Jakab Law Firm

04/22/2026

💍 USCIS Marriage-Based Green Card Interview – What You Need to Know (REAL STORY INSIDE!) 🇺🇸
If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, one of the most important steps is the USCIS interview. This is where the officer determines whether your marriage is genuine (“bona fide”).
👉 In most cases, couples are interviewed together.
However… sometimes things don’t go as expected.
📍 REAL EXPERIENCE – Hartford, CT USCIS Field Office
Recently, at the USCIS Hartford Field Office, something unusual happened:
➡️ ALL marriage-based applicants were separated
➡️ No specific reason was given
➡️ Couples were interviewed individually
This type of interview is often referred to as a “Stokes-style interview” (more intense review).
👉 Typically:
The U.S. citizen spouse goes in first
Then the foreign national spouse follows
Officers ask the SAME questions separately and compare answers
❓ What kind of questions do they ask?
They can be surprisingly detailed and personal. For example:
“Where and when did you meet?”
“Who proposed and how?”
“What did you eat for dinner last night?”
“What side of the bed do you sleep on?”
“Does your spouse have tattoos or scars? Where?”
Even small details about your home:
Color of your bedroom walls
Number of TVs in your house
Where you keep your clothes
👉 Yes… it can feel intense—but the goal is to verify consistency.
⚖️ Why having an attorney matters
Many people don’t realize this:
👉 Your attorney CAN attend the interview with you
👉 And importantly — can be present with EACH spouse, even during separate questioning
Your attorney:
Observes the process
Steps in if something is unfair or confusing
Helps clarify misunderstandings
Even if you:
✔️ Filed your case alone
✔️ Or worked with a different attorney before
➡️ You can always choose a new attorney just for the interview
As guidance materials emphasize, the attorney cannot answer for you—but they are there to protect your rights and ensure fairness
💡 Final Tips
Always tell the truth
Keep answers clear and consistent
Review your application together before the interview
Don’t guess if you don’t know—say so
📌 Bottom line:
USCIS interviews are not something to fear—but you must be prepared. Even straightforward cases can turn into separate interviews unexpectedly.
If you want to go in confident and protected, having the right preparation (and the right attorney) makes all the difference.
📞 Need help preparing for your interview or want representation?
Feel free to reach out — I’m happy to guide you through every step.

03/06/2026

🇺🇸 What can you do if USCIS has not made a decision on your case after 120 days?
Many clients ask me:

"My interview already happened, but months have passed and there is still no decision. What can I do?"

For Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) cases, there is no law requiring USCIS to issue a decision within 120 days after the interview.

However, case law and legal practice suggest that when a case remains pending for an extended period of time — often 120 days or more after the interview — applicants may have several options to help move the case forward or request assistance.

Here are three common options:

1️⃣ USCIS Case Inquiry
You can submit an official service request to USCIS asking about the status of your case.
This request asks USCIS to review the file and explain why the case is still pending.
In some situations, this can help bring attention to the case and move it forward.

2️⃣ Congressional Assistance
U.S. Congressional representatives or Senators can assist constituents when a federal agency case is delayed.
Their office can contact USCIS directly and request an update on your case.
While they cannot force approval, their inquiry can sometimes help obtain a faster response.

3️⃣ Mandamus Lawsuit (Federal Court)
If a case has been delayed for an unreasonable amount of time, it may be possible to file a Mandamus action in federal court.
A Mandamus lawsuit asks a judge to order the government to make a decision on the case.

Important:
A Mandamus lawsuit does not ask the court to approve the case, only to require USCIS to finally make a decision.

⚖️ Every case is different, so it is important to evaluate the specific facts before taking action.
If your immigration case has been pending for a long time and you would like to discuss your options, feel free to contact my office.

📩 Jakab Law Firm PLLC www.jkblawfirm.com

Call or Text : 703-789-3714

Immigration representation across the United States 🇺🇸

01/21/2026

Important Immigration Warning – Marriage to a U.S. Citizen Does NOT Forgive All Immigration Violations 🇺🇸

I recently received a phone call from a Hungarian woman who was called back for a second USCIS interview based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Very quickly, it became clear why.
👉 Form I-485 – a critical question:
“Have you ever worked illegally in the United States?”

📌 Here is the key legal distinction many people misunderstand:

✔️ Unauthorized employment – MAY be forgiven if:
– at the time of entry, the person did NOT intend to work illegally, and
– the intent changed later, or the person became financially forced to work.

When married to a U.S. citizen, unauthorized work that occurred after entry can be forgiven in an Adjustment of Status (green card) application filed inside the U.S.

❌ Misrepresentation – NOT forgiven if:
– the person entered the United States with the intent to work illegally.
💡 Common example:
If someone entered the U.S. on ESTA, with the help of a so-called “job recruiter,” and in reality came to work, this may be considered willful misrepresentation.

