Immigration News
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Update to Policy on Disability Exceptions to Naturalization Requirements
by USCIS on June 13, 2025 at 1:34 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance to enhance the integrity of the review process for Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
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Michigan Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material on a Military Base
on June 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A Michigan man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possessing over 41,026 images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
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Rwandan Immigrant Arrested for Concealing Role as Perpetrator of Genocide After Fraudulently Entering the United States
on June 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A federal grand jury in Ohio has returned a three-count indictment unsealed today charging Rwandan national Vincent Nzigiyimfura, also known as Vincent Mfura, 65, of Dayton, Ohio with lying on his U.S. immigration and naturalization applications.
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Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Georgia Tax Preparer for Fabricating Expenses and Credits
on June 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department filed a complaint to permanently bar tax preparer Tanja D. Hollis, of Griffin, Georgia, and her business, Tanja Tax Preparations LLC, from preparing federal tax returns for others.
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Former Massachusetts Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
on June 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A Massachusetts man and a former attorney pleaded guilty to evading his taxes.
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Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States
on June 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, a native and citizen of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Oklahoma City to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism.
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USCIS Issues Guidance Regarding Disclosure of Derogatory Information
by USCIS on June 12, 2025 at 4:04 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on how we disclose derogatory information upon which an adverse decision is based.
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USCIS Initiates Removal Proceedings Against 26,000 Aliens Since February
by USCIS on June 12, 2025 at 1:31 pm
Since U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services published new guidance on issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) on Feb. 28, it has initiated removal proceedings against more than 26,700 aliens with no legal basis to remain in the country.
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Justice Department Files Lawsuit to Stop New York’s Unlawful “Protect Our Courts Act” from Obstructing Immigration Enforcement
on June 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm
WASHINGTON - On Thursday, the United States filed a complaint against the State of New York, challenging state policies that blocked immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near New York courthouses. Specifically, the complaint challenges a law, called the Protect Our Courts Act, that purposefully shields dangerous aliens from being lawfully detained at or on their way to or from a courthouse and imposes criminal liability for violations of the shield. This law and accompanying […]
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Tennessee Man Sentenced in Kentucky to 25 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking
on June 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A Tennessee man was sentenced yesterday in the Western District of Kentucky for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; obstructing a sex trafficking investigation; interstate transportation for prostitution; and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Portier Q. Govan, 37, of Memphis, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release after a jury found Govan guilty in December 2024.
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USAID Official and Three Corporate Executives Plead Guilty to Decade-Long Bribery Scheme Involving Over $550 Million in Contracts; Two Companies Admit Criminal Liability for Bribery Scheme and Securities Fraud
on June 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Four men, including a government contracting officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and three owners and presidents of companies, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a decade-long bribery scheme involving at least 14 prime contracts worth over $550 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars.
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Fugitive Physician Sentenced to Prison in Medicare Fraud Scheme
on June 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A California physician was sentenced today in Los Angeles to 54 months in prison for health care fraud arising from her false home health certifications and related fraudulent billings to Medicare.
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Brazilian National Sentenced to Over One Year in Prison for Perjury
by USCIS on June 11, 2025 at 2:26 pm
A Brazilian national residing in Malden, Massachusetts, was recently sentenced in federal court in Boston for lying on his asylum application and at an immigration hearing.
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USCIS Changes Validity Period for Any Form I-693 Signed on or after Nov. 1, 2023
by USCIS on June 11, 2025 at 1:26 pm
We are updating Volume 8 of the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, is only valid while the application the Form I-693 was submitted with is pending.
