A recent federal court decision has generated significant interest among immigrants, employers, and immigration practitioners across the United States. In a ruling issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, the court vacated several U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies that had been used to pause, delay,...
Category: Asylum
New USCIS Rule: Asylum Applications May Be Rejected for Non-Payment of Annual Fee
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.
USCIS Delays and Case Holds: What Applicants and Employers Should Expect Now
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...
New USCIS Policy Changes Affecting Asylum Applicants, Refugees, and Individuals from “High-Risk”
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...
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...