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. 

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.