Weekly immigration insights and plain-language updates to make the system clearer, simpler, and easier to navigate.

If a Green Card is in your plans, it’s a good idea to understand the concept of dual intent, which lets you pursue permanent residency even while you’re on a temporary visa. Learn how it works.

This week, immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar offers her insights on some of the latest headlines

Immigration policy shifted in meaningful ways throughout 2025. The Trump administration expanded screening measures, narrowed eligibility guidelines, and imposed tighter travel and entry rules. These changes affected nearly every category of foreign national, from Green Card applicants and temporary workers to asylum seekers and tourists.

In 2026, further change is likely. Whether it’s adjustments to the H-1B lottery, proposed reforms to employment-based Green Card categories, or changes to student visas, there’s a lot of uncertainty ahead.

In times like these, I always remind my clients that while heightened scrutiny and policy changes can feel overwhelming, new rules create clearer expectations. When standards are better defined, applicants are in a better position to understand what adjudicators are looking for, and how to build a case that meets those standards head-on.

That’s why at Manifest, we’re obsessed with closely monitoring policy shifts and adjudication trends. Whether you’re pursuing an O-1 visa, an EB-1A, or something else, we’re here to provide the insights and guidance you need to build a case that’s well-positioned for today’s immigration climate. 

Read our full recap of how immigration policy shifted in 2025 and what we’re predicting for 2026. 

Join next week’s Q+A session on Tuesday, January 6, with Ana Gabriela Urizar to hear about H-1B visa lottery changes, applying for a visa in 2026, and beyond.

This week, Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar chimes in with her thoughts on the latest headlines. 

⚖️ H-1B weighted lottery introduced for 2027: The new process will give better odds to higher-paying roles and will be used for this year’s lottery. 

💰$100K fee upheld: A federal judge ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, upholding his decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B petitions filed outside the U.S.

⏸️ Diversity visa program paused: The indefinite pause took effect Dec. 19 and affects both consular processing and domestic adjustments of status. 

🎆 New year, higher fees: Fees for several common immigration fees are going up effective Jan. 1. Explore which fees are impacted. 

As the new year begins, here’s a quick look at the Manifest resources our readers couldn’t stop clicking, saving, and sharing in 2025.

🔥 Most Viral Reddit AMA
We answered hundreds of real questions about H-1B news, O-1s, EB-1As, and NIWs. If you missed it, check out our top thread featuring former senior USCIS executive Michael Valverde.

📈 Top Blog of the Year
In our most clicked article, we broke down what USCIS actually looks for in immigration recommendation letters, from who should write them to common mistakes to avoid. 

🎥 Most-Watched Webinar 
This webinar was watched by nearly 100,000 EB-1A hopefuls. Our Principal Immigration Attorney, Nicole Gunara, broke down the EB-1A criteria and how to build a strong case. 

Want to explore more resources from our experienced immigration attorneys?