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…
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.
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…
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…
The Little Things That Often Become Big Immigration Problems
One of the reasons I enjoy practicing immigration law is that no two cases are exactly alike. Even when two clients appear to have very similar situations, the details are almost always different. After working in this field for over 30 years, having had the benefit of working with thousands of immigrants, and after reading…
