Law Offices Clara Diez

05/22/2026

Recent USCIS policy update regarding Adjustment of Status (AOS):

USCIS has issued new guidance emphasizing that adjustment of status is a discretionary benefit and that officers must consider all relevant factors on a case-by-case basis when determining whether an applicant warrants this form of relief.

What this means in practice:

Adjustment of status is not automatic, even when statutory eligibility requirements are met. The updated guidance highlights the importance of discretionary review and reinforces USCIS’ focus on the totality of circumstances in AOS adjudications.

Source: USCIS Policy Memo

05/06/2026

Recent update from the US Department of State:
The State Department has expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants, including broader review of applicants’ online presence across additional nonimmigrant visa categories.

What this means in practice:

Consular processing continues to place increased emphasis on background review beyond the application itself.

Applicants should be mindful that their publicly accessible online activity may be reviewed alongside their application materials.

This reflects an ongoing trend toward more comprehensive visa screening.

Staying informed about these developments helps applicants and employers better anticipate how consular officers may approach the review process.

04/30/2026

Recent update from the Department of State affecting visa interviews.

Consular officers are now being instructed to ask applicants two additional questions:

– Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country?
– Do you fear harm or mistreatment if you return?

The response is documented in the case notes as part of the adjudication process.

What this means in practice:

Visa interviews continue to evolve, and preparation is more important than ever.
Applicants should be ready to answer questions clearly and consistently, understanding how their responses fit within the purpose of a temporary visa.

This does not change the legal standard, but it does affect how interviews are conducted.

07/28/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-will-conduct-second-random-selection-from-previously-submitted-fy-2024-h-1b-cap-registrations

In March 2023, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2024 are eligible to fil...

07/28/2023

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/invitations-to-be-issued-for-family-reunification-parole-process

The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) will begin issuing invitations under the family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras on July 31, 2023.

07/28/2023

El 7 de julio de 2023, USCIS anunció la implementación de los procesos de permisos de reunificación familiar (FRP) para Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras. Estos procesos FRP solo están disponibles por invitación para ciertos peticionarios cuyo Formulario I-130, Petición para Familiar Extranjero, presentado a nombre de un beneficiario principal que es un nacional de uno de estos cuatro países, fue aprobado.

El Centro Nacional de Visas (NVC) del Departamento de Estado comenzará a enviar invitaciones bajo los procesos de permisos de reunificación familiar (FRP) para Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras el 31 de julio de 2023.

09/07/2022

IMPORTANT NEW FOR VENEZUELANS IN USA TPS REGISTRATION SEPT. 8- NOV 7, 2022:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice describing how beneficiaries under Venezuela’s existing TPS designation can re-register to retain TPS and renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced the 18-month extension of the designation of Venezuela for TPS.

Only beneficiaries of the initial designation of Venezuela for TPS who were already residing in the United States in March 2021 are eligible to re-register for TPS and apply to renew their EADs, if they otherwise continue to meet eligibility requirements. Individuals re-registering must do so during the 60-day re-registration period from Sept. 8, 2022 to Nov. 7, 2022. Venezuelans who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS.
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-extension-of-temporary-protected-status-for-venezuela

https://www.uscis.gov/es/noticias/comunicados-de-prensa/dhs-anuncia-extension-de-estatus-de-proteccion-temporal-para-venezuela

El secretario de Seguridad Nacional, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, ha extendido la designación de Venezuela al Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) por 18 meses.

10/25/2021

Finally!! No more NIE to enter the USA from the Schengen countries--- starting November 8, 2021.

The continued spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global threat to our health and

09/18/2021

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/covid-19-vaccination-required-for-immigration-medical-examinations

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical....

04/27/2021

Finally!! USCIS is returning to using common sense and giving deference when adjudicating extensions of stay with the same facts.