Law Office of Violeta Dikova - U.S. Immigration and Bulgarian Law

06/30/2026

Today's U.S. Supreme Court decision reaffirms a principle that has been part of American constitutional law for more than a century: with limited exceptions, children born in the United States are U.S. citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment.

The decision firmly rejected the executive order that Trump issued on the first day of his second term.

05/15/2026

A recent New York Times article highlights increased immigration enforcement affecting not only undocumented individuals but also some green card holders. Authorities are reportedly re-examining older cases and prior filings, raising concerns about due process and long-term stability for many immigrants.

It’s a strong reminder to keep records organized, stay compliant, and seek legal advice when needed — immigration status is not always as permanent as it may seem.

The Department of Homeland Security recently formed a unit tasked with revetting thousands of immigrants with permanent residency.

04/30/2026

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-mandates-enhanced-security-checks-immigration-applicants-uscis/ #

The Trump administration is subjecting broad categories of immigrants applying for green cards and citizenship to enhanced FBI checks, and is pausing some cases while those changes are implemented, according to documents obtained by CBS News.

03/11/2026

📢 Important Update: Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) DV-2027

The U.S. Diversity Visa Program is expected to open again this fall — but DV-2027 introduces important changes that will go into effect on 4/10/2026.

The Diversity Visa Program makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available each year to eligible individuals from countries with historically low immigration to the United States.

⚠️ New requirements for DV-2027:

🔹 $1 registration fee will be required when submitting the entry.
🔹 Applicants must upload a scanned copy of a valid (unexpired) passport with their biographic and signature pages at the time of registration.
🔹 The rule also amends regulatory language, including replacing "gender" with "sex” and “age” with “date of birth.”
🔹 As before, only one entry per applicant is allowed.

🗓 Expected registration period:

Exact dates will be announced, but typically - early October through early November.

Important reminders

• Applications must be submitted online through the official government website.
• The photo must meet strict digital photo requirements.
• Lottery results are usually released in May of the following year.

⚠️ Be cautious of scams — the U.S. government will not send emails announcing that you were selected.

02/20/2026

IRAP Explainer on DHS's Mass Arrests, Detention and Revetting of Refugees (particularly people detained in Minnesota).

In the Explainer below, IRAP answers questions about the Trump administration’s unlawful arrests and detention of refugees in Minnesota, as well the lawsuit that IRAP, along with co-counsel Berger Montague and the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CHRCL), filed to challenge these unl...

02/05/2026

LPRs or "green card" holders will no longer be eligible for U.S. government-backed small business (SBA) loans starting March 1, 2026.

The new policy requires 100% of direct and indirect business owners to be U.S. citizens or nationals, making LPRs ineligible.

Effective Date: All loans involving LPR owners must receive an SBA loan number prior to March 1, 2026, to remain eligible.

Impacted Programs: The restriction impacts SBA 7(a) (working capital/equipment) and 504 (commercial real estate/machinery) loans.

Scope: This policy affects all applicants for SBA-backed financing, ensuring taxpayer-funded support is strictly for U.S.-owned businesses.

A new Small Business Administration policy taking effect March 1 will bar businesses with any legal permanent resident ownership from receiving SBA-backed loans, reversing longstanding eligibility rules and moving in a direction that lenders say

01/28/2026

PUBLIC CHARGE BONDS TO RETURN

DHS has announced it is moving forward with bringing back the Public Charge Bond. This would restore a process that allows certain applicants who might otherwise be denied under the public-charge rule to move forward with their green card by posting a bond.

What is a Public Charge Bond?

A public charge bond is money paid to USCIS as a guarantee that the immigrant will not rely on certain government cash benefits. It may be offered when USCIS finds a person otherwise eligible for permanent residence but raises public-charge concerns.

How it will work:

As a matter of discretion, USCIS may allow certain LPR applicants to post a bond and:
• may have their case approved despite the prior public-charge concerns
• the bond is in the amount and within the deadlines set by USCIS
• once accepted, the bond stays in place to protect the government in case the LPR receives certain public benefits

Conditions for refund:

If the immigrant later:
• becomes a U.S. citizen
• leaves the U.S. permanently
• or completes 5 years without using public benefits
the bond may be cancelled and refunded if the person applies for it.

01/15/2026

Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage

Last Updated: January 14, 2026
President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans. The Department of State is undergoing a full review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from these high-risk countries do not utilize welfare in the United States or become a public charge.

Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of 75 countries.

FAQs:

- What happens to my immigrant visa interview appointment?
Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of affected countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department will continue to schedule applicants for appointments, but no immigrant visas will be issued to these nationals during this pause.

- Are there any exceptions?
Dual nationals applying with a valid passport of a country that is not listed above are exempt from this pause.

- Does this affect my current valid visa?
No immigrant visas have been revoked as part of this guidance. For questions regarding admission to the United States, we refer you to DHS.

- Does this apply to tourist visas?
No, this pause is specifically for immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are nonimmigrant visas.

Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats