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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