Articles Archives - Immigration Fleet

USCIS Litigation Over Termination of Special Immigrant Juvenile Protections: Legal Implications and Enforcement Resource Recommendations

Introduction The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently involved in a notable legal dispute concerning its recent policy change that terminated protections under the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status. Established under federal immigration law, SIJ status provides crucial protection and a pathway to lawful permanent residency for undocumented children who have experienced abuse, […]

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Visa-Specific Guides: A Detailed Legal Overview and Immigration Management Recommendations

Articles / Immigration Fleet

Introduction Visas are official endorsements issued by a sovereign state, permitting foreign nationals to enter, stay temporarily, or transit through its territory under prescribed conditions. The visa system forms a critical component of a country’s immigration framework, regulating cross-border movement while balancing national security, economic needs, and humanitarian considerations. This article provides an in-depth examination

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Legal Briefing: Shifting U.S. Policy on F‑1 and J‑1 Visas and Strategic Guidance for Academic Institutions (July 2025)

Articles / Immigration Fleet

Executive Summary In 2025, the U.S. federal government implemented a series of reforms significantly affecting the processing and oversight of student (F‑1) and exchange visitor (J‑1) visas. These changes include tightened security screening, lengthier adjudications, and expanded compliance enforcement targeting educational institutions. The shifting landscape demands proactive institutional responses. This briefing outlines the core policy

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U.S. Immigration Enforcement Priorities: Balancing National Security and Human Rights

Articles / Immigration Fleet

Introduction The enforcement of immigration laws in the United States entails a complex balancing act between protecting national security and safeguarding the human rights of individuals subject to enforcement actions. The agencies responsible for this enforcement—primarily U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—operate within a legal framework designed to

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U.S. Department of State to Curtail Non-immigrant Visa Interview Waivers Effective September 2, 2025

Articles / Immigration Fleet

The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant revision to its non-immigrant visa processing protocols, substantially narrowing eligibility for interview waivers. Effective September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants will be required to attend in-person consular interviews, effectively reversing the pandemic-era discretionary authority that had permitted broader use of interview waivers. This policy change

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Ensuring H‑1B Compliance Amid Remote Work: Key Considerations for LCA Postings and Worksite Amendments

Articles / Immigration Fleet

As remote work becomes increasingly common, employers sponsoring H‑1B employees must carefully evaluate immigration compliance issues related to Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and worksite changes. The evolving landscape raises important questions about when new LCAs must be filed, when postings are required, and if amended H‑1B petitions are necessary. This article offers a comprehensive overview

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Prioritizing Wages Over Chance: DHS Proposes New H‑1B Selection Framework

Articles / Immigration Fleet

Overview In mid-2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advanced a new proposal to transform the H‑1B visa selection system. The proposed rule aims to replace the current random lottery with a wage-based selection process that prioritizes petitions offering higher salaries. The goal is to attract highly skilled professionals and align visa allocation with

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The Role of Premium Processing in H-1B Applications: Benefits and Limitations

Articles / Immigration Fleet

Introduction The H-1B visa program serves as a pivotal mechanism for permitting foreign professionals to engage in specialty occupations within the United States. Given the considerable demand and annual statutory cap on H-1B visas, petition adjudication can be protracted. To address this, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers Premium Processing Service, a voluntary expedited

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Legal Pathways Following H-1B Petition Denial: Change of Status and Motions Explained

Articles / Immigration Fleet

The H‑1B visa is a critical work authorization pathway for many skilled foreign workers in the United States. However, an H‑1B petition denial can cause significant disruption, leaving beneficiaries and employers to navigate complex options to maintain lawful status and employment eligibility. Understanding post-denial remedies—including change of status applications, motions to reopen or reconsider, and

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H‑1B to Green Card: Current Backlogs and Waiting Times by Country of Origin

Articles / Immigration Fleet

Introduction For foreign nationals on H‑1B visas pursuing U.S. permanent residency, the transition to a green card has become increasingly complex and prolonged. The process—once viewed as a linear progression—is now defined by lengthy wait times, per-country quotas, and limited visa availability. These constraints have created severe bottlenecks, especially for highly skilled applicants from India

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