Law Offices of Meri S. Ponist, PC

08/17/2026

Paying USCIS thousands of dollars for speed makes sense when a faster decision unlocks your next step but it is a complete waste of money if you are just rushing into another long line.

New York Immigration Law Attorney Immigration law is one of the most complex and rapidly evolving areas of federal practice. Whether you are seeking to reunite with family, sponsor a valued employee, defend against removal proceedings, or pursue United States citizenship, the stakes are deeply perso...

08/15/2026

Unlike traditional importers, service companies must prove substantial, continuous trade through contracts, invoices, and client records rather than customs forms. Our latest blog post breaks down how the State Department evaluates cross-border service activity and how to ensure your global growth doesn't accidentally disqualify your visa status.

Learn how consulting, technology, financial, and other service businesses may qualify for E-1 treaty trader status through recurring cross-border services.

08/11/2026

Proving "extreme hardship" is one of the most difficult hurdles in family immigration because USCIS expects families to suffer when separated. To win a waiver, you have to prove your suffering will be extraordinary.

Learn how families can build persuasive extreme hardship evidence for immigration waiver applications by documenting the real effects of separation or relocation.

08/11/2026

Congratulations Mr. Cheikh.

08/07/2026

The landscape for green card applicants is about to shift dramatically. A major Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule taking effect on September 18, 2026, will give immigration officers sweeping discretion to deny applications based on public charge grounds.

Learn how the September 2026 public charge changes may affect adjustment of status, financial evidence, Form I-864, benefit history, and filing strategy.

08/05/2026

Our latest article analyzes the common structural weaknesses in founder O-1 petitions, from the complexities of founder equity valuation to the limitations of shared leadership evidence.

Learn how weak founder attribution, company-focused press, shared leadership, equity valuation, expert letters, and limited evidence of sustained acclaim can undermine an O-1 petition.

07/31/2026

Sponsoring a spouse with prior immigration violations can feel overwhelming, but it is not impossible.

Learn how overstays, unlawful entry, removal orders, unlawful presence, and prior misrepresentations can affect a marriage-based green card case.

07/28/2026

Renewing your E-2 visa requires proving your business is active, viable, and growing beyond your original forecasts.

Learn how business performance, continued investment, marginality, ownership, and financial records affect an E-2 visa renewal.

07/24/2026

Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) on your H-1B petition can be stressful, but the biggest danger often isn’t the RFE itself it’s the silent status crisis developing in the background.

Learn how an H-1B RFE affects the 240-day rule, employer portability, bridge petitions, grace periods, and continued work authorization.

07/21/2026

When filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status, receiving a biometrics reuse notice from USCIS can streamline parts of your application, but it does not mean your fingerprinting requirements are entirely complete.

Learn when USCIS can reuse fingerprints, why Form I-485 applicants still need new photographs, and how biometric notices can affect adjustment timelines.