SHAFTEL LAW

09/18/2025

The Trump Administration has released a new N-400 naturalization (citizenship) test for permanent residents applying to become citizens. The new test will go into effect on October 20th, 2025, meaning that all N-400 applicants who apply on October 20th or later will be required to take the new test. The new test requires 12/20 correct answers versus the current 6/10 requirement. The questions will now come from 128 published questions, rather than the current 100. I break down this new test and where to find the study materials in my video below.

The New Trump N-400 citizenship test and where to find the new study materials. The new N-400 test goes into effect on October 20, 2025.

09/09/2025

The Department of State has virtually ended the policy of Third Country National nonimmigrant visa processing, the practice of traveling to a country other than your own for U.S. visa issuance. I break down this new policy in my video blog post below.

Department of States virtually ends practice of third country national nonimmigrant visa processing (going to another consulate for your visa).

06/12/2025

And here is the second video that covers exceptions to the Travel Ban and waivers.

In this follow up video on the travel ban, I go into the exceptions and waivers to the travel ban.  

06/12/2025

I have posted two videos on my website explaining the basics of Trump's Travel Ban, and the Exceptions and Waivers to the Travel Ban. Here is the link to the first video:

In this video, I go over the basics of Trump’s new travel ban.

12/27/2024

CNN reports that both Musk and Ramaswamy are in favor of increasing H-1b visas. Trump himself has stated that he supports granting foreign students who graduate in the U.S. long term status to remain in the U.S. Both these policies are supported by logic and common sense. I discuss why in my post below.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have both recently posted on social media in favor of increasing H-1b visas. This CNN article reports the details. This position is not entirely surprising given the fact that both are tech entrepreneurs. This would be great and a sharp departure from Trump’s position...

11/17/2024

This video covers the two different types of deportations: Immigration Court Deportations and Expedited Removals, and to what extend is Trump likely to increase either or both.

I cover the two different types of deportations: (1) Immigration Court Deportations and (2) Fast Track Deportations (technically called "expedited removals")...

11/06/2024

Here is the broader video on what to expect in the coming second Trump presidency. I will try to produce better videos to break down many changes to come.

In this video, I start discussing what to expect in a second Trump presidency. What changed may happen to temporary statuses like DACA, TPC and asylum applic...

11/06/2024

Well, like many, I am still in shock about Trump's return to power. In my field, this means much more challenging conditions and difficulties for my clients. In these first few videos, I discuss some things to expect and whether lawful permanent residents should be concerned about a second Trump presidency.

In this video, I discuss whether lawful permanent residents (green card holders) will be vulnerable in the coming second Trump presidency.

08/19/2024

The new Parole in Place Program was released today. The program streamlines the green card process for spouses of U.S. citizens. I highlight key points and share key resources in my video below.

In this video, I show you the new USCIS web pages that have information on the program and the actual regulations that govern the program. Any criminal histo...

06/19/2024

I am posting video blogs on the New Action for Spouses of U.S. citizens on my web page below. I discuss likely legal challenges and the best defenses against these legal challenges in my latest blogs.

This page has a number of videos related to the New Executive Action Announced By President Biden on June 24, 2024 for spouses of U.S. Citizens. We will continue to post content related to these great New Actions. Below is a video that does a deep dive into potential legal challenges against the new...

06/18/2024

Massive NEW PROGRAM announced by the Biden Administration for Spouses of U.S. citizens that did not enter with a visa. This is the most significant change to family immigration policy since the DACA program. Here is my video blog announcement on the basics:

First video summarizing President's Biden NEW ACTIONS to help spouses of U.S. citizens who did not enter with a visa, and have resided in the U.S. for 10 yea...

02/14/2024

The H-1b 2024 Lottery Opens on March 6. Let us know if you want to learn about the H-1b lottery registration process, or have employees (or potential employees) you want to enter into the lottery. USCIS is taking steps to reduce fraud/multiple registrations for the same person, so hopefully the lottery will be more fair this year. Thanks, Matt