Traveling Abroad While Your Immigration Case Is Pending: What You Need to Know If you have a pending U.S. immigration application, it is crucial to think twice before booking that international trip. Many individuals are surprised to learn that leaving the United States—even briefly—can put their entire case at risk if they do not have the proper travel authorization. Here is what you need to know: 1. Travel Can Jeopardize Your Application If you leave the U.S. while an immigration benefit is pending (such as adjustment of status with Form I-485), your application may be considered abandoned—meaning it could be denied simply because you departed the country without permission. This applies even if your departure is for a short trip or family emergency. 2. When Travel May Be Allowed Some applicants can travel abroad if they first receive a document called Advance Parole. Advance Parole gives you permission to leave and return to the U.S. without abandoning your pending application. Advance Parole is typically requested using Form I-131, and it must be approved before you travel. Travel without it can result in denial of your underlying application and possible bars to reentry. 3. Who Should Be Especially Careful
Even if you have a valid visa or are in valid status, traveling while a case is pending can cause complications. 4. How to Apply for Advance Parole You can request Advance Parole by filing Form I-131 with USCIS. You will need to provide:
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant Before making any travel plans, consult an immigration attorney to ensure your departure will not jeopardize your status or pending application. One misstep could result in delays, denials, or even a ban on reentry. Need help applying for Advance Parole or reviewing your travel plans? Contact us at [email protected]for guidance. If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].
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DHS to Begin Screening Foreign Nationals' Social Media Activity for "Antisemitism" As of April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin screening the social media activity of foreign nationals as part of the vetting process. This initiative aims to address concerns over "antisemitism" and "other harmful ideologies" that could pose "security risks" to the U.S. Key Details:
Why This Matters: This new policy represents a significant shift in how foreign nationals are vetted for entry into the U.S. If you are applying for a visa or permanent residency, it is important to be aware that DHS will now be reviewing your social media activity. To prepare for this change, foreign nationals should ensure their online presence aligns with the current administration’s U.S. policies. Avoid posting or sharing content that could be viewed as promoting "antisemitism", "hate speech", or any politically sensitive material. Even if such content was shared in the past, it is crucial to review your social media profiles, remove any problematic posts, and adjust privacy settings to restrict access to sensitive or potentially harmful information. Proactively managing your social media activity can help prevent delays or denials in your application due to national security concerns. If you need guidance on how this new screening process may impact your immigration journey, consulting with an immigration attorney is highly recommended. For more detailed information, read the full announcement here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected]. Staying Strategic Through Immigration Uncertainty At Stommes Immigration, we understand that immigration is rarely a straight line. Delays, policy shifts, and procedural uncertainty are part of the journey—but how you respond to those challenges can shape the outcome. Strategic planning and steady progress are essential, even when circumstances feel beyond your control. This week’s Migrant Monday Motivation focuses on staying prepared during periods of uncertainty. Whether you are awaiting a decision, gathering documents, or considering next steps, use this time to align your goals with practical action. Assess long-term career or residency objectives, maintain organized records, and seek clarity on evolving options. Our team at Stommes Immigration stays on top of immigration news, legal developments, and policy changes—so you do not have to. We translate these updates into clear, actionable guidance to help you remain ready to move forward as soon as opportunities arise. Success in immigration often comes down to preparation. By staying engaged and informed, you will be positioned to act decisively when it matters most. If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected]. Welcome to Visa Focus Friday, where we spotlight key employment-based visas in U.S. immigration. Each week, we will provide insights into visa categories for foreign workers, helping to navigate the complexities of the immigration process. Chasing Dreams: Immigrants in Sports and Entertainment is a series dedicated to highlighting the remarkable stories of athletes, creatives, and performers who have come to the United States in pursuit of their dreams. Through their journeys, we celebrate the resilience, passion, and determination that drive success across various industries. This week, we honor Mariano Rivera, a Panamanian-born baseball legend whose journey from a small fishing village to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball embodies the perseverance and grit of so many immigrants who chase their dreams on American soil.  The Legal Requirement to Carry Proof of Immigration StatusDid you know that all foreign nationals over the age of 18 are legally required to carry proof of their immigration status while in the U.S.? Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), failure to comply can lead to serious consequences—including fines and even jail time. Here are five things you need to know: 1. It is the Law The INA requires all noncitizens over 18 to carry proof of registration at all times. This includes lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), temporary visa holders, and others lawfully present in the U.S. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor, punishable by:
2. What Counts as Proof? Acceptable documents include:
Digital copies or keeping documents at home are not enough—you must carry physical documentation with you. 3. You Must Report Address Changes All foreign nationals are required to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days. This applies to both temporary and permanent moves. Failure to update your address is also a misdemeanor, and carries:
You can file Form AR-11 online at uscis.gov/alienregistration. 4. The Consequences Go Beyond Fines Beyond criminal penalties, not complying with these requirements can have serious immigration consequences. Violations may:
5. It is Easy to Stay Compliant Compliance is simple once you know what’s required:
Need help reviewing your immigration documents or filing a change of address? Reach out to us at [email protected] for personalized guidance. Stay safe, stay informed, and join us next week for more helpful tips on What to Know Wednesday! If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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