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The Law Office of Mana Yegani Immigration Lawyer and News Personality- Deportation, Airport Detention, ICE holds, Student and Work Immigration Law

09/15/2026

Can Advance Parole Trigger a 3 or 10 Year Bar?

Advance parole can now trigger a 3 or 10 year unlawful presence bar for some travelers.

A major immigration Warning took effect after the Board of Immigration Appeals issued Matter of Delcarmen Lara on August 13, 2026. The Board ruled that leaving the United States with advance parole counts as a departure for purposes of the unlawful presence rules. ([Department of Justice][1])

This can be especially Important for some DACA recipients, TPS holders, and other people with past unlawful presence who plan to travel using advance parole. ([Immigrant Legal Resource Center][2])

The time you spent unlawfully present in the United States matters:

More than 180 days but less than 1 year: Leaving may trigger a 3 year bar.

1 year or more: Leaving may trigger a 10 year bar.

The Critical point is that having an approved advance parole document does not automatically protect you from these unlawful presence consequences.

Before traveling:

1. Review your immigration history before leaving the United States.

2. Calculate whether you accumulated more than 180 days of unlawful presence.

3. Check when that unlawful presence occurred because age, immigration status, and other circumstances may affect the calculation.

4. If you already completed advance parole travel before August 13, 2026, the Board stated that its new interpretation applies prospectively. The decision generally does not treat those earlier trips under the new rule.

5. Speak with an immigration attorney before using an approved advance parole document if you may have unlawful presence.

There is no new government fee simply because of this ruling. However, a person who triggers an unlawful presence bar may need to explore a waiver or another immigration option, depending on the individual case.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981-2170. Have you traveled or planned to travel using advance parole?

09/12/2026

What Happens If the 60 Day Work Visa Grace Period Ends?

The 60 day work visa grace period may be critical if you lose your job while working in the United States.

Right now, many workers in certain employment based visa categories may receive up to 60 days after their employment ends. This time can allow you to find a new employer, change your immigration status, or prepare to leave the United States.

A proposed rule could remove or change that 60 day work visa grace period. If the proposal becomes final, workers could have much less time to act after losing employment.

Important steps to take:

1. Check your visa status immediately: If your employment ends, confirm when your authorized status may end and what options are available.

2. Contact a new employer quickly: Some workers may be able to transfer or continue their employment based status through a new employer.

3. Review other immigration options: Depending on your situation, you may qualify to change status or pursue another legal path.

4. Do not wait until the last day: Immigration deadlines can affect your ability to remain in the United States or apply for another status.

This may also affect spouses and children whose immigration status depends on the primary work visa holder.

Important: This is currently a proposed change. A proposal does not automatically mean the rule is final. Workers should follow official updates and speak with an immigration attorney about their individual situation.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981 2170.

09/11/2026

Can Neighborhood Checks Affect Your Citizenship Application?

Neighborhood checks can now be used again in some U.S. citizenship cases. This does not mean every naturalization applicant will be investigated.

The government resumed personal investigations, also called neighborhood investigations, for some Form N 400 naturalization cases. These investigations can cover where you live and work and may include people who know you, such as neighbors, employers, coworkers, or business associates. The review can look at information from at least the 5 years before you filed your naturalization application.

Important: The government can still waive a neighborhood investigation in an individual case. This is not an automatic door to door investigation for every citizenship applicant.
If you have an N 400 pending:

1. Review your application now: Make sure your addresses, jobs, travel history, and other information are accurate and consistent.

2. Keep supporting records: Save documents that may help confirm your residence, employment, and eligibility for naturalization.

3. Be careful with testimonial letters: The government may consider information from people who know you. If you provide letters, they should be truthful and specific.

4. Respond to requests on time: If the agency asks for more evidence, read the deadline carefully and do not ignore the request.

5. Get legal help when needed: If you have concerns about criminal history, good moral character, past immigration issues, or inconsistent information, consider speaking with an immigration attorney before responding.

There is no separate neighborhood investigation fee listed for applicants. Your normal naturalization filing costs and any attorney fees are separate.

Warning: Do not assume that a pending N 400 will automatically involve investigators contacting your neighbors. The policy allows these investigations, but they are handled based on the circumstances of the case.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981-2170.

09/10/2026

Can Diversity Visa Lottery Cases Start Processing Again?

