Immigration News & Updates - July 2025
Be Sure to Carry Your Green Card with You
We recommend that all lawful permanent residents carry their physical green card or a valid I-551 stamp to be able to show proof of legal status and avoid unnecessary issues.
O-1 Processing Times
Though USCIS’ published processing times are up to 10.5 months, the vast majority of cases filed by our firm are being approved in 2-5 months. However, please note that unless an O-1 petitioner or applicant pays USCIS’ premium processing fee of $2,805, there is no guaranteed timeframe for processing.
Changes in Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
The Trump administration has announced that TPS will not be renewed for Honduras, Nicaragua or Haiti. This means that citizens of these countries will not be able to extend their TPS status or work authorization. However, anyone with TPS who is married to a US citizen should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine if they are eligible to apply for a green card based on the marriage.
The Status of CNHV and U4U Programs
Though the Trump Administration announced the end of the CNHV (Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, Venezuela) and U4U (Uniting for Ukraine) humanitarian parole programs, a lower federal court blocked the order, allowing the programs to remain active. However, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the lower court’s order, which allowed the termination to proceed. The matter is now being appealed in the First Circuit District Court. These humanitarian parole programs allow nationals from designated countries to enter the U.S. temporarily if sponsored by a U.S.-based supporter. Should these humanitarian programs end, those present in the U.S. under these programs will be required to depart. However, those married to US citizens, or those who have US citizen children age 21 or older, will likely be eligible to apply for permanent residency based on those relationships, and remain in the U.S.
Joseph Edlow Named Head of USCIS
On July 15, 2025, the United States Senate confirmed Joseph Edlow to serve as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.​
In 2019, Edlow joined U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as Chief Counsel and quickly rose to become Deputy Director for Policy. He was appointed Acting Director of USCIS in 2020 during the Trump administration, overseeing agency operations during a time of increased scrutiny and shifting priorities. After his public service, he launched Edlow Group LLC and his own immigration law practice, while also serving as a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation and the Center for Renewing America. In July 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed him as Director of USCIS, marking his return to the agency’s top leadership role. ​
Throughout his career, Edlow has been known for his emphasis on immigration enforcement, legal integrity, and operational efficiency within federal immigration systems.
Immigration attorneys, particularly those advocating for visa applicants, family-based immigration, or international students—are generally apprehensive about Edlow’s tenure. They foresee more rigorous security protocols, wider vetting, and longer processing times. On the flip side, enforcement‑focused groups, such as the Heritage Foundation, strongly endorse him, placing emphasis on system integrity and border enforcement.
Student Visas Reinstated
After canceling more than 1000 student visas in the middle of April, by the end of that month, the administration reversed course and reinstated the status of the students who had had their F-1 visas cancelled.
Beware of Scams Requesting Immigration Information
There have been reports of visa and green card holders receiving phone calls stating that the caller is calling from an immigration authority, such as USCIS or ICE, requesting personal information. Though it is possible for these agencies to make contact via phone, it is unusual and is likely a scam. Furthermore, you should not give out personal information by phone. If you are represented by immigration counsel, refer the caller to your attorney. If you are not represented by counsel, you can inform the caller you will provide any required information in person when you receive official correspondence requesting your appearance.
Recent Approvals
Since our last newsletter, we’ve received the following approvals:
O-1 for An IT Specialist, a Cinematographer, a Dancer/Choreographer, a Director, 3 Editors, 3 models, a Musician/Music Instructor, a Pastry Chef, a Performer and Producer, a Photographer, a Post Production Producer, 5 Producers, 2 Sound Editors, and a Tattoo Artist from China, Russia, Greece, India, Australia, UK, Taiwan, Italy, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Portugal, and Turkey.
We also obtained EB-1 I-140 approvals for a Chef, an Editor, a Sound Designer, a Storyboard Artist, and a Makeup Artist from India, Russia, Japan, China and Ukraine, as well as approved EB-1 I-485’s for a Composer, a Creative Director, a Producer, a Tattoo Artist and an Art Director from Japan, UK, Germany, Brazil and Colombia as well as their spouses and children.
We were able to obtain green cards for 3 spouses of US citizens from Canada, Australia and Thailand, as well as a parent of a US citizen from Brazil.
Last but not least, we were able to obtain culturally unique performance P-3 visas for 57 Turkish artisans and performers.
What is a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
A National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a valuable immigration option for professionals who possess exceptional skills, advanced degrees, or unique expertise that would significantly benefit the United States. Unlike many employment-based green card categories, the NIW allows applicants to bypass the traditional requirement of a U.S. employer sponsor or labor certification. Instead, applicants can self-petition by demonstrating that their work has substantial merit and national importance, and that waiving the job offer requirement would benefit the U.S. national interest. This pathway is particularly advantageous for individuals in fields such as science, technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the arts, who are making a meaningful impact in their industry or area of expertise.
​
Click HERE to schedule your free consultation! If you would like to discuss your eligibility for a National Interest Waiver, please contact us — we look forward to assisting you.
Need Guidance? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions or concerns about your immigration status or travel plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to Global Talent Immigration Law Group. We’re here to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free.
Any non-US citizens with questions about your rights should visit the ACLU website.
Follow Us on Social Media!
_svg.png){kind=icon}