What is the Public Charge and Its Effect on Immigration?

The concept of a “public charge” in US immigration law dates back to 1882, but it wasn’t formally defined until the Immigration and Naturalization Service—now replaced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—introduced the “1999 Interim Field Guidance.” This guidance defined a “public charge” as an individual primarily dependent on government support for subsistence. This […]

Decoding USCIS’s Updated Policy Manual: A Spotlight on EB-1 Visa Classifications

On September 12, 2023, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed key updates to its Policy Manual that focus on clarifying the eligibility criteria for the EB-1 immigrant visa classifications. These specific visa categories are designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as outstanding […]