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

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

USCIS doesn’t need you to be a celebrity. What they are looking for is clear evidence of sustained national or international acclaim.

A powerful way to prove this is through the “original contributions of major significance” criterion. To meet this, your work must have impacted an entire industry, not just your employer.

For example, a biomedical researcher recently secured an EB-1A approval by showcasing his work on immune mechanisms that played a critical role in U.S. infectious disease preparedness. They built a clear narrative around how their discoveries shaped public health policy and positioned independent peer statements to confirm the real-world significance of their work. 

Whether you’re a biomedical researcher whose work is widely cited or a founder backed by top-tier investors, the goal is the same: show how your work has moved the needle in your field.

If you’re wondering whether your case is strong enough for the EB-1A, join us for a live case review on January 26. Manifest immigration attorney David Santiago will break down real-world cases and determine whether they’re ready to stand up to USCIS scrutiny. 

When you register for the webinar, just submit info about your experience and impact for a chance to be featured. ⭐️

Today’s memo is brought to you by Ana Gabriela Urizar, an immigration lawyer with almost a decade of experience and over 15,000 cases filed.

A few days ago, thousands of foreign nationals woke up to the same headline: the U.S. Department of State directed consular officers in 75 countries to pause or slow immigrant visa processing.

Headlines like this can make it feel as though the entire immigration system is unstable. In reality, though, what we’re seeing is increased volatility around entry and consular processing. 

Entry into the United States is governed by the executive branch. The President, and by extension, agencies like the DOS, DHS, and CBP, have sole authority over who is allowed to cross the border. That’s why a travel ban, for example, can be implemented basically overnight. 

By contrast, visas like the O-1 and EB-1A are created by statute and governed primarily by Congress. While the executive branch controls how these visas are administered and adjudicated, any effort to fundamentally change them must go through lengthy federal rulemaking or legislative processes. 

As a result, individuals who maintain valid status inside the United States are generally less exposed to sudden policy shifts aimed at regulating entry, such as travel bans or consular slowdowns.

Read more about the immigrant visa processing pause for 75 countries and what it means for you in this week’s Legal Brief. 

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

The February 2026 Visa Bulletin Was Released

This month, USCIS has confirmed that it will continue to use the dates for filing chart to determine when people can apply for an adjustment of status.

Urizar: “Little movement in the February 2026 Visa Bulletin does not, by itself, signal bad news. It’s consistent with how the Department of State and USCIS often manage visa number usage over a fiscal year, especially after several months of forward movement.​”

Somali Nationals Lost TPS Protections

Somali TPS holders have until March 17 to either leave the country or secure another valid immigration status.

Urizar: “If you’re affected by this policy, talk with a lawyer on whether you qualify for a work visa or Green Card right away. Without a valid status, you won’t be able to remain in the U.S. legally after March 17.”

Avalon is an immigration attorney with over 10 years of experience across business, and family. An immigrant from Trinidad & Tobago, she knows firsthand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and is committed to guiding clients with clarity and determination.

*Disclaimer: Average historical approval rate provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.