out recently, such as the Public Charge rule, April 2020 Presidential Proclamation, and...
Are You Ready for 2020 USCIS Fee Surcharge and Hikes?
In May 2020, USCIS announced its immediate plan to implement a 10 percent surcharge on all applications. You may be wondering why the USCIS is increasing its filing fees, and the reason is that USCIS revenue is entirely dependent on filing fees associated with USCIS...
IRS Tax Transcript Requirement Under the Public Charge Rule and How to Obtain It.
If you plan to adjust status (obtain a green card) or apply for an immigrant visa, you will need to provide the government with tax documents for the most recent tax year. In some cases, you are required to obtain a tax transcript from the IRS and submit it instead of...