USCIS Policy Manual updated to emphasize that anti-American activity, antisemitic activity, or support for terrorist organizations will weigh heavily against applicants in discretionary immigration benefit decisions, such as adjustment of status to a Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. “green card” applications). Social media vetting also being expanded....
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum on 15.Aug.2025, announcing changes to how "good moral character" is evaluated for naturalization applicants. The new policy restores a prior totality of the circumstances approach for good moral character determinations. Overview of Good Moral Character...
New USCIS memo states that to demonstrate “good moral character” for citizenship, applicants must show evidence of taking proactive steps to engage in positive behaviors and activities. More here....
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Policy Manual was recently updated, providing guidance related to family-based petitions. This update explains and clarifies eligibility criteria, filing procedures, interview scheduling, and other issues. Most notable is the USCIS decision to issue notices to appear (NTAs) –...
Today, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the September 2025 Visa Bulletin. There is no movement in the latest visa bulletin from the previous month. All cutoff dates listed below refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based,...
Answer Unfortunately, once a dependent child turns 21, they are no longer eligible for H-4 status through their parent. He cannot rely on a USCIS error to continue his stay in H-4 past his 21st birthday. (12.Aug.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
Answer Consular posts typically may issue an H1B visa “stamp” up to 90 days prior to the start date listed on the approved H1B petition. (12.Aug.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....
Answer Generally speaking, a person with a pending I-485, who is not maintaining their underlying nonimmigrant status, is considered to be in a period of authorized stay. Unfortunately, we have received reports that the Trump Administration is putting some people in this situation in removal (i.e.,...
On 07.Aug.2025, OMB finished reviewing DHS/ICE’s proposed rule to replace D/S with fixed admission periods + extension procedures. Rule not yet published - public comment period to follow. Read more....
On 08.Aug.2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, rescinding the policy that allows a child’s age calculation under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) sometimes to be based on the more favorable dates-for-filing chart (Chart B),...
