KEY TAKEAWAYS USCIS generally cannot search your phone during an immigration interview. Officers cannot force you to unlock your device or hand over your passcode at a USCIS field office. CBP and USCIS have different legal authorities. While CBP can search electronic devices at U.S. borders under the border search exception, USCIS does not have … Read More
Quick Answer: On July 20, 2026, USCIS rescinded the 2022 Public Charge Final Rule. The new rule takes effect September 18, 2026, and moves toward a broader, more individualized “totality of the circumstances” review rather than the rigid checklist-style rules from 2022. Benefits received before September 18, 2026 are still evaluated under the old standard. … Read More
Quick Answer: A USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE) is not a denial. It’s an opportunity to provide additional documentation needed to support your immigration application. Respond carefully by submitting exactly what USCIS requests before the deadline, as missing or incomplete responses can lead to denial. An RFE will likely delay your case, but a clear, … Read More
Quick Answer: Receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) starts immigration court proceedings; it is not an automatic deportation order. Act quickly by verifying your case status, tracking hearing dates, attending all court appearances, and updating your address if you move. Because every case is different, consult an experienced immigration attorney as early as possible to … Read More
Quick Summary: The legal standard for Good Moral Character (GMC) hasn’t changed, but USCIS is applying closer scrutiny. Internal 2025 guidance encourages officers to conduct a more holistic review of naturalization applicants, though the memo is not part of the official USCIS Policy Manual. USCIS is looking beyond criminal history. Officers may evaluate factors such … Read More
Quick Answer: A “Failure to Depart” fine under INA § 274D can be imposed on individuals who remain in the U.S. after a final removal order, with penalties reaching up to $998 per day and potentially growing into tens of thousands of dollars. In 2026, DHS has increased enforcement and collection efforts, making it critical … Read More
Navigating the U.S. immigration system is one of the most significant journeys a person can undertake, often filled with hope for a better future. Unfortunately, scammers frequently target this hope, impersonating real attorneys and trusted organizations to exploit vulnerable individuals. At Hughes Law Group, we believe that the best defense against fraud is education. Based … Read More
If you have an immigration application pending right now, whether it’s for a green card, naturalization, or a visa benefit, there’s a significant policy change you need to know about. In March 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) quietly rolled out sweeping new screening and vetting measures that are already affecting how cases are … Read More
If you’ve been following immigration news this past week, you’ve probably seen headlines that felt alarming. USCIS quietly issued a policy memorandum on May 21, 2026, and the initial reaction from lawyers, advocates, and news outlets alike was serious concern. At Hughes Law Group, we’ve been reading through this memo carefully since it dropped. Here’s … Read More
You did everything right. You gathered your documents, completed your forms, and prepared for your interview. Then an officer pulled up your Instagram. In our practice, we are seeing more and more cases where a single post, a mismatched LinkedIn profile, or even a photo someone else tagged creates serious problems for an otherwise solid … Read More
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