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Grand Jury Indicts Two Individuals for Involvement with Online Groups Dedicated to Monkey Torture and Mutilation
on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A grand jury indictment was unsealed charging two individuals for their alleged involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
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Justice Department and FTC to Host Listening Sessions on Lowering Americans’ Drug Prices Through Competition
on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
As part of implementing President Trump’s Executive Order No. 14273, Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission, along with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Health and Human Services, will jointly host listening sessions to discuss ways to make prescription drugs more affordable for Americans by promoting competition. The three listening sessions will occur under the direction of […]
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Florida Fuel Supplier Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud U.S. Department of Defense, other Federal Agencies
on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment today charging a Florida business owner with multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and forgery for orchestrating a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies by submitting altered and fake invoices to U.S. Navy ships and other vessels through the SEA Card Program, which allows U.S. vessels to purchase critical fuel from suppliers at ports around the world.
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Virginia Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses
on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A Virginia man was sentenced today to 33 years in prison for transporting a teenager across state lines with the intent to sexually abuse her.
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Pickleball Company Owner Waives Discharge of Over $47M in Unsecured Debt After USTP Investigation
on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A pickleball entrepreneur who was forced into bankruptcy by investors he lured with promises of generous returns recently agreed to waive his bankruptcy discharge after an investigation by the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), preventing the discharge of more than $47 million in unsecured debt.
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Texas Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay $2M Fine for Conspiring to Monopolize International Transit Industry, Fix Prices, Extort $9.5M, and Launder Money
on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
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Former CIA Analyst Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison for Unlawfully Transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information
on June 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A former CIA analyst was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for unlawfully retaining and transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information to people who were not entitled to receive it, information which was publicly posted on social media platforms in October 2024.
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Head of Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti Delivers Remarks at American Conference Institute Conference
on June 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Thank you, Lisa and Paige, for having me here today. And thank you to the American Conference Institute for hosting this conference.
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Justice Department Successfully Defends Army Corps of Engineers Permit for South Carolina Mixed Use Development
on June 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Development projects may require a Clean Water Act (CWA) permit when wetlands need to be filled. Thus, developers of the Cainhoy Project — a more than 9,000 acre mixed use development in the Charleston, South Carolina — turned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2018 for a CWA permit.The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) defended the Corps’ decision to issue a permit.
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Justice Department Fighting Discrimination Against U.S. Workers
on June 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Epik Solutions, a California technology recruiting company, to resolve Epik Solutions’ violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by preferring to recruit foreign H-1B visa holders over U.S. workers.
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California Commercial Real Estate Agent Pleads Guilty to Obstructing the IRS
on June 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A California man pleaded guilty to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes.
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Alabama Chiropractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Obstruction
on June 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Shortly after trial began, an Alabama chiropractor pleaded guilty to tax evasion and obstructing the IRS.
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Pakistani National Extradited to Face Charges in Connection with Plot to Carry Out ISIS-Inspired Mass Shooting at Jewish Center in New York City
on June 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm
A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was extradited to the United States on June 10, in connection with an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York.
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U.S. Attorneys for Southwestern Border Districts Charge More than 1150 Illegal Aliens with Immigration-Related Crimes During the Second Week in June as part of Operation Take Back America
on June 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime.
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President Trump Tells Citizens to ‘Fiercely Guard’ American Way of Life in New Naturalization Ceremony Message
by USCIS on June 9, 2025 at 9:12 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released a video message in which President Trump welcomes newly naturalized citizens into our “national family” and invokes the pride new citizens should feel to share a home and heritage with America’s most exceptional heroes and patriots.
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MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy
by USCIS on June 9, 2025 at 4:59 pm
A member of the gang La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, recently pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to participating in a racketeering enterprise, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy.
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Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Acting at the Direction of North Korea to Export Firearms, Ammo, and Technology to North Korea
on June 9, 2025 at 12:00 pm
An illegal alien from China pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for exporting to North Korea shipments of firearms, ammunition and other military items that were concealed inside shipping containers bound from Long Beach, and for committing this crime at the direction of North Korean government officials, who wired him approximately $2 million for his efforts.
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Five Men Plead Guilty for Their Roles in Global Digital Asset Investment Scam Conspiracy Resulting in Theft of More than $36.9 Million from Victims
on June 9, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Five men have pleaded guilty for their roles in laundering more than $36.9 million from victims of an international digital asset investment scam conspiracy that was carried out from scam centers in Cambodia.
