July 23, 2026 One of the questions we often ask our clients during a visa, green card, or immigration matter is: “Have you ever registered to vote or voted in the United States?” Many people are surprised by this question, but the answer can have significant immigration implications. In general, only U.S. citizens are permitted… Continue reading DMV Voter Registration Immigration Risk

At Wildes & Weinberg, we understand the complex relationship between U.S. immigration law and cannabis use. As #420 approaches, there are a few important considerations for noncitizens thinking about participating. Although some states have legalized or decriminalized the personal possession or use of marijuana, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal… Continue reading #420 and Immigration: What Noncitizens Should Know

February 5, 2026 The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the Immigration Courts, have issued an interim final rule (expected to be published on February 6) that radically restructures the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), highest administrative appellate body for immigration cases. Under the new rule, summary dismissal becomes the default: for most future appeals,… Continue reading DOJ Issues Interim Final Rule Radically Restructuring the BIA

Date: January 9, 2026 Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) alert What’s Happening? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an upcoming increase in premium processing fees that will impact employers, U.S. workers, and foreign nationals relying on expedited visa and immigration benefit processing.  Premium processing is an optional service that allows applicants or petitioners to request… Continue reading USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees: What Immigration Clients & Employers Need to Know

On December 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally announced a major overhaul of the H-1B work visa selection process. Beginning with the FY 2027 H-1B cap registration season, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will replace the long-standing random lottery with a weighted selection system that prioritizes higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign… Continue reading DHS Changes H-1B Visa Selection Process: What Employers and Foreign Workers Need to Know

On December 2, 2025, our firm secured a hard-fought and exceptional bond victory for a Guatemalan national who had been detained for months following the sweeping consequences of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ decision in Matter of Yajure-Hurtado. Under that decision, the BIA held that individuals who entered the United States without admission or inspection… Continue reading Bond Granted for Client in Wake of Maldonado Bautista v. Garland

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti will end on February 3, 2026. This decision impacts more than 300,000 Haitian nationals currently living in the United States under TPS protections. As the expiration date approaches, thousands of families are now seeking legal guidance on how… Continue reading DHS Ends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti

We are very grateful to Michael and his incredible team at Wildes & Weinberg for helping us navigate through the immigration journey. Their team has a wealth of experience, knowledge and professionalism, providing genuine care and support throughout the process. Michael & his team of attorneys and paralegals gave us clear guidance, making each step… Continue reading Leah & Gideon

Starting October 1, many people applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa — whether for tourism, study, or work — may face a new $250 “visa integrity fee.” This change, introduced under the “One Big Beautiful Border Act” (OBBBA), marks one of the most significant updates to U.S. immigration-related fees in recent years. What Is the… Continue reading New $250 Visa Integrity Fee: What You Need to Know

What You Need to Know About the New Gold Card Visa Program On September 19, 2025, the White House updated their new immigration initiative called the “Gold Card” Visa Program. This executive order hopes to allow foreign nationals to obtain an expedited path to U.S. lawful permanent residency (green card) if they make a qualifying… Continue reading The Gold Card: A Proposed Path to U.S. Immigration Through Investment