Jim Grey
H-1B Premium Processing in a Government Shutdown: 15-Day Decision?
USCIS is accepting the $2,805 premium processing fee and promises 15-day adjudication for eligible H-1B filings after receipt…
Can U.S. Citizens File I-129F for K-1 During a Shutdown?
USCIS will accept I-129F petitions during the October 1, 2025 shutdown due to fee-based funding. The main risk…
K-1 Visa Interviews During a Shutdown: Delays and Rescheduling
During government shutdowns, fee-funded K-1 visa services often continue but posts may reduce capacity. Applicants should monitor consulate…
Can You File Standalone I-765 for Asylum or TPS During a Shutdown?
USCIS continues processing fee-funded I-765 filings during a shutdown, allowing asylum (c)(8) and TPS applicants to apply or…
H-4 EAD Renewals: Standalone Filing Without H-1B Extension in Shutdown
H-4 spouses can file standalone H-4 EAD renewals with Form I-765 without concurrent H-1B filings. If filed timely…
Do H-1B Amendments Cover Remote Work Changes in a Shutdown?
Worksite moves outside the original MSA require an H-1B amendment; moves within the MSA only require LCA notice…
Are USCIS Biometrics Appointments Cancelled or Rescheduled?
USCIS biometrics appointments generally continue during shutdowns; closed ASCs trigger automatic rescheduling with mailed notices. Request changes for…
Are NVC Services Operational During a Shutdown and Fee Payments
The NVC remains operational during federal shutdowns because visa processing is fee-funded. CEAC stays live for payments and…
Annual US Asylum Fee Demands $100 Payments From Many Applicants
Starting mid‑2025, the U.S. requires a $100 annual fee for each year an I-589 asylum application is pending…
Hong Kong Airlines Resumes Etihad Codeshare in November 2025
On November 3, 2025, Etihad resumes Abu Dhabi–Hong Kong flights five times weekly using a Boeing 787-9; Hong…
New North Carolina laws take effect October 1, 2025: changes ahead
Starting October 1, 2025, HB 318 requires status checks for felonies, A1 misdemeanors, and impaired driving; unverified individuals…
Study Finds One-Third Pass Citizenship Exam, Spurring Education Reform
Only 36% of Americans pass a civics test modeled on the naturalization exam; 19% under 45 pass. USCIS…
Atlanta Business Owner Warns $100K H-1B Fee Harms Small Firms
A $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions takes effect September 21, 2025 for 12 months. Agencies haven’t issued…
Trump’s Welcome Message Falls Short, Emphasizes Duties Over Celebration
The June 2025 Trump video shown at naturalization ceremonies reframes citizenship toward duties and cultural preservation, diverging from…
ICE Deports Former Cuban Judge Who Sentenced Anti-Dissidents
On September 25, 2025, ICE deported former Cuban judge Melody González Pedraza after 484 days in custody; U.S.…