On July 16, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule rescinding the 2022 Public Charge regulation. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on July 20 and will take effect on September 18, 2026. For many individuals pursuing permanent residence through employment-based immigration or family sponsorship, this change introduces greater uncertainty into the green card applica

When evaluating an EB-5 investment, many investors naturally focus on immigration outcomes, such as project approvals, job creation, and the likelihood of obtaining permanent residency. While these are undoubtedly critical factors, the underlying project deserves just as much attention. At its core, an EB-5 investment is still an investment. The project’s location and the market demand surrounding it can significantly influence construction progress, project success, loan re

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a rule ending the long-standing Duration of Status (D/S) policy for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. Beginning September 15, 2026, individuals entering the U.S. under F or J status will no longer receive an open-ended period of stay tied solely to maintaining their status. Instead, they will be admitted for the length of their academic or exchange program, subject to a maximum admi

For nearly half a century, international students in the U.S. have operated under the Duration of Status (D/S) framework. That longstanding policy may now be subject to significant change. On May 5, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted a final rule affecting F, J and I nonimmigrant classifications to the OMB/OIRA for federal review. The proposed regulatory shift would replace the current D/S system, which permits individuals to remain in the U.S. for as l

Last week, the 2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum was successfully held in Washington D.C., bringing together leading professionals from across the EB-5 industry. As one of the industry’s premier annual events, the forum welcomed Regional Centers, immigration attorneys, developers, economists, and other EB-5 service providers to exchange insights on emerging market trends, policy developments, and the future direction of the EB-5 program. Upcoming Topics: ARCFE honored with the

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, while in her final days of office, has introduced Bill H.R. 6937 to aggressively phase out the H-1B visa. At this time, the text summarizing the bill has not been released on Congress.gov . The Bill is titled “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the H-1B program, and for other purposes.” It was introduced on January 2, 2026, to the House Judiciary, House Energy and Commerce, and House Ways and Means Comm

In December 2025, the Gold Card (or Trump Gold Card) launched with some fanfare and much confusion. After all, the Gold Card sets out to solve a problem that already has a solution. What is the Gold Card? The Gold Card is a one-time gift of $1 million by an individual or a $2 million gift made by an employer on behalf of an employee. Also, yet to be launched is the Platinum Card, for a $5 million contribution, one can spend up to 270 days in the United States without being su