By: Mary Campbell The U.S. Department of State has instituted a 12-month pilot program effective August 20, 2025, and running through August 5, 2026, aimed at reducing visa overstays by requiring certain B‑1/B‑2 visa applicants to post a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, at the discretion of the consular officer. Scope and Applicability This pilot applies exclusively […]
By Mary Campell OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — A controversy is unfolding in this coastal resort town after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested reserve Officer Jon‑Luke Evans on July 25, 2025, for allegedly overstaying his visa and attempting to purchase a firearm for use in his seasonal policing duties. Federal Position ICE contends that […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The U.S. visa system is complex, and unintentionally overstaying a visa is a common issue for many foreign nationals. However, overstaying can have severe consequences, including bans on reentry, loss of future visa eligibility, and possible deportation. Understanding the penalties associated with unlawful presence in the U.S. is crucial, as well […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. An analysis of the current Green Card Lottery system. If you are undocumented in the US, you are most likely not eligible. Be careful of lottery scams that can get you deported by notaries or lawyers. The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, often referred to as the Green Card Lottery, is […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial Credit: Piotr Swat / shuttertsock.com The United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP) facilitates streamlined travel for citizens of designated countries, promoting tourism and business engagements. However, the program faces challenges, notably individuals who overstay their authorized period and become undocumented residents. This comprehensive analysis examines the VWP’s structure, estimates […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Introduction When a person enters the United States on a visa and overstays their authorized time, they may be subject to deportation (also known as removal). U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often apprehends individuals who have violated the terms of their visa, leading to a deportation process. Deportation can have […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. U.S. immigration law provides a pathway for U.S. citizens to petition for their foreign-born spouses to adjust their immigration status and obtain lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card. However, this process can become more complex when the foreign spouse has entered the U.S. on a temporary visitor visa […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial credit: Bartolomiej Pietrzyk/ shutterstock.com Increased deportation enforcement, particularly against individuals who have failed to meet asylum criteria or were ordered deported in absentia, has made deportation defense a critical area of immigration law. These proceedings can drastically alter an immigrant’s life, resulting in their removal from the United States, […]