J. Sparks Law, PLLC

12/02/2025

Based on information recently obtained, it appears that USCIS is pausing all benefit applications for nationals of any of the following countries:

• Afghanistan
• Burma
• Burundi
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Cuba
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Laos
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela
• Yemen

This could cause very significant delay in cases. The pause applies to approvals and denials of all form types, as well as naturalization oath ceremonies for individuals from these countries.

Sparks Law is monitoring this situation daily and hopes that this unjust and harmful new policy will be reversed by a federal court in the near future.

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Según la información obtenida recientemente, parece que el USCIS está suspendiendo todas las solicitudes de beneficios para los nacionales de cualquiera de los siguientes países:

• Afganistán
• Birmania
• Burundi
• Chad
• República del Congo
• Cuba
• Guinea Ecuatorial
• Eritrea
• Haití
• Irán
• Laos
• Libia
• Somalia
• Sudán
• Sierra Leona
• Togo
• Turkmenistán
• Venezuela
• Yemen

Esto podría causar retrasos muy significativos en los casos. La suspensión se aplica a las aprobaciones y denegaciones de todo tipo de formularios, así como a las ceremonias de juramento de naturalización para personas de los países afectados.

Sparks Law está monitoreando esta situación a diario y espera que esta nueva política injusta y perjudicial sea revocada por un tribunal federal en un futuro próximo.

08/11/2025

Immigration detention occurs when an individual is held by immigration authorities while their case is being reviewed. In some cases, detained individuals may be eligible to request a bond, which is a payment that allows them to be released while their case continues. Bond amounts vary and depend on factors like the individual’s background and flight risk. However, not everyone qualifies for bond.

It’s important to understand the bond process and your rights during detention. Legal assistance can help navigate this complex system and work toward release options if available.

07/25/2025

Excited to participate in this important event! This weekend!

07/21/2025

A federal judge in Boston has temporarily stopped President Trump’s order seeking to limit birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented parents.

This means the order cannot be enforced for now, protecting thousands of families from losing rights and documents while the legal fight continues.

The Trump administration is appealing, and the case may reach the Supreme Court. Constitutional experts say the 14th Amendment strongly protects this right, but the outcome is not final yet.

We will keep sharing updates to keep our community informed.

07/14/2025

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill became law, bringing new changes to the U.S. immigration system. Many applications that used to be free, like asylum, now have fees. Work permit costs are going up, some fees will be charged every year while cases are pending, and sending money abroad may now include a small tax.

These changes can affect asylum seekers, people applying for TPS or parole, mixed-status families adjusting status, and anyone who regularly sends money to family outside the U.S.

There are still details that aren’t fully clear, so it’s important to:
✅ Check the USCIS website for up-to-date fees.
✅ Keep copies of all applications and receipts.
✅ Ask questions if you’re not sure how the new rules apply to you.

Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises. Stay informed and look out for updates.

07/09/2025

📌 TPS Update for Nicaragua and Honduras
The U.S has announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua and Honduras will end in 2025. According to USCIS, over 50,000 Hondurans and 4,000 Nicaraguans currently have TPS.

It’s important to know that TPS does not lead to permanent residency automatically, but some people may qualify for family petitions, asylum, or other forms of relief.

If you have TPS, check your work permit’s expiration date and stay updated on official deadlines. For official information, visit www.uscis.gov/tps.

There’s still time to plan ahead. Talk to someone you trust, ask questions, and learn about your best options. You are not alone, our community is strong and informed.

04/30/2025

In a recent announcement by the Trump Administration, entitled, in part, "Restoring Trust in the Immigration System," USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser states the following: “Aliens, immigration attorneys and non-government organizations take note: the days of exploiting our immigration system are over. Aliens who want to live and work in America need to do it legally or get out.”

Sparks Law will continue to fight for our clients to receive any and all benefits for which they are eligible under the laws of the United States. Congress has directed USCIS to provide benefits to immigrants when they legally qualify for said benefits. Submission of benefits applications for undocumented persons living in the U.S. does not, in any way, constitute "exploitation" of our "immigration system." The "system" consists of a set of laws and regulations which the executive branch of the U.S., which includes USCIS, are required to effectuate and implement in good faith and in a reasonably timely manner. But USCIS is now engaging in a pattern and practice of obstructing the process for such applications through a variety of policies which are creating significant delays in adjudication, and even halting entire categories of pending applications, and DHS is presently issuing public statements designed to instill fear in all immigrants, as well as their representatives. This is oppressive behavior and blatantly unconstitutional because it not just ignores the will of Congress, it flagrantly disregards it. Sparks Law will continue to zealously represent its clients in seeking every benefit for which they are eligible under the law, whether they are presently lawfully in the U.S. or not. We believe that it is the rule of law, and our country's faith in the rule of law over time, that has led to much peace and harmony in this country for a very long time...until now. Now, the executive branch routinely flouts the rule of law. This is dangerous for all present in the U.S. It is the same behavior by some foreign governments which has often forced foreign citizens to flee their own country and seek safety in the U.S.

So take note: Sparks Law will continue to represent their clients within the bounds of the law, notwithstanding whether the Trump administration considers this to be exploitation.

01/31/2024

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) immigration petitions take two years and two months to process on average. Sometimes, it takes up to two years and six months to process. If you file a green card application at the same time as the VAWA petition, the processing time can take an additional 12 months. All in all, some VAWA petitioners will wait 36 months until their cases are fully processed. Updated VAWA processing times are available on the USCIS website.

Learn more about this topic here: https://bit.ly/3OovLBO

01/31/2024

You might be surprised to know there is a way for undocumented immigrants currently in the United States to gain legal status without leaving here. Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that if a person has a labor certification application or immigrant visa petition filed on their behalf by a certain deadline, he or she does not need to leave the U.S. to apply to get their papers. Not every undocumented immigrant with a petition already on file will meet the criteria, though.

Read full article: https://bit.ly/49jp10h

01/31/2024

The term I-130 refers to a family-based immigration visa petition. The government does not limit the number of immediate relatives, like spouses, that can enter the United States. However, that does not mean that your husband or wife’s visa application will be processed overnight.

Learn more about this topic here: https://bit.ly/47QZf2c

01/31/2024

If you are an immigrant permanently living with proper documentation in the United States, you have the right to bring over your immediate family members. In this article, our Austin immigration lawyers explore the nuts and bolts of family-based immigration, family-based petitions, and, specifically, who qualifies to sponsor family members living abroad.

Read full article: https://bit.ly/3HZsMwl

12/07/2023

Proving an Understanding and Knowledge of U.S. History for Citizenship

To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must first apply. Your application is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must be accompanied by evidence to show that you are eligible for citizenship. As part of the naturalization process, you must also take and pass a naturalization exam. A common question we hear from clients at J. Sparks Law is: What is this exam about, and what does a person need to know to succeed?

The naturalization exam, which is also known as the “citizenship test,” is designed to make sure the person applying for citizenship has a basic understanding of U.S. history. The exam also tests the applicant’s basic ability to speak and write in English.

If you are in the Austin area and are applying for citizenship, contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you.