Oliver Mercer
USCIS Expands Biometric Data and Vetting Before Resuming Asylum
USCIS indefinitely paused all asylum adjudications after a November D.C. shooting. The agency will add expanded biometrics and…
Asylum Decisions Continue in 2025: No Official Halt, Delays Persist
USCIS has not announced a nationwide pause on asylum decisions in 2025, but heavy backlogs and policy changes—especially…
Asylum-Based EAD Renewal: What to Do When USCIS Pauses Decisions
An internal USCIS halt on asylum decisions began in late November 2025 and is labeled indefinite. The pause…
What Countries of Concern Mean for Immigration and Visa Processing
In 2025 the U.S. designated 19 Countries of Concern, imposing stricter vetting, entry suspensions, and a USCIS reexamination…
Legal Options for Asylum Cases Delayed by the USCIS Freeze
If your interview-complete asylum case stalled during a USCIS freeze, first contact USCIS and document everything. Seek help…
Trump’s Plan to Eliminate Income Tax in 2 Years: A Critical Review
Proposed elimination of federal income tax paid by many would be funded by new tariffs, but experts say…
Iran to Boycott 2026 World Cup Draw in US Over Visa Dispute
Iran will boycott the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington after visas were denied to senior federation officials…
Canada Lifts Visa for Qataris; eTA Now Required for Air Travel
On Nov. 25, 2025, Canada replaced visitor visas for Qatari citizens with an eTA for air travelers, speeding…
Constant Fear for Myanmar Nationals as TPS Ends and Risk Returns
The U.S. will end TPS for almost 4,000 Myanmar nationals on Jan. 26, 2026, with DHS citing improved…
US Reexamines Green Cards for 19 Countries Amid Crackdown
The administration ordered a broad reassessment of green cards for nationals from 19 countries after a November shooting.…
Ethiopia Advances Bishoftu Airport as Africa’s Next Major Aviation Hub
Bishoftu International Airport is a major greenfield project near Addis Ababa. Phase one costs USD 12.5 billion, aims…
Biffy Clyro Postpones U.S. Tour Over Visa Error, Reschedules to 2026
A wrong start date on Biffy Clyro's work visas forced postponement of their December U.S. shows. Despite legal…
IRCC Study Permit Transition: Flexibility for Students Shifting Levels
IRCC’s updated policy (2025) permits students moving from secondary to post‑secondary study to begin classes while their permit…
Canada Boosts Francophone Communities to Attract Global Talent
Canada’s 2025 strategy boosts Francophone Immigration with $9.3 million federally and $3 million provincially, targeting 10% francophone permanent…
No Complete Roll Call Yet on Afghan Visa Increase (H.R. 4895)
Reintroduced in August 2025, H.R. 4895 aims to move evacuated Afghan allies from temporary parole toward permanent residency.…