Nourian Law Firm

08/06/2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now reject or deny benefit requests if not filed with all initial evidence.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy, restoring full discretion to immigration officers to deny incomplete benefit applications immediately without first issuing a warning or requesting information. This milestone policy update took effect on August 5, 2026, and applies directly to all new and pending applications. Under this rule, if you do not submit all mandatory initial evidence or fail to establish your baseline eligibility at the exact time of filing, your visa, green card, or work authorization petition can be flatly denied.The Core Policy ChangesElimination of Automatic Safety Nets: Officers are no longer encouraged to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) before shutting down an incomplete file.Immediate Application: The rule applies to both new filings and cases already waiting in the processing backlog.Forfeiture of Fees: Because this is classified as a formal adjudication denial rather than an upfront administrative rejection, the agency typically keeps your non-refundable filing fees.Loss of Ancillary Benefits: Filing an incomplete "placeholder" application will no longer allow applicants to safely bridge their stay or secure temporary work permits while waiting out long processing queues.

08/05/2026

Domestic Travel information for undocumented Persons in the USA;

Domestic Travel Information for Undocumented Immigrants
Traveling inside the United States has become riskier for undocumented immigrants. New federal policies and state
laws have made it more likely that it can lead to arrest and/or detention. Domestic flights, traveling by bus or train, and
even driving to nearby cities can put you in the path of immigration officials. For this reason, it is important that you
speak to your immigration attorney before any travel.
At the Airport: TSA Shares Your Data with ICE
The TSA shares domestic passenger information with
ICE, which cross-references that information against
records of people with final removal orders and sends
agents to the airport to make arrests. ICE is already
present at many airports across the United States. This
is most likely to affect you if you have a final order of
removal, pending applications, or any criminal history.
Do not fly without consulting your attorney first if any
of these apply.
If you decide to fly, be ready for extra screenings from
TSA, CBP, or other immigration officers.
Facial Recognition Scans: You Have the Right to Opt
Out
DHS is consolidating the biometric databases of TSA,
ICE, CBP, and USCIS, including facial recognition, into
a single unified platform. In early 2026, TSA expanded
facial recognition to 65 airports. For domestic flights, you
currently have the right to opt out. Say: “I am opting out
of facial recognition. I would like manual ID verification.”
Ask for a supervisor if the agent refuses. Note that prior
facial recognition scans taken at the time of lawful
entry may remain in the system even if you opt out later.
Bus and Train Travel: The 100-Mile Zone
CBP has legal authority to board buses and trains within
100 miles of any U.S. border without a warrant. This area
covers nearly 2/3 of the U.S. population, and includes
states such as Florida, Michigan, and several states
in New England, as well as vast portions of Arizona,
California, Texas, New Mexico, and other states.
They may ask questions about your status, which you
have the right to refuse. However, refusing to answer
may result in agents asking you to step off the bus or
train. Weigh this risk carefully before traveling through
these zones.
Traveling in High-Risk States
Certain states—such as Alabama, Texas, and Florida—
have laws that create added risk and may result in
immigration detention or arrest during a routine traffic
stop. Consult your attorney before traveling through
high-risk states if you have any status issues.
Before You Travel
• Speak to your immigration attorney.
• Send a trusted person your travel plans and your
attorney’s phone number.
• Designate someone to care for your children if you are
detained.
• Write down your attorney’s phone number and
memorize it—you may lose access to your phone.
• Bring physical copies of important immigration
documents, including documents that show your
lawful status or pending applications. Finally, be sure
to secure your electronic devices before you fly.
If You Are Stopped, Questioned, or Detained
• Stay calm: Do not run, argue, or physically resist.
• Present your passport if asked: You may show your
passport as ID. You are not required to disclose your
visa category.
• Opt out of facial scan: Say, “I am opting out of facial
recognition. I want manual ID verification.”
• Remain silent: Say, “I am exercising my right to remain
silent.”
• Ask for a lawyer: Say, “I want to speak to an attorney.”
Repeat if necessary.
• Do not sign anything: Speak with your attorney before
signing any immigration form, as some forms may
permanently waive your right to a hearing before an
immigration judge or can result in a bar in returning to
the U.S.
This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not
constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in
this flyer without consulting a competent, licensed immigration attorney.