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Litigation-Related Update: Supreme Court stay of CHNV Preliminary Injunction
by USCIS on June 7, 2025 at 12:51 am
On May 30, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States issued an order lifting the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts’s April 14, 2025 Preliminary Injunction that stayed parts of the March 25, 2025 Federal Register notice titled, “Termination of Parole Process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV).
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DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Nepal
by USCIS on June 5, 2025 at 1:36 pm
The Department of Homeland Security today posted a Federal Register notice on the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Nepal. After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate interagency partners, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem determined that conditions in Nepal no longer meet the statutory requirements for TPS.
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CBP, ICE, and USCIS to Ramp Up Crackdown on Visa Overstays Following Boulder Terrorist Attack
by USCIS on June 4, 2025 at 4:27 pm
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.
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DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon
by USCIS on June 3, 2025 at 4:04 pm
The Department of Homeland Security posted a Federal Register notice on the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon.
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Colombian National Charged with Voter Fraud, Federal Benefit Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses
by USCIS on June 2, 2025 at 1:54 pm
A Colombian woman unlawfully residing in Boston has been indicted by a federal grand jury for identity theft offenses—including receiving rental assistance, Social Security, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits—as well as voter fraud under the stolen identity.
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Indian National Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud Conspiracy
by USCIS on May 29, 2025 at 7:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to an Indian national, residing in New York, pleading guilty to staging armed robberies in furtherance of a visa fraud conspiracy.
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Citizen of India Unlawfully Living in West Virginia Pleads Guilty in Marriage Fraud Scheme
by USCIS on May 28, 2025 at 5:07 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to a citizen of India pleading guilty in a marriage fraud scheme.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation Leading to Sentencing of Mexican National for Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme and Illegally Reentering the US
by USCIS on May 28, 2025 at 2:06 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the sentencing of a Mexican national for a smuggling and labor trafficking scheme and illegally reentering the United States.
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CBP issues Withhold Release Order on Zhen Fa 7
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 28, 2025 at 2:01 pm
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order May 28, against Zhen Fa 7, a Chinese-flagged fishing vessel. Effective immediately, CBP officers at all U.S. ports of entry will detain seafood, including but not…
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Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Visa Fraud
by USCIS on May 28, 2025 at 12:23 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the sentencing of a Maryland man for visa fraud.
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USCIS Deploys Common Sense Tools to Verify Voters
by USCIS on May 22, 2025 at 2:27 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to ensure a single, reliable source for verifying immigration status and U.S. citizenship nationwide.
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Jamaican Citizen Arrested for Making a False Claim of Citizenship to Register to Vote in the 2024 Presidential Primary Election
by USCIS on May 14, 2025 at 5:44 pm
Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, a Jamaican citizen, has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint and charged with unlawfully making a false claim of citizenship in order to register to vote in the 2024 Florida presidential primary election.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation of Cuban National Indicted on Charges Related to Credit Card “Skimming” and Lying on a Naturalization Application
by USCIS on May 14, 2025 at 1:33 pm
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced an indictment charging Yunier Perez-Bertemati, 40, with 22 counts of access device fraud, possessing and trafficking in unauthorized device-making equipment, aggravated identity theft, making a false statement on an immigration application, and making a false statement to a federal agent.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation of Palestinians Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition
by USCIS on May 12, 2025 at 6:52 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance in the investigation that led to the arrest and unsealing of indictments charging Mohammed Aburidi 24, a Palestinian, and Tareq Aburidi, 19, also a Palestinian, with possessing firearms and ammunition as aliens admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas.
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DHS Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan
by USCIS on May 12, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan. The TPS designation for the country expires on May 20, 2025, and the termination will be effective on July 12, 2025.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation Leading to Conviction of Indian Citizen for Submitting Fraudulent Immigration Application
by USCIS on May 5, 2025 at 7:22 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the conviction of an Indian citizen for submitting a fraudulent immigration application.
