The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant new rule affecting asylum applicants in the United States. Under this update, individuals with pending asylum applications must now pay an annual fee to maintain their case.
Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to serious consequences.
Recent updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have brought important developments for individuals and employers facing delays in immigration case processing.
Over the past year, many applications were placed on hold as part of enhanced screening and review measures. These delays affected a wide range of immigration...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
