Love and Border

12/12/2025

One of the worst moments I’ve had as a business owner was the day I had to lay off an employee. I agonized over it. I replayed the decision over and over. Even knowing it was necessary for the business didn’t make the conversation any easier. It was one of the hardest, heaviest days of my professional life.

If you’ve ever had to make a decision like that—or if you’re facing one now—you know exactly what I mean. Layoffs are painful. They’re human. And when immigration is part of the picture, that weight gets even heavier.

I wrote more about this in this week’s newsletter, including what employers should know and why handling these situations with compassion matters more than ever.

If this speaks to you, you can read the full article here:

One of the worst moments I’ve experienced as a business owner was the day I had to lay off an employee.

12/05/2025

A lot has happened in the immigration world since Thanksgiving, and many people are understandably confused about what these changes mean. Here’s a clear overview of what we’re seeing across the country so far.

EAD Validity Periods Shortened
USCIS has announced that Employment Authorization Document (EAD) validity periods will be shortened again. This change applies to any EAD application filed on or after December 5, 2025, as well as any pending applications that have not yet been decided by that date. The earlier five-year validity period was always expected to be temporary, so this shift is not surprising. People should expect shorter approval periods going forward.

Pause on Asylum Decision-Making
The asylum system is experiencing a great deal of inconsistency right now. Affirmative asylum interviews are still being scheduled and conducted, but decisions are being held. In immigration court, some judges are cancelling asylum hearings while others are moving forward but not issuing decisions. The rollout has been uneven, and further guidance or litigation is likely in the near future.

Reports of Arrests at Interviews
Attorneys around the country are reporting new incidents involving arrests at affirmative asylum interviews, particularly in cases involving individuals who entered without a visa and who also have criminal records. We are also hearing more reports of applicants being detained at adjustment of status interviews, including people who originally entered with visas and have no criminal history. Interview procedures appear to be tightening in various locations.

Benefit Application Pauses for 19 Countries
USCIS has temporarily paused certain immigration benefit applications for individuals from 19 countries recently designated as “high-risk.” This includes pauses on adjudication for a number of benefit types. Class-action litigation challenging aspects of this policy is expected.

The 19 countries are:
Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

USCIS also announced that it will begin re-examining certain cases previously approved for individuals from these 19 countries if the benefit was granted on or after January 20, 2021. It is not clear how these reviews will be carried out. People should not expect to be notified that they are under review unless they are scheduled for a re-interview. If a re-interview is scheduled, it is important to take it seriously and prepare.

Additional Notes for Applicants Not From the 19 Countries
Even if you are not from one of the listed countries, this is not the time to assume earlier filings will be overlooked. We expect closer review of prior applications during removal of conditions and naturalization, especially for:
– Individuals who received marriage-based green cards without interviews,
– Cases with minimal documentation,
– Applications approved under earlier, more lenient guidance.

Officers have always had the authority to review previous filings, but we are seeing heightened scrutiny across the board.

There is a lot unfolding quickly, and it’s normal to feel uncertain when policies shift this fast. The most important thing is to stay informed and pay attention to any official notices or interview appointments you receive. As more clarity develops over the coming weeks, many of these questions should become easier to answer.

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10/10/2025

A $100,000 price tag for a single work visa — that’s the new reality facing U.S. employers under the latest H-1B changes.

The administration recently announced a new $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025 — on top of all existing filing costs. Legal challenges have already been filed, arguing the President lacks authority to impose such a fee, so this may not survive the courts.

But even if it’s blocked, the direction is clear: the H-1B program is tightening. New restrictions are expected for third-party worksites, and growing political pressure, layoffs in tech, and the rise of AI are making it harder for companies to justify using the program.

Still, there will always be cases where a highly specialized or mission-critical skill set simply isn’t available in the U.S. labor market — and in those situations, H-1B sponsorship can still make sense despite the cost and complexity.

The landscape is changing fast. Employers and professionals alike should watch this space closely.

10/08/2025

The government shutdown continues, and with each passing day, it’s hard not to feel the tension rising.

In past shutdowns, most of the immigration matters I handle — family green card petitions, immigrant visa filings for spouses, naturalization applications — have continued to move forward. These are largely fee-funded processes, so they’ve typically been insulated from federal funding interruptions.

