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 GainICE Attends In-Person Sponsor Interviews Reuniting Unaccompanied Children
ORR’s July 9, 2025 rule mandates in-person identity checks and fingerprinting for sponsors; ICE presence at appointments has been reported, raising concerns about deterrence, arrests, and delays in reunifying unaccompanied…
No Blanket Ban, but Tight Restrictions on Noncitizen Military Naturalization Persist (2024–25)
Noncitizen troops can still naturalize under INA §328/§329, but Pentagon control of Form N‑426 and a contested 2017…
Trump updates USCIS rules: Deportation for green card holders who vote or misrepresent citizenship
A USCIS policy enacted in August 2025 requires denial of citizenship and potential deportation for green card holders…
ICE Raids Cast Shadow Over Mass US Naturalization Ceremony Plans
In summer 2025, stepped-up immigration enforcement changed how families approach naturalization ceremonies. On July 4 in Raleigh, 31…
I-140 Approval Isn’t Residency: Understanding Green Card Steps Ahead
I-140 approval confirms employment-based eligibility and locks a priority date but does not grant a green card. Only…
USCIS Modernizes Fee Payments with ACH Debit via Form G-1650
USCIS now accepts ACH electronic debits using Form G-1650 for mailed filings starting Aug. 29, 2025. Paper checks…
By the Numbers: ICE and CBP Arrests, Detentions, and Deportations in the U.S.
By August 10 ICE detained 59,380 people with 31,281 July bookings; 70.4% had no convictions. Enforcement shifted toward…
Gaps in E-Verify Put Roofing Contractors at Risk of Immigration Violations
Proposed Florida laws would require E‑Verify for all employers and increase fines up to $500,000. Roofing contractors face…
Indian National Rambhai Patel Sentenced for Visa Fraud Conspiracy Involving Staged Robberies
Rambhai Patel was sentenced to 20 months and ordered to forfeit $850,000 for organizing staged armed robberies used…
Nebraska ALPRs: ICE Immigration Enforcement via Local Programs Under Scrutiny
April 2025 Hall County data show over 424,000 ALPR searches—most by outside agencies—highlighting how Flock Safety’s shared lookup…