Latest News
Note: Although Mark A. Ivener is retired, occasional posts may still appear here for informational or archival interest only.
WHAT’S HAPPENING A coalition of healthcare organizations, labor unions, academic institutions, religious groups, and individual workers has filed a major lawsuit against the federal government. The lawsuit challenges the sudden introduction of a $100,000 entry fee for H-1B visa petitions. This fee was introduced through a presidential proclamation issued by President Trump on September 19,… Read More
WHAT HAPPENED A coalition of employers, labor unions, healthcare organizations, academic institutions, religious groups, and individual workers has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. The policy, introduced by a September 19 presidential proclamation, imposes the fee on employers seeking to bring foreign workers into the United States under… Read More
WHAT HAPPENEDUSCIS has released a major policy update that affects how officers review immigration benefit applications. The new policy strengthens the use of discretion in immigration decisions and introduces additional review for applicants who have expressed support for anti-American or antisemitic ideologies or organizations. This guidance applies immediately to all pending and future benefit requests.… Read More
WHAT IS HAPPENING The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has released a new internal memorandum outlining updated procedures for how the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) will schedule and manage appeals and motions. This guidance helps clarify what parties can expect when filing appeals, motions to reopen, or other filings before the BIA. It… Read More
WHAT HAPPENEDA federal judge in Washington, D.C. recently ruled that the U.S. State Department likely acted outside the law by using President Trump’s travel ban to deny certain applicants from the Diversity Visa lottery program. The decision was issued by U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan on August 21, 2025, and applies to a small group… Read More
Recent government data shows a major increase in immigration detention during the first half of 2025. The number of people held in ICE custody has risen sharply, with new arrests and expanded detention facilities across the country. This update explains what’s happening, who it affects, and what clients should do if they are impacted. 1.… Read More
A federal court has ruled that recent immigration raids in Los Angeles likely broke the law. Officers were targeting people based on how they look, where they live, or what language they speak. That is not allowed under the Constitution. Here’s what happened and what it means for you. 1. WHAT THE CASE IS ABOUT… Read More
A recent court decision in the EB-5 sustainment period lawsuit confirms the two-year investment rule remains in place—for now. The court is waiting for USCIS to issue a formal regulation, and no changes are happening without public input. Here’s what happened, what it means, and how it may affect EB-5 investors. 1. RECAP: WHAT IS… Read More
WHAT’S HAPPENING The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recently issued a new precedential decision, Matter of Salas-Pena, which clarifies how immigration courts should decide bond requests in cases involving serious criminal allegations. In this ruling, the BIA confirmed that credible evidence of dangerous behavior, even without a criminal conviction, can be used to deny bond.… Read More
A recent court decision in the EB-5 sustainment period lawsuit confirms the two-year investment rule remains in place—for now. The court is waiting for USCIS to issue a formal regulation, and no changes are happening without public input. Here’s what happened, what it means, and how it may affect EB-5 investors. 1. RECAP: WHAT IS… Read More