U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased its focus on employer compliance, and one of the most visible tools is the unannounced site visit. These inspections are conducted by officers from the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) directorate and are designed to confirm that the details in immigration petitions match what...
Visa Exception for Athletes and Teams: Sports Events Under the New Entry Restrictions
On June 4, 2025, the President issued a proclamation suspending or limiting entry to the United States for nationals of 19 countries. However, the proclamation includes a specific carve-out for certain athletes and team members traveling to participate in major international sporting events.
A cable from the U.S. Department...
Canada Immigration Spotlight: Trans American Pathways and Updates
Canada continues to be one of the top destinations for individuals and businesses across the Americas seeking opportunities for work, study, and permanent settlement. Trans-American immigration — the flow of people, talent, and businesses between the U.S. and Canada — has gained significant attention in recent years due to policy changes, economic...
Canada Spousal Sponsorship Application Mistakes and How to Fix Them with IRCC
Filing a spousal sponsorship application to reunite with your spouse or common-law partner in Canada is one of the most meaningful immigration steps a person can take. However, mistakes in the application are more common than many realize. These errors can range from minor clerical issues to serious problems that could harm the...
U.S. to Resume “Neighborhood Checks” for Citizenship Applications
According to CBS News, the Trump administration is reinstating a long-discontinued practice of conducting “neighborhood checks” as part of the naturalization process for U.S. citizenship. These checks, which were largely abandoned in 1991, allow U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers to interview neighbors, coworkers, and employers of applicants to determine whether...
DOJ Loosens Requirements for Temporary Immigration Judges Amid Backlog
In a major policy shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that temporary immigration judges will no longer be required to have prior experience in immigration law. According to ABC News, this change follows the firing, resignation, or transfer of more than 100 immigration judges, raising concerns about the future...
USCIS Expands Role with New Law Enforcement Authority
On September 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will formally expand its law enforcement functions. Under a final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS will begin recruiting and training special agents classified as 1811 officers. These officers will now be empowered to investigate, arrest,...
Citizenship Applications Face Stricter Review Under New USCIS Guidance
On August 15, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a policy memorandum that changes how officers evaluate applications for naturalization. While the law has long required applicants to demonstrate good moral character, the new memo instructs officers to apply a broader and more discretionary review when deciding who qualifies for U.S....
ABA Issues Alert Regarding Fraudulent Immigration Law Practices
For Immediate Release
Ridgewood, N.J. — August 27, 2025 — The American Bar Association (ABA) has issued an alert to the public regarding a sharp increase in the number of individuals fraudulently posing as immigration attorneys. In many cases, these individuals falsely claim affiliation with reputable legal services organizations, including...
U.S. Visa Holders Face New “Continuous Vetting” Policy and Enforcement Expansion
On August 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) confirmed that it is implementing a sweeping “continuous vetting” process affecting an estimated 55 million current U.S. visa holders. The initiative allows authorities to regularly review visa holders’ records for potential grounds of revocation and possible deportation.
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