Marina Shepelsky

Big Immigration Update: Many Immigrants Will No Longer Get Automatic Work Permit Extensions

Many immigrants in the United States are facing a major change to the work permit renewal process.

The government has changed the rules for automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents, also known as EADs or work permits.

Before, many immigrants who filed their EAD renewal on time could keep working legally while waiting for USCIS to process the new work permit. In many cases, eligible applicants received an automatic extension of work authorization for up to 540 days.

Now, many immigrants will no longer receive an automatic work permit extension just because they filed a renewal application.

This means that if your current work permit expires before USCIS approves your new EAD, you may have to stop working until the new work permit is approved.

✅ What Is an Automatic EAD Extension?

An automatic EAD extension allowed certain immigrants to keep working after their work permit expired, as long as:

• They filed their EAD renewal on time
• They filed under an eligible immigration category
• Their renewal application was still pending with USCIS

This was very important because USCIS work permit renewals can take months.

🚫 Which Immigrants Will No Longer Get Automatic Work Permit Extensions?

The new rule affects many common immigration categories, including:

• Refugees
• Asylees
• People granted withholding of removal
• Pending asylum applicants
• Pending green card applicants with adjustment of status cases
• People applying for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation
• Certain H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders
• Certain spouses of E-1, E-2, and E-3 visa holders
• Certain spouses of L-1 visa holders
• Approved VAWA self-petitioners and certain derivative children
• Certain legalization applicants
• N-8 and N-9 nonimmigrants
• Citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau

⚠️ What This Means for Immigrants

This change can create serious problems for immigrants and their families.

Even if you file your work permit renewal on time, you may still lose your legal ability to work if USCIS does not approve your new EAD before your current card expires.

This can affect:

• Your job
• Your income
• Your rent or mortgage payments
• Your health insurance
• Your driver’s license renewal
• Your ability to support your family
• Your employer’s ability to keep you on payroll

For many immigrants, a work permit is not just a card. It is what allows them to survive financially in the United States while their immigration case is pending.

What About TPS Work Permits?

TPS work permits are different and must be reviewed separately.

Some TPS holders may still receive automatic EAD extensions if DHS specifically extends work permits for their country through a Federal Register notice.

This means TPS holders should not assume their work permit is automatically extended just because they filed a renewal.

You must check the current TPS rules for your specific country.

🌎 What About Parole-Based Work Permits?

Many parolees already do not usually receive the regular automatic EAD extension just because they filed a renewal.

This includes many people who received parole from countries such as:

• Ukraine
• Afghanistan
• Cuba
• Haiti
• Nicaragua
• Venezuela

Parole-based work permits are usually issued under category C11. Many C11 applicants must wait for USCIS to actually approve the new EAD before they can continue working.

This is especially important for Ukrainians with parole or re-parole. They should track their parole and EAD expiration dates carefully and file as early as USCIS allows.

📌 What Should Immigrants Do Now?

If you have a work permit, take action now:

• Check the expiration date on your current EAD
• Confirm your EAD category
• Find out whether your category still qualifies for any automatic extension
• File your EAD renewal as early as USCIS allows
• Keep copies of your receipt notice and current EAD
• Speak with an immigration lawyer before your work permit expires

Filing early does not guarantee that USCIS will approve your new work permit on time, but waiting too long can make the risk much worse.

💼 Need Help Renewing Your Work Permit?

If your EAD is expiring soon, it is important to act quickly.

The immigration attorneys at Shepelsky Law Group help immigrants with:

Asylum
T-Visas
Family unification cases
Work permit renewals
TPS
Asylum
Adjustment of status
VAWA
Parole based EADs
Immigration court cases
Other immigration filings
📞 Call Shepelsky Law Group: +1 (718) 769-6352


🌐 Visit: shepelskylaw.com

#ImmigrationLaw #WorkPermit #EADRenewal #USCIS #ImmigrationUpdate #ImmigrationAttorney #WorkAuthorization #Asylum #TPS #VAWA #GreenCard #ShepelskyLaw #MarinaShepelsky

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

ICE Targets an Indian-American Immigration Attorney for Alleged False Asylum Filings: What Immigrants Need to Know

ICE Is Now Targeting Alleged False Asylum Filings by Immigration Attorneys

Immigrants need to be very careful about who prepares their immigration case.

ICE is now seeking a fine of more than $250,000 against an immigration attorney accused of filing allegedly false asylum claims. According to reports, the attorney is accused of filing multiple immigration cases with allegedly fraudulent documents and very similar asylum stories.

This is an important warning for immigrants: your asylum case must be truthful, personal, detailed, and supported by real evidence.

Why This Matters for Immigrants

Asylum is a serious legal protection for people who are afraid to return to their home country because of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

But asylum is not a fill-in-the-blank form. It is not okay for a preparer, consultant, notario, or attorney to create a fake story for you, copy someone else’s declaration, exaggerate facts, or submit documents that are not real.

If false information is filed in your case, you are the person who may suffer the consequences.

