Law Office of Jessie M. Thomas

08/17/2026

🚨 USCIS Changes How It Handles Evidence, RFEs & NOIDs

USCIS issued a new Policy Alert on August 5, 2026, changing guidance on how immigration officers evaluate evidence and when they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).

The most important takeaway? You cannot assume USCIS will give you a second chance to fix a weak or incomplete application.

Under the updated guidance:

🔹 You have the burden of proving eligibility. You must establish that you qualify for the immigration benefit when you file—and continue to qualify through adjudication.

🔹 USCIS has discretion to deny certain cases without first issuing an RFE or NOID. This can happen when there is no legal basis for approval or when required initial evidence is missing.

🔹 A complete filing matters. USCIS is specifically addressing concerns about incomplete or frivolous filings that may have been used to obtain benefits associated with a pending immigration case.

🔹 An RFE is not guaranteed. Receiving an RFE can provide an opportunity to submit additional evidence, but applicants should not rely on USCIS giving them that opportunity.

This is an important reminder: Your immigration case should be prepared correctly and supported with the evidence necessary to prove eligibility from the beginning.

A poorly prepared application can create unnecessary delays—or potentially lead to a denial.

As an immigration attorney, I strongly recommend having your case reviewed carefully before filing, particularly if your immigration status, admissibility, prior immigration history, criminal history, or eligibility is complicated.

📌 Don't wait for USCIS to tell you what is missing. Make sure your case is prepared correctly before you file.

If you have questions about your immigration case, the Law Office of Jessie M. Thomas offers a free immigration case evaluation.

👉 Free Immigration Case Evaluation

Click To Learn More

— Jessie M. Thomas, Immigration Attorney
staylegally.com

Source: USCIS Policy Alert, August 5, 2026.

This post is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

USCIS Tightens Evidence Standards: What the August 5, 2026 Policy Alert means for immigration applicants. Questions? Text (214) 838-0045

08/10/2026

🚨 **GREEN CARD HOLDERS: THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL**

Having a green card does **not** mean you are immune from immigration enforcement.

A routine traffic stop, an old criminal conviction, a prior immigration case, or an outstanding removal order could create serious problems.

Before traveling in the U.S.:

✅ **Carry your green card** with you.
✅ Keep your **immigration attorney’s phone number** somewhere other than just your phone.
✅ If you have a **criminal history or immigration court history**, talk to an attorney before traveling.
✅ If questioned, you can say: **“I want to speak to an attorney.”**
✅ **Do not sign immigration documents you don't understand** without speaking with an attorney first.
✅ At airports, you can request **manual ID verification** if you do not want facial recognition.

⚠️ **And never assume an old DUI, misdemeanor, or plea deal is harmless for immigration purposes.** Always ask an immigration attorney before accepting a criminal plea.

If you are a green card holder with any immigration or criminal history concerns, **get legal advice before you travel—not after you are stopped.**

⚖️ The **Law Office of Jessie M. Thomas** offers free initial immigration case evaluations.

👉 Get a Free Immigration Case Evaluation https://www.staylegally.com/free-immigration-case-evaluation/

*This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.*

Free immigration case evaluation with a licensed U.S. Immigration Attorney. Call (214) 838-0045 for Free Initial Consultation.

06/04/2026

Marriage is a significant and joyful event, and for many international couples, the U.S. offers a convenient meeting point for loved ones to gather and celebrate. However, for those on a U.S. tourist visa (B-2 visa) planning to marry while visiting the country, it’s essential to understand the legal implications and potential dangers. While there’s no law outright banning marriage while on a tourist visa, marrying with the intention to stay can lead to serious complications, including visa issues, potential deportation, and even bans from re-entry into the United States. Learn More.

Dangers of marrying on a U.S. tourist Visa. It’s essential to understand the legal implications and potential dangers.

06/02/2026

🚨 Important Green Card Update for Families and Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Many people have seen recent headlines about USCIS making significant changes to how green card applications filed inside the United States are reviewed.

On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued a new policy memorandum that changes how officers evaluate many Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) applications. Under this policy, meeting the basic eligibility requirements may no longer be enough on its own. USCIS officers are now instructed to weigh both positive and negative discretionary factors when deciding whether to approve an application.

Many news reports have focused on employment-based applicants. However, the policy appears to apply more broadly to most Adjustment of Status cases, including many family-based applications filed inside the United States.

What does this mean for spouses of U.S. citizens?

The good news is that spouses of U.S. citizens remain "immediate relatives" under immigration law. The law governing eligibility for marriage-based green cards has not changed, and spouses of U.S. citizens are still exempt from annual visa quotas and visa bulletin backlogs.

However, individuals seeking Adjustment of Status inside the United States may now face additional scrutiny regarding factors such as immigration history, family ties, lawful residence, community involvement, and other discretionary considerations.

For spouses living abroad and pursuing a CR-1 or IR-1 immigrant visa through consular processing, these changes may have less direct impact because the policy specifically addresses Adjustment of Status applications filed within the United States.

The bottom line: don't assume the latest immigration headlines automatically apply to your case—but don't ignore them either. The rules, policies, and enforcement priorities continue to evolve, and immigration strategy matters more than ever.

📞 If you're planning to sponsor your spouse, have a pending Adjustment of Status application, or want to understand how these changes may affect your family, speak with an experienced immigration attorney before making important decisions.

