By: Mary Campbell In an exclusive interview, Joseph Edlow, newly confirmed Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has defended a controversial immigration policy shift allowing immigration officers to weigh applicants’ personal views—specifically whether they espouse “anti‑American” ideologies—as part of green card and visa evaluations. What This Change Entails Edlow emphasized that the policy […]
A mother fleeing an abusive husband in Honduras. A Salvadoran family terrorized by gangs after refusing extortion demands. A young woman whose government offers no protection from sexual violence. All of them will now face far steeper odds of winning asylum in the United States. In a pair of rulings issued this week, U.S. Attorney […]
By: Juan Avilez | americanimmigrationcouncil.org |Editorial credit: eddie-hernandez.com / Shutterstock.com The Department of Justice (DOJ) published a list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions on August 5 as a follow up to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in April. Listing cities, counties, and states, the DOJ contends that these localities impede federal immigration enforcement through alleged “sanctuary jurisdiction characteristics.” These […]
When people think about hiring a lawyer, they often focus on credentials: education, years of experience, and past results. While these are undeniably important, another factor often determines whether a client feels truly supported and represented — personalized attention. The law is not one-size-fits-all. Every client’s situation, history, and needs are unique. Lawyers who understand […]
Editorial credit: Evgenia Parajanian / Shutterstock.com WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the factors that officers consider in certain benefit requests where an exercise of discretion is required, including factors relating to aliens’ past requests for parole and any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, […]
By: Mary Campbell U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially intensified its evaluation of the ‘good moral character’ (GMC) standard for lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship. Under this revised policy, applicants must now substantiate not only the absence of disqualifying behavior, but also demonstrate active, positive contributions to their communities. Expanded GMC […]
By: Mary Campbell Immigration court is one of the most intimidating places you can find yourself. Every case is high stakes—your future, your family, and your ability to remain in the United States are on the line. Yet too many immigrants walk into court without an attorney, thinking they can “explain their side” or handle […]
By: Sam Poyer |americanimmigrationcouncil.org | Editorial credit: Mamunur Rashid / Shutterstock.com A new decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) will make it harder for people fleeing gender-based violence to gain asylum in the United States. On July 18, the BIA published its decision in Matter of K-E-S-G-, finding that people persecuted solely on account of […]
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced sweeping updates to marriage-based green card policies—effective August 1, 2025—mandating in-person interviews in nearly all spousal visa cases and sharply increasing evidentiary requirements to detect fraudulent petitions. What’s Changed? 1. Mandatory In-Person Interviews for Nearly All Cases USCIS now requires face-to-face interviews in essentially all marriage-based […]
Washington, D.C. – August 6, 2025 – In a major policy shift, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now warning that individuals applying for family-based green cards—particularly marriage-based petitions—could be placed directly into removal (deportation) proceedings if found ineligible. This update, effective August 1, 2025, states that approval of a family-based petition no longer ensures […]
