Chike Law Group

01/15/2026

US will suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance concerns.

The State Department said Wednesday it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of countries whose nationals the Trump administration has deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States.

The State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said it had instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the countries affected.

The suspension, which will begin Jan. 21, will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, or temporary tourist or business visas.

A separate notice sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates said that non-immigrant visa applicants should be screened for the possibility that they might seek public benefits in the United States.

Consular officials must now consider a range of specific details about people seeking visas, including their age, health, family status, finances, education, skills and any past use of public assistance regardless of the country. It also said they should assess applicants’ English proficiency and can do so by conducting interviews in English.

The countries affected by the suspension announced on Wednesday are:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

01/02/2026

New USCIS rule may cause application denials in 2026

In 2026, several major USCIS policy changes and proposed rules are set to take effect, significantly increasing the risk of application rejections and denials.

Primary Reasons for Potential Denials in 2026
Expansion of Public Charge Rule: A proposed rule expected to be finalized in early 2026 would broaden the "public charge" inadmissibility test. This framework allows USCIS to deny green cards and visas if they determine an applicant is "likely" to depend on government support. Adjudicators may apply more subjective and stringent financial screening during this review.

Mandatory Electronic Payments: Starting in 2026, USCIS will reportedly stop accepting paper checks for most filings. Applications submitted without using the required electronic payment methods (e.g., ACH debit or debit card) may be automatically rejected or denied.

Increased Fees and New Charges: Effective January 1, 2026, several immigration-related fees have been adjusted for inflation. Using outdated fee amounts will lead to immediate rejection. Additionally, a new $1,000 immigration parole fee must be paid before parole or re-parole requests can be approved.

Heightened Scrutiny for Family-Based Petitions: New guidance allows officers to deny family-based green card petitions without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a warning if the initial filing is incomplete.

Suspended Benefits for "High-Risk" Countries: USCIS has paused the adjudication of certain benefit requests for nationals from 19 countries deemed "high-risk," including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Venezuela. Applications from these nationals may face indefinite delays or re-reviews of previously approved cases.

Strict Photo and Signature Requirements: New rules regarding identity verification may lead to denials for technicalities, such as submitting photos older than three years or using signatures that do not meet new digital standards.
Naturalization and Status Risks

Good Moral Character Standards: Naturalization applicants (N-400) face more robust background checks and "neighborhood investigations" to verify moral character.

Notice to Appear (NTA) Policy: If a benefit request is denied and the applicant no longer has valid legal status, USCIS is now more likely to issue an NTA, which initiates formal deportation proceedings in immigration court.

For the most accurate guidance, refer to the official USCIS Newsroom for the latest regulatory updates.

01/02/2026

USCIS is strictly scrutinizing marriage-based green card applications

In 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is applying heightened scrutiny to marriage-based green card applications through expanded policy guidance released in late 2025. This shift aims to detect marriage fraud more aggressively and assess financial self-sufficiency with greater rigor.

Key Areas of Increased Scrutiny
Stricter Evidence Standards: USCIS now requires a more comprehensive initial evidence package. Relying on future Requests for Evidence (RFEs) is discouraged, as missing documentation at filing can now lead more directly to denials.
Mandatory and Intensive Interviews: There is a move away from interview waivers. Officers are authorized to conduct deeper, separate "Stokes interviews" where spouses are questioned individually to check for inconsistencies.
Financial and Public Charge Review: Adjudicators are applying more rigorous checks on the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), closely evaluating joint sponsor viability and the petitioner's current assets to ensure the applicant will not become a public charge.
No "Safe Harbor" from Removal: New guidance clarifies that an approved I-130 petition does not protect an applicant from removal proceedings if they have prior immigration violations or are deemed otherwise inadmissible.

Common "Red Flags" Triggering Investigation
Applications involving the following are currently facing the highest level of vetting:
Timeline Issues: Marriages occurring shortly after a visa entry or shortly before a visa expires.
Disparities: Significant age gaps (often 10+ years), different religious backgrounds, or a lack of a common language.
Living Arrangements: Separate residences, conflicting addresses on official documents, or brief periods of cohabitation.
Prior History: Multiple previous filings for relatives or a history of immigration violations.

