Technology: “Ethics at the Interface” What happens when a software engineer refuses to separate code from conscience? For Kathy Pham—a Vietnamese-born technologist and civic leader—this question has guided a groundbreaking career at the intersection of technology, ethics, and public service. Born in Vietnam and raised in Georgia, Kathy is the daughter of refugees who fled war and rebuilt their lives in the United States. Their journey instilled in her a deep commitment to equity, community, and service. After earning degrees in Computer Science and Human–Computer Interaction from Georgia Tech and Supélec, Kathy began her career in tech with roles at IBM, Google, and Harris Healthcare. But it was her move into public service that set her apart. In 2014, under President Barack Obama, Kathy became a founding product and engineering member of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS)—a team created to modernize federal technology and improve how government serves the American people. She worked on essential services in healthcare, veterans' affairs, and criminal justice, applying human-centered design and modern engineering to systems that impact millions. Kathy later served as Deputy Chief Technology Officer at the Federal Trade Commission, where she focused on data ethics and consumer protection. She also became the inaugural Executive Director of the National AI Advisory Committee, advising the White House on artificial intelligence governance and public interest technology. Beyond government, Kathy continues to lead in education and innovation. She co-founded the Ethical Tech Group at the Harvard–MIT Berkman Klein Center and helped launch the Responsible Computer Science Challenge, which integrates ethics into technical training across U.S. universities. “People with diverse backgrounds hold various views and wide‑ranging perspectives arising from their unique culture and history. These are invaluable in all aspects of work.” — Kathy Pham Kathy Pham’s journey—from refugee roots to shaping national technology policy—is a powerful reminder that the people who build our digital future must reflect the public they serve. Her work ensures that ethics, accountability, and accessibility remain central to innovation.
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As part of the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Congress has authorized a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee on most nonimmigrant visa categories. Although this fee is now law, it has not yet been implemented, and the federal government has not announced a start date.What Is the Visa Integrity Fee? The Visa Integrity Fee is a $250 charge that will apply to most nonimmigrant visas issued abroad, including:
This fee is intended to fund federal immigration enforcement initiatives and would be collected in addition to existing visa application fees. It will apply per applicant, meaning spouses and children applying for derivative visas may also be required to pay. When Will It Be Implemented? As of today, no official timeline has been released. The fee is not yet being collected, and government agencies—including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS)—have not announced when they will begin enforcing it. However, under the statute, the fee is subject to annual inflation-based adjustments, with the first possible increase taking effect on October 1, 2025, which is the beginning of fiscal year 2026. 🔎 Key Point: We do not yet know when the $250 fee will be implemented—but once it is, the fee amount could increase starting October 1, 2025. Who Is Not Affected? ❌ Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program (e.g., citizens of the U.K., France, Japan, South Korea) ❌ Most Canadian citizens ❌ Individuals applying for visas who are ultimately denied ❌ Applicants changing or extending status inside the U.S. (unless applying for a visa abroad) What Applicants Should Know 📌 The fee will apply only when a visa is issued abroad—not for in-country status changes 📌 Families applying together could pay hundreds or thousands in additional costs 📌 DHS has stated that a refund may be available if the visa holder complies fully with the terms of their stay, but no refund process has been announced What to Do Now ✅ Stay Informed – Monitor updates from USCIS, DOS, and DHS ✅ Review Travel Plans – Consider potential impacts if planning visa stamping abroad ✅ Plan for Costs – Budget for possible fee implementation and future increases ✅ Speak with an Attorney – Legal counsel can help prepare for any upcoming policy shifts Final Note The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is not currently in effect, but it is authorized by law and may be implemented at any time. If you or your family rely on nonimmigrant visas, understanding your options and preparing financially is essential. 📩 For up-to-date guidance or to prepare for upcoming changes, contact the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes at [email protected] Welcome back to our weekly blog series, Immigration Terminology Explained, where we define commonly used immigration terms in plain, accessible language. Last week, we covered Adjustment of Status. Today, we turn to a critical humanitarian protection in immigration law: Term of the Week: AsylumDefinition: Asylum is a legal protection granted to individuals in the United States who have fled their home country due to past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution based on one or more of the following grounds:
Who It Applies To: Asylum may be requested by individuals who are:
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that returning to their home country would place them at risk of serious harm due to one of the five protected grounds listed above. Why It Matters: Asylum offers a life-changing path to safety and legal status for those fleeing danger. Approved asylum seekers may:
There are two primary types of asylum processes:
Key Takeaways:
Looking Ahead Next week, we will define “Automatic Visa Revalidation”—a useful policy for certain nonimmigrants returning to the U.S. after brief travel to neighboring countries. If there is a term you would like explained in a future post, please let us know. This series is here to make immigration terminology easier to understand, one word at a time. 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]. Timing is a critical factor in any immigration process. Whether applying for a visa, renewing status, or responding to a USCIS request, missing a deadline can lead to delays—or even denials. While processing times remain unpredictable, filing deadlines are fixed. Careful planning ensures you are always one step ahead. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we believe preparation is key to protecting your case and your peace of mind. With the right systems in place, you can stay organized, compliant, and ready for the next step. Why Filing Deadlines Matter Immigration benefits are often governed by strict timelines. You may need to:
Missing even one of these can jeopardize your ability to remain in status or move forward with your goals. Practical Ways to Stay on Schedule Here are proven strategies to keep your case on track: ✅ Use a centralized calendar to track all upcoming deadlines, biometrics, and renewals ✅ Set early reminders—not just for the deadline itself, but for prep time ✅ Keep all documents ready—including identification, proof of status, and prior receipts ✅ Read notices carefully—deadlines often begin from the date of the letter, not the date received ✅ Consult your attorney early if you anticipate travel, document issues, or address changes Timely action reflects strong preparation—and protects your legal position. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Many missed deadlines happen due to small, preventable issues: 🚫 Not updating your address with USCIS 🚫 Relying on unofficial filing advice from online forums 🚫 Overlooking mail delivery delays 🚫 Waiting too long to gather required evidence Staying organized and proactive can prevent unnecessary complications. Preparation Is a Form of Empowerment Meeting deadlines does more than keep your application on track—it signals to immigration authorities that you take your responsibilities seriously. Timely, complete filings support the credibility of your case and reduce the risk of avoidable setbacks. 📩 Have questions about upcoming filing deadlines or need support preparing a time-sensitive application? Contact us at [email protected] for reliable, experienced 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.
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