Citizenship Series Part 1: You might be a U.S. Citizen and not even know it
In today’s uncertain immigration landscape – marked by shifting policies and heightened concerns – it’s no wonder many individuals with Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card holders) are thinking seriously about pursuing U.S. citizenship. For those of you who have had green cards since childhood, but your parents are U.S. Citizens, your own citizenship may be…
USCIS Announces New Civics Test for Naturalization – Effective October 2025
If you are planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, there is an important update you should know about. USCIS has just announced that it will be rolling out a new civics test—called the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test—starting October 20, 2025. Here’s what this means for you: When Will This Affect You? How to Prepare USCIS…
Unlawful Presence vs. Out of Status: What Every Immigrant Needs to Know
When it comes to U.S. immigration law, a common source of confusion is the difference between “unlawful presence” and “out of status.” These terms are not interchangeable – and knowing the difference can be the key to avoiding bars to reentry or serious immigration problems. Unlawful presence begins when you stay in the United States…
Consular Processing vs. Adjustment of Status: What is the Difference?
When you are applying for a green card, one of the first decisions you will have to make is whether to go through consular processing or adjustment of status. Both are paths to the same destination, getting your green card, but they work in very different ways. Adjustment of Status (AOS) Adjustment of status allows…
USCIS Resumes Neighborhood Checks for Naturalization Applicants.
Effective August 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is resuming personal investigations of aliens applying for naturalization, a policy outlined in their new Policy Memorandum PM-602-0189. This significant change means that the previous general waiver for these investigations is ending, and USCIS will now make decisions on conducting or waiving these checks on…
New USCIS Policy: Understanding How “Anti-American Views” Could Impact Your Immigration Case
Navigating U.S. immigration law can be complex, and recent policy updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have introduced significant changes, particularly concerning how “anti-American views” can affect your immigration case. Everyone who is seeking U.S. immigration benefits should understand these new guidelines. What’s Changing? Effective immediately for all pending and newly filed requests,…
Navigating Naturalization: What the New Good Moral Character Policy Means for You
Are you thinking about applying to become a U.S. citizen? Naturalization is a profound journey, allowing you to fully participate in American society. A key part of this process is showing that you possess Good Moral Character (GMC). Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memorandum, effective August 15, 2025, that…
USCIS Changes Policy on the Validity of I-693 Medical Exams
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has updated its rules about the medical exam form used in immigration applications – Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). What is changing? Starting June 11, 2025, if a civil surgeon signs Form I-693 on or after November 1, 2023, the form is only valid…
Can a Conditional Resident Get a Green Card on a New Basis?
Becoming a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. and getting a green card is a big step for many immigrants. If you get your green card through marriage and your marriage is less than two years old at the time your application is approved, you will first be given conditional permanent resident (CPR) status. Your…
US Immigration Now Checking Social Media for Antisemitic Content
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that starting in April 2025, U.S. immigration officials will begin reviewing the social media accounts of certain applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The stated goal of USCIS is to screen for antisemitic content or links to “terrorist” groups. What’s Changing?The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services…