Possible consequences of filing a fraudulent asylum case can include:

Denial of your asylum case
Referral to immigration court
Removal or deportation proceedings
A finding of fraud or misrepresentation
Problems getting a green card, work permit, visa, or citizenship in the future
Possible criminal or immigration consequences in serious cases
Be Careful With Notarios and Bad Immigration Preparers

Many immigrants are desperate for help and trust the wrong people. Some are promised an easy asylum approval, a fake work permit path, or a story that sounds better than their real facts.

Do not let anyone invent facts for you.
Do not sign forms you do not understand.
Do not submit documents you know are not real.
Do not allow anyone to copy another person’s asylum story and use it as your own.
A strong immigration case does not mean a fake case. A strong case means a truthful case that is carefully prepared, legally organized, and supported with evidence.

What a Good Immigration Lawyer Should Do

A good immigration lawyer should ask detailed questions, review your documents, explain the risks, and help present your real story in the strongest legal way possible.

For asylum cases, this often includes:

A detailed personal declaration
Evidence of threats, harm, arrests, violence, discrimination, or persecution
Country condition reports
Witness letters
Police reports, medical records, court records, or other proof if available
A clear explanation of why you are afraid to return
A legal argument connecting your fear to a protected ground
The story must be yours. The facts must be true. You should have documentation to prove your claims.

Shepelsky Law Group Helps Immigrants Prepare Honest and Strong Cases

At Shepelsky Law Group, we understand how serious immigration filings are. Our team helps immigrants prepare carefully documented asylum, VAWA, U visa, family immigration, green card, waiver, and citizenship cases.

We do not believe in shortcuts that can destroy a person’s future. We believe in truthful, detailed, strategic immigration work.

If you are afraid that someone filed something wrong in your case, or if you want to file an immigration case the right way, speak with an experienced immigration attorney before it is too late.

Contact Shepelsky Law Group today.

Call: 718-769-6352
Visit: www.ShepelskyLaw.com

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

Supreme Court Ruling Is a Warning to Green Card Holders: Do Not Travel With Criminal Issues Without Speaking to an Immigration Lawyer

A new Supreme Court decision is a serious warning for green card holders who have any criminal history, pending criminal case, arrest, or old conviction. The case is Blanche v. Muk Choi Lau, decided June 23, 2026. The Court held that CBP does not need clear and convincing evidence at the border before treating a returning green card holder as seeking admission if the government believes the person committed certain crimes, including a crime involving moral turpitude. In other words, legally – you lose your privileges of being a green card holder when returning to the US with criminal issues, even if it’s an open criminal case that you have not been CONVICTED in yet.

The Court sided with the Trump administration in a case involving a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green card holder, who was stopped after returning to the United States from a short trip abroad.

The case involved Muk Choi Lau, a green card holder who had been charged in New Jersey with trademark counterfeiting. While the criminal charge was still pending, he traveled outside the United States and returned through JFK Airport in New York. Instead of treating him as a returning permanent resident automatically admitted back into the country, immigration officers treated him as an applicant for admission and placed him on immigration parole while his criminal case continued.

After he later pleaded guilty, the government tried to remove him from the United States as inadmissible.

The Supreme Court ruled that border officers did not need clear and convincing evidence at the airport that he committed the crime before treating him as someone seeking admission.

For immigrants, this ruling is important because it shows that a green card does not always guarantee a smooth return to the United States after international travel.

What Does This Mean for Green Card Holders?

Many green card holders believe that because they are lawful permanent residents, they can travel internationally and return to the United States without problems.

Usually, that is true.

But there are important exceptions.

If a green card holder has certain criminal issues, immigration officers at the airport or border may question them, delay them, send them to secondary inspection, parole them into the United States instead of formally admitting them, detain them, or place them in removal proceedings.

This can happen even if the criminal case is old, dismissed, pending, or misunderstood. It can also happen if the person believes the criminal case was minor.

The problem is that immigration law treats criminal cases very differently from regular criminal law. Something that seems small in criminal court may be very serious in immigration court.

What Types of Criminal Issues Can Create Problems?

Green card holders should speak with an immigration lawyer before traveling if they have ever had:

An arrest.
A pending criminal case.
A guilty plea.
A conviction.
A dismissed criminal case.
A sealed or expunged criminal case.
A theft charge.
A fraud charge.
A shoplifting charge.
A counterfeiting charge.
A drug charge.
A domestic violence case.
An assault case.
A weapons case.
A prostitution-related case.
A DUI/DWI with other serious facts.
A violation of an order of protection.
Any case involving dishonesty, violence, drugs, or moral turpitude.
Even if a criminal defense lawyer told you the case was no big deal, immigration may see it differently.

Why This Ruling Matters

This Supreme Court decision gives immigration officers more power at the border when a green card holder returns to the United States after travel.

The key issue is whether the government can treat a returning green card holder as someone seeking admission because of alleged criminal conduct. If that happens, the green card holder may face a more difficult immigration standard and may be charged as inadmissible.

That is a very serious problem.

