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Chicago Law Office of Christine Contreras

September 2026 Newsletter: Action Needed Before Sept. 18 If You Are Filing for a Green Card

Immigration law keeps changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Our goal is to provide you with clear, factual information so you always understand where things currently stand. Here is a recap of what has changed in the past few weeks and how it may impact your case. State Department Pauses Immigration Visa Read more about September 2026 Newsletter: Action Needed Before Sept. 18 If You Are Filing for a Green Card[…]

Preparing for Your Marriage Green Card Interview: What to Expect in 2026

The marriage green card interview is one of the most important steps in the adjustment of status process. For many couples, it is also the step that causes the most worry. In 2026, this interview has taken on even greater importance. USCIS has moved away from granting widespread interview waivers and now requires nearly all Read more about Preparing for Your Marriage Green Card Interview: What to Expect in 2026[…]

August 2026 Newsletter: Important Immigration Policy Reminders

Immigration law keeps changing, and we want to make sure you stay informed. In this issue, we share two important updates you should know about domestic travel and the public charge rule. DHS Rescinds the 2022 Public Charge Rule The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule that removes the public charge regulation Read more about August 2026 Newsletter: Important Immigration Policy Reminders[…]

Recent Updates to VAWA Applications: What You Need To Know

If you are preparing a VAWA application, recent changes to how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews these cases mean the process now looks different than it did just a year ago. In December 2025, USCIS updated its Policy Manual guidance for Violence Against Women Act self petitioners, and these changes went into effect immediately. Read more about Recent Updates to VAWA Applications: What You Need To Know[…]

The Importance of Establishing Good Moral Character for US Citizenship

While the naturalization process provides many opportunities, it also requires applicants to meet several legal requirements. One of the most important is proving good moral character, which plays a key role in determining eligibility for naturalization. Many applicants underestimate how closely immigration authorities evaluate good moral character during the naturalization process. Misunderstandings about this requirement Read more about The Importance of Establishing Good Moral Character for US Citizenship[…]

June 2026 Newsletter: Recap of the Latest Immigration News

Immigration law continues to change, and we want to make sure you have the information you need. This month, we are reviewing a recent USCIS policy memo on Adjustment of Status applications and a proposed increase to naturalization fees. Below is a summary of each update. USCIS Adjustment of Status Memo: What You Need to Read more about June 2026 Newsletter: Recap of the Latest Immigration News[…]

A welcoming community center building in Illinois representing local immigrant protection laws and family safety.

The 2026 Immigrant Safety Act: What Illinois Residents Need to Know About Local Protections

The 2026 Immigrant Safety Act Illinois establishes explicit legal boundaries to prevent state and local government resources from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement. This means local police departments, county sheriffs, and state workers cannot assist federal agents with immigration sweeps, detentions, or administrative arrests. Families across the state can continue using public health Read more about The 2026 Immigrant Safety Act: What Illinois Residents Need to Know About Local Protections[…]

May 2026 Newsletter: Recap of the Latest Immigration News

Immigration law continues to change, and we want to make sure you have the information you need to protect your case. This month, we are sharing important updates to VAWA self-petitions and a few reminders about USCIS requirements that affect all applicants. If you have questions about how any of these updates apply to your Read more about May 2026 Newsletter: Recap of the Latest Immigration News[…]

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New Electronic Payment Requirements and How to Safely Pay Your 2026 USCIS Fees

As part of a broader move toward digitization, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has transitioned away from traditional paper-based payments for many forms. If you are submitting applications in 2026, failing to follow the correct process can result in an immediate rejection of your filing. Your USCIS payment methods in 2026 must meet strict Read more about New Electronic Payment Requirements and How to Safely Pay Your 2026 USCIS Fees[…]

April 2026 Newsletter: Recap of the Latest Immigration News

In this month’s newsletter, we cover the current status of U.S. visa services by country — important information if you have family members abroad who are waiting to apply. We also share what naturalized citizens should know about a new executive order on elections, and include key reminders about USCIS payment requirements, work permit renewals, Read more about April 2026 Newsletter: Recap of the Latest Immigration News[…]