Below is a detailed analysis of the Gold Card program’s structure, requirements, risks, and how it compares to the long-established EB-5 investor visa category.
Continue Reading The Gold Card Program Explained—And How It Compares to EB-5
USCIS Halts Processing for Pending Asylum Applications and Immigration Benefit Request from 19 ‘High-Risk’ Countries
On Dec. 2, 2025, USCIS issued a policy memorandum PM-602-0192 directing officers to place an adjudicative hold on all pending asylum applications (Form I-589), regardless of nationality and most pending immigration benefit requests – such as green cards, adjustment of status, travel documents, naturalization, etc. – filed by nationals of 19 countries designated as “high risk,” regardless of the entry date.
Continue Reading USCIS Halts Processing for Pending Asylum Applications and Immigration Benefit Request from 19 ‘High-Risk’ Countries
EB-5 Filing Fee Lawsuit Reduces Fees
On Nov. 12, 2025, a federal court determined that USCIS unlawfully increased EB-5 filing fees without completing a fee study that was required to be completed under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA). The RIA, passed in April 2022, required USCIS to complete a fee study and to set USCIS filing fees according
New DHS Rule to End the Automatic Work Permit Extension
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a policy change impacting thousands of noncitizen workers and their employers across the United States. In an interim final rule released this week, DHS ended the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain categories of applicants who file renewal requests.
Beginning Oct. 30, 2025
USCIS Continues EB-5 Regional Center Audits Under the Reform and Integrity Act
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to issue formal notifications initiating audits of EB-5 Regional Centers under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA)’s authority.
The RIA requires USCIS to audit each approved Regional Center at least once every five years to ensure continued compliance with EB-5 program requirements. The audit process
EB-5 Filing Fees Set to Decrease Under New USCIS Fee Rule
The newly released USCIS proposed fee rule includes reductions to several key EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program filing fees.
At a time when USCIS fees have largely trended upward due to inflation, staffing, and backlog-related costs, the proposed decreases for EB-5 filings stand out as a noteworthy development for regional centers and investors alike.
Proposed EB-5
USCIS Issues EB-5 Regional Center Termination Notices
On Sept, 25, 2025, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) began issuing Notices of Regional Center Termination (the Notices) to EB-5 investors whose investments were made through Regional Centers that failed to comply with the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA). By way of background, USCIS terminated the designation of many approved Regional
USCIS Annual EB-5 Integrity Fees Now Due for FY 2026
It is the time of year again for USCIS approved Regional Centers to pay their annual EB-5 Integrity Fees to USCIS. Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), designated EB-5 Regional Centers must make an annual payment into the EB-5 Integrity Fund. The annual fee is $20,000 for each Regional Center, except
USCIS Unveils Changes to Naturalization Test in Multi-Step Overhaul of American Citizenship Standards
On Sept. 18, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Federal Register notice announcing the implementation of the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test.
Continue Reading USCIS Unveils Changes to Naturalization Test in Multi-Step Overhaul of American Citizenship Standards
USCIS Policy Manual Update: Discretionary Factors in Immigration Benefits
On Aug. 19, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy manual to provide guidance on how USCIS officers should exercise discretion when reviewing immigration benefit requests. Specifically, the guidance clarifies that USCIS officers will carefully consider an applicant’s entire immigration record and weigh both positive and negative factors before making a decision