USCIS
Processing time trackers, fee schedule changes, form updates, and policy memos from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Covers service center operations, office closures, and adjudication trends.
Top questions about USCIS
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat new policies were introduced by USCIS in 2025?
New policies included stricter naturalization testing and the termination of multiple humanitarian parole programs.
Read: USCIS End-of-Year Review Highlights Rigorous Immigration Enforcement ActionsWhat enforcement approach did DHS and USCIS implement as of January 2026?
DHS and USCIS implemented a zero-release and mandatory detention approach as of January 3, 2026, pushing longer immigration detention and fewer releases while deportation cases move through the system.
Read: How Long Can Immigration Detention Last Before Deportation Under Current LawWhat actions were taken by federal agencies in January 2026 that affected immigration processes?
On January 14, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries effective January 21, 2026. On January 15, 2026, USCIS announced Operation PARRIS to re-examine refugee cases for fraud/security.
Read: Family Self-Departs U.S. After 11-Year Green Card Backlog ReckoningWhat actions should people take if they have a pending immigration application due to recent policy changes?
People with pending applications should know their rights, gather documents, contact legal help, check their status, and stay informed about updates from official sources.
Read: Debate Intensifies Over Military’s Expanding Role in Immigration PolicyWhat changes did the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announce in 2025?
USCIS announced inflation adjustments that increased premium processing fees, with Form I-129 increasing from $2,805 to $2,965 and Form I-140 rising to $2,965.
Read: UK Government Hikes Immigration and Visa Fees, Canada and Germany GainImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ice) BWC Program Cut in DHS Budget
The administration's FY2026 budget proposal significantly defunds ICE's body-worn camera program, cutting staff from 22 to 3. This move occurs despite a massive increase in immigration enforcement and detention. The…
BP Chief Vows Operation Metro Surge Operation Catch of the Day in Minnesota
Operation Metro Surge has deployed 3,000 federal agents to the Twin Cities, resulting in thousands of arrests and…
Operation Twin Shield Drives Rise in U.S. Home Visits by Uscis
New federal initiatives, including Operation Twin Shield and PARRIS, are increasing site visits and background checks for immigration…
Indicted for Assault on Agents Jerson Lopez-Sanchez, Texas, December 1, 2025
The U.S. government is pursuing high-level federal charges for assaults on immigration agents in three states. These legal…
IRCC Updates Express Entry CEC January 21 2026 Processing Times
Recent January 2026 updates highlight faster processing for Canada's CEC pathway and new exemptions for graduate students regarding…
Sahda Hernandez Says ICE Agents Pulled Her Over in Webster County, Iowa
Sahda Hernandez, a U.S. citizen, reports being profiled and detained by ICE agents in Iowa. This case reflects…
U.S. Green Cards Cut by 2.4 Million National Foundation for American Policy (nfap) Department of Homeland Security (dhs)
New federal policies from USCIS, DHS, and the State Department are projected to result in 1.5 to 2.4…
ICE Detained Chongly “scott” Thao in Underwear January 18, 2026
A U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained by ICE in St. Paul during a subfreezing residential raid. State officials…
California Workplace Know Your Rights Act Senate Bill 294 Requires Notice
The Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294) introduces mandatory rights education and emergency contact protocols for California…
Cumberland County Corrections Officer Recruit Arrested Operation Catch of the Day Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Federal agents arrested a Cumberland County corrections recruit during a multi-day immigration sweep in Maine. Despite the recruit…