USCIS collaborates in federal case involving fraudulent marriages and alleged bribery of a public official
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) collaborated in a federal investigation that resulted in the formal indictment of 11 individuals for their alleged participation in a marriage fraud scheme and conspiracy to commit bribery. According to the indictment, those involved allegedly recruited U.S. citizens — with a preference for members of the armed forces — […]
U.S. strengthens public charge evaluation for visa applicants under the Immigration Act
The U.S. Department of State reiterated and strengthened its evaluation criteria related to the concept of “public charge,” emphasizing that foreign nationals applying for visas must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and not rely on the U.S. government for their support. Under current immigration regulations, a person is considered a public charge when they become primarily dependent […]
U.S. pauses issuance of immigrant visas for more than 70 nationalities under public charge review
The U.S. Department of State announced a temporary suspension in the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of more than 70 countries as part of a comprehensive review of its evaluation and verification policies related to the potential use of public benefits within U.S. territory. The measure, effective as of January 21, 2026, responds to […]
Department of Homeland Security proposes changes that would limit employment authorization for asylum applicants
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a regulatory proposal aimed at modifying the eligibility criteria for employment authorization in pending asylum cases, as part of a strategy intended to reduce applications considered frivolous or fraudulent. According to the official statement, the measure seeks to decrease the incentive to file meritless asylum applications whose primary […]
The 75-country policy
The 75-country policy is an indefinite pause on issuing immigrant visas at consulates abroad to nationals of those countries; it does not by itself bar entry on nonimmigrant visas, revoke existing immigrant visas or green cards, or force people inside the U.S. to leave. Core scope of the 75-country pause • Effective January 21, 2026, […]
White House issues executive order to strengthen border control and immigration policy
The White House issued the executive order Securing Our Borders, which strengthens border control, eliminates practices such as “catch and release,” adjusts parole policies, and resumes the Migrant Protection Protocols. The measure instructs federal agencies such as DHS and DOJ to apply existing immigration law more rigorously, prioritizing security, detention, and removal in accordance with […]
DHS and DOJ announce rule limiting asylum based on security threats and public health risks
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule that allows asylum to be denied to foreign nationals who pose threats to national security or significant risks to public health, consistent with existing legal frameworks and published in the Federal Register. The measure took effect on December 31, […]
Federal court reviews ICE deployment in Minnesota for possible constitutional limits
A federal court in Minnesota is evaluating whether the intensive deployment of ICE agents and other federal forces for immigration operations exceeds constitutional limits and affects state autonomy. The case could set precedents regarding the application of federal immigration law at the local level. A federal court in the state of Minnesota is analyzing a […]
Federal court blocks termination of the Family Reunification Parole (FRP)
Current state of the law (January 2026) The Family Reunification Humanitarian Parole Program (FRP) is currently subject to federal litigation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued notices announcing the termination of the program for beneficiaries from several countries, indicating that the parole and associated employment authorization would expire on the earlier of their […]
The U.S. expands the Travel Ban and restricts entry starting January 2026
New proclamation expands the Travel Ban and fully or partially suspends entry to the U.S. of citizens from 39 countries starting in 2026. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation expanding the “Travel Ban,” which takes effect on January 1, 2026, and restricts entry into the United States of citizens from 39 countries, as well as […]