Being treated as inadmissible can create major consequences, including detention, removal proceedings, and possible loss of permanent resident status.

This ruling is especially concerning because many green card holders travel without realizing that old criminal issues can come back at the airport.

Do Not Travel Outside the U.S. If You Have a Criminal Case Without Legal Advice

Actually, if you have criminal issues and do not yet have US citizenships- the safest route is not to travel outside the U.S. at all right now.

If you are a green card holder and you have ever been arrested, charged, convicted, or accused of a crime, you should not leave the United States before speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer.

This is especially true if:

Your criminal case is still pending.
You are on probation.
You recently pleaded guilty.
You have not yet received a certified disposition.
You do not understand what exact charge you pleaded guilty to.
Your case involved theft, fraud, drugs, violence, domestic violence, or weapons.
You have multiple arrests.
You were outside the United States for a long time.
You already had problems entering the United States before.
Once you leave the United States, you may be creating a new opportunity for the government to question whether you should be allowed back in.

Green Card Holders Are Still Not U.S. Citizens

This case is also a reminder that green card holders are not U.S. citizens.

A lawful permanent resident has many rights, but permanent residence can still be challenged by the government in certain situations. Criminal issues, immigration fraud, abandonment of residence, long trips abroad, and other problems can put a green card at risk.

U.S. citizens generally do not face the same risk of being denied reentry after international travel.

This is why eligible green card holders should seriously consider applying for U.S. citizenship if they qualify and if their case is safe to file.

But before applying for citizenship, green card holders with criminal history should also speak with an immigration lawyer. USCIS reviews the entire immigration and criminal history during naturalization.

What Should Green Card Holders Do Now?

If you have a green card, take these steps before international travel:

First, review your criminal history. Do not assume that a dismissed, sealed, or old case does not matter.
Second, get certified court dispositions for every arrest or criminal case.
Third, speak with an immigration lawyer before you buy plane tickets.
Fourth, do not rely only on advice from a criminal defense attorney. Criminal law and immigration law are different.
Fifth, if you are eligible for citizenship, ask an immigration lawyer whether now is the right time to apply.
Sixth, if you are stopped at the airport or placed in secondary inspection, do not sign anything you do not understand.
Common Mistake: I Have a Green Card, So I Am Safe

This is one of the biggest mistakes immigrants make.

A green card is very powerful, but it is not absolute protection. Immigration officers can still review your record when you return from travel. They can ask questions about arrests, convictions, travel history, immigration fraud, and whether you abandoned your residence in the United States.

If they believe a legal problem exists, they may place you into removal proceedings.

That is why travel planning is not just about buying a ticket. For immigrants with any criminal or immigration history, travel planning must include legal review.

Shepelsky Law Group Can Help Green Card Holders Before Travel

At Shepelsky Law Group, our immigration lawyers help green card holders understand whether international travel is safe.

We can help you:

Review your criminal history.
Review certified court dispositions.
Explain whether your conviction may create immigration problems.
Check if you may be stopped at the airport.
Advise whether you should travel or stay in the United States.
Help green card holders in removal proceedings.
Help eligible lawful permanent residents apply for citizenship.
Prepare a legal strategy before problems happen.
If you have a green card and any criminal history, do not guess. Do not travel first and ask questions later.

Contact Shepelsky Law Group Today

If you are a green card holder with an arrest, conviction, pending case, or old criminal issue, call Shepelsky Law Group at Tel: (718)769-6352 before leaving the United States.

One trip abroad can trigger serious immigration problems.

Speak with an experienced immigration lawyer today and protect your green card before you travel.

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

Trump Administration Proposes Huge Citizenship Fee Increase: Green Card Holders Should Apply for Naturalization Now

If you are a green card holder and you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, now is the time to act.

The Trump administration has proposed a major increase in the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship. Under the proposal, the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, would increase from the current $760 paper filing fee to $1,330. For online filings, the fee would increase from $710 to $1,280.

That is a huge jump for many immigrant families.

Even more concerning, the proposal would also eliminate most fee waivers and reduced fees for naturalization applicants. Right now, many low-income green card holders can apply for a reduced fee or a full fee waiver if they qualify. If the new rule becomes final, many people who cannot afford the full filing fee may no longer have that option.

This means that citizenship could become much harder to afford for working families, elderly immigrants, disabled immigrants, single parents, and others who have been waiting to naturalize.

Is This New Citizenship Fee Already in Effect?

No. As of now, this is still a proposed rule. It is not final yet.

That means eligible green card holders may still have time to apply under the current fee structure before any new rule takes effect.

But waiting can be risky. Government fee changes can happen quickly once a final rule is published. If you are already eligible for citizenship, it may be smart to speak with an immigration lawyer now and see if you can file before fees go up.

What Could Change?

The proposed changes include:

The N-400 citizenship application fee could increase to $1,330 for paper filings.
The N-400 online filing fee could increase to $1,280.
The reduced N-400 fee could be eliminated.
Most N-400 fee waivers could be eliminated.
The N-336 fee, used to appeal a denied naturalization case, could also increase significantly.
Military naturalization applicants may still have fee exemptions, but most other green card holders would likely be affected.
Why This Matters for Green Card Holders

Many immigrants delay applying for citizenship because they are busy, afraid of the test, worried about English, unsure about old immigration history, or concerned about criminal issues.

