From the Firm
News – Page 5
Immigration news and analysis from Carlos Maury Law.
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DHS Drops 1-Year Wait for R-1 Workers
A new rule drops the one-year foreign-residency requirement for R-1 religious workers at the 5-year maximum stay. What changed and who it helps.
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H-1B Lottery Replaced by Wage-Based Pick
A DHS rule replaces the random H-1B lottery with wage-weighted selection starting the FY 2027 cap season. What it means for petitioners.
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USCIS Cuts Work Permit Validity to 18 Months
USCIS cut maximum EAD validity from 5 years back to 18 months for several categories, effective Dec. 5, 2025. What it means for renewals.
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USCIS Adds Vetting for 19 Countries
USCIS now weighs country-specific factors for applicants from 19 designated countries, effective Nov. 27, 2025. What it means and how to prepare.
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DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions
DHS ended automatic EAD extensions for renewals filed on or after Oct. 30, 2025. What changed, the TPS exception, and why filing early matters.
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USCIS Requires E-Payment on Paper Filings
As of Oct. 28, 2025, USCIS only accepts electronic payment for paper-filed forms. How to pay and the limited exemptions.
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H-2A Filing Gets Faster Under New Rule
A new rule lets USCIS start processing some H-2A petitions before labor certification is final, using Form I-129H2A. What changed for employers.
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USCIS Rolls Out the 2025 Civics Test
USCIS announced the 2025 naturalization civics test and related citizenship-process changes. What changed and how to prepare for your N-400 interview.
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USCIS Adds Social-Media Vetting Factor
USCIS will weigh anti-American, terrorist-affiliated, or antisemitic activity as a negative factor and expanded social-media vetting. What it means.
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USCIS Tightens Asylee Green Card Vetting
USCIS updated its Policy Manual to reestablish uniform screening for asylee/refugee Form I-485 interviews. What it means and how to prepare.
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A Denied Application Can Trigger Removal
Since Feb. 28, 2025, USCIS generally issues a Notice to Appear after denying a benefit request when the applicant is removable. Who's at risk.
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Visa Overstays: Check Your I-94 Now
Federal agencies stepped up review of visa overstays. How to find your authorized stay on Form I-94 and what to do if you've overstayed.
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Form I-485: Adjusting Status in the U.S.
Form I-485 lets eligible people get a green card without leaving the U.S. Who qualifies, the medical exam, and what to expect.
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Form I-9: A Guide for Workers, Employers
Form I-9 verifies identity and work authorization for every U.S. hire. Who completes each section, accepted documents, and the rules employers must follow.
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Form I-90: How to Replace Your Green Card
Form I-90 renews or replaces a green card that's expiring, lost, stolen, or damaged. When to use it and one fact that puts many minds at ease.
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How to Apply for Citizenship: Form N-400
A plain-language guide to Form N-400: who can apply, the eligibility categories, and how the process works from filing to the oath.
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Form DS-10: Proving U.S. Birth, No Record
Form DS-10 lets a passport applicant prove U.S. birth with no birth certificate. Who can sign it, what to submit, and how it works.
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No Court Review of Spouse Visa Denial
In Dept. of State v. Munoz, the Supreme Court held courts generally can't review a consular visa denial. What it means for couples.
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Courts Can Review Hardship Denials Now
In Wilkinson v. Garland, the Supreme Court held federal courts CAN review hardship denials in cancellation-of-removal cases. What it means for you.
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USCIS Moves I-907 Filing to Lockbox
USCIS changed where to file Form I-907 for premium processing on an already-pending Form I-140. Key dates and what stays the same.
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No Bond Hearing After 6 Months Detained
In Johnson v. Arteaga-Martinez, the Supreme Court held detained noncitizens aren't guaranteed a bond hearing after six months. What it means for you.
How we can help
Carlos Maury, a former U.S. Immigration Judge, handles immigration cases in these practice areas: