Since last January, many immigration policy and regulation changes have taken effect.    In general, scrutiny has greatly increased, policy application is much less flexible, and significant changes continue to take place with little to no warning.

According to a  USCIS memo  released August 15, U.S. naturalization officers will place new emphasis on applicants’ “positive attributes and contributions,”  in determining good moral character (GMC).

The registration period for the  H-1B  visa lottery will run from noon Eastern on March 7, 2025, to noon Eastern March 24, 2025.  Employers must use a USCIS organizational account to register beneficiaries; each beneficiary must hold a valid, unexpired  passport or travel document to be used as a unique identifier in the lottery. The fee for each registration is $215.

Experts in U.S. immigration law are expecting heightened barriers under incoming president Trump. The most important step applicants or petitioners can take is to consult their immigration attorneys without delay. Individuals should ensure they have submitted all necessary evidence and paperwork and discuss their risk factors and options.    

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (“DV Lottery”) is open to people from countries with “historically low rates of immigration” to the U.S. 

If you entered the U.S. without inspection, and you are the spouse or stepchild of a U.S. citizen, the new PIP program may allow you to obtain your green card without leaving the U.S. The government began accepting applications to the program on August 19, 2024.  Those approved will be granted “parole in place” for three years, during which time they may apply for a green card and work authorization.

The President has announced a new plan to facilitate legal status for two groups of undocumented individuals in the U.S.: spouses and children of U.S. citizens who entered without inspection, and DACA recipients.Those approved in the first group would not have to leave the country; they would be granted “parole-in-place” for 3 years, during which time they could apply for a green card and would be eligible for work authorization. Those in the second group will benefit from streamlined and possibly more lenient consular processing.

Starting April 1, USCIS’ recent overhaul of its fee schedule will dramatically increase costs for many applicants and petitioners.   The changes include increases to form filing fees, unbundling payments for certain immigration benefits, and a new Asylum Program Surcharge on many employment-based filings.

On February 26, 2024, Premium Processing fees for Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) and Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) will rise to $2,805.