Our Latest News & Insight

Travel Ban vs. USCIS Pause: Proclamation Entry Bans vs. USCIS Adjudication Holds for High-Risk Countries

By Shervin Abachi

December 19, 2025

This article explains the difference between proclamation-based entry restrictions and USCIS adjudication pauses affecting nationals of designated high-risk countries. Although often conflated, these measures operate under different legal authorities, apply at different stages of the immigration process, and produce distinct consequences for immigrant and nonimmigrant cases, including O, P, EB-1, and NIW filings.

New Presidential Proclamation (Dec 16, 2025): Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.

By Shervin Abachi

December 16, 2025

On December 16, 2025, the White House issued a new entry proclamation that modifies and expands the June 4, 2025 framework. It takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on January 1, 2026.

Trump’s New “Gold Card” Visa Explained. How the $1 Million Green Card Affects EB-1 and NIW Applicants

By Shervin Abachi

December 11, 2025

The Trump Administration’s new “Gold Card” program promises a fast track to a green card for those who can make a seven-figure “gift” to the U.S. government, but it relies on existing EB-1 and EB-2/NIW visa numbers instead of creating a new category.

What the New USCIS Memo Changes for Immigration Cases Inside and Outside the U.S.

By Shervin Abachi

December 6, 2025

USCIS has directed officers to put broad categories of cases on hold, require interviews that are normally waived, and re-review already approved benefits for people connected to the 19 “high-risk countries” in Presidential Proclamation 10949, alongside a sweeping pause of all pending asylum applications. 

Inspiration vs. Infringement: Navigating copyright law as a playwright

By Shervin Abachi

May 13, 2025

Written by our attorney, Shervin Abachi, this article offers a practical legal guide for playwrights navigating the complexities of copyright, fair use, and creative appropriation.

The Dimming Spotlight: How New USCIS Rules Reshape the Artist Immigration Landscape

By Shervin Abachi

December 24, 2024

Curious about how recent USCIS changes might affect artists and entertainers? Check out our latest article, published by the Dramatists Guild, to stay informed about what this means for the creative community.

Suggested Reads

Regulations & Guidelines

Minimalist black-line illustration of an artist holding a paintbrush and palette beside the Statue of Liberty and a stylized U.S. map, symbolizing the O-1B visa for artists and creators.
O-1B Visa Evidentiary Criteria Guide (8 CFR 214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B))
/ December 19, 2025
Minimalist one-line drawing of a person gazing upward, symbolizing ambition and extraordinary ability, in black line art with a transparent background.
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Petitions – Comprehensive Evidentiary Guide
/ December 6, 2025
Minimalist one-line drawing of an artist holding a palette and raising a star-shaped symbol in front of an outline of the United States, representing the O-1B visa pathway for creatives.
Ultimate Guide to O-1B Visa Criteria: A Comprehensive Breakdown for Artists and Creatives
/ May 16, 2025

Government Links Hub

USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations
/ USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations
DOL Foreign Labor Certification
/ DOL Foreign Labor Certification
ICE FOIA Request Portal
/ ICE FOIA Request Portal