Berger, Berger & Sobieski

05/23/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/berger-berger-sobieski_immigration-update-adjustment-of-status-activity-7463935677097832448-ynrv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAABC6m8UBginB7Wijo3E-yU1WFzTjpmuZhGY

🚨IMMIGRATION UPDATE🚨– Adjustment of Status Policy USCIS recently announced a new policy stating that Adjustment of Status (AOS) will generally be granted only in "extraordinary circumstances," signaling a preference for immigrant visa processing through U.S. consulates abroad rather than gre...

02/04/2026

📢 Important Update: Annual Asylum Fee

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), created a $100 initial asylum filing fee and a $100 annual asylum fee for cases pending with USCIS or Immigration Court (EOIR).

There has been some confusion and legal challenges. We hope to help clear that up. Right now:

⚖️ Federal Court Ruling (Oct. 30, 2025 & Feb. 2, 2026)
A federal court temporarily stopped USCIS from enforcing the annual asylum fee. The same court then allowed USCIS to resume enforcing the fee.

What this means:

✅ USCIS cases:
• You Do Need to Pay the annual asylum fee
• USCIS will notify you in writing when and how to make the payment

• Keep your address updated with USCIS

⚖️ EOIR (Immigration Court) cases:
• You Do Need to Pay the annual asylum fee
• You should pay by your due date each year your asylum application remains pending

• However, EOIR should also issue you a written order explaining how and when to pay

Policies may continue to change. If you have questions about your specific case, consult your immigration attorney.

11/05/2025

Major changes to the N-400 Application for Naturalization process, particularly the civics test, took effect on October 20, 2025. Any applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, are subject to these changes; anyone who filed an N400 prior to October 20, 2025, are still subject to the prior process, including the 2008 civics test. The changes are as follows:
The new civics test pool has 128 questions (up from 100)
applicants will be asked up to 20 questions during their interview, needing 12 correct answers to pass.

The application also has new requirements for good moral character, emphasizing positive contributions alongside the absence of misconduct, and may include more thorough vetting like neighbor and employer checks.

You can visit the link https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/the-naturalization-interview-and-test for USCIS resources, or contact our office for more information.

11/03/2025

📢 November 2025 U.S. Visa Bulletin Update

The U.S. Department of State has released the November 2025 Visa Bulletin.
Key highlights this month:
✅ No changes in the Employment-Based categories.
✅ The F2A Family-Sponsored category (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) has advanced.
✅ Applicants for both Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based categories must use the “Dates for Filing” chart when submitting their applications.

📌 This update determines when applicants can file for adjustment of status or begin consular processing.

Stay up to date and plan your immigration process accordingly.
👉 Visit https://www.usavisa.net/in-the-news for full details.

10/06/2025

🚨 ALERT: ICE has reportedly launched a nationwide operation called “Freaky Friday”, targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older — and possibly as young as 10.

📄 Reports indicate:
1️⃣ Children are receiving threat letters demanding they waive legal rights or face indefinite detention and ICE transfer.
2️⃣ They are being offered $2,500 to return to their home countries.
3️⃣ Families in the U.S. are being threatened with arrest if children refuse.
4️⃣ ICE plans to detain all age-outs and expects legal challenges ahead.

🛑 What to Do:
If you or someone you know is affected — contact your lawyer immediately.
Do not speak with ICE or any immigration officers without your attorney present.

Let’s protect our youth and stand together for their rights.
📢 Share this post to spread awareness.

10/02/2025

🚨 Immigration Law Update: Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) 🚨

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), asylum seekers must now pay a mandatory $100 Annual Asylum Fee.
🔹 Applies to both USCIS (affirmative) and EOIR (defensive) asylum cases
🔹 Payment is online only – no checks, no waivers
🔹 Missing a payment could result in your case being abandoned
Staying compliant is critical.

Learn more about the new requirements at the following link: https://www.usavisa.net/in-the-news

Share this update with your network to keep clients and colleagues informed.

09/29/2025

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting the entry of H-1B workers into the U.S. without a $100,000 fee.
🔹 Effective: September 21, 2025 – valid for one year
🔹 Applies only to new H-1B petitions filed after the effective date
🔹 Current H-1B visa holders, approved petitions, and visas filed before 9/21/25 are exempt
🔹 Visa renewals, amendments, or cap-exempt petitions remain uncertain
🔹 National Interest Exemptions may apply on a case-by-case basis

📌 Practice Tip: Stay alert—implementation details are still evolving, and more reforms are expected in the coming months.

👉 Stay informed — consult an immigration attorney before making travel or filing plans. Follow for updates as this policy evolves. https://www.usavisa.net/

09/23/2025

Lee Sobieski, our Senior Partner, was recently on the local news!!!! See the story here:

Changes to the fees for H-1B visas is causing confusion and concerns among local lawmakers and businesses, the fee for new applicants is now $100K.

09/22/2025

🚨 Important H-1B Policy Update 🚨

The U.S. has introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications filed from outside the country.
✅ Current H-1B holders are not impacted.
✅ Renewals, extensions, and travel remain unaffected.

If you or your company are considering filing a new H-1B petition, it’s important to plan ahead.

👉 Contact Berger Berger & Socieski for guidance tailored to your situation. www.usavisa.net