On March 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of State published a rule in the Federal Register cutting the administrative fee for a Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN) from USD $2,350 to USD $450 — a reduction of more than 80%. The change takes effect on April 13, 2026. Given that renunciation appointments are typically booked months in advance, anyone starting the process now will almost certainly be seen after April 13 — meaning you would pay the new lower fee regardless. This is good news...

By Sarah Pelud, Immigration Attorney | Pelud Immigration Published: December 29, 2025 Table of Contents The End of Equal Opportunity How the Weighted System Works The Real-World Impact Who Wins and Who Loses The Pay Equity Problem Strategic Planning for 2027 My Assessment The End of Equal Opportunity On December 23, 2025, just before the holidays, when most people weren't paying attention, DHS finalized a rule that fundamentally transforms the H-1B program from a lottery into a wage-based...

Last Updated: October 30, 2025 The federal government has shut down again—the 21st shutdown since 1976 and the fourth under the current administration. For those navigating the U.S. immigration system, this shutdown presents immediate and serious challenges: critical systems are offline, deadlines are uncertain, and legitimate business immigration has ground to a halt. Historical Context Since 1976, we've experienced 20 previous shutdowns ranging from 1 to 35 days: Carter Era (1976-1980):...