👇 In the first comment, I've included:
✅ The policy memo summary
✅ A news article discussing the changes
✅ A link to request a FREE immigration case evaluation with our office

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a new policy memo reiterating the fact that, consistent with long-standing immigration law and immigration court decisions, aliens seeking adjustment of status must do so through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the....

05/25/2026

Remembering the soldiers that served and are currently serving who sacrificed their lives, limbs, careers, dreams, families, peace of mind and every comfort that we enjoy in this country everyday. Thank you for keeping us all safe!
God bless you all and have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day!

05/12/2026

🚨 Many people think filing a Removal of Conditions case is “just paperwork.” Unfortunately, that mistake can become extremely costly.

If USCIS denies your I-751 petition, you may be placed into Immigration Court proceedings — where cases become far more stressful, far more complicated, and often FIVE TIMES more expensive.

In today’s immigration climate, even small filing mistakes, weak evidence, or inconsistencies can create serious problems.

Our latest blog explains:
✔️ Why Removal of Conditions cases are under heavier scrutiny
✔️ What happens after a denial
✔️ Why Immigration Court is so difficult
✔️ The hidden risks of trying to handle everything alone
✔️ Why getting it done correctly the first time matters more than ever

If you or a loved one is preparing to file a Removal of Conditions petition, this is important reading.

Read the full article here: https://www.staylegally.com/removal-of-conditions-why-doing-it-yourself-can-cost-you-later/

If USCIS denies a removal of conditions petition, the agency can terminate conditional resident status and place the individual into removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

11/04/2025

⚖️ Important USCIS Update: Adjustment of Status Denials Can Now Lead to Faster Deportation Proceedings

If your Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) is denied, recent USCIS policy changes (PM-602-0187 and PA-2025-12) mean your case may now be referred to immigration court much more quickly than before.

➡️ In many cases, applicants don’t even have time to refile before receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) for deportation proceedings.

While not every denial triggers an NTA automatically, the chances are now much higher, and officer discretion is limited.

💡 What this means for you:
It’s more important than ever to get your application right the first time. An experienced immigration attorney can help spot issues, strengthen your case, and protect your options if your application is denied.

📞 If you’re thinking about applying for Adjustment of Status, or you recently received a denial, talk to a qualified immigration lawyer before taking your next step.

For additional information or questions you may have, please contact our office at: [email protected] (214) 838-0045. Or visit our website to request a free case evaluation. https://www.staylegally.com/free-immigration-case-evaluation/

Free immigration case evaluation with a licensed U.S. Immigration Attorney. Call (214) 838-0045 for Free Initial Consultation.

07/18/2025

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting entry into the U.S. of foreign nationals from certain countries, citing security concerns and public safety. The ban took effect on June 9, 2025.

It applies to nationals of select countries who were 1) outside the United States as of June 9, 2025, and 2) not issued a valid visa as of June 9, 2025. Click To Learn More.

June 4, 2025 Travel Ban. President Trump issued a proclamation restricting entry into the U.S. of foreign nationalsfrom certain countries.

07/03/2025

Happy 4th of July!

06/09/2025

WASHINGTON – At the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are ramping up the review of immigration records and will take immediate appropriate actions to crackdown on visa overstays stemming from the Biden Administration’s failure to enforce the law.

If you are out of status—or unsure of your current immigration situation—you may be at increased risk for detention, court action, or long-term immigration consequences. Now is the time to act.

We’re Here to Help

At the Law Office of Jessie M. Thomas, we guide clients through complex immigration challenges, including visa overstays, change-of-status requests, and legal strategies to remain in the U.S. lawfully.

Protect yourself. Schedule a confidential consultation today.

Call or Text (214) 838-0045 to request a consultation.

At the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are ramping up the review of immigration records and will take immediate appropriate actions....

05/20/2025

A new registration process began on April 11, 2025. Under this process, all immigrants who entered the United States without a visa must register with the federal government. Learn More

Alien Registration. All immigrants who did not enter the United States with a visa are required to register with the federal government.

03/14/2025

New Memo From USCIS On Placing Immigrants In Removal / Deportation.

If your marriage-based green card application is denied, you're now placed in removal proceedings—no second chances like under Biden. Even if you're eligible for citizenship but have deportable offenses, you could be put in removal. This doesn’t mean automatic deportation, but you’ll have to fight your case. Stay informed and know your rights! Free Immmigration Case Evaluation. Learn More.

Free immigration case evaluation with a licensed U.S. Immigration Attorney. Call (214) 838-0045 for Free Initial Consultation.

03/07/2025

AILA Travel Warning Update: There has been a change in practice by some Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry, such as airports, where individuals with pending Immigration Court Notices to Appear (NTAs) are now automatically subject to detention by CBP or Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). This was never the case in the past.

The new practice has applied to legal permanent residents and conditional permanent residents in removal proceedings, even with valid I-551 Green Card stamps issued post Form I-751 denial. Overall outcomes have varied, but it is advisable that until this issue is resolved, international travel should be avoided by people with an NTA. Each person’s case should be reviewed for the underlying facts and possible outcomes at the time of re-entry to the U.S.

For additional information or questions you may have, please contact our office at: [email protected] (214) 838-0045.

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Free immigration case evaluation with a licensed U.S. Immigration Attorney. Call (214) 838-0045 for Free Initial Consultation.