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First 100 Days: USCIS Delivering on Making America Safe Again
by USCIS on April 29, 2025 at 7:04 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is aggressively working to ensure America’s national security by addressing vulnerabilities in immigration policies, reducing exploitation of humanitarian parole programs, and assisting enforcement agencies in identifying and removing illegal aliens.
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USCIS Assists with ICE Investigation that Dismantled a Nationwide Marriage Fraud Operation
by USCIS on April 28, 2025 at 5:14 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services played an important part in an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Maryland, which led to the arrests in a nationwide marriage fraud operation.
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USCIS Assists Investigation Leading to Sentencing of Mexican National for Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme
by USCIS on April 24, 2025 at 7:04 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the sentencing of a Mexican national for a smuggling and labor trafficking scheme.
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USCIS Assists FBI Investigation Leading to Guilty Plea in ISIS-Inspired Election Day Terror Plot
by USCIS on April 24, 2025 at 5:58 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) played a critical role in an FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) investigation that brought a would-be terrorist to justice.
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Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the Early Second Half of FY 2025
by USCIS on April 23, 2025 at 2:30 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 19,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the early second half of fiscal year (FY) 2025 with start dates from April 1 to May 14, 2025, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2025 TFR).
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USCIS assists with a Federal Terrorism Case of a Former Iraqi Refugee Pleading Guilty to Supporting ISIS
by USCIS on April 22, 2025 at 1:12 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided key support to an investigation that led to a former refugee and legal permanent resident in Texas pleading guilty to charges of providing material support to ISIS.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation Leading to Sentencing of U.K. Man for Lying to Immigration Authorities
by USCIS on April 18, 2025 at 3:16 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the sentencing of a United Kingdom man for making false statements in an immigration matter.
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USCIS Assists in ICE Investigation Leading to Arrest of 133 Alien Offenders in New York
by USCIS on April 14, 2025 at 1:57 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in the investigation that led to the apprehension of 133 illegal aliens in New York between March 24 and 28.
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DHS to Begin Screening Aliens’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism
by USCIS on April 9, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.
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USCIS Announces Employment Authorization Document Application Procedures for Certain Hong Kong Residents Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure
by USCIS on April 3, 2025 at 1:08 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice for public inspection establishing procedures for certain Hong Kong residents covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through Feb. 5, 2027.
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USCIS Assisted in ICE Investigation Leading to Arrest of 370 Alien Offenders in Massachusetts
by USCIS on April 2, 2025 at 7:54 pm
BOSTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the apprehension of 370 illegal aliens in Massachusetts between March 18 and 23.
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USCIS Updates Policy to Recognize Two Biological Sexes
by USCIS on April 2, 2025 at 2:59 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that it only recognizes two biological sexes, male and female.
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FY 2026 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed
by USCIS on March 31, 2025 at 2:43 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
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USCIS Assists in HSI Investigation of Convicted Sex Offender Charged with Naturalization Fraud
by USCIS on March 28, 2025 at 4:57 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services helped Homeland Security Investigations in a case of naturalization fraud, resulting in the indictment of Juan Antonio Ruiz, 47, a naturalized U.S. citizen.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation of Postal Worker Found Guilty of Stealing Over $1.6 Million in Checks from the U.S. Mail and Lying to Obtain Citizenship
by USCIS on March 28, 2025 at 4:13 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in an investigation that resulted in a postal worker being found guilty by a federal jury on charges of mail theft and bank fraud that illegally netted him more than $1.6 million and lying to obtain U.S. citizenship.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation Leading to Visa Fraud Conviction of Former Mayor of Les Irois, Haiti
by USCIS on March 28, 2025 at 4:04 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services assisted in the investigation that led to the conviction of Jean Morose Viliena on three counts of visa fraud.
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New Jersey Man Indicted for Lying About ISIS Ties on U.S. Citizenship Application
by USCIS on March 28, 2025 at 12:57 pm
A federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned a two-count indictment against a New Jersey man for falsely stating on an application for naturalization that he had never been associated with a terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.
