Gary Bala Immigration Law Offices

04/28/2026

Directive claims that new process is due to ‘the high number of aliens claiming asylum’ in the US

04/28/2026

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/28/us-applicants-visa-refusal-immigration

Directive claims that new process is due to ‘the high number of aliens claiming asylum’ in the US

02/23/2026

US State Department Emergency Advisory

US Citizens in Mexico are advised to Shelter-in-Place due to ongoing violence.

Crisis Hotline Phone Numbers:
The State Department has advised that US citizens who need assistance and are calling from the US or Canada should call: +1-888-407-4747. US citizens calling from overseas, including Mexico, should call: +1 202-501-44

02/23/2026

The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would reduce meritless asylum applications, processing times, and backlogs and allow our asylum system to focus on those actually seeking refuge from danger.

We are putting Americans first by strengthening the vetting of asylum applicants and restoring integrity to the asylum system.

Learn more: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-proposes-rule-to-prioritize-americans-safety-by-strengthening-screening-of-asylum-seekers

02/23/2026

Mexico: Update - Due to ongoing security operations & related road blockages & criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place, as U.S. government staff in several locations are doing and will continue to do on Feb 23. While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations- most domestic & int’l flights are cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Seek shelter, minimize unnecessary movements, & check for road closures as toll roads in several areas are temporarily suspended. Americans should keep family and friends advised of your location & well-being. More info & full list of impacted areas: https://mx.usembassy.gov/security-alert-update-3-ongoing-security-operations-u-s-mission-mexico-february-22-2026/

02/04/2026

Not having travel insurance can lead to huge medical bills while abroad. Most U.S. health insurance plans (including Medicare) do NOT cover medical expenses outside of the United States and medical evacuations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. We recommend getting travel health insurance for the duration of your trip to be covered just in case.
https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/guidance/medicine-health.html