Family Based Immigration

On October 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy alert revising the USCIS Policy Manual to provide updated guidance on qualifying spousal relationships for family-based Form I-130 immigrant visa petitions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The policy is effective immediately and applies to all petitions pending or filed on...

Family reunification is a key part of U.S. immigration law. It allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency. While the process offers a meaningful path to bring loved ones together, it can also be complex. Below, we answer some common questions about eligibility, petitioning,...

The I-864 Affidavit of Support is a crucial part of many U.S. immigration cases, especially family-based petitions. Its primary purpose is to show that the intending immigrant will have adequate financial support and will not become a public charge. The form requires the Petitioner, usually a U.S. citizen (USC) or lawful permanent resident (LPR), to prove...

In a significant move aimed at enhancing clarity and uniformity in immigration procedures, the latest update to the Policy Manual addresses crucial changes concerning the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) age calculation. This update primarily focuses on determining when a visa becomes available for CSPA purposes. This article will offer a comprehensive overview of the...

On June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the ongoing legal battle surrounding birthright citizenship.  Unfortunately, the decision failed to address the substance of the executive order, and its decision was focused on whether lower federal courts have the authority to issue nationwide injunctions.  Background On the first day of his presidency,...

Fear, chaos and uncertainty has spread throughout the Immigration community since President Trump took office.  Extreme vetting, talk of travel bans, detention and deportations have been a regular feature in the news. Many people are now scared to travel, and this includes Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) aka green card holders.  Ironically the word Permanent does...

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” This directive mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritize compliance with the alien registration requirement under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified as 8 U.S.C. 1302. This move underscores a renewed emphasis...

Participation in USCIS site visits is now mandatory. These site visits include employer’s offices, client sites, and even remote workers’ homes. If employers don’t cooperate, H-1Bs can be denied or revoked, meaning if an officer from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows up at your door, you will need to co-operate with them, or...