green card

New USCIS fingerprint checks are causing significant delays for immigration applications, including permanent residency and citizenship. Officials must resubmit biometrics for pending cases to the FBI's upgraded system, even if previously cleared. Attorneys warn this could lead to increased scrutiny of minor past interactions and disproportionately impact immigrants from certain regions.

green card hopefuls from India face a significant setback as the US State Department's June 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals retrogression in EB-1 and EB-2 categories. High demand has pushed cutoff dates backward, potentially leading to further delays or unavailability. Similar concerns loom for India's EB-5 unreserved category.

USCIS now has the power to reject or deny immigration applications, even keeping fees, if an invalid signature is found months or years later. This new rule, effective July 10, 2026, applies broadly to most benefit requests, including visas and green cards. Applicants cannot usually fix signature errors after submission.

A surge of legislative proposals in the US targets the H-1B visa program, proposing significant restrictions and even abolition. While some measures aim to protect American jobs, experts warn against blunt policies. The article suggests reforms like Australia's skilled occupation list and Canada's points-based system could offer better solutions for attracting global talent.

A US congressional inquiry has launched a spotlight on maternity businesses, including a clinic operated by an Indian-origin physician, amid accusations of promoting 'birth tourism.' Legislators assert that the practice takes advantage of immigration laws, enabling international families to secure citizenship for their infants in the United States.

Indian EB-5 visa applications have surged dramatically, nearly doubling year-on-year. This spike is attributed to professionals already in the US seeking a faster path to permanent residency than traditional employment-based green cards. Experts warn this increased demand, particularly in unreserved categories, could lead to visa retrogression, impacting future applicants.