Immigration Status
Explainers on U.S. immigration statuses — lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, refugee, parolee, TPS holder, DACA recipient, and undocumented. Rights, limitations, and pathways for each.
Top questions about Immigration Status
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat changes have affected the processing of asylum applications in 2025?
Asylum officers continue to issue decisions, but heavy backlogs and policy shifts have created delays in interviews and hearings.
Read: Asylum Decisions Continue in 2025: No Official Halt, Delays PersistWhat are some recent changes in U.S. asylum policies as of January 20, 2025?
As of January 20, 2025, new U.S. asylum policies include the reinstated 'Remain in Mexico' policy and expanded expedited removals, which have altered how asylum seekers can apply and proceed with their claims.
Read: Understanding the U.S. Asylum Process Amid Evolving PoliciesWhat is the U.S. policy stance regarding asylum seekers as of January 2026?
The U.S. has implemented a nationwide Asylum Hold and stricter screening protocols.
Read: Border Guards Detain 15 Asylum Seekers at Vilnius Airport Bound for GermanyWhat has USCIS done regarding asylum decisions as of late November 2025?
USCIS has internally paused all asylum decisions since late November 2025, halting approvals, denials, and closures nationwide.
Read: Asylum-Based EAD Renewal: What to Do When USCIS Pauses DecisionsWhat is the current status of asylum decisions after the shooting on November 26, 2025?
Asylum decisions have been halted indefinitely as of November 26, 2025, with no clear timeline for resuming adjudications.
Read: Trump Admin Halts All Asylum Decisions Amid Vetting Push
Dual-Status Alien Tax Returns: Navigating Green Card Rules and the Substantial Presence Test
Learn the 2026 IRS rules for dual-status aliens, including form requirements, filing restrictions, and why you must mail your return instead of e-filing.
California and Texas Lead with 15 Million Foreign-Born Residents in 2026
California leads 2026 immigrant population rankings with 10.6M residents, while Florida's Miami-Dade becomes the nation's only immigrant-majority county.
Homicide Ruling in Buffalo Puts Spotlight on Safe Release of Vulnerable Refugees
A 2026 homicide ruling in Buffalo blames federal negligence for the death of a blind refugee released into…
Los Angeles Tops New American Economy City Index, Expands ESL Classes with LA Welcomes
New York City leads the 2026 City Index for immigrant support, as newcomers contribute $2.9 trillion to the…
VITA Sites and IRS Free File Offer 2026 Tax Help for Immigrants with Itins
The April 15, 2026 tax deadline applies to most immigrants. Free filing help via VITA and IRS Free…
UN Human Rights Committee Rules South Korea Violated Asylum Seeker’s Rights at Incheon
UN committee finds South Korea violated rights by detaining a Congolese asylum seeker for 14 months at Incheon…
5-Year Waiting Period Keeps Immigrants Off Medicaid/chip, Even as States Use State-Only Funds
New federal rules as of Oct 2026 restrict Medicaid for many immigrants, leaving states to decide whether to…
California Ranks Lower for Immigrants as Sanctuary Laws Collide with Job Opportunities
California, New York, and Illinois lead the 2026 rankings for best immigrant states, balancing job growth, sanctuary laws,…
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Backs One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Promotes CBP Home App
Guide for California immigrants on 2026 tax rules, including federal senior deductions, state Social Security exemptions, and foreign…
FICA Exemption for OPT and CPT Workers: How to Claim a Refund on Tax Filing
F-1 students must file 2026 taxes by April 15, 2027. Ensure FICA tax exemptions are applied and FBAR…