Diversity Visa Lottery cases can start moving again after a federal court temporarily blocked the government's hold on certain DV cases.

This is an important update for people selected for the Diversity Visa Lottery. On August 28, a federal court temporarily vacated the policy that had placed certain Diversity Visa cases on hold. The government has been directed to resume ordinary processing of affected cases while the lawsuit continues.

If you are a DV Lottery winner, here is what you should know:

1. Check your case now: Some Diversity Visa adjustment of status cases that were previously paused may now move forward.

2. Watch the September 30 deadline: DV eligibility for the fiscal year generally ends on September 30. A Diversity Visa cannot normally be issued after that deadline for that program year. ([Child Abduction][1])

3. Do not assume your case is automatically approved: The court decision allows processing to resume. It does not guarantee approval, an interview, or a visa.

4. Check your case status and notices carefully: Make sure your address and contact information are current. Respond quickly if the government requests documents, evidence, or an interview.

5. Get help quickly if your case is still delayed: With the September 30 deadline approaching, timing can be critical for DV Lottery applicants.

Warning: Being selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery does not guarantee a green card. Applicants still must meet all legal requirements, complete processing, and have a visa number available.

There is no special government fee simply because of this court ruling. Normal immigration filing, visa, medical exam, and related costs may still apply depending on the case.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981-2170.

09/09/2026

What Are the Most Common Immigration Myths People Believe?

Common immigration myths can create serious problems if you make decisions based on incorrect information. Here are 3 important immigration facts you should know now.

First: Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically fix every immigration problem. Marriage may create a path to a green card, but unlawful entry, prior removal orders, fraud, misrepresentation, or certain other immigration issues can still affect eligibility. Some cases may require additional applications or waivers.

Second: There is not one immigration line that everyone can simply join. Immigration options depend on your family relationship, employment situation, humanitarian eligibility, immigration history, and other requirements. Some people may not currently qualify for an available immigration benefit.

Important step: Before filing anything, confirm what immigration category you actually qualify for.

Third: A green card does not mean your immigration status can never be lost. Permanent residents must continue following U.S. immigration laws. Certain legal problems can lead to removal proceedings. Long trips outside the United States can also create questions about whether you abandoned permanent resident status.

Critical travel warning: An absence of 1 year or more can create serious problems for a permanent resident. Even trips shorter than 1 year may raise abandonment concerns depending on the circumstances. If you expect to remain outside the United States for more than 12 months, a reentry permit may be important, and Form I 131 generally must be filed while you are physically in the United States.

Must know steps:

1. Tell your immigration lawyer your complete immigration history.

2. Disclose previous entries, applications, arrests, convictions, and removal history.

3. Review your status before making major international travel plans.

4. Never assume marriage or a green card automatically protects you from every immigration issue.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981-2170.

09/04/2026

Can a Court Remove Immigration Holds on Pending Cases?

Immigration holds on some pending cases may be affected by a recent federal court order.

On August 24, a federal court in California ordered the immigration agency to stop applying certain hold and review policies that had affected applicants from 39 countries.

The policies reportedly affected some pending green card, work permit, asylum, and citizenship applications.

Important: The court also certified the case as a class action. This means the ruling may apply beyond the people who originally filed the lawsuit. Other applicants affected by the same policies may also be covered.

What should you do now?

1. Check your case status: Review any notices, online updates, or messages showing that your application was placed on hold or delayed.

2. Keep your records: Save copies of immigration notices, receipts, requests for evidence, and any communication about your pending application.

3. Find out why your case stopped: A long delay does not automatically mean this court order applies to you. The reason for the hold matters.

4. Ask about the court order: If your case was frozen under one of the challenged policies, an immigration attorney can review whether the agency should now process it under normal procedures.

5. Do not confuse this with the travel restrictions: Warning: The court order does not mean the separate travel restrictions for the 39 countries were canceled. Those restrictions may still remain in effect.

The ruling focuses on certain pending applications filed inside the United States. The government disagrees with the decision, so the legal case may continue and future court action could change what happens next.

There is no automatic payment or application fee required simply to benefit from a class action ruling. However, legal consultation costs can vary if you hire an attorney to review your specific case.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981 2170.

09/02/2026

Does a Green Card Sponsor Need a Credit Check?

A green card sponsor may now face a credit check when completing the updated Affidavit of Support.

If you are sponsoring a spouse or family member, this is an important financial change to understand. The government may review financial information when deciding whether a sponsor has the ability to support the intending immigrant.

Important steps:

1. Use the correct form: Make sure you are using the newest version of the Affidavit of Support. Using an outdated version when it is no longer accepted could cause problems with your filing.

2. Check your credit file: If your credit report is frozen, review whether you need to temporarily lift the freeze so required information can be accessed.

3. Review your financial information: Make sure your income, assets, debts, and supporting documents are complete and accurate before submitting your case.

4. Do not panic over debt: A mortgage, debt, or low credit score does not automatically mean a green card will be denied. Immigration decisions depend on the applicable rules and facts of each case.

5. Get help before filing: If you are unsure how the new financial requirements affect your marriage or family green card case, speak with an immigration attorney before submitting your documents.

Warning: Do not assume meeting the minimum income requirement is the only financial issue that may matter. The Affidavit of Support can also be relevant when the government evaluates public charge issues.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981-2170.

09/01/2026

Can My Visitor Visa Be Revoked If I Applied for Asylum?

Yes, a visitor visa can potentially be revoked even while your asylum case is still pending.

Important warning: Reports say the government is preparing a major visa revocation effort that could affect up to 200,000 people. The reported focus includes some B1 and B2 visitor visas issued between 2016 and 2026, especially when the visa holder later applied for asylum in the United States.

Here is the critical part: A visa revocation does not automatically mean your asylum application has been denied. A visitor visa and an asylum case are separate immigration matters.

But losing a valid visa can still create serious immigration consequences. Your ability to travel, leave the United States, return to the United States, or pursue other immigration options may be affected depending on your individual case.

What should you do now?

1. Review your records: Check when your B1 or B2 visa was issued and keep copies of your visa, passport, I 94, asylum receipt notices, and immigration documents.

2. Watch for notices: Check your email, mail, and communications from the State Department or immigration agencies. Do not ignore a visa revocation notice.

3. Do not assume your asylum case is denied: Visa revocation alone does not automatically cancel a pending asylum application.

4. Be careful before traveling: If your visa has been revoked, leaving the United States could create problems when you try to return. Speak with an immigration attorney before making international travel plans.

5. Get individual advice quickly: Immigration consequences depend on your status, travel history, asylum case, and other factors. Attorney consultation costs vary, and some attorneys may offer different consultation options.

This situation is still developing, so additional rules, court challenges, or government guidance could change what happens next.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981 2170.

08/29/2026

Can an H1B Work Visa Cost Employers Over $100,000?

An H1B work visa could become much more expensive for some employers under a new proposal.

The government is proposing an additional fee of more than $100,000 for certain H1B petitions. This would be added on top of current filing fees.

Important: This is only a proposal right now. It is not in effect yet.

The proposed fee would apply to certain petitions subject to the annual H1B visa cap, including the advanced degree exemption. It would not apply to every H1B worker or every employer.

What you should do now:

1. Check your case: Ask whether your H1B petition would be subject to the annual visa cap.

2. Talk with your employer: If sponsorship is being discussed, ask whether this proposed fee could affect the company’s plans.

3. Watch the deadline: Public comments are open until September 24.

4. Do not panic: The proposal is not a final rule yet, and the details could still change.

5. Get advice for your situation: H1B rules can depend on the employer, petition type, and immigration history.

For foreign workers, international students, and employers considering H1B sponsorship, this is an important proposal to follow. If finalized, the added cost could make some sponsorship cases significantly more expensive.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981-2170.

08/28/2026

Are Immigrant Visa Interviews Being Paused or Rescheduled?

Immigrant visa interviews are being paused or rescheduled while consular officers complete new public charge training.

Important: This reported pause affects immigrant visas, including many people completing green card processing outside the United States. It does not mean all tourist, student, or temporary work visa interviews are canceled.

What should you do now:

1: Check your embassy or consulate email and account for updates.

2: Do not miss your scheduled interview unless you receive official notice that it was canceled or rescheduled.

3: Keep your passport, financial documents, medical information, and other required documents updated.

4: Save every notice you receive about your immigrant visa interview.

A rescheduled interview does not automatically mean your case was denied.

This is not legal advice. For consultation call (832) 981 2170.

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