But this time feels different. The political temperature is higher, and the system itself has changed. We’re now operating in an environment where far more of our work is digital — and that creates new points of vulnerability.

I’m working closely with my clients to get their filings submitted as soon as possible in case any part of the online system goes dark. So far, the USCIS online filing portal remains open and fully functional, and I’m hoping it stays that way.

Unfortunately, not every part of the system is holding steady. The Department of Labor’s employment-based filing portal (PERM) shut down immediately when the shutdown began — as expected — but that’s still frustrating. I have several employers ready to move forward on sponsorships, and there’s simply no paper-filing option for those cases. Everything is on hold until funding resumes.

At least with family-based immigration, paper-filing remains a viable backup plan if anything happens to the digital portal.

We’re watching closely and continuing to prepare. Shutdowns always remind me that immigration law operates at the crossroads of policy and people’s real lives — and even temporary disruptions can have ripple effects that last long after the headlines fade.

If you’ve been thinking about filing a family petition, green card application, or citizenship case, now is a good time to move forward while systems are still open.

Stay tuned — I’ll share updates as they unfold.

Call now to connect with business.

10/06/2025

Thinking about applying for U.S. citizenship? Here’s a quick reminder!

New naturalization application updates are rolling out this month, but the good news is that USCIS is still processing cases as normal — even during the government shutdown.

✅ The online portal is fully operational.
✅ Naturalization applications are still being filed, receipted, and scheduled.
✅ Interviews and ceremonies are continuing.

If you’ve been waiting for “the right time” to apply, this might be it. The process is moving forward, and staying proactive now can help you avoid future backlogs.

If you know someone who’s ready to take the next step toward citizenship, share this post — they’ll thank you for the encouragement. 💙🤍❤️

Call now to connect with business.

09/16/2025

09/05/2025

Millions of U.S. visas are under review — but should you be worried?

When the BBC reported that the U.S. government will be reviewing millions of visas, my phone started buzzing. Clients and friends alike were asking: Does this mean I’m at risk of losing my visa?

Here’s the truth: if you are on a valid visa, following the rules, and going about your business, you likely have nothing to worry about. Reviews of this size take time, and USCIS isn’t looking to deport people who are studying, working with authorization, or visiting family.

The people who do need to pay attention are those who overstayed without filing an extension, worked without authorization, or have arrests on their record. Even small traffic issues, like driving with an expired license, can sometimes lead to deportation proceedings if they’re not handled carefully.

Bottom line: don’t panic, but don’t take risks either. And please, never walk into a USCIS interview without first consulting an immigration lawyer who can prepare you for the questions you’ll face.

I share updates like this every week in my email newsletter — plain talk about what’s happening in immigration law and what it means for you. If you’d like to stay informed, you can sign up here: https://www.loveandborder.com/updates

Call now to connect with business.

06/20/2025

Have you noticed how many Americans are quietly researching second passports and expat plans lately?

Whether it's about freedom of movement, long-term retirement goals, or just daydreaming of life under palm trees 🌴—more U.S. citizens are exploring residency and citizenship options abroad. As an immigration attorney, I’ve been getting more and more questions about how to do this—and what it actually takes.

In this week’s newsletter, I break it down:
- The difference between “golden passports” and digital nomad visas
- Why exploring your family tree might be the smartest (and cheapest) route
- The U.S. tax rules Americans abroad need to understand
- What I really think about buying citizenship

This is a growing conversation in the global mobility and legal planning world—and it’s not just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s for people looking to build flexibility and freedom into their future.

📰 Read the full piece:

https://www.loveandborder.com/blog/expat-dreams-amp-escape-plans-how-americans-are-gaining-second-passports

📬 Or sign up for my weekly immigration newsletter here:

https://www.loveandborder.com/updates

05/16/2025

REAL ID Is Now Being Enforced – What Immigrants Need to Know

As of May 7, 2025, the U.S. government is now fully enforcing the REAL ID Act. This means that most adults will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (marked with a star) to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities—unless they are using another approved form of ID, such as a passport or green card.