But delaying can cost you.

If the new fee rule becomes final, many people may have to pay hundreds of dollars more for the same application. Families with several green card holders applying together could face thousands of dollars in extra costs.

For example, if a husband and wife both apply for citizenship, the filing fees alone could become much more expensive. If adult children or elderly parents are also applying, the total cost could become a serious financial burden.

Why Apply for U.S. Citizenship Now?

Becoming a U.S. citizen gives green card holders important protections and benefits.

U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections.
U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport.
U.S. citizens cannot be deported in the same way green card holders can.
U.S. citizens can petition for more family members.
U.S. citizens may have easier travel and reentry to the United States.
U.S. citizens can apply for certain government jobs and benefits.
U.S. citizens do not need to renew a green card every 10 years.
For many immigrants, citizenship is the final step in their American immigration journey. It gives peace of mind, stability, and stronger protection for the future.

Who Can Apply for Citizenship?

Many green card holders can apply for citizenship after 5 years as lawful permanent residents.

Some people can apply after 3 years if they are married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse and meet all requirements.

To qualify, you usually must show:

You are at least 18 years old.
You have had a green card for the required time.
You lived continuously in the United States.
You were physically present in the United States for the required amount of time.
You lived in your state or USCIS district for at least 3 months before filing.
You have good moral character.
You can pass the English and civics test, unless you qualify for an exception.
You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Not everyone should file without legal review. Some citizenship cases are simple, but others can be risky.
Talk to an Immigration Lawyer Before Filing If You Have Any Red Flags

Before applying for citizenship, speak with an immigration lawyer if you have:

Any arrest or criminal case, even if dismissed.
Old immigration fraud or misrepresentation issue.
Long trips outside the United States.
A trip outside the United States longer than 6 months.
Unpaid taxes or failure to file taxes.
Child support problems.
Selective Service registration issue.
Prior deportation or removal order.
Green card obtained through asylum, marriage, VAWA, U visa, or other sensitive case.
Divorce after getting a marriage-based green card.
Prior denied immigration application.
Mistakes on old immigration forms.
USCIS can review your entire immigration history when you apply for citizenship. If there are serious problems, applying without legal advice can put your green card at risk.

Do Not Wait Until Fees Increase

Many immigrants tell themselves they will apply for citizenship later. But later may become much more expensive.

If you are eligible now, this may be the best time to file before the government increases the filing fees and removes fee waiver options.

The proposed rule is especially serious for low-income green card holders. If fee waivers and reduced fees are eliminated, many people may no longer be able to afford citizenship.

Shepelsky Law Group Can Help You Apply for Citizenship

At Shepelsky Law Group, our immigration lawyers help green card holders apply for U.S. citizenship and prepare strong N-400 naturalization applications.

We can help you:

Check if you qualify for citizenship.
Review your green card history.
Review criminal, tax, travel, and immigration issues.
Prepare and file Form N-400.
Prepare you for the citizenship interview.
Help with English and civics test concerns.
Respond to USCIS requests.
Handle complicated naturalization cases.
Review whether you should apply now before fees increase.
We work with immigrants from all over the United States and speak English, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and other languages.

Contact Shepelsky Law Group Today by calling Tel: (718)769-6352.

If you have a green card and want to become a U.S. citizen, do not wait until the filing fee becomes much more expensive. Call Shepelsky Law Group today to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Your citizenship may be closer than you think — but the cost of applying may soon become much higher.

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

USCIS May Deny Immigration Applications With Invalid Signatures Starting July 10, 2026

USCIS has announced an important rule change that can affect many immigration applicants, families, employers, and petitioners.

Starting July 10, 2026, USCIS may deny an immigration benefit request if the agency later discovers that the filing had an invalid signature.

This is a major update because a signature mistake is no longer just a small technical issue. In some cases, it can lead to:

Denial of the immigration case
Loss of USCIS filing fees
Long delays
Need to refile the entire case
Problems with lawful status
Delays in receiving a work permit, travel document, or green card
What Is Changing With USCIS Signature Rules?

Previously, if USCIS noticed a missing or improper signature at the beginning of the process, the agency would often reject the filing and return it.

This usually gave the applicant or petitioner a chance to:

Correct the signature mistake
Properly sign the form
Refile the application or petition
Under the new rule, the risk is much higher.

If USCIS accepts the filing, issues a receipt notice, and later determines that the signature was invalid, USCIS may deny the case instead of simply returning it for correction.

This means a person may wait months, or even years, only to receive a denial because the form was not properly signed at the time of filing.

Which Immigration Applications Can Be Affected?

