Statutes of Liberty

What happens when "duration of status" disappears for the first time in decades, and what should students, scholars, physicians, and the institutions that sponsor them do to prepare? In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host Tim D'Arduini, is joined by colleagues Anabel Nataros and Nigel James to unpack a new DHS rule eliminating duration of status (D/S) for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders, effective September 15, 2026. The change replaces the open-ended D/S notation with a fixed expiration date tied to each program, reshaping how individuals and their sponsoring institutions manage compliance. The conversation walks through how the transition period works, including the four-year cap that applies even to longer programs like PhDs and medical residencies, and why international travel on or after September 15, 2026 immediately triggers the new fixed-expiration rule. Tim, Anabel, and Nigel also cover: The importance of monitoring I-94 records after every international trip, including common CBP errors that can shorten a stay New extension-of-status filing requirements, timing, and the absence of premium processing for these applications Practical steps universities, hospitals, and employers can take now to review, refine, and reduce friction for impacted populations The shortened grace period at the end of a program, cut from 60 to 30 days Advocacy and litigation avenues available to affected stakeholders Whether you're a university international student office, a hospital sponsoring physicians in training, or an individual currently in F, J, or I status, this episode offers a clear roadmap for navigating the new rule before it takes effect. