Articles

NTAs and the Legal Immigrant Paradox: Protected on Paper, Vulnerable in Practice

NTAs and the Legal Immigrant Paradox: Protected on Paper, Vulnerable in Practice

Introduction Legal immigration in the United States is often portrayed as a secure pathway to stability, employment, and eventual citizenship. Yet, in recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: immigrants who have complied with all legal requirements—including valid visas, green cards, and pending benefit applications—are being swept into deportation proceedings. The mechanism behind this? A […]

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International Travel Considerations During the F-1 to H-1B Transition

International Travel Considerations During the F-1 to H-1B Transition

As the new fiscal year approaches, many individuals in F-1 status—particularly those working under Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT—are preparing for the transition to H-1B status. This period often coincides with international travel plans to visit family or attend personal matters abroad. However, international travel during this time requires careful planning, as it

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Navigating Immigration Alternatives After H-1B Cap Closure and Employment Termination

Navigating Immigration Alternatives After H-1B Cap Closure and Employment Termination

As of July 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially reached the congressionally mandated cap for H-1B visas for Fiscal Year 2026. This includes 65,000 regular H-1B visas and an additional 20,000 visas under the U.S. advanced degree exemption, commonly known as the “master’s cap.” While new cap-subject H-1B petitions are no longer

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Understanding the 60-Day Grace Period: Are H-1B Visa Holders at Risk of Deportation

Understanding the 60-Day Grace Period: Are H-1B Visa Holders at Risk of Deportation

Introduction Recent updates from the legal community and emerging client cases have sparked widespread concern among H-1B visa holders across the United States. Multiple reports suggest that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun initiating removal proceedings—even for individuals who remain within their legally allowable 60-day grace period following job termination. These developments have

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Labor Shortages Intensify as Employment-Based Immigration Declines

Labor Shortages Intensify as Employment-Based Immigration Declines

The United States is experiencing a growing labor shortage, driven in part by gaps in employment-based immigration. According to recent findings from the U.S. Department of Labor, there is a clear connection between the decreasing number of foreign-born workers and the difficulty employers face in filling open positions. This trend is posing increasing risks to

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USCIS to Implement New Immigration Benefit Fees Soon

USCIS to Implement New Immigration Benefit Fees Soon

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will soon begin collecting new fees for certain immigration benefit requests. While the specific forms and fee amounts have not yet been disclosed, USCIS has indicated that details regarding implementation will be released in the coming days. This change is part of a broader

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Birthright Citizenship

Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship Faces Legal Roadblocks

On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14160, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.” Issued on his first day back in office, the order seeks to end birthright citizenship for certain children born in the United States—a major shift in constitutional interpretation that has triggered widespread litigation and

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H-1B Lottery

The Possibility of a Second H-1B Lottery in Fiscal Year 2026

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has yet to officially confirm whether a second H-1B lottery will be conducted for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The determination to hold an additional lottery typically hinges on the volume of completed and approvable petitions received by the initial filing deadline. If the number of timely submissions falls

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Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Form I-485 is used by individuals in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status, also known as a green card. It allows eligible applicants to adjust their immigration status without leaving the country. Who Can File Form I-485 Applicants may file Form I-485 if they: Common Categories Eligible for Adjustment Required Forms

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Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: An Overview of Purpose, Eligibility, and Process

Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is a critical component of the United States employment-based immigration process. This form is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to petition for a foreign national to obtain lawful permanent residency (a green card) through employment sponsorship. Depending on the preference category, the petition may be

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