Immigration Updates: Public Charge, F-1/J1 Visas New Rules, Birthright Citizenship Upheld
Immigration law continues to evolve, with recent developments affecting individuals, families, and international students. Below is a summary of several notable updates announced in July 2026. Public Charge: New Guidance kicks in on September 18, 2026. The public charge policy remains an important consideration for certain individuals applying for lawful permanent residence or admission to the United States. Under the rescinded 2022 rule, immigration officials applied a narrower framework focused on whether an individual was likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance in the future. Under the new rule effective September 18, 2026, officials will again apply a broader totality-of-the-circumstances review and may consider additional factors, including age, health, […]
A New Era in U.S. Immigration Policy Under the Big Beautiful Bill.
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), enacting sweeping budget reconciliation legislation that profoundly reshapes U.S. immigration policy and enforcement National Immigration ForumVanity Fair+1Congress.govPwC. The law includes provisions that increase border and interior enforcement funding, impose new fees and taxes targeting immigrant communities, and restrict access to public benefits and health care. LEGISLATIVE TIMELINE KEY PROVISIONS & UPDATES Border Security & Enforcement Public Benefits Restrictions Fees & Taxes Targeting Immigrants Implementation Notice Effective August 21, 2025, USCIS will reject applications that do not include updated fees under OBBBA. NEXT STEPS & RESPONSES
New Program to Afford a Green card Status to Undocumented spouses and children of US citizens
On June 18th, 2024 the Biden administration’s announced executive actions attempt to remedy for certain American families that include an undocumented, long-term resident of the U.S. Through a newly announced Department of Homeland Security (DHS) process, undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for a decade or longer will be able to apply for a legal avenue to eventually adjust their immigration status and become lawful permanent residents without ever leaving the U.S. In addition, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process. […]
The UK Supreme Court Blocks Rwanda Deportation Policy as Violating Refugee Protections
In a widely anticipated ruling, the UK Supreme Court has blocked the government’s controversial policy to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda. The ruling centered around the principle of “non-refoulement,” a cornerstone of international law aimed at preventing the deportation of individuals to countries where they face the risk of persecution or irreparable harm.[1] The decision not only scrutinized the specific case but also delved into the logistical challenges posed by the Rwandan asylum system. The Court found that the policy carried substantial risks of improper asylum procedures and indirect refoulement in Rwanda, violating the fundamental principle of non-refoulement under international and domestic law. The policy, agreed between the UK […]
Texas Uncontested Divorce Requirements and Procedures
When can be filed Uncontested Divorce in Texas? An uncontested divorce can take place when spouses agree to work together and compromise on issues related to their divorce. To file uncontested divorce in Texas, it must meet three basic requirements: state residency, agreement on the reason for the divorce, and agreement on the issues between parties, spouses. Let’s discuss each aspects of residency requirements, grounds for divorce, and where and how to file this type of divorce. Residency Requirements Grounds for Divorce The state of Texas allows divorce based on both “fault” and “no-fault” grounds. In fault-based divorce claimed that the end of the marriage caused by a certain type of misconduct, […]
A LOOK AT THE REASONS WHY THERE IS BACKLOG IN IMMIGRANT VISA INTERVIEW SCHEDULING
Introduction If you are an immigrant visa applicant who is waiting for an interview appointment at a U.S. consular office abroad, you might be wondering how long it will take for your case to be scheduled for interview. The answer depends on several factors, such as the availability of visa numbers, the capacity of the consular office, the demand for visa services, and the impact of external events like the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to get an idea of the current situation is to look at the National Visa Center (NVC) Immigrant Visa Backlog Report, which is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. The NVC is the agency that […]