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…
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…
What Online Immigration Forums Can Teach Us – And What They Can’t
People are sometimes surprised when I tell them that I occasionally browse Reddit, Facebook groups, and other online immigration forums. As an attorney, I’m obviously not looking there for legal authority or official guidance. But I do think those communities have value. They give me a real-time look at what applicants are experiencing, what they’re…
Form N-400 in 2026: What Every Applicant Should Know Before Applying for U.S. Citizenship
USCIS has changed how it reviews naturalization cases. Here is what to know before filing Form N-400 in 2026 and how to protect your application.
How USCIS Officers Evaluate Your Marriage Interview
Learn how USCIS officers evaluate marriage interviews — what behaviors they watch for and how to prove your marriage is real and bona fide.
