Supreme Court Immigration Decisions: What They Mean for Immigrant Families
Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a two-part series examining the major immigration decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court during its recently completed term. If you have not already done so, you may also want to read our companion article, The Supreme Court Preserves Birthright Citizenship: What Trump v. Barbara Means for…
The Supreme Court Preserves Birthright Citizenship: What Trump v. Barbara Means for Immigrant Families
Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a two-part series examining the major immigration decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court during its recently completed term. In our companion article, we’ll look at the other significant immigration decisions from this term and explain what they may mean for immigrant families and those planning to…
When the Past Comes Back in a Green Card Case
When people come to my office to discuss obtaining a Green Card through a spouse or another qualifying family member, they are usually focused on the future. They’re thinking about building a life together, becoming a lawful permanent resident, and eventually applying for U.S. citizenship. Before we can confidently move forward, however, I also want…
What Is a DHS Notice of Fee Assessment Under 8 U.S.C. § 1815?
Over the past several weeks, I have begun seeing a new type of notice issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that many immigrants—and even many immigration attorneys—have never encountered before. The document is called a Notice of Fee Assessment, and it demands payment of $5,130. Not surprisingly, people who receive one are…
Does the Supreme Court’s New Border Decision Affect Your Green Card or Citizenship Case?
Editor’s Note (July 2026): This article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Blanche v. Lau and its practical impact on lawful permanent residents. As with all immigration matters, future court decisions, agency guidance, or legislative changes may affect how this decision is applied. This article reflects the law as of the date of…
A Federal Court Has Vacated the USCIS “Hold and Review” Policies. Here is What That May Mean for Your Case.
One of the biggest immigration stories over the past several weeks has not involved a new statute or an executive order. Instead, it came from a federal courtroom. I’ve been following the litigation in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, et al. v. USCIS with considerable interest because of the number of families whose cases appeared to…
Green Card Holders With Criminal Issues Should Think Twice Before Traveling Abroad: New U.S. Supreme Court Decision Changes the Risk Analysis
For many lawful permanent residents, international travel is a routine part of life. Visiting family members overseas, attending weddings and funerals, conducting business, or simply taking a vacation are activities that most Green Card holders understandably expect to do without significant immigration consequences. However, a recent decision by the United States Supreme Court serves as…
USCIS Just Raised the Stakes for Signature Mistakes on Forms
Every immigration lawyer has had a filing returned because of a signature problem. In the past, that usually meant correcting the issue and sending the package back. A recent change announced by the Department of Homeland Security suggests that, in some situations, the consequences could now be much more significant. Effective July 10, 2026, USCIS…
What Happens if My Spouse and I Separate After Filing a Joint I-751 Petition?
One of the most stressful situations I see in immigration practice is when a couple files a joint I-751 petition and then the marriage begins to fall apart while the case is still pending. Unfortunately, this happens quite often. Given current USCIS processing times, it is becoming even more common since petitions may remain pending…
Why Are Some I-751 Cases Interviewed While Others Are Not?
A common question I hear from I-751 petitioners is, “Why did my friend get approved without an interview, but I was scheduled for one?” Unfortunately, there is not always a simple answer. Some petitions are approved without an interview, others result in extensive in-person questioning, and sometimes two cases that look almost identical on paper…
