News Alert: Huge Changes in Immigration ~ N-400 Naturalization Overhaul, New H-1B Fee, Weighted H-1B Lottery, and New Electronic Payment Requirement
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently released a series of significant policy updates including fundamental changes in the standards and procedures for naturalization, H-1 B visa selection and processing and the elimination of nearly all paper-based payments. Find out how this affects new applications for these immigration benefits in our News Alert.
News Alert: New USCIS Policies for N-400 Naturalization Citizenship Applicants, Military, Good Moral Conduct and Neighborhood Investigations
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a series of significant policy updates in September and August 2025 that fundamentally change the standards and procedures for naturalization. Find out how this affects new applicants, the good moral character determination, and special considerations for military service members in our News Alert.
News Alert: New $100,000 Fee Imposed for Certain H-1B Petitions to Restore Integrity
Updated: October 21, 2025
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a Proclamation, titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers," that effectively imposes a massive $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions. This Proclamation took effect on September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, and is slated to last for twelve months, with the possibility of extension. Find out who is affected, the requirements and who is exempt from this change.
News Alert: USCIS Overhauls the N-400 Naturalization Test
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the implementation of the 2025 naturalization civics test, the first in a series of planned changes to American citizenship standards, including new processes. Read more in our News Alert.
News Alert: New Visa Bond Pilot Program to Impact Certain B-1/B-2 Visa Applicants
UPDATED: October 27, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has announced a new 12-month pilot program that could significantly change the visa application process for some travelers. Effective August 20, 2025, the Visa Bond Pilot Program will require a financial bond of up to $15,000 from certain B-1/B-2 temporary visitor visa applicants. Read more in our News Alert.
News Alert: What You Need to Know About H.R. 1 USCIS Fees Update
Updated: August 1, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is publishing a federal register notice (FRN) based on the H.R 1 Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1). Asylees, Special Immigrants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants must submit the new fees with benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025.
News Alert: Trump Administration Reinstates and Expands Travel Restrictions Effective June 9th 2025
The Trump administration issues travel restrictions affecting citizens of Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Republic of Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen from entering the U.S. effective on Monday, June 9th 2025. Find out more in our News Alert.
FAQ: 5 things you need to know about the REAL ID
Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older that plans to fly domestically or visit certain Federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Find out what you need to know about the REAL ID in our FAQ.
News Alert: USCIS Updates Policy to Recognize Two Biological Sexes (Male and Female)
In April 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that it only recognizes two biological sexes, male and female. Find out more in our News Alert.
FAQ: ¿Cuál es el requisito de registro de extranjeros vigente a partir del 11 de abril de 2025?
El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) de Estados Unidos publicó una nueva regla que entra en vigor hoy, 11 de abril de 2025, que exige que las personas registren su presencia y proporcionen sus huellas dactilares si permanecen en los Estados Unidos durante 30 días o más. Descubra quién debe registrarse, cómo hacerlo y más en nuestra Alerta de Noticias.
News Alert: Alien Registration Requirement takes effect today, April 11th
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new rule taking effect today, April 11th 2025 requiring individuals to register their presence and provide their fingerprints if they are in the U.S. for 30 days or more. Find out who needs to register, how to register, and more in our News Alert.
News Alert: Federal Judge Blocks Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans
On March 31, 2025, a Federal Judge ruled against the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem earlier this year. The lawsuit, NTPSA v. Noem was filed by the National TPS Alliance. Find out more in our News Alert.
FAQ: What is the new Alien Registration Requirement?
UPDATED: April 1, 2025
On March 31, 2025, a coalition of immigration advocacy groups filed a lawsuit blocking the implementation of the Alien Registration Rule. Learn more in our updated blog post.
—-
On March 12, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new rule requiring individuals to register their presence and provide their fingerprints if they are in the U.S. for 30 days or more. Find out who needs to register, how to register, and more in our FAQ.
Alerta: Estatus de protección temporal para venezolanos cancelado por el Secretario de Seguridad Nacional Noem
El 28 de enero de 2025, la Secretaria de Seguridad Nacional, Kristi Noem, anuló el aviso del 17 de enero de 2025 que extendía una designación de Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) para Venezuela. El departamento volverá a la guía de extensión y redesignación de TPS que se anunció en octubre de 2023. Posteriormente, el 1 de febrero de 2025, la Secretaria Noem decidió rescindir también el TPS bajo la designación de 2023, lo que significa que el TPS y los beneficios relacionados asociados con la designación de 2023 finalizarán el 7 de abril de 2025. Obtenga más información en nuestra Alerta de noticias.
News Alert: FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 7
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24. Read more in our News Alert.
News Alert: Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans Terminated by Secretary of Homeland Security Noem
On Jan. 28, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem vacated the Jan. 17, 2025, notice that extended a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela. The department will revert to the TPS redesignation and extension guidance that was announced in October 2023. Subsequently, on Feb. 1, 2025, Secretary Noem decided to also terminate TPS under the 2023 designation, which means that TPS and related benefits associated with the 2023 designation will end on April 7, 2025. Find out more in our News Alert.
What are President Trump’s Immigration Executive Actions? What should I know about Presidential Actions on Immigration?
The Trump Administration has initiated a number of executive actions related to immigration. This post summarizes some key points and provides recommendations for immigrants, their families and employers. Bookmark this post for up-to-date news and updates regarding President Trump’s immigration executive actions.
Immigrants Make America Great: Hope and Optimism as We Welcome Trump 2.0
Our founder, Angela Torregoza, writes about hope and optimism as we approach Donald Trumps second presidency. Read her insights on this Medium article.
News Alert: USCIS now requires I-693 Medical Exam to be submitted with I-485 green card application
USCIS now requires certain applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their Form I-485 or the Form I-485 may otherwise be rejected. Learn more in our News Alert.
News Alert: USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 36 Months for Renewals
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant update to the process for renewing Green Cards. Effective Sept. 10, 2024, USCIS will automatically extend the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) by 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This update is a response to the increasing processing times many applicants have faced, offering extended proof of lawful status.
Read our News Alert to learn more