New USCIS Public Charge Guidance: What Green Card Applicants Need to Know
USCIS has issued new guidance changing the way it will evaluate whether certain applicants for permanent residence are likely to become a “public charge.” The new policy became effective on September 18, 2026, and applies to adjustment of status applications subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility that are postmarked or electronically filed on…
New Immigration Decision Changes Advance Parole Travel Rules
On August 13, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued an important decision concerning travel outside the United States with advance parole. In Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, the Board held that leaving the United States with advance parole can count as a “departure” for purposes of the unlawful-presence bars. The decision changes a rule that had…
Global Entry Is Not Just for U.S. Citizens: Who Can Apply and What Immigrants Should Know
For frequent international travelers, returning to the United States can involve long lines, paperwork, and an uncertain wait at immigration and customs. Global Entry can make that process much faster. What many travelers do not realize is that the program is not limited to U.S. citizens and Green Card holders. Citizens of several partner countries…
USCIS Moves Toward Mandatory Online Filing: What Immigration Applicants Need to Know
On August 11, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a new rule allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to require certain immigration forms to be filed electronically. Some news reports have described this as an immediate end to paper applications for green cards, citizenship, asylum, and other immigration benefits. That is not quite…
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…
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.
Editor’s Note — Updated July 16, 2026 On July 15, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island denied the government’s request to stay its June 5, 2026 decision while the government pursues an appeal. As a result, USCIS must continue processing cases that were previously subject to the Benefits Hold Policy,…
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…
