#452 Weekly Immigration Recap [Dec. 23, 2025]
The Immigration Lawyers Podcast | Discussing Visas, Green Cards & Citizenship: Practice & Policy
Release Date: 12/26/2025
The Immigration Lawyers Podcast | Discussing Visas, Green Cards & Citizenship: Practice & Policy
Are you prepared for the latest unexpected changes impacting your cases? In this solo monthly update, John Khosravi, Esq. covers a surprise adjudication freeze tied to an FBI background check overhaul, USCIS's new in-person attorney appearance requirement effective May 18th, 2026, a narrowing of 237(a)(1)(H) waivers, and why US citizen children are now creating complications in adjustment and consular cases. Stay informed as the immigration landscape continues to shift without warning. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY...
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Are the courts starting to push back on immigration decisions? In this monthly conversation, John and Kevin A. Gregg, Esq. dive into recent cases that highlight key shifts in immigration law. They discuss wins on judicial review, evolving standards on fraud findings, and a major ruling on ineffective assistance of counsel that could change how criminal cases impact immigration outcomes. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY - SCREENING REQUIRED): Get Started in Immigration Law! Our Website:...
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What are the small changes that can make a big difference in your immigration practice? In this monthly episode, John walks through key updates every practitioner should know, including visa statistics, USCIS pauses, and the return of AAO decisions. He also shares practical advice on client intake, common case pitfalls, and how to stay current using non-traditional sources like Facebook and LinkedIn, along with lessons on building relationships and managing the ups and downs of practice. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS...
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What happens when your marketing works too well? In this first interview with Jennifer Bade, Esq., a contributor to the Immigration Lawyers Toolbox Magazine, John explores how video marketing led to overwhelming client demand and forced major changes in how her firm operates. From managing consultation overload to building better intake systems and handling a surge in habeas cases, this episode gives a real look at what it takes to grow an immigration law firm today. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY - SCREENING...
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In this episode, John Q. Khosravi sits down with first-time guest Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq., to explore his unconventional journey into immigration law—from studying maritime law in Turkey and the U.S. to building a thriving immigration practice after unexpected career pivots. Remzi shares candid insights on launching his own firm, the importance of creating clear growth paths for attorneys, and navigating complex case types like H-1Bs, E-2s, and NIWs in an ever-changing legal landscape. The conversation dives deep into real-world challenges, including RFEs, administrative processing,...
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Ruby Powers, Esq. is back on the show and she's got a lot to share! From powerful habeas corpus wins — including securing the release of a detained Haitian woman and two young boys — to navigating the chaos of ever-changing travel bans, increased ICE check-ins, and asylum cases being pushed into removal proceedings, Ruby gives us a raw, real look at what's happening on the ground in immigration law right now. She also drops some practical tips on staying sharp in a shifting legal landscape and previews some exciting upcoming events! | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start...
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In episode 464 of the Immigration Lawyers Toolbox Podcast, host John Khosravi, Esq. returns after a brief hiatus with critical updates for immigration attorneys, including the USCIS pause memo on travel ban countries, consular pushback on researcher visa cases, DS-5535 prep strategies, and the real-world limitations of AI in legal analysis. He also shares practical insights on law firm pricing, conversion rates, and why undercharging remains one of the biggest threats to a sustainable immigration practice. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start your Business Immigration...
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Stay ahead of the latest immigration law developments with this monthly deep-dive featuring Kevin A. Gregg, Esq. In this episode, we break down major federal court decisions, real-world case strategies, and fast-moving policy changes impacting immigration practitioners today—from circuit court wins to TPS litigation and beyond. Whether you're an immigration lawyer or simply want clear insights into complex legal shifts, this conversation delivers practical takeaways, expert analysis, and unfiltered commentary you won’t hear anywhere else. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | ...
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In this episode, John Q. Khosravi, Esq. sits down with Brian Green to discuss his major federal court win in Nebraska striking down USCIS’s two-step Kazarian framework for EB-1A adjudications. The court found the policy was unlawfully adopted and ordered USCIS to reopen and approve the I-140 petition. They break down the legal reasoning, the impact of Loper Bright, where future lawsuits may succeed, and what this means for EB-1A (and possibly O-1) cases moving forward. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY -...
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In this episode, John Q. Khosravi, Esq. sits down with Roman Zelichenko to talk about the power of community in immigration law—from getting involved in AILA chapters to building meaningful professional relationships beyond conferences. They also dive into H-1B season strategy, compliance trends, and practical tools attorneys can use to navigate increased scrutiny. If you’re looking to grow your network and stay sharp this cap season, this conversation is for you. | | | Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: | | Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY - SCREENING...
info_outlineIn this episode, John breaks from the traditional “Top 10” format and delivers a wide-ranging weekly update on what’s really happening in immigration law right now. From consular processing challenges and departure detentions to public charge concerns, travel disruptions, paused programs, RFEs, litigation updates, and shifting agency practices, this episode focuses on helping immigration lawyers stay informed, resilient, and prepared in an increasingly volatile environment. John also shares reflections on practice management, client communication, and how to adapt—both mentally and strategically—when the landscape feels overwhelming.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening
00:33 – Episode intro
04:59 – U.S. departure issues: travelers stopped by CBP while exiting
05:28 – Humanitarian program ends
06:50 – Calls to stop mass ICE raids
07:48 – NTAs issued after I-94 expiration
09:46 – Enhanced identity verification: new photo policy update
11:06 – Trump proposal to legalize marijuana
11:20 – Appeals court keeps Casanova decision limiting ICE arrests without warrants
12:04 – ESTA application updated to request social media and biometric data
14:38 – RFEs issued without reference to underlying case facts
15:56 – Trump “Gold Card” proposal
17:01 – Diversity Visa Lottery paused on the DHS side
17:37 – Jonathan Wasden: prominent immigration litigator suing from an employee’s perspective
17:56 – Upcoming lawsuits related to entry bans; DOS pauses visa applications for certain countries
19:38 – Outro
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