On January 14, 2025, the US Department of State (“DOS”) announced its intention to pause the processing of immigrant visas indefinitely for nationals of seventy-five countries, including Brazil, Iran, Russia, Pakistan, and Somalia. The suspension is set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and applies only to immigrant visas, which are used by individuals seeking lawful permanent residence (commonly known as Green Cards) through family sponsorship, employment, or other pathways. The suspension does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, including tourist visas or temporary work visas. DOS also specified that nationals of affected countries may still apply for and interview for immigrant visas, but no visas will be issued during the pause. Furthermore, dual nationals using a passport from an unaffected country are exempt, and no previously issued immigrant visas have been revoked. The administration has not indicated how long this temporary pause will be in effect.
Read moreState Department Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
“Nurturing Tree” by Judith Modrak
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Stuyvesant Square stands “Nurturing Tree,” a 2025 installation by New York City–based artist Judith Modrak. Known for her bright sculptures inspired by the social and natural sciences, Modrak brings a sense of wonder and reflection to this striking piece. Its vibrant purple, and almost alien, outstretched arms echo the form of the beloved mother elm tree that anchored the community for more than three centuries. The sculpture rises directly from the elm’s remaining stump, which now serves as its pedestal, a powerful reminder that beauty and meaning can emerge from spaces shaped by loss. Commissioned by the Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association, “Nurturing Tree” encourages viewers to consider how kindness can be cultivated wherever we plant it. Brightly colored seed pods scattered across the sculpture symbolize small acts of care and compassion, each one carrying the potential to take root and spread far beyond the park itself.
A Dreamer's Dream
"Kânh Chhrôôl (Gluta Usitata), Melembu, and Khlông (Dipterocarpus Tuberculatus)" by Sopheap Pich
This week, we explored the High Line to experience Kânh Chhrôôl (Gluta Usitata), Melembu, and Khlông (Dipterocarpus Tuberculatus) by Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich on view through August 2026. Known for transforming natural materials into sculptures inspired by bodily organs and plant structures, Pich’s pods suspended above West 24th Street are crafted from copper, gleaming in the sunlight while embracing natural hues. Raised during the Cambodian genocide, Pich’s work often weaves themes of memory, nature, and migration. This piece is no exception. It references the hardwood trees in the garden of the National Museum of Cambodia, whose pods spiral through the air, traveling long distances before settling. These forms serve as a poignant metaphor for human migration and the lasting effects of conflict and displacement. This evocative installation also draws attention to environmental fragility. The trees are threatened by poaching for their valuable timber, reminding us of the delicate balance between human impact and the resilience of nature. Pich’s installation invites reflection on history, movement, and the intricacies of the natural world around us.
USCIS Premium Processing Fees to Increase Starting March 1, 2026
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that premium processing fees will increase effective March 1, 2026, pursuant to a Final Rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security and published on the Federal Register. The fee adjustments occur every two years to account for inflation in accordance with the USCIS Stabilization Act.
The revised fees apply to premium processing requests for Forms I-129, I-140, I-539, and I-765. Foreign nationals planning to request premium processing should be aware that any Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the updated fee amount, as outlined in the USCIS fee chart below. Petitions submitted to USCIS with the incorrect fee may be rejected experience processing delays.
Read moreOur World Without Immigration
“Improvisations in the Park” by Larry Bell
Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed a restful holiday season filled with meaningful moments with friends and family. To kick off the year, we ventured just steps away to Madison Square Park for our first exhibition of 2026: “Improvisations in the Park”, a striking glass installation by New Mexico–based artist Larry Bell. With nearly seventy years of artistic practice, Bell is internationally celebrated for his masterful and innovative use of glass to create captivating minimalist forms. This installation marks his largest outdoor presentation to date and draws inspiration from musical improvisation, inviting viewers to notice how the glass structures shift and transform with changing light, weather, and seasons. As the year unfolds, the work encourages us to slow down, observe closely, and embrace new perspectives. Its message of welcoming change, nuance, and embracing seasonal beauty feels especially fitting as we step into 2026 with curiosity, openness, and renewed creative energy.
OPINION: O-1 Visas for Influencers
I was recently quoted in an article about O-1B’s for Influencers and their impact on O-1 adjudications in general. After reading the piece, I don’t think my quote accurately reflects my opinion on the topic and so, I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify my thoughts.
I don’t believe influencers applying for O-1B visas displace musicians, artists, designers, architects, or models within the O-1 category. The classification is not zero sum, and multiple professional profiles can qualify at the same time if they independently meet the legal standard. In practice, I continue to see strong cases approved across traditional arts disciplines alongside newer creator driven fields.
Read moreH-1B Cap Selection Shifts to a Wage-Weighted System Beginning in FY 2027
The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced a significant change to how H-1B cap registrations will be selected. A final rule published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2025 revises the long-standing random lottery system used for H-1B cap selection, replacing it with wage-based selection. The rule will take effect on February 27, 2026, and will apply to the Fiscal Year 2027 (“FY2027”) H-1B cap registration season. The lottery selections for FY2027 are made on April 1, 2026.
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