This USCIS signature rule may apply to many immigration forms and benefit requests, including:

Family-based immigration petitions
Marriage-based green card cases
Adjustment of status applications
Work permit applications
Advance parole travel document applications
VAWA self-petitions
T-visa applications
U-visa applications
Asylum-related filings
SIJS cases
Naturalization applications
H-1B petitions
L-1 petitions
O-1 petitions
I-140 employment-based immigrant petitions
I-864 Affidavits of Support
Other USCIS immigration benefit requests
What Counts as an Invalid Signature?

USCIS may treat a signature as invalid if the correct person did not personally sign the form.

Examples of possible signature problems include:

A missing signature
A typed name instead of a handwritten signature
A stamped signature
A copied-and-pasted signature image
A signature created by certain electronic signature software
A form signed by the attorney instead of the applicant
A form signed by the preparer instead of the petitioner
A form signed by the interpreter instead of the applicant
A signature placed in the wrong section
A required signature line left blank
A parent or guardian signing incorrectly for a minor child
An employer petition signed by the wrong company representative
This is especially important because many USCIS filings include multiple forms. Each form must be reviewed separately, and each required signature line must be completed correctly.

Are Scanned Copies of Original Signatures Still Accepted?

In many cases, USCIS still accepts scanned, faxed, or photocopied copies of forms that were originally signed by hand.

For example, a person may:

Print the USCIS form
Sign it by hand in ink
Scan the signed form
Submit the scanned copy, when permitted
However, this is different from copying and pasting a signature image onto a form.

A pasted signature image may create problems because USCIS may decide that the document was not actually signed by the person at the time of filing.

The safest practice is for every required person to personally sign each form by hand in the correct location.

Why This USCIS Rule Matters

A signature on an immigration form is not just a formality.

When a person signs a USCIS form, they are confirming that:

They reviewed the form
The information is true and correct
They understand what is being filed
They are responsible for the contents of the application or petition
If USCIS finds that the signature is invalid, the entire filing may be considered improper.

This can cause serious immigration consequences, including:

Denial of the case
Loss of filing fees
Loss of time
Missed immigration deadlines
Need to start over
Problems maintaining legal status
Delayed work authorization
Delayed travel permission
Delayed green card approval
Possible aging-out issues for children
Problems for employers filing immigration petitions for workers
Who Should Be Extra Careful?

This rule is important for anyone filing with USCIS, but especially for:

Undocumented immigrants applying for immigration benefits
Spouses filing marriage-based green card cases
U.S. citizens petitioning for family members
Green card holders petitioning for relatives
VAWA applicants
T-visa applicants
U-visa applicants
SIJS applicants
Asylum applicants filing related applications
Employers filing work visa petitions
Foreign workers applying for immigration benefits
Sponsors signing Form I-864
Parents signing forms for children
Attorneys, preparers, and interpreters completing USCIS forms
How to Avoid USCIS Signature Problems

Before filing any immigration case with USCIS, applicants should carefully check every form.

Important steps include:

Use the newest version of every USCIS form
Make sure every required form is signed
Make sure the correct person signed the correct form
Sign by hand in ink whenever possible
Do not use copied-and-pasted signature images
Do not use stamped signatures
Do not type the applicant’s name in place of a signature
Make sure the signature is in the correct section
Make sure the date is correct
Check all interpreter signature sections
Check all preparer signature sections
Check all sponsor signature sections
Check all employer representative signature sections
Keep a complete copy of the signed filing
Review the entire packet before mailing or uploading it
Common USCIS Forms Where Signature Mistakes Happen

Signature mistakes often happen on forms such as:

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
Form I-360, VAWA, SIJS, Widow(er), and Special Immigrant Petition
Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
Form I-589, Application for Asylum
Form I-918, U-Visa Petition
Form I-914, T-Visa Application
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Because many immigration packets contain several forms at once, even one missing or invalid signature can create major problems.

Why You Should Review Your Immigration Filing Carefully

A strong immigration case can still be delayed or denied because of a preventable technical mistake.

Before filing, applicants should make sure that:

All required signatures are included
All forms are complete
All pages are current
All supporting documents are organized
All fees are correct
All required evidence is included
The filing is sent to the correct USCIS address or submitted properly online
This is especially important for people filing time-sensitive immigration cases, including:

Work permit renewals
Adjustment of status applications
VAWA cases
T-visa and U-visa applications
Employment visa petitions
Family petitions with urgent deadlines
Cases involving children who may age out
Cases where immigration status is about to expire
Shepelsky Law Group Can Help With USCIS Filings

At Shepelsky Law Group, we understand that immigration filings require careful preparation and attention to detail.

A signature mistake may seem small, but under the updated USCIS rule, it can lead to:

Case denial
Lost filing fees
Processing delays
Missed deadlines
Serious immigration consequences
Our immigration lawyers help clients prepare and file many types of USCIS cases, including:

Family-based green cards
Marriage-based green cards
VAWA cases
T-visas
U-visas
Work permits
Travel permits
Naturalization cases
Waivers
Employment-based immigration cases
Humanitarian immigration applications
If you are preparing to file an immigration application, petition, work permit, green card case, waiver, or humanitarian immigration case, contact Shepelsky Law Group by calling Tel: (718)769-6352 or scheduling your consultation directly at shepelskylaw.com/for for help before submitting your documents to USCIS.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

6 BENEFITS OF APPLYING FOR VAWA FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN THE U.S.

What VAWA Gives You: 6 Benefits for an Undocumented Immigrant in the U.S.

You can file without your abuser.
One of the biggest benefits of VAWA is that you do not need your abusive spouse, parent, or child to sponsor you, sign anything, or even know that you filed. VAWA allows you to take control of your own immigration case.

VAWA can give you a path to a green card.
If your VAWA case is approved, you may be able to apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States. For many undocumented immigrants, this can become a real path from having no status to eventually getting a green card.

You may be able to get a work permit (Employment Authorization).
Depending on your case and what applications are filed, VAWA may allow you to apply for work authorization. This can give you the ability to work legally, get a Social Security number, and support yourself without depending on the abusive person.

VAWA can give you protection and stability.
A VAWA filing can help protect you from being completely dependent on your abuser for immigration status. It can also give you more security while your case is pending and after approval, especially if you are undocumented and afraid of what may happen next. Once you are approved, you will be in Deferred Action and protected from being deported from the U.S.

VAWA may help your children too.
In some cases, children may be included as derivative beneficiaries in a VAWA case. This means VAWA may not only help the person who suffered abuse, but may also create immigration benefits for their children.

VAWA gives you a chance to rebuild your life.
VAWA is not just an immigration form. It is a way for victims of abuse to separate their future from the control of the abusive person. It can help a person work legally, move toward a green card, protect their children, and start building a safer and more independent life in the United States.

We have been doing VAWA work ethically and successfully for the past 23 years! Call us today to legalize in the U.S. – we can help. Shepelsky Law Group Tel: (718)769-6352

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Marina Shepelsky

Labor Trafficking After Arrival in the U.S. — T-Visa for Exploited Workers in Trucking, Auto Shops, Stores & More

Many people think that a T-visa is only for someone who was brought into the United States by a trafficker. That is not always true.

A person may still qualify for a T-visa even if they came to the United States on their own, and only later became trapped in an abusive or exploitative work situation.

This can happen to truck drivers, auto shop workers, store employees, bakery workers, gas station workers, restaurant workers, construction workers, and many others.

The key question is not only how the person entered the United States. The key question is whether the employer or another person used force, fraud, threats, fear, debt, immigration status, document control, unpaid wages, isolation, or psychological pressure to make the person keep working.

For example, a worker may be told that they cannot leave because they owe money, because no one else will hire them, because they do not have legal status, or because the employer will report them to immigration. Some workers are constantly reminded that they are undocumented or that they have no options in the United States. Others are forced to work extreme hours, are underpaid or not paid at all, are threatened, or are made to feel trapped and afraid to quit.

These non-standard T-visa cases can be very strong when the facts show that the person was not simply in a bad job, but was actually controlled, pressured, or coerced into continuing labor against their will. Even when the trafficker did not bring the person to the United States, the person may still have a possible T-visa case if the exploitation happened inside the United States and the person remains here because of the trafficking and its consequences.

Call us today to explore your own legalization in the U.S. – we work in all 50 states.

Shepelsky Law Group

Tel: (718)769-6352

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

NEW $750 FAST-PASS VISA INTERVIEW OPTION FOR B1/B2 TOURIST AND BUSINESS VISA APPLICANTS: HELPFUL, BUT NOT A GUARANTEE

The U.S. Department of State is creating a new expedited visa interview option for certain B1/B2 visitor visa applicants who are willing to pay an additional $750 fee to obtain a faster interview appointment.

B1/B2 visas are used for temporary visits to the United States for business, tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and other short-term purposes. For many applicants around the world, the hardest part of the process is not only proving eligibility, but also getting an interview appointment in the first place. In some countries, applicants wait months or even longer just to appear before a U.S. consular officer.

For many travelers, especially business visitors, the $750 fee may be worth it. A last-minute business opportunity, family emergency, medical appointment, major event, or important conference in the United States can make timing extremely important. When international airfare alone can cost more than $1,000, and hotels in cities like New York can cost hundreds of dollars per night, paying $750 to obtain a much faster interview may be reasonable for some applicants.

This new option may be especially helpful for people from countries that do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can often travel to the United States through ESTA without applying for a B1/B2 visa at a U.S. consulate. However, applicants from non-waiver countries must usually go through the full visa process, including completing the DS-160, paying the visa application fee, scheduling an interview, and proving eligibility to a consular officer. For these travelers, long wait times can interfere with business plans, family visits, tourism, and urgent travel.

However, it is very important to understand what this fee does and does not do.

The $750 fee helps applicants obtain a faster interview appointment. It does not guarantee that the visa will be approved. It also does not guarantee that the visa will be issued quickly after the interview.

A U.S. consular officer can still deny the visa after the interview. A common reason for B1/B2 visa denial is failure to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In simple terms, the applicant must convince the officer that they truly intend to visit the United States temporarily and return home afterward.

To approve a tourist or business visa, the officer usually wants to see strong ties to the applicant’s home country. These may include stable employment, business ownership, family obligations, property, financial stability, prior international travel, and a clear reason for the U.S. visit. If the officer believes the applicant may stay in the United States permanently, work without authorization, or remain beyond the permitted period of stay, the visa may be denied.

Applicants should also understand that having relatives in the United States can sometimes make the case harder, depending on the facts. A U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse, child, parent, sibling, fiancé, or other close relative in the United States may cause the officer to question whether the applicant truly intends to return home. This does not mean that people with U.S. relatives cannot get tourist visas. Many can and do. But the application must be carefully prepared, and the applicant must be ready to clearly explain their temporary purpose of travel and their strong reasons to return home.

Another important issue is administrative processing. Even after a successful interview, the consulate may require additional review, background checks, or documents before making a final decision. This process can take weeks, months, or in some cases much longer. Paying the $750 expedited interview fee does not prevent administrative processing and does not force the consulate to issue the visa faster after the interview.

From an immigration lawyer’s perspective, this new expedited interview option is a positive development, but it should be viewed with caution. It may be very useful for applicants who have a strong case and a legitimate need to travel soon. It may also benefit business travelers, conference attendees, people traveling for major events, and applicants from countries where interview wait times are extremely long.

At the same time, $750 is not a small amount of money, especially for applicants from countries with lower average incomes. Some people may feel pressure to pay the fee because they are desperate for an earlier appointment, even if their case is weak. Applicants should not assume that paying more money makes the government more likely to approve the visa. It does not.

Before paying for an expedited appointment, B1/B2 applicants should carefully evaluate the strength of their case. They should be prepared to show why they are traveling, how long they plan to stay, how they will pay for the trip, and why they will return to their home country. The interview may be faster to obtain, but the legal standard remains the same.

In summary, we are cautiously optimistic about this new $750 expedited interview option. For many travelers, especially those with urgent business or personal reasons to visit the United States, it may be a worthwhile tool. But it is only a fast pass to the interview, not a fast pass to visa approval.

If you are applying for a B1/B2 visitor visa and are concerned about prior denials, weak ties to your home country, family members in the United States, past overstays, or possible immigrant intent issues, it is best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before applying or paying for an expedited appointment.

www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/09/2026-… “

Call our office today to schedule your consultation for legalizing in the U.S.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

Panic? How Trump’s $78 Billion ICE Budget Threatens Your Status

On June 10, 2026, President Donald Trump signed the Secure America Act into law. This approved approximately $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement through 2029. The legislation represents one of the largest investments in immigration enforcement in U.S. history. It could significantly expand the federal government’s ability to investigate, detain, and remove noncitizens from the United States.

What Is the ICE Budget for 2026?

The new law provides approximately $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It also provides $26 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Billions more will go toward related Department of Homeland Security enforcement activities. The funding is intended to support increased hiring, detention capacity, border operations, surveillance technology, and deportation efforts.

What Does the New ICE Budget Mean for Immigrants?

Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to strengthen border security, enforce immigration laws, and address unlawful immigration. Critics, however, warn that the law provides unprecedented enforcement resources without corresponding safeguards or reforms. It may lead to increased immigration raids, detentions, and deportations across the country.

On the bright side, some of this new budget may be used to hire more staff for USCIS and the Department of State. It may speed up the horrendous waiting times for green card applications, work authorizations, naturalizations, and visas.

Conversely, the majority of this budget will be used by the Trump administration to accelerate deportations and go against lawful immigrants. Their agenda is clear: cut down the number of immigrants inside the U.S. using whatever means possible.

How Much Did the ICE Budget Increase Under the Secure America Act?

The Secure America Act represents one of the single largest increases in immigration enforcement funding in U.S. history. ICE alone received approximately $38 billion, a dramatic expansion compared to prior budget cycles. Combined with CBP funding, the total enforcement budget now exceeds $64 billion through 2029.

What Could This Mean for Immigrants?

While the exact implementation plans are still developing, immigrants should expect:

Increased ICE enforcement activity nationwide
More worksite investigations and employer compliance audits
Expanded detention capacity
Faster processing of removal cases
Greater resources dedicated to locating individuals with outstanding removal orders
Increased scrutiny of immigration applications and benefits
Individuals who are undocumented, have prior removal orders, missed immigration court hearings, or have criminal records may face heightened enforcement risks.

Lawful Immigrants Should Also Pay Attention

Even lawfully present immigrants in the United States should ensure that their immigration records are accurate and up to date. We recommend:

Keeping copies of all immigration documents
Updating addresses with USCIS as required by law
Reviewing eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship
Consulting an experienced immigration attorney before traveling internationally if there are any concerns regarding immigration status
Asylum Seekers and Individuals in Removal Proceedings

Those with pending asylum applications, immigration court cases, appeals, or humanitarian petitions should continue to attend all hearings and respond to government notices. Missing a hearing or deadline can have serious consequences and may result in a removal order.
Individuals currently in immigration proceedings should consult counsel regarding any available forms of relief, including asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, family petitions, VAWA, T visas, U visas, SIJS, and other forms of humanitarian protection.

Our Advice on the New ICE Budget and What to Do Now

The passage of the Secure America Act does not change your options under U.S. immigration law. Many immigrants still qualify for lawful status or protection. However, the increased ICE budget makes it more important than ever to understand your rights. Address any immigration issues before they become emergencies.

Contact Shepelsky Law Group About Your Immigration Case

If you are concerned about your immigration status or have a pending case, now is the time to act. Our experienced immigration attorneys assist clients nationwide with asylum, removal defense, family petitions, humanitarian visas, employment-based immigration, waivers, and citizenship matters.

Shepelsky Law Group
📞 (718) 769-6352

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your immigration options and prepare for the rapidly changing immigration landscape.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Marina Shepelsky

How the Court Overturned Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee

A federal judge has delivered a major victory for employers, universities, healthcare institutions, and skilled foreign workers by striking down the Trump administration’s controversial H-1B $100,000 fee. The ruling invalidates one of the most aggressive attempts in recent years to restrict access to the H-1B program. This decision is expected to have significant implications for businesses that rely on international talent to fill critical workforce shortages.

What Was the Trump $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee?

In September 2025, the Trump administration announced a new policy. Employers seeking to sponsor foreign professionals for H-1B visas would need to pay an additional $100,000 government fee. The administration argued the measure would push companies to hire U.S. workers instead of relying on foreign talent.

The fee represented an unprecedented increase over traditional H-1B filing costs. Those costs generally range from several thousand dollars to under $10,000 depending on the employer and circumstances. Critics immediately warned that the H-1B $100,000 fee would put sponsorship out of reach for many employers. Startups, universities, hospitals, research institutions, and smaller businesses would be hit hardest.

Who Brought the Case Against the H-1B $100,000 Fee?

The decision came out on June 8, 2026, by Judge Leo T. Sorokin of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Boston. The lawsuit came from a coalition of 20 state attorneys general led by California. Judge Sorokin ruled that the fee functioned as a tax that Congress had never authorized. Therefore, it could not lawfully be imposed by the executive branch.

Why Did the Court Overturn the H-1B $100,000 Fee?

The federal court concluded that the administration exceeded its legal authority. It imposed what was effectively a tax without congressional authorization. The judge found that the executive branch cannot create massive new financial burdens on visa applicants and employers without clear approval from Congress. The H-1B $100,000 fee functioned more like a tax than a standard filing fee. The court determined the administration lacked authority to impose it through executive action alone. The fee is no longer valid, nationwide.

Why the H-1B Program Matters to U.S. Employers

The H-1B program plays a critical role in the U.S. economy. Many employers depend on highly skilled foreigners to fill positions that often require advanced degrees and specialized expertise. Healthcare systems rely on H-1B physicians and researchers. Universities recruit international professors and scientists. Technology companies hire engineers, developers, and AI specialists through the program. Many businesses argue that access to global talent helps maintain U.S. competitiveness and innovation.

Had the H-1B $100,000 fee remained in effect, many employers would likely have abandoned sponsorship altogether. Smaller employers would have taken the hardest hit. This creates a system in which only the largest corporations could realistically afford to sponsor foreign workers. Learn more about common H-1B myths that affect employer decisions.

What Happens Next With the H-1B Fee Ruling?

We expect the Trump administration to continue defending the policy and may pursue additional appeals. Litigation over the administration’s broader efforts to reshape legal immigration pathways is ongoing, and future legal challenges are likely. For now, however, employers and foreign professionals can breathe a sigh of relief. The court’s ruling restores the status quo. It also removes one of the most significant financial barriers ever imposed on the H-1B program.

What Immigrant Workers and Employers Should Do Now

Employers considering H-1B sponsorship should continue monitoring developments closely, as immigration policies remain subject to rapid change. Foreign professionals should also know their H-1B visa holder rights and ensure they are working with qualified immigration counsel. Entrepreneurs and business owners may also want to explore H-1B self-petition options that could provide additional flexibility. For the latest USCIS guidance on H-1B petitions, visit USCIS.gov.

What is the H-1B Fee Ruling?

At Shepelsky Law Group, we believe that immigration policy must be grounded in the law. It must go through proper legal procedures. Regardless of where one stands politically, agencies cannot impose sweeping new costs on employers and immigrants without clear congressional authority. The court’s decision reinforces an important principle: major changes to our immigration system must comply Constitutionally within limits established by Congress.

Have a Work Visa Question? Call Shepelsky Law Group.

The ruling is a significant win for businesses, universities, healthcare employers, and skilled foreign workers who rely on H-1B. It also serves as a reminder that immigration policy changes implemented through executive action often face intense judicial scrutiny. If you want to legalize in the U.S. or have a work visa question, call Shepelsky Law Group at (718) 769-6352. Start your American journey by scheduling a consultation with one of our legal team.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0