Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila

In Episode 16 of Immigration in Focus, Attorney Maria Aguila explains naturalization and denaturalization in simple, everyday language. She discusses the basic requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen and the September 2026 USCIS policy alert on referrals for revoking naturalization. Two recent criminal cases illustrate how concealed conduct and false answers during the citizenship process can lead to serious consequences. Learn why accurate applications, careful preparation, and understanding the court process matter for applicants, naturalized citizens, and their families.

In Episode 15 of Immigration in Focus, attorney Maria Aguila explains the Fifth Circuit ruling limiting bond hearings for many detained immigrants and why families still face immigrant visa delays despite a court order lifting the 75-country pause. She also discusses heightened public-charge screening, five major immigration changes under the Trump administration, and practical steps families can take to prepare.

n Episode 14 of Immigration in Focus, attorney Maria Aguila explains changes to public-charge screening at U.S. consulates and what USCIS letters about continual FBI biometrics monitoring mean for applicants. She also discusses reporting on religious leaders detained by ICE, skilled-worker shortages, and increased scrutiny of employment-based immigration. Learn practical steps to prepare for visa interviews, understand government notices, and protect your immigration case.

Can the government deport someone to a country that was never identified in their immigration proceedings? What should families do when a detained loved one no longer appears in ICE’s online locator?

Attorney Maria Aguila explains the September 18, 2026 First Circuit decision and recent Associated Press reporting in plain English.

In this episode:
 • What third-country deportation means.
 • Notice and the opportunity to raise fears of persecution or torture.
 • Why the ruling does not automatically cancel removal orders.
 • Why an unsuccessful locator search does not confirm deportation.
 • Practical steps for gathering records and seeking help.

Florida Immigration Law Firm
 Attorney Maria Aguila
 Phone: 904-385-9377
 Website: https://immigrationlawfla.com
Main office: Jacksonville, Florida
Satellite offices: Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg — by appointment.

Subscribe to Immigration in Focus for immigration news and practical explanations.

Educational information only—not individual legal advice. Court orders and government practices may change.

Reporting and court decision:
 • Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/09/18/appeals-court-says-trump-administrations-third-country-deportation-policy-is-unlawful/
• Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/ice-detainee-locator-disappear-removal-orders-c3329a70bce424879bc5880b286c019c
• First Circuit opinion: https://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/sites/ca1/files/opnfiles/26-1212P-01A.pdf

In Episode 12 of Immigration in Focus, attorney Maria Aguila explains a Fourth Circuit decision rejecting the Trump administration’s expanded mandatory detention policy and what the ruling means for bond hearings. She also breaks down new USCIS guidance for children born in the United States to foreign government employees, including citizenship questions, registration requirements, and the effect of a current federal injunction.

In Immigration in Focus Episode 11, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains the federal court ruling striking down the Trump administration’s 75-country immigrant visa processing policy and why the decision does not mean that every affected applicant will automatically receive a visa. Maria also discusses the administration’s expanding scrutiny of legal immigration, including public-charge screening, consular processing, tourist and business visas, and asylum applicants.

For immigration assistance, contact Maria Aguila, Florida Immigration Law Firm, at 904-385-9377, visit www.immigrationlawfla.com, or visit the firm’s main office at 2318 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204, with satellite offices serving Orlando and the Tampa/St. Pete area.

In this episode of Immigration in Focus, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains DHS’s newly proposed $103,265 additional fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions and what it could mean for employers and foreign professionals. She also discusses the administration’s reported plan to revoke B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas for potentially up to 200,000 people who later sought asylum, including what affected immigrants should know as this policy develops.

USCIS is making major changes in September 2026, including new editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 beginning September 15 and Form I-485 beginning September 18—with no grace period for older editions after the applicable cutoff dates. Maria Aguila also explains the new public charge guidance in simple terms and discusses a disturbing new trend involving scammers using artificial intelligence to impersonate real immigration attorneys.

In Episode 8 of Immigration in Focus, immigration attorney Maria Aguila discusses the latest developments involving birthright citizenship, new executive actions affecting citizenship, and the federal government’s increased focus on denaturalization cases. The episode explains what these developments may mean for immigrant families and naturalized U.S. citizens, while separating current law and pending litigation from the headlines surrounding these rapidly changing issues. Recent USCIS and DOJ announcements confirm a significant increase in civil denaturalization enforcement, including 25 recently announced cases.

 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.