POLICY & ANALYSIS

Topic analysis

Application guides, policy context and the details behind immigration decisions.

186 articlesNewest first

General policy2026-10-17

USCIS Expands Use of AI and Government Data Systems, Making Minor Record Discrepancies More Likely to Draw Scrutiny

The article describes how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and government information systems in administrative functions such as document processing and identity matching, and explains data sources including E-Verify and the Department of State as well as legal limits on IRS information. A law firm cited in the article says it has recently seen an increase in requests for evidence, notices of intent to deny, and notices of intent to revoke, with some cases involving only minor discrepancies among pay stubs, W-2s, LCAs, DS-160s, and later applications. The article also notes that the Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed that AI automatically compares every record or independently makes denial decisions, and it recommends checking materials for consistency before filing.

Perspective2 min read

Green cards & adjustment2026-08-23

Explaining USCIS's New Public Charge Discretion: Green Card Review Changes Taking Effect in September 2026

This article outlines the key points of USCIS's August 2026 revision to the Policy Manual guidance on public charge: the new rule takes effect on September 18, 2026, rescinds the 2022 regulatory framework, and replaces it with a broad, case-by-case, totality-of-the-circumstances assessment of applicants' income, health, education, employment, and use of means-tested benefits; it also reduces the weight of the I-864 affidavit of support and strengthens review of sponsors. The article further covers the new version of Form I-485, the public charge bond, and the impact of the U.S. Department of State's 2025 cable on consular visa processing.

Guide23 min read

Green cards & adjustment2026-08-23

USCIS Releases New I-485 Form: Only the New Version Accepted Starting September 18, 2026, With No Grace Period

USCIS has released a new edition of Form I-485 and its instructions, with an edition date of September 18, 2026. Starting on that date, USCIS will accept only the new edition; applications postmarked before that date must still use the current version, and there is no grace period for this form change. The main changes in the new edition are that the public charge-related questions have been consolidated and adjusted, and most of the explanatory guidance has been removed from the paper instructions, with applicants instead directed to the agency's website.

Guide3 min read

Family & children2026-07-28

Marriage-Based Green Cards Face Stricter Scrutiny: Longer Processing and More Documentation in 2026

The article explains that the legal framework for green cards for spouses of U.S. citizens is unchanged, but scrutiny has tightened, processing takes longer and more documents are required. It covers common interview questions, adjustment of status versus consular processing, and potential obstacles including incomplete paperwork, immigration and criminal records, and discretionary review.

Guide4 min read

Green cards & adjustment2026-05-26

Five Key Points on USCIS's New Adjustment of Status Policy: In-Country Adjustment Treated as Discretionary Relief

This article reviews USCIS's May 21, 2026 policy memorandum on adjustment of status, covering approval only in special circumstances, the expectation that many nonimmigrants pursue immigrant visas abroad, case-by-case factors, the absence of a definition of special circumstances, and agency resource considerations, plus FAQs and key points from the memorandum.

Guide14 min read

General policy2026-04-12

B1/B2 Visa Extension Applications: 2026 Process, Fees, and Key Considerations

This article outlines how to apply for an extension of a B1/B2 tourist, family visit, or short-term business visa, compares online and mail filing in terms of fees and multiple applicants, explains required materials, Form I-539 completion, mailing addresses, notices, and biometric appointments, and flags considerations such as check writing and joint family applications.

Guide8 min read

Work authorization & students2026-03-16

Changing Jobs on Day 1 CPT: Process, Materials, and Timing Considerations

This article explains that Day 1 CPT students changing jobs need their school to update CPT authorization and issue a new I-20, covers employer materials such as the offer letter and CPT Agreement, stresses starting the new job only after the new authorization takes effect, and explains how to brief HR staff unfamiliar with CPT.

Guide5 min read

Fees, forms & filing2025-08-30

USCIS to Shift to Electronic Fee Payments, Ending Paper Checks and Money Orders After October 28

USCIS announced on August 29 that it has introduced ACH debit payments from U.S. bank accounts and that, starting October 28, 2025, it will accept only ACH debit payments via Form G-1650 or credit card payments via Form G-1450, no longer accepting paper checks or money orders. The article covers how to complete the two forms, the policy basis, and the consequences if a payment is rejected.

Guide3 min read

Citizenship & naturalization2025-08-20

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance: Citizenship Obtained Unlawfully May Be Revoked Even Without Knowledge

This article discusses USCIS's August 20, 2025 policy guidance update, citing the 2019 Matter of Zhang decision, emphasizing that citizenship obtained through fraud or abuse of the immigration system may be revoked even if the individual claims ignorance. It reviews the case background and notes USCIS's resumption of strict vetting procedures to identify foreigners, including those falsely claiming U.S. citizenship.

Perspective2 min read

Work authorization & students2025-08-13

State Department to Narrow Interview Waiver Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals Starting September 2

The State Department has notified that starting September 2, 2025, it will update its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy. Renewals for F-1, H-1B and J-1 visas will generally require an interview, while eligible B-1, B-2 and B1/B2 renewals, certain visa categories, and diplomatic or official visa applicants may still qualify for a waiver. The new policy replaces the prior one issued February 18, 2025.

Guide2 min read

Green cards & adjustment2025-05-20

Guide to Completing Form I-539 for H-4 Status Extension or Change of Status

Based on Stanford University's international center guidance, this article explains how H-4 dependents can complete Form I-539 to extend or change status, covering form version, the end of bundled H-4/EAD processing on January 18, 2025, signatures and assistance disclosure, address and status details, application type, processing information, and filing notes. It is not legal advice.

Guide13 min read

General policy2025-02-16

Impact of Trump's Second Term on Legal Immigration: An Attorney on Employment-Based Immigration, H-1B, and Visa Vetting Trends

In this interview, attorney Yang of the New Name Law Firm assesses how Trump's second term may affect legal immigration: quota changes require congressional legislation and are unlikely in the short term, but vetting is expected to tighten, employment-based interviews may return, H-1B wage requirements and scrutiny may increase, F-1 denials have risen, and visa backlogs and processing times may lengthen. He advises filing early and preparing for possible RFEs.

Perspective10 min read