San Diego Immigration Lawyer, Jacob J. Sapochnick

09/08/2026

A brand-new DOJ opinion just dropped. A client asked me if their family is next. If you live in ANY state — watch this.
Every state takes TANF or SSI money. The new rule says the entire state government — not just the welfare office — must report people it knows are not lawfully present. DMV. Schools. State agencies.
This is not “apply and you get deported tomorrow.” Undocumented people were already barred from those programs. The real risk is mixed-status families and files a state agency already has.
It applies going forward. “Knows” is the legal word that matters.

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09/01/2026

f you filed Form N-400 — or you’re about to — stop scrolling.USCIS just locked a policy into the official Policy Manual that lets officers go into your neighborhood, talk to people who know you, and check whether you actually live where you say you live, whether your character matches the application, and whether you’re attached to the Constitution.They stopped doing this systematically in 1991. They brought it back in 2025. On August 25, 2026 they made it permanent.This is Policy Alert PA-2026-10. It applies to pending cases and new filings. It is not automatically every applicant. It is discretionary. But it is real.Stay until the end. I’ll tell you exactly what they look for, who they talk to, how character letters can help you avoid a visit, and what to do if an officer shows up.

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08/25/2026

1. What happened
A federal judge in New York ruled that the Trump administration’s ban on issuing immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries was illegal. The policy discriminated based solely on nationality, which violates the Immigration and Nationality Act.
2. What the ban actually did
The State Department stopped issuing immigrant visas (green-card visas) to people from those 75 countries — even if a consular officer had already determined the applicant was likely to be self-sufficient and not need public assistance.
3. Who it affects
Only people seeking immigrant visas (family-based or employment-based permanent residence) from the 75 listed countries. It does not apply to temporary visas (tourist, student, H-1B, L-1, etc.) or to applicants from other countries.
4. What the court ordered
The judge vacated (canceled) the ban and set aside any visa denials that were based only on the nationality policy. Cases must now return to normal, individual, case-by-case review.

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08/17/2026

The BIA just changed the rules on advance parole.
Leaving the U.S. on advance parole now counts as a departure. That means it can trigger the 3-year or 10-year ban if you have unlawful presence.
For years, this was the safe way for many DACA recipients (especially those married to U.S. citizens) to travel and later adjust status. That protection is gone for any trips after today.

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08/14/2026

TRUMP ENDS BIRTH TOURISM: New Order Make Citizenship Harder & Narrow Birthright Rules!!
https://youtu.be/CZ395NWrX08

Join us tomorrow for the primer of this video great information.

President Donald Trump has signed two new executive orders targetin...

08/11/2026

NEW USCIS policy that takes effect in August 2026 allowing officers to deny incomplete applications immediately, completely skipping the Request for Evidence (RFE) stage.

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08/06/2026

Ending a marriage is emotionally difficult, but it doesn't automatically end your immigration journey.

Many people assume that a divorce means their path to permanent residency is over. In reality, U.S. immigration law recognizes that genuine marriages sometimes come to an end.

What matters is whether the marriage was entered into in good faith—not simply whether it lasted forever.

If you're approaching the end of your conditional green card period and your relationship has changed, there may still be legal options available depending on your circumstances.

Understanding your rights early can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your future in the United States.
🎥 In this video, we explain how the removal of conditions process works, when a waiver may be available, and what every conditional green card holder should know.

Have questions about your case? Leave a comment below or contact our office to discuss your options.

08/06/2026

One of the biggest reasons citizenship applications get delayed or questioned is simple. Inaccurate travel history.

Before you apply for U.S. citizenship, take the time to review every passport you've used in the last five years.

Create a spreadsheet with every trip you took, including your departure and return dates.

Do not guess the number of days you spent outside the United States. Calculate them carefully.

If you were outside the U.S. for more than six months on any trip, you may need to prove that you never intended to abandon your permanent residence.

A small mistake in your travel history can create unnecessary problems during your interview.

A helpful tip from our practice is to bring two printed copies of your travel history to the interview. Keep one for yourself and offer one to the USCIS officer. Being organized can make the process much smoother.

If you are unsure whether you meet the citizenship requirements, speak with an experienced immigration attorney before submitting your application.

Have questions about your eligibility? Drop them in the comments or send us a message.

08/05/2026

Choosing between an EB1A and an NIW can make a huge difference in your immigration journey.

While both can lead to a U.S. green card, they are designed for different types of applicants.

EB1A requires a much higher standard of proof. You must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and show that you are among the top professionals in your field.

NIW has a lower eligibility threshold, but your work must have national importance and you need to prove that your future contributions will benefit the United States.

The biggest difference is in the evidence.

EB1A focuses on your past achievements and recognition.

NIW focuses more on your future plans, the impact of your work, and your ability to successfully carry out your proposed endeavor.

Visa availability also matters.

For most applicants outside of India and China, EB1A has generally been a faster path to a green card, while NIW processing and visa availability can change over time.

Every case is different, so choosing the right strategy is just as important as preparing strong evidence.

Watch the full breakdown through the link in the first comment.

What questions do you have about EB1A or NIW? Drop them in the comments.

08/04/2026

On July 31, 2026, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta of Washington, D.C., officially struck down the Trump administration's policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for individuals from 75 specific countries.

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