New form allows payment of filing fees, services via secure direct debit payments WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has implemented a new way to pay fees using electronic debit from a U.S. bank account. Effective immediately, individuals can make transactions directly to USCIS by completing and signing Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, and filing it […]
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 […]
By Sandy Connors Experiencing a vacation in the Caribbean often proves to be an enchanting journey filled with lush landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm-hearted locals. It isn’t uncommon for tourists to find romance blossoming in such an inviting atmosphere. Yet, what begins as an idyllic love story can quickly become complex, especially when marriage and […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial credit: Ryan Rodrick Beiler / shutterstock.com In recent years, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has intensified its scrutiny of family-based immigration petitions. This heightened examination focuses on identifying factual inconsistencies, omissions, mistakes, or intentional misrepresentations within applications. Such rigorous evaluations can lead to petition denials, revocation […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The process of applying for legal immigration status or work permits in the United States can be complex and costly. Many immigrants, due to financial constraints or lack of awareness, either self-represent or seek the help of unauthorized immigration consultants, often referred to as “notarios.” Unfortunately, errors in these applications can […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. When a U.S. green card holder (lawful permanent resident) marries a spouse who is overseas, they face an important decision: Should they petition immediately for their spouse under their current status, or wait until they become a U.S. citizen to file the petition? The key consideration in this decision is speed—how […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Introduction For lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States, renewing a green card after it has expired is typically a routine process. However, individuals with criminal records—including arrests without convictions—may face complications, including denial of renewal or placement in deportation proceedings. This article explores whether someone with a green card […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. The Notice to Appear (NTA) is a pivotal document in removal proceedings, but it is also the first line of defense for immigrants facing deportation. Introduction Overview of the NTA The Notice to Appear (NTA) is a crucial document in U.S. immigration proceedings. It serves as the formal charging document issued […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. | Editorial Credit: Yuri A / shutterstock.com The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is an immigration pathway available to certain foreign nationals under the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) category of the U.S. immigration system. The NIW allows an individual to seek a waiver of the job offer requirement, including the labor certification […]