The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new policies that could significantly affect asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals from certain countries identified as “high-risk.” These changes include pauses in processing for various immigration benefits and the re-review of previously approved cases. Applicants may face delays, additional interviews, and heightened scrutiny...
Category: Asylum
USCIS Announces FY 2026 Inflation Fee Increases for Asylum, TPS, and Parole-Related Applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released its annual inflation-based adjustments for several immigration filing fees that fall under H.R. 1. These updated fees reflect inflation changes from July 2024 to July 2025 and will apply to qualifying applications postmarked on or after January 1, 2026.
While most...
USCIS Updates Interview Criteria for Refugees and Asylees Applying for Green Cards
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an important policy update regarding interview requirements for refugees, asylees, and their derivative family members who are filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Effective immediately, USCIS has reestablished a uniform baseline of screening and vetting...
New U.S. Immigration Fee Increases Take Effect: What You Need to Know
The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA) introduces a wide range of immigration fee increases affecting individuals, employers, and legal practitioners. Signed into law in July 2025, these changes mark the most significant cost adjustments in years and are now in effect. At NPZ Law Group, we want to ensure...
Being a Great Person with a Big Heart is Not a U.S. Immigration Category
Many people reach out to immigration attorneys with heartfelt stories about individuals they know who are wonderful, hardworking, and kind-hearted, hoping to sponsor them for U.S. immigration. While character and goodwill are commendable, U.S. immigration law does not have a visa category based solely on these qualities. Immigration to the United States...
USCIS Updates Policy Manual: New Customer Service Options for Form I-589 and I-881 Applicants
On January 7, 2025, USCIS issued updated guidance in its Policy Manual, streamlining customer service options for applicants filing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal) and Form I-881 (Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal under NACARA). This update also extends to individuals undergoing credible...
USCIS Updates Policy on Expedited Requests for Urgent Travel and Critical Needs
On October 11, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated guidance about expedited requests, particularly for those needing to travel due to urgent professional, academic, or personal commitments. This policy now addresses both planned and unplanned travel, providing individuals with clear guidelines on how to seek expedited adjudication of their...
Navigating USCIS Fee Rules: A Guide for Employment-Based Petitioners
In the complex world of U.S. immigration, ensuring compliance with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee requirements is paramount for employment-based petitioners. USCIS has recently updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section regarding the USCIS Fee Rule. This blog post aims to clarify the new and existing FAQs to help...
USCIS Updates Asylum Application Filing Process – Effective May 9, 2024
Effective May 9th, 2024, USCIS will reject asylum applications sent to service centers instead of the correct lockbox. This change is designed to streamline processing. Special filing instructions apply to certain cases. Use the "Where to File" section of the Form I-589 webpage or the USCIS Filing Instructions Tool for accurate information.
Guidance on the one-year filing date for asylum
Effective Oct. 16, 2023, if EOIR dismissed or terminated your removal proceedings and you choose to pursue a claim for asylum, you must submit a current version of Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, to the USCIS lockbox that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you...