Lawrence J. Needle, PA - Immigration Firm

01/09/2026

⚠️ H-1B & H-4 Visa Applicants: Important Update ⚠️

U.S. consular posts are rescheduling many H-1B and H-4 visa interviews following the rollout of a new online presence review requirement. Some appointments scheduled for late 2025 are being pushed to March–June 2026.

🔹 Applicants are being told not to appear on their original interview date
🔹 Biometrics appointments remain valid
🔹 Rescheduling options are limited

This AILA practice alert offers guidance on these changes, why they’re occurring, and what applicants should know. We encourage those affected to stay informed and reach out for support as they navigate these updates.

👉 Please read and share to help keep our community informed.

01/09/2026

🚨 Important Immigration Update 🚨

New USCIS policy changes are impacting asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals from certain “high-risk” countries — including paused applications, re-reviews, and possible delays across many immigration benefits.

📄 This flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) breaks down:

-Who is affected

-What applications are paused

-What this means for pending and approved cases

If you or someone you know may be impacted, it’s important to stay informed and speak with a qualified immigration attorney.

👉 Please read and share this flyer to help spread awareness.

07/31/2025

U.S. Reps. Marc Veasey, Jasmine Crockett and Julie Johnson said in a letter to top immigration officials they have received reports alleging overcrowding, lack of water and poor ventilation at the Dallas ICE field office, allegations ICE denies.

06/27/2025

I am speaking at an immigration seminar in Atlanta on USA and India business interests on July 10th. See attached:
If anyone is interested in attending, please let us know!

06/17/2025

The Trump Administration's June 2025 Travel Ban :
On June 4, 2025, the Trump Administration issued a new travel ban targeting immigration and certain types of nonimmigrant travel from 19 countries. It takes effect on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.

🌍 Countries Affected
Fully Banned (immigrants and nonimmigrants):

Afghanistan
Burma
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen

Partially Banned (immigrants and select nonimmigrant visa types — B, F, M, J):

Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela

✅ Who Is Exempt?
The ban does not apply to:

People with valid U.S. visas as of June 9, 2025
Green card holders
Dual nationals (if traveling on a passport from a non-banned country)
Afghan SIV holders and applicants
Some persecuted minorities from Iran
Immediate family immigrants with strong identity proof
Certain athletes and support personnel
Adopted children with qualifying visas
U.S. government employees with SIVs
Holders of diplomatic and official visas (A, G, NATO, etc.)
Refugees and asylees (though refugee access is limited by a separate order)
People in the U.S. applying for asylum or protection

⚖️ Case-by-Case Exceptions
Only two possible high-level exceptions:

Attorney General – for DOJ-related U.S. interests
Secretary of State – for national interest
Unlike the 2017 Muslim Ban, there’s no waiver process for undue hardship.

📌 Other Key Points
The ban does not revoke existing visas.
It does not affect people already inside the U.S..
Family separation risk exists for those in the U.S. with relatives in banned countries.
Asylum applications from within the U.S. or at ports of entry are still allowed.
Visa petitions (e.g., I-130) can still be filed, but final entry may be denied.
Adjustment of status (for eligible people already in the U.S.) is unaffected.

⏳ Duration & Future Updates
Duration is unclear.
A review is required in 90 days, then every 180 days.
Countries may be added or removed based on compliance with U.S. vetting standards.

Egypt is not banned yet, but is under review.

04/21/2025

🚨 New USCIS Fingerprint Rule – Effective Now

DHS now requires certain noncitizens in the U.S. to register and provide fingerprints if they’ve been here 30+ days and haven’t done so already.

👤 Applies to noncitizens age 14+
📝 Register via MyUSCIS + submit Form G-325R
📅 Must attend a biometrics appointment
🪪 Must carry proof of registration if age 18+
👉 Start here: uscis.gov/alienregistration
How to Create a USCIS online account (step by step with video) : https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account
The Fingerprint Registration Rule: https://www.aila.org/library/practice-alert-dhs-to-publish-the-alien-registration-form-and-evidence-of-registration-interim-final-rule

03/08/2024

⭐️🌍International Women's Day🌍⭐️

As an immigration law firm, we stand committed to championing the rights and opportunities of immigrant women and their families, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive here in America. Today, we honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women worldwide and pay tribute to the influential immigrant women who have left an indelible mark on history, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to come.

02/27/2024

🚨REMINDER 🚨

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Premium Processing Fees have increased, effective February 26, 2024. Contact your attorney to see if filing premium is worth the increase!

02/20/2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is increasing their fees, beginning April 1. Are you prepared for the increase?? 👇👇

02/15/2024

🚨ATTENTION IMMIGRANT FAMILIES!🚨

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fees are increasing, effective April 1!
Read more here: https://lneedle.com/uscis-fee-increases-family-based/

💡Key Points💡

✍ Separate filing fees will be required for Forms I-485, I-131, and I-765 regardless of if they were filed together. See our blog for more details.

✍ Naturalization applicants with household incomes between 150% and 400% will now qualify for a reduced filing fee.

✍ The biometrics fee will be included in both standards and reduced fees. See our blog post for more details.

✍ USCIS will provide fee exemptions for adoptees seeking Certificates of Citizenship and naturalization.

Come April 1, there will be a number of USCIS fee increases. For those in the process of immigration, understanding these changes is paramount.

02/15/2024

🚨ATTENTION EMPLOYERS!🚨

Heads up! U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees are increasing starting April 1st.
For more details: https://lneedle.com/uscis-fee-increases-for-employers/

💡Key Points💡

✍ New Asylum Program Fee ($600) will apply for some employers. Waived for non-profits; small businesses pay 50%.

✍ Form I-129 filing fees will vary by classification, with overall increases. More details in our blog post.

✍ Premium Processing timeline will shift from 2 weeks to 3 weeks, effective Feb 26, 2024, with increased costs. Check out our blog post for more info.

As these USCIS fee increases for employers take effect, stay informed and understand your options to successfully navigate this journey.

01/16/2024

In light of inflation, Department of Homeland Security has increased the USCIS filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. The hope is the increased fees will improve adjudication time and reduce backlogs. This change will take place on February 26, 2024.