US Immigration Law Office of Stephen G. Bongolan

08/24/2026

There's a new edition for USCIS Form I-485 or Adjustment of Status application on September 18,2026 for the new Public Charge rule takes effect that day. The new rule has expanded the scope of Means-tested public benefits, the receipt of any of which like food stamps, Medicaid, WIC can already be looked upon unfavorably by USCIS using the Totality of Circumstances guideline. Thus if one is intending to file an application for green card and has met all the requirements, we suggest that the application be submitted the soonest time before said date.

08/22/2026

A federal judge in Manhattan just struck down Trump administration's pause on immigrant visa issuance to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that the said policy is patently unlawful.

08/11/2026

USCIS, effective August 5, 2026 may no longer be issuing a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny an application for Immigration benefit if the application has a missing document. With this, USCIS can deny an application at once and not give the applicant a chance to submit what is lacking. Applicants or Petitioners must double check therefore that what they are filing is complete or else face an outright denial.

06/30/2026

SCOTUS in a high stakes decision today upholds birthright citizenship!🇺🇸

06/24/2026

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed to significantly increase the filing fee for application for Citizenship (Form N-400) and related filings. From the current $760 for form N400 (paper filing) to $1,330 and from $710(online filing) to $1,280. The proposal also eliminates the income-based fee waiver and the $380 reduced fee waiver.

06/20/2026

A client who had been overstaying for more than 50 years or literally most of his entire life has just received his green card. Oh what an overwhelming relief! Thanking God for His guidance on what to do with this hard case and for using me to help this client. Now, he is finally free from his long years of living in fear. He and his family at the moment are overjoyed and I rejoice with them! Truly, with God, there is deliverance. All praises to Him!🙏🇺🇸😊

06/09/2026

Welcome news. A federal judge struck down the $100K application fee for H1B visas.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

My take on the recent USCIS memo for green card applicants that they do Consular Processing rather than apply for Adjustment of Status.

06/18/2025

With fellow American Immigration Lawyers here in Denver,CO attending AILA's annual conference. This is to further sharpen our tools to better serve the immigrant community.