Preparing Your Application
Submit Comprehensive Proof: Include joint bank statements, tax returns, leases, and affidavits from friends/family.
Monitor Current Forms: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Form I-485 and Form I-130 to avoid automatic rejections.
Review Policy Changes: Stay informed through the USCIS Policy Manual for the latest updates on family-based immigration standards.

12/25/2025

12/14/2025

DETENTION OF GREEN CARD HOLDERS & APPLICANTS

Green card applicants and even holders can be detained at airports by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if officers suspect inadmissibility or deportability, often due to prior immigration violations, criminal records, fraud suspicions, or lengthy absences, leading to secondary inspection and potential removal proceedings, even if they have a valid application or status. While green card holders generally can't be denied entry unless they've abandoned residency, applicants lack the same robust protections and can face intense scrutiny and detention, with recent reports showing increased enforcement during interviews or travel.

Why Detentions Happen (Applicants & Holders)
Criminal History: Even old or minor charges (e.g., trespassing) can trigger detention.

Immigration Fraud: Suspicions about how the green card or visa was obtained.

Lengthy Absences: Staying outside the U.S. for over 180 days (for holders).

Previous Violations: Past overstays (like an ESTA) or misrepresentation.

"Arriving Alien" Status: Applicants are often treated as seeking admission, making them vulnerable.

Increased Enforcement: Heightened scrutiny and database checks.

What to Do If Detained (Applicants & Holders)
Stay Calm & Polite: Cooperate but don't volunteer extra info.

Know Your Rights: You can refuse to sign Form I-407 (abandoning status) without legal advice.

Request a Lawyer: Ask to call your immigration attorney.

Demand an Immigration Judge: If placed in removal, request a hearing before a judge rather than accepting immediate removal.

Key Difference: Applicant vs. Holder
Applicants: Have pending cases but aren't lawful permanent residents yet; they're treated like "arriving aliens" and can be detained more easily.

Holders: Have the right to enter, but CBP can still detain them for questioning and initiate proceedings if grounds for removability (like crime, fraud, abandonment) are found.

Note: Recent reports indicate intensified enforcement, with individuals facing detention even with pending applications or recent interviews, highlighting the complexities and risks in the current immigration climate.

Source: AI

11/24/2025

DHS Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Burma DHS Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Burma.

Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma (Myanmar). The termination will be effective on Jan 26, 2026.

At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and, if so, how long to extend the designation. If the Secretary determines that the conditions in the foreign state continue to meet the specific statutory criteria for Temporary Protected Status designation, Temporary Protected Status will be extended for an additional period of 6 months or, in the Secretary’s discretion, 12 or 18 months. If the Secretary determines that the foreign state no longer meets the conditions for Temporary Protected Status designation, the Secretary must terminate the designation.


“This decision restores TPS to its original status as temporary,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “The situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home, so we are terminating the Temporary Protected Status. Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability, including the end of its state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful ceasefire agreements, and improved local governance contributing to enhanced public service delivery and national reconciliation.”



After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Burma no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements. The Secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Burma and in consultation with the Department of State. The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Burmese citizens can return home in safety. She further determined that permitting Burmese nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States. Burmese nationals returning home are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States.

USCIS

09/27/2025

Citizenship Requirements to Change from October

Green card holders who are applying for citizenship starting on October 20, will be required to take a tougher civics test and proof of “good moral character.”

In a press release, USCIS said the changes were part of "an ongoing effort to restore integrity to the naturalization process."

Applicants will be asked questions to test their understanding of U.S. history and government, and will be required to give correct answers to 12 of up to 20 questions, which are drawn from a pool of 128.
This is an increase from the previous required threshold of six correct answers out of 10 questions.

Special consideration will continue for applicants aged 65 or older who have held green cards for at least 20 years, who will be asked only 10 questions and need to answer six correctly.
Applicants can take the test twice, but if they fail a second time then their application for citizenship will be denied.
USCIS officers will also assess whether an applicant has “good moral character” and will look at whether they contribute positively to American society, rather than simply look for the absence of criminal behaviour.

