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 GainDOJ Sues Maryland Federal Bench Over Automatic Two-Day Deportation Pause
A May 2025 Maryland standing order pauses deportations roughly two business days after filing a habeas petition. DOJ sued all 15 judges and court officials, claiming procedural flaws and irreparable…
City of Tulsa Hosts 49th Naturalization Ceremony Welcoming New Citizens
Tulsa’s monthly naturalization series, started in 2019, has produced roughly 1,500 new U.S. citizens. On June 11, 2025,…
USCIS Director Joe Edlow: Biden Prioritized Illegal Aliens, Messed Legal Immigration
Confirmed July 2025, Joseph B. Edlow directs USCIS toward stronger vetting, fraud enforcement, and oversight of programs like…
US Warns H-2A Workers of Serious Legal Consequences for Violations
USCIS alerted H-2A workers that job abandonment or not reporting to designated employers can trigger ICE enforcement and…
Do USCIS Officers Check Your Phone During Interviews in 2025?
USCIS typically focuses on filed evidence and does not routinely search phones during interviews; requests are rare and…
September USCIS Visa Bulletin: Key Green Card Changes for Ukrainians
USCIS instructs family‑sponsored applicants to use Dates for Filing in September 2025, permitting I‑485 submissions; employment categories see…
ICE Arrests Fall 25% in July but Stay High Across Washington State
Washington recorded 218 ICE arrests in July 2025, down 25% from June but historically high. Data show 38%…
US employer-sponsored green card backlog hits record 1.8M pending
As of August 14, 2025, employer-sponsored green cards total 1.8 million pending and USCIS lists 11.3 million pending…
Maryland Congress Members Gain Entry After Being Denied at ICE Facility
Maryland lawmakers inspected the Baltimore ICE holding room on August 13, 2025, discovering average stays near 72 hours…
Federal Judge Blocks ICE Use of Medicaid Data for Deportation Enforcement
A federal judge on August 13, 2025, blocked DHS and ICE from using Medicaid data disclosed by CMS…