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USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2025 and Filing Dates Now Available for Supplemental Visas
by USCIS on March 26, 2025 at 9:48 pm
USCIS received enough petitions to meet the H-2B statutory cap for the second half of fiscal year 2025. The filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2025 are now available.
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USCIS Assisted in the Investigation Leading to 18 Brazilian Nationals Charged; More Than 100 Firearms Seized in Federal Crackdown on Firearm Trafficking
by USCIS on March 21, 2025 at 6:40 pm
This month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston announced the results of a yearlong federal investigation into illegal firearm sales across Massachusetts. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
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USCIS Aids in Conviction of Two Men, Extradition of Third in 2022 San Antonio Alien Smuggling Tragedy
by USCIS on March 19, 2025 at 7:29 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in a significant human smuggling investigation that resulted in the conviction of two men and the extradition of a third for their involvement in 53 deaths and 11 injuries in 2022.
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USCIS Assists in Investigation Leading to Arrest of Brazilian National for Selling Fake Social Security Cards and Green Cards
by USCIS on March 18, 2025 at 7:25 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services assisted in the investigation that led to the arrest of a Brazilian national for selling fake Social Security cards and Green Cards.
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USCIS Probationary Reinstatements
by USCIS on March 17, 2025 at 9:13 pm
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a Temporary Restraining Order in Maryland, et al v. United States Dep’t of Agriculture, et al, No. 25-cv-00748, Docket No. 43 (D. Md.) on March 13, 2025.
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USCIS Assisted in the Investigation of a Broward Woman Charged in Scheme to Submit Fraudulent Asylum Applications
by USCIS on March 12, 2025 at 6:04 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in the investigation of a recent Justice Department announcement of a Broward County resident arraigned on a federal indictment charging her with submission of a fraudulent asylum applications to USCIS.
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Chicago Businessman Indicted on Immigration Fraud Charges
by USCIS on March 11, 2025 at 6:27 pm
A suburban Chicago businessman has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly providing false and fraudulent information to U.S. authorities to obtain immigration benefits for his foreign national clients, following an investigation assisted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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USCIS Assisted in Investigation Leading to the Arrest of Central Coast Woman on Complaint Alleging She Created Hundreds of Bogus Medical Documents for Immigration Applicants
by USCIS on March 3, 2025 at 7:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in the investigation of a San Luis Obispo County woman arrested on a federal criminal complaint last month.
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USCIS Assisted in Case Resulting in Bronx Former Attorney Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Large-Scale Immigration Fraud
by USCIS on February 28, 2025 at 6:56 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in a case resulting in the sentencing of a Bronx-based former immigration attorney.
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Update on TPS for Haiti
by USCIS on February 20, 2025 at 9:37 pm
On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
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Tools Outage
by USCIS on February 18, 2025 at 3:41 pm
USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.
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FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 7
by USCIS on February 5, 2025 at 9:07 pm
Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025.
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DHS Terminates the 2023 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on February 3, 2025 at 9:48 pm
After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has determined that conditions in Venezuela no longer support the 2023 designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
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Update on Form I-134A
by USCIS on January 28, 2025 at 8:37 pm
Due to the Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order, Securing Our Borders, USCIS is pausing acceptance of Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, until we review all categorical parole processes as required by that order.
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USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status Applicants
by USCIS on January 22, 2025 at 11:12 pm
Effective Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination.
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H-1B Final Rule, H-2 Final Rule, and Revised Form I-129 Effective Jan. 17, 2025
by USCIS on January 15, 2025 at 6:02 pm
The Department of Homeland Security’s H-1B final rule and H-2 final rule take effect on Friday, January 17, 2025, modernizing and improving requirements for the H-1B nonimmigrant and H-2 nonimmigrant visa programs.
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USCIS Updates Guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions
by USCIS on January 15, 2025 at 3:02 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating its policy guidance to clarify how we evaluate eligibility for the second preference employment-based (EB-2) classification for immigrant petitions filed with a request for a national interest waiver (NIW).
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USCIS Updates Filing Procedures for Form I-140
by USCIS on January 13, 2025 at 1:22 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a Federal Register notice (FRN) providing updated procedures for submitting a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, accompanied by a permanent labor certification, application for Schedule A designation, or national interest waiver (NIW) request.
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Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the First Half of FY 2025
by USCIS on January 10, 2025 at 8:34 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the first half of fiscal year 2025 with start dates on or before March 31, 2025, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2025 TFR).
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USCIS Offices Closed Jan. 9, 2025
by USCIS on January 6, 2025 at 5:03 pm
President Biden has declared Thursday, Jan. 9, a National Day of Mourning to remember the life and legacy of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, and has issued an Executive Order Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025.
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USCIS to Publish Revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
by USCIS on December 23, 2024 at 7:39 pm
On Jan. 17, 2025, we will publish a revised edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date: 01/17/25). The form has been revised to align with the recently announced H-1B modernization final rule and the H-2 modernization final rule.
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USCIS Updates Guidance on Flexibilities Available During and After Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances
by USCIS on December 19, 2024 at 3:00 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating our Policy Manual to clarify flexibilities that may be available to benefit requestors during and after an emergency or unforeseen circumstance.
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USCIS Updates Guidance on Case Assistance and Feedback
by USCIS on December 18, 2024 at 2:08 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating Volume 1, Part A, of the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect the available avenues for case assistance or feedback.
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DHS Publishes Final Rule for the Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings
by USCIS on December 17, 2024 at 10:41 pm
As part of our continued efforts to deliver more timely consequences for noncitizens encountered who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States—efforts that have resulted in a 60% decrease in unlawful entries since June 4—the Department of Homeland Security has finalized the rule for the Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings, following publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in May 2024.
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DHS Strengthens H-1B Program, Allowing U.S. Employers to More Quickly Fill Critical Jobs
by USCIS on December 17, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Rule will provide greater benefits and flexibilities for U.S. employers and specialty occupation workers, helping to meet U.S. labor needs
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USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Evidence for Applicants Under the International Entrepreneur Rule
by USCIS on December 12, 2024 at 2:31 pm
We are issuing updated policy guidance on the types of evidence that may support an application under the International Entrepreneur Rule.
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USCIS Revised Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
by USCIS on December 10, 2024 at 2:22 pm
On Dec. 10, 2024, we published a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status, which includes updates to questions and instructions. Starting Feb. 10, 2025, we will accept only the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 and will reject any older editions of Form I-485.
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USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap
by USCIS on December 2, 2024 at 7:02 pm
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2025.
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USCIS Now Requires Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record to be Submitted with Form I-485 for Certain Applicants
by USCIS on December 2, 2024 at 4:12 pm
We now require certain applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their Form I-485 or the Form I-485 may otherwise be rejected.
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DHS, DOL Make Nearly 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas Available for Fiscal Year 2025
by USCIS on November 27, 2024 at 2:39 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a temporary final rule (TFR) making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2025.
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DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on November 26, 2024 at 2:58 pm
The Department of Homeland Security today posted a Federal Register notice designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months.
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DHS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
by USCIS on November 18, 2024 at 7:52 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (State), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs for the next 12 months.
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USCIS Updates Guidance on Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence Requirement for Naturalization
by USCIS on November 14, 2024 at 2:18 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that a naturalization applicant’s burden to demonstrate they have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence applies only to their initial admission as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or adjustment to LPR status.
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Immigration Medical Examination Documentation Will Be Valid Indefinitely for Certain Afghan Nationals
by USCIS on November 13, 2024 at 2:12 pm
We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 3, to reflect that immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is valid indefinitely.
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USCIS Updates Policy Manual Guidance for T Visa
by USCIS on October 23, 2024 at 2:20 pm
We are revising our guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status Final Rule.