This may include “neighborhood investigations” — a practice that hasn’t been widely used since 1991 — which could include reviewing testimonial letters from employers, coworkers, or community members or conducting interviews with people who know the applicant.
These investigations will be applied on a case-by-case basis, with officers deciding whether one is necessary.

09/24/2025

*USCIS Clarification on $100,000 H-1B Fee*

Good news for current H-1B visa holders:

The new $100,000 filing fee applies only to new petitions filed outside the U.S.

Existing H-1B holders are not affected.

International travel and reentry remain permitted without additional cost.

👉 Bottom line: If you already have H-1B status, this fee does not apply to you.

08/04/2025

USCIS Updating Policy to Protect Women’s Sports

Policy enhancements aim to prevent aliens who are males from being authorized to participate in women’s sports in the United States.

“Men do not belong in women’s sports. USCIS is closing the loophole for foreign male athletes whose only chance at winning elite sports is to change their gender identity and leverage their biological advantages against women,” said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “It’s a matter of safety, fairness, respect, and truth that only female athletes receive a visa to come to the U.S. to participate in women’s sports. The Trump Administration is standing up for the silent majority who've long been victims of leftist policies that defy common sense."

This policy applies to certain visa categories: O-1A aliens of extraordinary ability, E11 aliens of extraordinary ability, E21 aliens of exceptional ability, and for national interest waivers (NIWs), to guarantee an even playing field for all women’s athletics in the United States.

07/09/2025

DUI, DETENTION & DEPORTATION

H.R. 875 - DUI May Soon Be a Deportable and Inadmissible Offense

The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill—H.R. 875—that could significantly change immigration consequences for individuals with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction or admission.

Current Law
Under the existing Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a DUl is not currently a deportable or inadmissible offense. This means individuals with a DUI have still been able to:
* Obtain a Green Card
* Apply for and become a U.S. Citizen
Even individuals with multiple DUI convictions have successfully naturalized under current law.

What H.R. 875 Proposes
If passed into law, H.R. 875 would:
1. Amend the Immigration and Nationality Act
2. Make any DUI offense-regardless of severity—a basis for inadmissibility (bar to Green Card or visa) and deportation. This includes:
* Misdemeanor or Felony DUI
Conviction or Admission of DUI
* Alcohol or Drug-related DUI
* Old or Expunged Records
* Offenses defined differently at the state or local level
It does not matter how minor the charge or how long ago it occurred. The bill is written to apply retroactively and broadly.

Who Will Be Affected?
* Non-citizens or undocumented immigrants
* Green Card applicants adjusting status in the U.S.
* Those applying for naturalization
* People seeking waivers, visa renewals, or re-entry into the U.S.
Even a single DUl arrest or conviction -with no theft, violence, or other crimes-could now result in denial of immigration benefits or removal.

Key Implications If It Becomes Law:
* Immigrants with DUI convictions may no longer qualify for permanent residence
* Individuals may be placed into removal proceedings
* Even admitting to the elements of a DUl could trigger deportation
* Naturalization applications with DUI history could be denied outright

What's Next?
The bill has passed the House and is now headed to the Senate. If the Senate approves it and the President signs it, it will become law and immediately change immigration eligibility for many.

Action Steps:
If you have a DUl and are applying for a Green Card or naturalization, act now before the law changes.
If you're concerned about how this may affect your immigration status, consult an experienced DUl/immigration attorney.

07/09/2025

Citizens & Detention
It used to be that the only thing that can protect immigrants from detention is citizenship. At this time in American history, even that's questionable. In most states, neither the police nor ICE care about pending applications and some citizens are being arrested and detained.

This situation has frustrated many immigration attorneys as everything they have done so far for their clients seems practically useless. No one attorney can predict the extent of the new policy ex*****on; and how long this is going to go on is up in the air.

07/03/2025

More On $1,000 Daily Fine

Just note that you don’t decide how much to pay. You will receive a bill in the mail on the total amount due to date.