USCIS Review Process Update: Will It Affect Your Case?

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced several important policy changes this August that affect how applications and petitions are reviewed: 

• Discretion & Anti-American Activity (Aug. 19, 2025) Read more here.
• USCIS will now look more closely at social media and other records.
• If someone has supported terrorist groups, anti-American, antisemitic, or extremist activities, this will hurt their immigration case.
• Applies to investor cases, fraud cases, and national security concerns.

• Family-Based Petitions (Aug. 1, 2025) Read more here.
• USCIS is making sure marriages and family petitions are real and not used to commit fraud.
• New rules explain what documents and interviews are required.
• Petitions filed abroad by U.S. citizens (including military) are included.
• A petition alone does not give legal status or stop deportation.

• Neighborhood Checks for Citizenship Read more here.
• USCIS has restarted “neighborhood checks” for people applying for citizenship.
• Officers may talk to neighbors, employers, or coworkers to confirm good moral character.
• If applicants don’t send strong evidence, they could face delays.

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued several key decisions in August and September that clarify fees, bond eligibility, and requirements for relief. Here are the highlights: 

• Matter of Garcia Martinez (Aug. 2025) - If someone has a lawyer, the BIA says they are expected to pay filing fees.
• Matter of Yajure Hurtado (Sept. 5, 2025) - People who entered the U.S. without being admitted or paroled cannot ask an Immigration Judge for a bond hearing.
• Other BIA Decisions (Aug. 2025):
• Hardship cases: General financial or emotional problems are not enough for cancellation of removal.
• Asylum cases: If testimony is not believable and there’s no strong evidence, the claim can be denied.
• Drug cases: A recent drug-related arrest can be enough to deny bond.
• Torture claims: Old or vague threats are not enough to win.

Wheeler Law is available to answer any other questions you may have, and/or help you take the next steps to your, or your loved ones, future. At Wheeler Law, we find creative solutions to break down the barriers holding you, or a loved one, back from obtaining legal status in the United States. Call us now to schedule a consultation: (602) 586-5625. 

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