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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a proposed rule that would significantly raise the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship and largely eliminate fee waivers and reduced-fee options. The rule is not yet in effect, and current fees remain unchanged for now, however if finalized, the changes would meaningfully increase the cost of naturalizing. We have been promoting what Jeff Margolis calls "IMMunization" meaning to erect more guardrails as to gove

A nationwide ruling vacates the fee — but an appeal is expected. Here's what it means for employers and workers. On June 8, 2026, a federal judge in Boston struck down the $100,000 fee that the Trump administration had imposed on new H-1B visa petitions, ruling that the executive branch lacked the authority to create it. The decision applies nationwide. What the Court Decided U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin held that the $100,000 payment was, in substance, a tax, and that th

New York State has enacted a new annual surcharge on certain high-value New York City residential properties that are not used as a primary residence, otherwise commonly known as the "pied-à-terre" tax. The measure was approved by the State Legislature on May 27, 2026 and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of the fiscal year 2026–2027 state budget. The surcharge takes effect July 1, 2026 and is currently scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2031. For owners of high-v

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, signaling a meaningful shift in how green card applications filed from inside the United States will be evaluated going forward. For years, the most common pathway to a green card for people already in the U.S. has been Adjustment of Status (AOS) — a process that allows eligible individuals to apply for permanent residence here, without having to return to their home count

We're excited to share that Jeff Margolis, our founding principal, recently was invited to speak at the BAJ Accelerator — an organization dedicated to fostering commerce and entrepreneurship between the Baltic states and the United States. Jeff delivered an in-depth presentation on U.S. business immigration options for foreign-born investors, entrepreneurs, and employees — with a particular focus on what founders and growing companies from Europe and the Baltic region need to

The results of the H-1B lottery have been released, and for many talented professionals and their employers, the outcome wasn’t what they hoped for. If you were not selected, the most important thing to know is this: You still have options and now is the time to act. At The Margolis Law Firm, we’ve helped many individuals and companies navigate this exact situation. Whether you’re a recent graduate on OPT, a skilled professional facing a visa expiration, or an employer unsure

The H-1B visa registration period for FY 2026 is approaching, and it’s crucial for employers and prospective applicants to prepare for the process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the initial registration period will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025. At The Margolis Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the registration process, ensuring that your applications comply with the latest US