Mercado Law Firm, APC

08/11/2026

🚨 USCIS Moves Toward Mandatory Electronic Filing (e-Filing) 🚨

The Department of Homeland Security has issued an Interim Final Rule that allows USCIS to require electronic filing for certain immigration forms.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Effective August 11, 2026

• USCIS may require e-filing for any form that has been available online for at least 180 days

• USCIS must give the public at least 60 days’ notice before making e-filing mandatory for a specific form

• Filings will be submitted through a USCIS online account (either complete the form online or upload a PDF with supporting evidence)

• Individuals who cannot file electronically may request a waiver based on undue hardship

This rule does not immediately make any specific form mandatory online. Instead, it gives USCIS the authority to gradually require electronic filing in the future.

The agency says the change is intended to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen fraud detection, and enhance national security screening.

If you have a pending case or plan to file soon, it is important to stay informed about which forms may become mandatory e-file only.

Mercado Law Firm is monitoring these changes closely and can help you navigate the new electronic filing requirements.

Mercado Law Firm
Immigration & Nationality Law
📞 (562) 624-2805

08/08/2026

🚨 Free Legal Clinic for Former Clients of Alexandra Lozano / La Luz del Camino Legal 🚨

The LA Law Library is hosting a free clinic for individuals who believe they may have been victims of fraud or attorney misconduct as clients of former attorney Alexandra Lozano and/or the law firm La Luz del Camino Legal (formerly Alexandra Lozano Law PLLC).

📅 Date: Friday, August 21, 2026

🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

📍 Location: LA Law Library
301 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Volunteer attorneys will be on-site to assist with:

• Updating your address

• Consultations

• Completing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request

The clinic is open to the public.

⚠️ Note: The LA Law Library does not provide legal advice. It offers legal resources and educational assistance only.

For more information or to register:

🌐 www.lalawlibrary.org/CLASSES

📞 213.785.2529

If you need additional immigration or legal assistance beyond the scope of this clinic, Mercado Law Firm is available to help.

Mercado Law Firm
Immigration & Nationality Law

📞 (562) 624-2805

06/23/2026

I'm in between trials at the santa Ana Immigration Court when I saw the In n Out stand handing out free burger, chips and drink!

06/17/2026

We’re proud to be attending the AILA Annual Conference (AC26) in San Diego from June 17–20, 2026.

This year’s conference is especially important as immigration law continues to evolve rapidly. Our team is here to stay current on the latest policy changes, enforcement trends, and legal strategies so we can continue delivering strong, up-to-date representation for our clients.

We’re looking forward to connecting with colleagues, learning from top immigration law experts, and bringing valuable insights back to our practice.

If you’re also attending, feel free to reach out — we’d love to connect!

06/01/2026

Y'ALL!!!

🎉 20 years as an attorney today! 🎉

Two decades of turning “Your Honor” into “Yes, I rest my case”… and somehow still having friends who aren’t just on my retainer.

I’ve billed more hours than most people have slept, objected to more nonsense than a chaotic group chat, and saved more clients than I’ve had terrible courtroom coffees (which is a lot).

Here’s to 20 years of wearing the suit, outsmarting everyone in the room, and making justice look way easier than it actually is. May the next 20 involve fewer depositions, way more wins, and at least one vacation where I don’t secretly review contracts by the pool.

Cheers to me — the legend who’s still (miraculously) not disbarred! 🥂⚖️ PEW, PEW, PEW!

05/28/2026

02/05/2026

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/stephen-miller-trump-immigration-plan

02/05/2026

https://newrepublic.com/post/206115/this-job-sucks-doj-attorney-judge-contempt-ice-court-orders

02/05/2026

🚨 DHS Awards SOSi $7 Million Contract to Track Undocumented Patients at Medical Appointments 🚨

A recent USAspending.gov contract reveals the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded SOSi International LLC a 3-month, $7 million deal to provide medical interpreters and services — but with a twist: helping ICE identify and track undocumented immigrants at healthcare appointments.

This is part of a broader $1 billion+ effort involving 10 companies acting as "bounty hunters" for ICE, per The Intercept. SOSi's contract focuses on "ship tracking services in accordance with the attached letter contract and statement of work," but whistleblowers claim it's tied to locating patients for enforcement.

Immigration Consequences:

Chilling Effect on Healthcare: Undocumented individuals may avoid medical care out of fear, leading to untreated conditions and public health risks (e.g., spread of diseases).

Detention Risks: Flagged patients could face arrests at or after appointments, accelerating deportation without due process.

Family Separation: Impacts mixed-status families, deterring emergency visits and worsening vulnerabilities.

Broader Enforcement: Increases surveillance in "sensitive locations" (hospitals/clinics), potentially violating ICE's own policies and eroding trust in healthcare systems.

This tactic raises ethical and legal concerns — if you're affected or worried about seeking medical help, know your rights and consult a lawyer.

Mercado Law Firm specializes in immigration relief. Call (562) 624-2805 for a confidential consultation today!
Source: USAspending.gov & The Intercept (links in comments).