USCIS

USCIS Implements “a Rigorous, Holistic, and Comprehensive Good Moral Character Standard” for Naturalization

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On August 15, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security published PM-602-0188, a Policy Memorandum with the subject, “Restoring a Rigorous, Holistic, and Comprehensive Good Moral CharacterEvaluation Standard for Aliens Applying for Naturalization.” KEY POINTS The policy memorandum from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines a new more “comprehensive and holistic standard” for evaluating an … Read more

USCIS Published New Fee Schedule March 6, 2025

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Form G-1055, Fee Schedule Edition 03/05/2025 What’s New on the March 5, 2025 Edition of the Fee Schedule? The new fee schedule includes several changes such as the addition of the new Form G-325R, Biographical Information (Registration), which is the result of the Alien Registration Requirement that has been imposed as part of President Trump’s … Read more

USCIS UPDATES POLICY MANUAL RE CASE ASSISTANCE & EMERGENCIES/UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify flexibilities that may be available to benefit requestors/applicants during and after an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. The update explains that during certain emergencies or unforeseen circumstances that may present unanticipated challenges to immigration benefit requestors, USCIS may use its discretion to implement … Read more

KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER PAROLE-IN-PLACE ENDS BY

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On August 19, 2024, the US Department of Homeland Security began accepting applications for a new program they announced called “Keeping Families Together” which was a process for certain noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole-in-place. This program was implemented using existing statutory authority that allowed for parole-in-place in other circumstances … Read more

UPDATES TO THE POST APPROVAL I-130 ROUTING PROCEDURES

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The I-130 petition, a crucial step in family-based immigration, can often feel like navigating a complex maze. One common frustration arises when, after the elation of receiving an approval notice, you discover that USCIS has sent your I-130 to the National Visa Center (NVC) when you intended to adjust status in the U.S. Conversely, if … Read more

NEW USCIS POLICY: MEDICAL EXAMINATION MUST BE FILED WITH FORM I-485 APPLICATION FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS

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USCIS is now requiring that the Form I-693 Medical Examination & Vaccination Record be submitted with the I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status to Legal Permanent Resident. Rather than issue an RFE for the Form I-693 Medical Examination, USCIS may reject the I-485 Application if it is filed without a medical. It is important to … Read more