A recent wave of federal court decisions has saved Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than a million immigrants, jeopardizing their right to work and remain in the United States at risk. If you or someone you know is a TPS holder from Venezuela, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, or Nicaragua, there have been significant changes with...Read More

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation on Friday night that will impose a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications set to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025. This has left employers and highly skilled professionals with more questions than answers. Because of the urgency and importance of this...Read More

A big policy change is redefining one of the key requirements for U.S. citizenship: good moral character is now to be considered for U.S. citizenship, rather than the absence of it. As of August 15, 2025, the Trump administration is requiring that USCIS take a more “holistic” approach in determining whether to afford U.S. citizenship...Read More

At Oltarsh & Associates, P.C., a New York immigration law firm, we want to keep you informed about the changing landscape of U.S. immigration policies. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the immigration enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), updates its database of individuals in detention centers biweekly. This dataset on...Read More

As of June 2025, the US Department of State requires applicants for F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas to disclose social media usernames from the past five years and set their profiles to “public” for vetting. This policy, exclusive to these visa categories, does not apply to other nonimmigrant visas...Read More

Facing immigration court for the first time can be intimidating, especially in a city as bustling and complex as New York (NYC). For many immigrants and their families, as well as other people affected by immigration policies, a hearing at 26 Federal Plaza may be the most important day of their lives—one that can determine...Read More

Are you a tourist fearing detention or deportation in the U.S.? Recent reports show a disturbing rise in tourist deportations, even for those seeking to enter the United States with valid visas. Oltarsh & Associates, P.C., with 50+ years of experience, is here to help you. This issue has emerged as an area of significant...Read More

Donald Trump, now the 47th President of the United States after his January 20, 2025 inauguration, is wasting no time. From the White House, his administration is rolling out a new Trump travel ban, and it’s taking shape. In its current draft form, it will impact citizens from up to 43 countries with a tiered...Read More

When facing detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it is essential to know your rights and the immediate steps you should take to protect yourself or your loved one. This situation can be alarming, but with the right information and a competent New York immigration lawyer by your side, the process can be managed...Read More

On February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled a bold new immigration initiative: the “Trump Gold Card.” Priced at $5 million, this visa promises wealthy foreigners a streamlined path to U.S. permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship. Touted as a replacement for the decades-old EB-5 investor visa program, the Gold Card has sparked intrigue, debate, and...Read More