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.

Unlike the H-1B visa, O-1 visas are not tied to a single employer. That can be a huge unlock if you’re a skilled freelancer or creative, as you can take on gig work to build your skill (and bank account!) outside of a single job.

When you’re juggling multiple short projects like freelance roles or rotating clients, an itinerary lets you present them under one umbrella petition. But this only works if your itinerary lists real and well-documented evidence of extraordinary ability. Think:

Even if you just have a couple of stable employers, don’t rely on USCIS to connect the dots. Outline who you work for, what you do, when you do it, and why you’re the only candidate who can accomplish this. 

For more information, check out our O-1 visa sponsorship guide.

Today’s brief is brought to you by David Alexander Santiago, an immigration attorney with more than five years of experience and over 1,000 cases filed.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a new freeze on H-1B petitions for some state-run employers. As of Tuesday, public universities and many state agencies can’t start new H-1B filings without prior written government approval. The pause will last until May 31, 2027. 

If you’re an H-1B holder or applicant working in a state-funded institution, here’s what you should know:

For a full analysis of the Texas H-1B pause, check out this week’s Legal Brief below. 

Join Immigration Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar for a deep dive into the O-1 visa criteria. Learn what each one means and how to know if you’re qualified.

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

A Federal Court Challenged USCIS’s “Final Merits Determination” 

On January 28, a Nebraska judge ruled that USCIS must approve a journalist’s previously denied EB-1A petition after finding that the agency’s final merits determination was unlawfully adopted.

Urizar: “There’s no immediate impact yet, as USCIS hasn’t announced any actual changes regarding its final merits policy. However, people now have an edge in how they can respond to an RFE, a Noid or denial notice that has vague ‘final merits’ reasoning.”

Green Card Applicants Report Canceled Interview Appointments

An increase of social media posts this month suggests that USCIS is pausing Green Card interview appointments, seemingly affecting people from countries listed in the State Department’s immigrant visa processing freeze.

Urizar: “Without official guidance from USCIS, it’s difficult to determine who exactly is affected at this time. What’s clear is that the federal agency has not stopped taking petitions for permanent residence, which means your eligibility for a Green Card remains unaffected.”

Extraordinary Ability Club is a private community for high-impact individuals in the U.S. who are building toward—or have already secured—O-1, EB-1A, and other talent-based visas.

Members get access to in-person meetups (dinners, coworking, mentorship nights), online programming (Slack AMAs, courses, webinars), and a high-impact network of 300+ founders, engineers, researchers, creators, and other extraordinary individuals. 

Covering endeavors from military sunscreen to high-tech manufacturing, Bruna Soledade boasts wide-ranging experience building the legal arguments needed for EB-2 NIW cases. Learn how she partners with clients to guide them through a rapidly changing immigration landscape and keeps up with the evolving definition of “national interest.”

*Disclaimer: The total number of cases served and historical approval rates are provided by the co-counsel. They include cases handled in connection with their work with Manifest Law as well as in connection with other law firms. Past case approvals and approval rates do not guarantee success in your case. **Disclaimer: Average historical approval rate provided by Manifest attorney in connection with cases handled with Manifest and attorneys prior firms.