08/05/2026

Domestic Travel for Permanent Residents, and what to dos:
Domestic Travel Information for Green Card Holders
As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you have more rights than most non-citizens—but your green card does NOT make
you immune from arrest, questioning, or removal. A traffic stop in the wrong state, an old conviction, or signing the wrong
form can lead to removal proceedings. Know your rights before you travel in the U.S.
What to Carry at All Times
Carry the following items with you at all times:
• Green Card (Form I-551): Federal law requires all green
card holders 18 years and older to carry their green card
at all times and present it on demand to any immigration
officer. Failing to produce it is a federal misdemeanor
and can result in up to a $100 fine or 30 days in jail.
ƹ Your green card is a TSA-accepted identification
document. You do not need a separate REAL ID driver’s
license to fly domestically.
• Additional ID: Use a state-issued REAL ID or enhanced
driver’s license, or valid foreign passport as secondary ID.
• Your attorney’s phone number: Write it on paper. Do not
rely on having it stored on your phone.
At the Airport: TSA Shares Your Data With ICE
The TSA shares domestic passenger information with ICE,
which cross-references that information against records
of people with final removal orders and sends agents to
the airport to make arrests. ICE is already present at many
airports across the United States. This is most likely to
affect you if you have a pending order of removal, an
outstanding warrant, or any criminal history. Do not fly
without consulting your attorney first if any of these
apply.
Facial Recognition Scans: You Have the Right to
Opt Out
DHS is consolidating the biometric databases of TSA,
ICE, CBP, and USCIS, including facial recognition, into
a single unified platform. In early 2026, TSA expanded
facial recognition to 65 airports. For domestic flights, you
currently have the right to opt out. Say: “I am opting out of
facial recognition. I would like manual ID verification.” Ask
for a supervisor if the agent refuses. Note that prior facial
recognition scans taken at the time of lawful entry may
remain in the system even if you opt out later.
Know Your Risk Factors
• Criminal history: An old DUI, misdemeanor, or plea deal
can make you removable. NEVER accept any criminal
plea without first consulting your immigration attorney.
• Traveling in high-risk states: Certain states—such as
Alabama, Texas, and Florida—have laws that create
added risk and may result in immigration detention or
arrest during a routine traffic stop. Consult your attorney
before traveling through high-risk states if you have any
status issues.
• Bus & train—the 100-mile zone: Border Patrol can board
buses and trains within 100 miles of any U.S. border
without a warrant. This covers significant parts of the
U.S., including all of Florida, Michigan, and several states
in New England, as well as vast portions of Arizona,
California, Texas, and other states.
If You Are Stopped, Questioned, or Detained
• Stay calm: Do not run, argue, or physically resist.
• Present your green card: You are required by law to
show it on demand. Do not refuse.
• Opt out of facial scan: Say, “I am opting out of facial
recognition. I want manual ID verification.” Ask for a
supervisor if refused.
• Remain silent: Say, “I am exercising my right to remain
silent.”
• Ask for a lawyer: Say, “I want to speak to an attorney.”
Then say nothing more.
• Do not sign anything: Especially a “Voluntary Departure”
form. Signing permanently waives your right to a hearing
before an immigration judge.
This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not
constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this
flyer without consulting a competent, licensed immigration attorney.

08/05/2026

Domestic Travel for visa holders, and what to dos:

Domestic Travel Information for Visa Holders
Recently, ICE has begun detaining individuals at airports while traveling domestically based on passenger data, making it
even more important for you to know your status before you travel. Many visa holders have traveled domestically without
knowing they were out of status. This flyer will help you understand the risks of traveling domestically and how best to avoid
them.
Identification and Other Important Documents for
Domestic Travel
When flying, always carry your passport, I-94 printout, and
I-797 approval notice.
• A valid foreign passport is accepted for travel, even
without a current visa stamp. Your I-94 and I-797
approval notice are important to carry but cannot be
used as TSA ID.
ƹ Note: You may also use other documents as TSA ID when
traveling domestically, including a state-issued REAL
ID, state-issued Enhanced ID, Green Card, Employment
Authorization Document (EAD), or other DHS issued IDs.
• You should also have a digital or physical copy of
these documents, in case your original documents are
confiscated.
• A standard U.S. driver’s license (marked “Federal Limits
Apply”) and the CBP One App are no longer accepted as
ID for domestic travel.
Note: Under U.S. law, visa holders 18 years and older must
always carry proof of their immigration status. This usually
is satisfied by carrying a printed copy of your current I-94
at all times. F-1/J-1 students should also carry Form I-20 or
DS-2019.
Your #1 Risk: An Expired I-94
Your I-94—not the visa stamp in your passport—is what
controls how long you are allowed to stay in the United
States. Check your I-94 expiration date at i94.cbp.dhs.gov
before making any travel plans. If your I-94 has expired,
call your attorney before traveling. Your I-94 may expire
without you realizing. For example, you may fall out of
status after:
• Changing employers without an approved H-1B transfer
petition
• Dropping below full-time enrollment as an F-1 student
• Working without proper authorization or outside your
approved job duties
• Remaining in the U.S. past the expiration date on the
I-94, even if your visa stamp in your passport is still valid
• Having a pending application to change, extend, or
adjust your status or asylum application after your I-94
has expired
Note: If your I-94 shows D/S (Duration of Status), you may
stay in the U.S. as long as you follow the rules of your visa.
Activity inconsistent with your visa type may put you out of
status even with a D/S I-94.
Other Risk Factors
• Criminal charges: Certain crimes, such as a DUI or drug
charge, can trigger removal proceedings even if you have
a valid visa and I-94.
• Traveling in high-risk states: Certain states—such as
Alabama, Texas, and Florida—have laws that create
added risk and may result in immigration detention or
arrest during a routine traffic stop. Consult your attorney
before traveling through high-risk states if you have any
status issues.
At the Airport: TSA Shares Your Data With ICE
The TSA shares domestic passenger information with ICE,
which cross-references that information against records
of people with final removal orders and sends agents to
the airport to make arrests. ICE is already present at many
airports across the United States. If you are out of status, in
a period of authorized stay, or have a removal order, do not
fly without consulting your attorney.
Facial Recognition Scans: You Have the Right to Opt
Out
DHS is consolidating the biometric databases of TSA,
ICE, CBP, and USCIS, including facial recognition, into
a single unified platform. In early 2026, TSA expanded
facial recognition to 65 airports. For domestic flights, you
currently have the right to opt out. Say: “I am opting out of
facial recognition. I would like manual ID verification.” Ask
for a supervisor if the agent refuses. Note that prior facial
recognition scans taken at the time of lawful entry may
remain in the system even if you opt out later.
If You Are Stopped, Questioned, or Detained
• Stay calm: Do not run, argue, or physically resist.
• Present your passport if asked: You may show your
passport as ID. You are not required to disclose your visa
category.
• Opt out of facial scan: Say, “I am opting out of facial
recognition. I want manual ID verification.”
• Remain silent: Say, “I am exercising my right to remain
silent.”
• Ask for a lawyer: Say, “I want to speak to an attorney.”
Repeat if necessary.
• Do not sign anything: Speak with your attorney before
signing any immigration form.
This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not
constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this
flyer without consulting a competent, licensed immigration attorney.

06/25/2026

The Supreme Court allows easier deportation for suspected criminal green card holders

In a 6-3 ruling handed down on June 23, 2026, in Blanche v. Lau, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that federal border agents can downgrade a green card holder's status to an "applicant for admission" upon re-entry based only on a "reason to believe" they committed a crime, rather than requiring "clear and convincing evidence" at the border. This landmark decision gives the executive branch broad authority to strip returning Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of their standard protections and place them into fast-tracked deportation proceedings before a criminal case is even fully resolved.Key Details of the DecisionThe New Standard: Border agents do not need a completed conviction or high-level proof at the border. A "reason to believe" a resident committed a "crime involving moral turpitude" (such as fraud, theft, or counterfeiting) is enough to alter their legal status upon re-entry.The Legal Process: The government can reclassify the returning resident immediately to begin removal proceedings. The formal criminal conviction or evidence can be established later during subsequent immigration court hearings.The Majority Opinion: Writing for the conservative majority, Justice Clarence Thomas stated that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not impose a "clear and convincing" burden on border officers at the initial step of entry.The Case BackgroundThe ruling stemmed from the case of Muk Choi Lau, a Chinese national and U.S. permanent resident since 2007. In 2012, while facing criminal trademark counterfeiting charges but before a trial or conviction took place, Lau traveled to China. Upon attempting to re-enter the U.S. at JFK Airport, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers used his pending charges to deny him standard resident admission. Instead, they placed him on immigration parole as an "applicant for admission," which stripped away his permanent resident entry protections and allowed the government to fast-track his deportation after he later pleaded guilty.Criticisms and DissentThe court's three liberal justices strongly dissented from the majority opinion."Blank Check" Warning: Writing for the dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson argued that the ruling hands the government a "massive blank check" to revoke permanent status based on mere assumptions.Real-World Harms: The dissent pointed out that legal residents stuck in this "legal limbo" face severe immediate consequences. While their cases drag on, they can have their identification documents confiscated, be subjected to detention, and lose the ability to legally work, open bank accounts, or secure housing.What This Means for Green Card HoldersWhile the ruling does not authorize final deportation without an ultimate conviction or admission of guilt, it drastically shifts the timeline of immigration enforcement. Legal experts and advocacy groups, such as LatinoJustice PRLDEF, warn that any green card holder with pending criminal charges, an open indictment, or even a history of arrests should exercise extreme caution and seek legal counsel before traveling outside of the United States.