➡️ This can lead to a green card denial, even if the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen.

⚖️ A principle from Roman law that still applies today:
Ignorantia legis non excusat — ignorance of the law is not a defense.

⚠️ The takeaway:
The most important question is not whether you worked, but
👉 what your intent was at the time you entered the United States.
📞 If you entered on ESTA or as a tourist and are planning to file Form I-485, get legal advice before filing. One incorrect answer can delay—or permanently damage—your case.
👉 Please share. This affects many people, and too often they learn about it only at the second interview.

01/05/2026

✨ Looking Back at 2025 – Moving Forward into 2026 ✨
As the year comes to an end, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what 2025 brought to U.S. immigration. It was a complex year — filled with challenges, but also with real and measurable progress.
What made 2025 difficult:
• A noticeably stricter enforcement climate, increased ICE activity, and higher numbers of deportations, creating fear and uncertainty for many families
• More intense scrutiny in citizenship (N-400) cases, with longer and more detailed interviews and less room for error
• Higher filing fees and stricter technical requirements, leaving fewer opportunities to correct mistakes
• The Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) program was stopped, closing an important pathway for many
• More asylum cases denied than ever before, with higher evidentiary standards and rising deportations
What improved in 2025:
• Marriage-based green cards moved at record speed compared to previous years
• New USCIS field offices opened and significantly more officers were hired, reducing processing times
• In well-prepared cases, entire green card processes were completed in under 3 months
• USCIS interviews became more organized and efficient for properly filed applications
• U.S. Embassy processing in Budapest was smooth and timely, with Hungarian cases moving efficiently
• 2025 clearly showed that preparation and legal strategy matter more than ever
The takeaway from 2025:
The system became stricter, but well-prepared, bona fide cases moved faster and more predictably.
As we move forward, I welcome 2026 with optimism — hoping for a calmer, safer, and more balanced immigration system, and for families finally finding stability after years of uncertainty.
Thank you to all my clients who trusted me with their future in 2025.
Here’s to a stronger, more positive, and safer 2026. 🇺🇸✨

12/12/2025

🇺🇸 Trump Gold Card Program – UPDATE (Now Open) 🇺🇸
📢 As of yesterday, the U.S. government announced that the Trump Gold Card immigration program is officially open, and information is now published on USCIS.gov.
💡 What is the Gold Card?
The Gold Card is a newly announced economically based immigration pathway that allows certain applicants to seek lawful permanent residence (a green card) by making a significant financial contribution (reported as $1,000,000) to the U.S. government, in addition to required government filing fees.
⚠️ Important legal clarification
This program is not written into the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) because only Congress can create new green card categories.
👉 For this reason, the administration introduced the Gold Card administratively, using an employment-based style petition (Form I-140G) — without requiring a job, employer, or work history.
❌ No job offer
❌ No employer sponsorship
❌ No labor certification
❌ No prior employment required
⚠️ This is NOT automatic
Paying money alone does not guarantee a green card. Applicants must still:
✅ Be admissible under U.S. immigration law
✅ Pass background and security checks
✅ File Form I-140G (Gold Card petition)
✅ Complete adjustment of status or consular processing
✅ Follow all USCIS procedures
📝 How the process works (high level):
1️⃣ Register through the government’s designated portal
2️⃣ Pay the required processing fee
3️⃣ File Form I-140G when eligible
4️⃣ Proceed with green card processing if approved
📌 Current status:
USCIS has published the program and form, but this is a brand-new and evolving process. Additional guidance, regulatory updates, or legal challenges may follow.
👤 Who may consider this option?
High-net-worth individuals who are otherwise admissible to the U.S. and are exploring economic-based permanent residence options.
❗ This program does NOT replace EB-1, EB-2, or EB-5, and it is not the right solution for everyone.
👉 Legal guidance is strongly recommended before filing or paying any fees.

12/02/2025

🇭🇺✨ SUCCESS STORY – Hungarian Pride in Florida! ✨🇭🇺

Congratulations to Monika, a Hungarian Immigrant who—with courage, hard work, and dedication—has opened her very own Hungarian/European restaurant here in Florida!
🍽️ Monika’s European Kitchen
📍 1995 East Bay Drive, Largo, Florida

It is truly inspiring to see a Hungarian immigrant turn a dream into reality. Monika has not only brought delicious flavors, but also a little piece of “home” to sunny Florida. ☀️🇺🇸

Wishing her many customers, growth, happiness, and continued success in this beautiful new chapter!
Go Monika, we are proud of you! ❤️🇭🇺✨

10/10/2025

🎁 I just received a gift from a happy client whose marriage-based green card application was recently approved.
I feel special and loved ❤️
I am truly grateful for everyone’s trust and support! 🙏🇭🇺🇺🇸

08/07/2025

🤗Just like that 😎

Introducing our boldest design yet: “I Married a Hungarian – I Fear Nothing” 🇭🇺🔥 Because once you’ve navigated pálinka-fueled family dinners, survived debates over who makes the best gulyás, and learned never to question a Hungarian’s paprika stash—what could possibly scare yo...

08/07/2025

📢 Important Update on Marriage-Based Green Card Applications! 🇺🇸💍

USCIS has just released new, stricter policy guidance for marriage-based green card petitions. The goal is to more thoroughly scrutinize whether a marriage is genuine.

⚠️ Under the new policy:
• There is increased emphasis on proving the bona fides of the marriage
• Applicants may be required to submit even more joint documents and detailed evidence
• Couples may be interviewed separately for verification

✅ At Jakab Law Firm PLLC, we prepare every marriage-based green card case in full compliance with the latest USCIS guidelines.
We take great care to ensure that our clients’ applications are complete, credible, and well-documented to maximize approval chances.

📞 If you’re planning to apply for a marriage-based green card, contact us with confidence — we’ll guide you through the process under the new rules! +1 703-789-3714

07/27/2025

ESTA Travel Authorization for the U.S. – What You Need to Know

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel permit required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who wish to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa.
Important: ESTA allows single entry only – it becomes invalid upon entry into the U.S.!

Who Can Apply?
- Citizens of one of the 40+ Visa Waiver Program countries (e.g. Hungary, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia).
- Travelers staying no longer than 90 days in the U.S.
- The purpose of the trip must be tourism, business meetings, or transit.
- Must hold a valid biometric (e-passport).
- Must not have any previous violations of U.S. immigration law.

Who Cannot Apply for ESTA?
- Citizens not from Visa Waiver Program countries (e.g., India, China, Nigeria, most African nations).
- Anyone who has:
- Previously overstayed a U.S. visa or ESTA.
- Been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the U.S. in the past.
- A criminal record or has engaged in activities that raise security concerns.
- Dual citizenship with Iran, Iraq, Syria, or Sudan.
- Traveled to certain countries (e.g., Iran, North Korea, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Somalia) since March 1, 2011.
- Anyone who plans to:
- Work, study, or reside in the U.S. long-term.
- Marry and adjust status while on ESTA (not allowed).
Such individuals must apply for a B1/B2 visa or another appropriate visa category at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

How to Apply:
1. Visit the official ESTA website
2. Fill out the form in English (passport data, travel plans, security questions).
3. Pay the $21 fee with a debit or credit card.
4. Receive a decision within minutes or hours.
5. ESTA is generally valid for 2 years, but sometimes only 1 year — always check the expiration on your confirmation.

Important Reminders:
• ESTA does not guarantee entry into the U.S.; final decision is made by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
• If you leave the U.S. (e.g., on a cruise or trip to Mexico/Canada) and plan to re-enter, you must have a new, valid ESTA.
➤ Many cruise lines or airlines will not let you board without valid ESTA for re-entry.
• New passport? → New ESTA required.
• ESTA is not for people who plan to work, study, or immigrate.

Avoid Scams!
Only apply through the official U.S. government site – not through unofficial agencies that charge inflated fees.

☎️+1 (703) 789-3714

07/10/2025

‼️President Trump Signs H.R.1 – Major Immigration Fee Increases Coming

On July 4, President Donald Trump signed H.R.1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which introduces sweeping immigration reforms across the United States. The new law sets significantly higher fees for nearly all immigration categories — including asylum applications, visas, green cards, humanitarian petitions, and even international money transfers.

📅 Effective Date: These changes are set to take effect on September 2, 2025, exactly 60 days after the signing of the bill.

💰 Key Fee Increases:

-Asylum Application $1,000 Previously free
-Annual Fee for Pending Asylum Case $100/year, No previous fee
-Employment Authorization (Form I-765) $550, Approx. $410
-Appeal / Motion to Reopen or Reconsider $900,Approx. $120
-Adjustment of Status (Green Card) $1,500, Approx. $1,225
-Entry Document (Form I-94) $30 Previously free
-Visa Integrity Fee $250, New fee
-Humanitarian Parole $1,000, Previously varied
-TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Application $500, Approx. $50
-Penalty for Unlawful Entry $5,000, New, non-waivable fee
-Money Transfer Tax 1% New tax

⚠️ Important: These fees are not waivable and will be indexed to inflation, meaning they may increase further over time.

Act Now!
If you may be affected, it is strongly recommended to submit applications under the current fee structure as soon as possible.

Call or send a message today!

☎️+1 (703) 789-3714

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day!🗽✨