Here’s what our immigration clients need to know:

🔹 You do NOT need a REAL ID to fly if you have a valid, unexpired foreign passport or permanent resident card (green card).
🔹 If you are undocumented, you may still be able to fly using a valid foreign passport, but be aware: flying puts you in contact with TSA and other federal officers. If you’re not sure if it’s safe for you to travel, speak with an immigration attorney first.
🔹 REAL ID-compliant IDs are issued by each state’s DMV. If you are eligible, your DMV will require proof of your identity, lawful status, and address.

You can find more information and check if your ID is REAL ID-compliant at: https://www.tsa.gov/real-id

As always, we recommend that non-citizens carefully consider their travel plans and make sure their documents are in order. If you have questions or concerns about travel or your status, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.

Feel free to share this post with others who may be affected.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

04/11/2025

There’s been a recent wave of reports—both in the news and from attorney colleagues—about student visas being revoked. In many cases, this seems related to arrests or protest activity, but there are also concerns that some students are losing their visas without a clear explanation.

Whether or not this is a growing trend, it’s a good time for international students to make sure they understand the difference between visa revocation and losing student status (F-1):

🔹 Visa revocation affects your ability to re-enter the U.S. but doesn’t cancel your student status if you're already here and still enrolled.
🔹 F-1 status termination (SEVIS) means you could be required to leave the country—and fast action is needed to try to fix it.

✅ If you’re a student or on OPT, and in the U.S., be cautious about international travel. Once you leave, it’s much harder to fix problems or get back in if something goes wrong.
✅ If you get a notice about a revoked visa or SEVIS termination, talk to an immigration lawyer ASAP. There are legal options in some cases, but you need to act quickly—and it’s much easier if you’re still in the country and in status.

Please share this if you know students who might be affected. And if you want to get updates like this by email, here’s where to sign up:
👉 https://www.loveandborder.com/updates

News That Matters to You

04/04/2025

🌍✈️ Green card holders — thinking about international travel? Read this first.

I've been hearing from more and more lawful permanent residents worried about being detained when re-entering the U.S. There's a lot of fear out there, but most of the time when I dig into these stories, the problem comes down to two things:

1️⃣ Issues with maintaining residency — If you've been outside the U.S. for long stretches or are working abroad, CBP may question whether you've abandoned your permanent residency. A re-entry permit can help if you're planning extended travel.

2️⃣ Criminal history — Even old arrests, dismissed charges, or convictions that seem minor can trigger delays or even deportation proceedings. Some offenses make a green card holder deportable. If you've ever been arrested, please talk to an immigration lawyer (not just a criminal lawyer) before making travel plans.

🚨 The law hasn’t changed, but enforcement is ramping up. This administration is putting resources toward removing LPRs who’ve abandoned status or have deportable convictions.

✅ If you’re eligible for U.S. citizenship, don’t wait. It’s your best protection.
⚠️ If you're not eligible due to a past conviction, ask about post-conviction relief—in some cases it can open the door to naturalization.

Please stay safe and informed—and if you know someone this might help, share it. 🙏
More info + updates here: https://www.loveandborder.com/updates

News That Matters to You

03/21/2025

🚨 Heads up, friends — a new U.S. travel ban may be announced as soon as today

While nothing is official yet, multiple news sources are reporting that a new travel ban is expected soon that could restrict or block travel from more than a dozen countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Venezuela, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Cuba, North Korea, Somalia, and Bhutan, among others.

The ban may be rolled out with no advance notice, so if you or someone you care about is from one of these countries, it’s a good time to rethink any international travel plans and check in with a trusted immigration attorney before making any moves.

Here’s what else we know:
✈️ Travel for some lawful permanent residents and visa holders could be disrupted.
📄 People applying for green cards from inside the U.S. may not be blocked, but extra scrutiny is expected.
🧾 Family members sponsoring loved ones abroad should keep going but may need to apply for waivers—talk to your lawyer.
⚖️ Legal challenges to the ban are likely, but it could go into effect quickly.

I’ll be sharing more updates once the official policy is released.

If you know someone this could affect, please share this post—and if they want to stay in the loop, they can sign up for my email updates here 👉 https://www.loveandborder.com/updates

News That Matters to You