Under the Blanche v. Lau ruling, border agents can target returning green card holders suspected of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs) or Aggravated Felonies. While immigration law does not have a single, rigid definition for these categories, federal statutes and court precedents broadly group them into the following specific crime types:

1. Crimes of Fraud and DeceptionAny offense involving intentional dishonesty for personal gain is heavily scrutinized at the border:Trademark counterfeiting (the exact charge in the Blanche v. Lau case)Identity theft and forgeryWire fraud or bank fraudTax evasion or filing false tax documentsPassing bad checks with intent to defraud.

2. Theft and Property CrimesProperty crimes where there is an intent to permanently deprive an owner of their property qualify:Grand larceny or grand theftBurglary (entering a structure with intent to commit a crime)Robbery (theft accompanied by force or threat)Receiving stolen property knowing it was stolenArson resulting in property destruction.

3. Crimes Against Persons and Violent OffensesOffenses that cause or threaten severe bodily harm to others are prioritized for enforcement:Murder and voluntary manslaughterDomestic violence or stalkingKidnapping or false imprisonmentAssault with a deadly weaponChild abuse or neglect

4. Drug Trafficking and Controlled SubstancesWhile minor possession can cause issues, the ruling heavily impacts trafficking and distribution:Illicit trafficking in a controlled substancePossession with intent to distributeManufacturing or cultivation of controlled substancesMoney laundering related to drug trafficking

5. Sexual Offenses and ExploitationCrimes involving sexual violence or exploitation automatically trigger aggressive immigration actions:Rape and sexual assaultSexual abuse of a minorProstitution management or panderingHuman trafficking

06/08/2026

Judge Says Trump's $100K H-1B Fee Is Unauthorized Tax

V. CONCLUSION & ORDERS
For the foregoing reasons, the Court ALLOWS Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment,
Doc. No. 86, and DENIES Defendants’ cross-motion for summary judgment, Doc. No. 92. At
the parties’ request, the Court DISMISSES WITHOUT PREJUDICE the claims against the
Department of Justice, the Attorney General, the Department of Labor, and the Secretary of
Labor. Defendants’ motion to dismiss, id., is OTHERWISE DENIED. The Policy implementing
the Proclamation is declared unlawful and is VACATED in its entirety. The Clerk shall enter
judgment in favor of Plaintiffs and against Defendants, with each side bearing its own fees and
costs.
SO ORDERED.
/s/ Leo T. Sorokin
United States District Judge

05/23/2026

To obtain permanent residency status all applicants must go through visa processing in their home country, giving more credence to officers to exercise their discretion in granting adjustment of status. Same old law but more procedural power for uscis to deny cases such as those who too quickly apply for green cards after entry or in case of those with status violations and with criminal records as always but with restricter exercise of discretion

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a new policy memo reiterating the fact that, consistent with long-standing immigration law and immigration court decisions, aliens seeking adjustment of status must do so through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the....

04/28/2026

USCIS must resume processing paused green card applications immediately

A U.S. federal judge has recently ruled that the indefinite pause on green card applications by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is unlawful and ordered the agency to resume processing. In a decision issued on April 27, 2026, Maryland District Judge George L. Russell III stated that the agency "does not have discretion to decide not to adjudicate at all".

Current Status of the Pause
The original pause was implemented in late 2025 as part of enhanced vetting procedures under the Trump administration. While the recent court ruling orders a restart for specific individuals involved in the lawsuit, the broader impact on thousands of others remains an evolving situation.

Lifting of the Asylum Pause: On March 30, 2026, USCIS announced it would lift its pause on processing applications from "thoroughly screened asylum seekers from non-high-risk countries".

Continued Freeze for Certain Countries: Despite partial resumption, applications (including green card adjustments and work permits) for nationals from 39 designated "high-risk" countries generally remain on hold.

Adjudicative Hold: While applicants can still file new forms (such as Form I-485 for green cards), USCIS policy has been to advance cases only up to the final decision stage, where they are then held indefinitely pending the completion of new vetting reviews.

Impact on Applicants
If your application is subject to these holds, you may experience:
Significant Delays: Processing will not reach a final approval or denial until the pause is affirmatively lifted for your specific category.

Heightened Scrutiny: Expect potential requests for additional evidence, second interviews, or re-interviews even if you were previously approved.

Legal Recourse: Many applicants are seeking lawsuits to force adjudication, as court orders are currently one of the few ways to compel USCIS to make a final decision during the hold.

For the most accurate status of your individual case, check the USCIS Case Status tool or consult with an immigration attorney to see if the recent court ruling applies to your situation.