Peri B Edelman, Attorney at Law

06/02/2026

I was beyond elated to receive the notice informing me that your father’s adjustment of status was granted. My office is very excited that his green card has been issued. The immigration process can be challenging, I am grateful that you and your family placed your trust in my expertise and experience to get the job done. Thank you.

05/31/2026

Good news: Despite recent reports, most green card applicants do not need to leave the United States while their applications are pending.

The Department of Homeland Security has clarified that there has been no broad policy change. For most applicants, the adjustment of status process remains the same, and cases will continue to be reviewed while applicants remain in the U.S.

Every case is unique, and certain immigration issues may still affect individual situations. If you have questions about your case, contact our office for guidance.

We will continue monitoring developments and keeping our clients informed.

05/24/2026

We are writing to share a significant policy development announced by USCIS on May 22, 2026, and to let you know that you and your case are top of mind for us.

WHAT HAPPENED

USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, which instructs officers to treat adjustment of status — the process of applying for a green card from within the United States — as an extraordinary form of relief rather than a routine one. Under this guidance, officers are directed to weigh discretionary factors more heavily and to view consular processing abroad as the standard path for most applicants.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

• The underlying law has not changed, and legal challenges to this policy are likely forthcoming.

• You still have the legal right to file an I-485 if you meet the eligibility requirements, and applicants are still choosing to do so.

• That said, even applicants who satisfy every legal requirement may face increased scrutiny when their application is reviewed.

We recognize that news like this can feel deeply unsettling, particularly after so much hard work and waiting. The current administration has shown a pattern of announcing abrupt policy shifts in ways that generate confusion and anxiety — and this appears to be no exception.

Please know that we are carefully reviewing how this development may affect each of our clients individually. We will contact you directly if we believe there are specific steps you should take or factors relevant to your particular case.

For now, there is nothing different you need to do.

We are monitoring this situation closely and will continue to keep you informed as we learn more — including any legal challenges, additional USCIS guidance, or practical insights from how officers begin applying this new standard in real cases.

05/20/2026

This is great news!

A federal judge in Manhattan has barred most ICE arrests at New York City immigration courts, ruling that immigrants should be able to attend hearings without fear of detention. The order applies to the Manhattan immigration courts at 26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick Street, and 290 Broadway, though ICE may still make arrests in limited public safety situations. Advocacy groups praised the decision as a major due process victory, while DHS maintains the arrests are lawful.

05/14/2026

⚠️ USCIS Receipt Notice Delays ⚠️

Many applicants are currently experiencing significant delays in receiving USCIS receipt notices after their cases are filed.

We are seeing especially long delays in:

• I-751 Removal of Conditions cases
• VAWA petitions
• U Visa applications

In many cases, USCIS has received the filing, but intake processing is taking much longer than usual.

Our office is actively tracking filings, confirming deliveries, and monitoring cases closely.

We understand how stressful these delays can be, especially when receipt notices are needed for proof of status or peace of mind.
If you have concerns about your case, please contact our office.

05/12/2026

Thank you, Federico and Congratulations on your naturalization oath ceremony!

05/07/2026

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is one of the few green card paths that does not require employer sponsorship—but it is often misunderstood.

What It Is
The NIW, under the EB-2 category, allows individuals to self-petition if their work benefits the United States at a national level.

What You Must Show
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
Substantial merit and national importance of their work
That they are well positioned to advance their field
That it benefits the U.S. to waive the job offer requirement

What Actually Works
Strong NIW cases typically involve:

Professionals addressing healthcare or workforce shortages
Individuals with a clear, forward-looking plan
Evidence of real impact—not just credentials

Common Mistake
Many applicants focus too heavily on their résumé. The NIW is not about titles—it is about how your work serves the national interest.

Bottom Line
The NIW is powerful, but not automatic. A successful case requires strategy, clarity, and strong supporting evidence.

If you are considering an NIW, a careful evaluation can make the difference between approval and denial.

—
This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice.

05/05/2026

04/30/2026

A Surge in Green Card Denials: Why Proper Legal Preparation Matters More Than Ever

The news has been reporting a significant and troubling increase in green card denials—particularly in cases filed without legal representation.

Immigration filings are being reviewed more strictly than ever. What may seem like a minor oversight—an omitted document, an inconsistency, or a misunderstanding of eligibility—can now result in a denial.

We are consistently seeing self-filed cases denied due to:
Missing or improperly prepared supporting evidence
Failure to file required waivers or related applications
Inconsistent immigration or travel history
Inadequate responses to RFEs and Notices of Intent to Deny

These are not technicalities—they are case-ending issues.

A denial is not just a setback. It can trigger serious consequences, including loss of filing fees, lengthy delays, and, in some cases, placement in removal proceedings.
The reality is clear: the margin for error is extremely small, and it is getting smaller.
If you are planning to apply for a green card—or already have a case pending—now is the time to ensure your case is properly prepared and fully supported. Waiting until there is a problem can significantly limit your options.

Our office is actively helping clients avoid preventable denials by approaching each case with careful legal strategy and precision from the start.

If you have questions about your eligibility or a pending filing, we strongly encourage you to seek guidance now—not after a denial.

04/28/2026

The right guidance can change everything.
Proud of my team and grateful for clients who allow us to stand by them through every step of the process.