USCIS has announced two significant changes affecting immigration cases: a new framework allowing the agency to require electronic filing of certain immigration forms, and a restrictive new policy concerning adjustment of status that emphasizes consular processing for certain nonimmigrants seeking permanent residence. The Board of Immigration Appeals also issued a new decision in Matter of Delcarmen-Lara on August 13, 2026 that affects those traveling with advance parole. In this episode, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains what these announcements mean, why applicants should carefully verify current filing requirements, and why anyone considering leaving the United States for consular processing or traveling with advance parole should obtain individualized legal advice before making that decision. 

USCIS updated its evidentiary policy on August 5, 2026, reinforcing that immigration applicants and petitioners should establish eligibility and provide required initial evidence when they file. In this episode of Immigration in Focus, Maria Aguila explains why applicants should not assume USCIS will issue an RFE or NOID before denying a deficient filing and discusses practical steps for preparing a stronger immigration case.

What happens if you lose your case in immigration court? In this episode, we explain your appeal options, important deadlines, and the key
differences between detained and non-detained respondents in plain, simple English. If you or a loved one has received an unfavorable
immigration court decision, contact the Law Office of Maria Aguila / Florida Immigration Law Firm at www.immigrationlawfla.com to discuss
your options. 

If you or a loved one has received an unfavorable immigration court decision, contact our office at 904-385-9377 or visit www.immigrationlawfla.com — our main office is located at 2318 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204, with satellite offices in Orlando and Tampa/St. Pete.
This video is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Today, I am speaking without transcript and expressing my concerns about the new asylum rule that would eliminate the need for USCIS to interview affirmative asylum applicants and refer directly to the immigration courts (defensive asylum) and the appearance of ICE from the streets to the airports.  

Contact Information
Maria Aguila, Esq.
Florida Immigration Law Firm, LLC
Main Office: Jacksonville, Florida
Satellite Offices: Orlando and the Tampa Bay Area
Phone: 904-385-9377
Website: www.immigrationlawfla.com
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your immigration matter.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every immigration case is different. If you have received a Notice to Appear or have a hearing scheduled in immigration court, consult with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible. Hiring an attorney does not guarantee any particular outcome.

In this episode of Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains the immigration court process in clear, easy-to-understand language. Beginning with the Notice to Appear (NTA), she walks listeners through each stage of removal proceedings, including the Master Calendar Hearing, pleadings, applications for relief, Individual Hearings, appeals, and common legal terms used in immigration court. Drawing on educational resources from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and CLINIC, this episode helps immigrants and their families better understand what to expect, why attending every hearing is critical, and how experienced legal representation can make a difference.

In this episode of Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila, we discuss the Department of Homeland Security's new Final Rule that replaces the long-standing "Duration of Status" admission for many F-1 international students with a fixed period of admission beginning September 15, 2026. I explain what the rule changes, who is affected, why DHS adopted the new policy, and the practical steps students should take to remain in compliance, including monitoring I-94 expiration dates, working closely with their Designated School Official (DSO), maintaining full-time enrollment, planning ahead for Optional Practical Training (OPT), and requesting extensions of stay when necessary. Whether you are a current international student, a prospective student, or the parent of a student studying in the United States, this episode provides essential information to help you understand the new requirements and avoid immigration status problems.

3 deaths in 1 week – why? ICE traffic stops and immigrants, that’s why.

Just yesterday, multiple news outlets reported that the Department of Homeland Security instructed ICE officers to temporarily stop conducting most vehicle or traffic stops after two fatal officer-involved shootings in Maine and Houston. However, within hours, President Donald Trump posted on social media that he did not want ICE to stop using traffic stops, calling them one of ICE's most important and effective law enforcement tool. Later reports indicated that the temporary pause was reversed following the President's intervention. 

Many immigrants are now asking:

"Can ICE stop me while I'm driving?"

"What should I do if I'm pulled over?"

"Should I even be driving?"

Today we'll answer those questions.

In this episode of Immigration in Focus, immigration attorney Maria Aguila discusses two important developments making national headlines: the ongoing FBI investigation into the fatal ICE-involved shooting in Biddeford, Maine, and the increasing number of deaths reported in ICE detention facilities.

Drawing on reporting from the Associated Press, Maria explains what is currently known about the Maine incident while emphasizing that the investigation remains active and that conclusions should not be reached before all evidence is reviewed.

She also discusses publicly reported detention statistics showing that ICE recorded 33 detainee deaths in 2025, the highest annual total in more than two decades, and that watchdog organizations have reported at least 19 additional deaths in ICE custody during the first half of 2026. The episode explores why transparency, accountability, medical care, and independent oversight are essential whenever individuals are held in government custody.

Most importantly, Maria explains why due process remains a cornerstone of the American legal system and provides practical guidance for immigrants on knowing their legal rights during encounters with immigration authorities.

This podcast is intended to educate—not create fear—and to help listeners better understand today's immigration issues through trusted legal insight.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.

According to a recent New York Times report, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has significantly increased immigration arrests over just a five-day period. This podcast is part of a 3 part series.  Today in part 1, I'll explain what is happening, what it could mean for immigrants, and a breakdown of how much our federal government is spending on detaining and removing immigrants from the United States. In part 2 of this 3 part series, I will provide explanation in simple easy terms the immigration court process and defining legal terms. In part 3, I will have a guest with me to discuss real life cases in removal courts. This is a series you do not want to miss!

In this episode of Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains the latest developments affecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries following significant federal court decisions issued in July 2026.

Maria begins by reviewing what TPS is, who qualifies for it, and why it is an important humanitarian protection that allows eligible individuals from designated countries to live and work legally in the United States for a temporary period. She also reminds listeners that TPS is not permanent residency or U.S. citizenship and encourages beneficiaries to explore long-term immigration options whenever possible.

The episode focuses on recent court orders affecting TPS beneficiaries from Haiti, Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Maria explains that although DHS previously announced the termination of TPS designations for several countries, federal courts have temporarily preserved certain TPS protections while litigation continues. She also discusses USCIS guidance for employers regarding Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), Form I-9 verification, and automatic work authorization extensions for qualifying beneficiaries. 

A special segment is devoted to Haitian TPS beneficiaries, including the temporary extension of work authorization through July 24, 2026 for qualifying individuals. Maria emphasizes that eligibility depends on each person's specific TPS designation, EAD category, and applicable court orders or Federal Register notices. Listeners are encouraged not to rely solely on social media for immigration information and instead seek individualized legal advice.

The episode concludes with practical guidance for TPS holders and employers, stressing the importance of staying informed as immigration laws and court decisions continue to evolve. Maria encourages listeners to schedule a consultation to determine whether they may qualify for more permanent immigration solutions, such as family-based immigration, employment sponsorship, asylum, VAWA, or other forms of immigration relief.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration laws change frequently, and every case is unique. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific circumstances.