DHS Terminates Venezuela's 2021 Temporary Protected Status

On September 3rd, the Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Venezuela's 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation. The termination is effective September 10, 2025.

USCIS Will Now Accept ACH Transactions for Filing Fee Payments

USCIS will now accept filing fee payments made using electronic debit from a U.S. bank account, via Form G-1650, Authorization of ACH Transactions. USCIS will continue to accept credit card payments, but will not accept paper checks and money order payments after October 28.

State Department Suspends Visas for Palestinian Passport Holders

The State Department instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to deny visa applications for most Palestinian passport holders, effective immediately. 

If you are a Palestinian passport holder, please speak with an attorney before you travel outside the United States.

USCIS to Resume Neighborhood Checks in Naturalization Applications

The Trump Administration has announced plans to resume neighborhood checks in citizenship applications, which have been paused since 1991. USCIS will also encourage submissions of letters of recommendation from community members and/or employers as evidence of an applicant's good moral character.

USCIS Updates Discretionary Authority/ Good Moral Character in Immigration Benefits/ Citizenship Cases

USCIS officers now have expanded discretionary authority in reviewing petitions for immigration benefits. Officers will now look for anti-American ideologies, support of terrorist groups, and/or antisemitic content. Additionally, they will note applicants' positive contributions in evaluating their good moral character and evidence of such will favorably impact an applicant's petition.

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The information in this newsletter shall not be construed as an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. We hope that you will find the information informative, and we would be happy to speak with you if you have any questions about the content or about our firm.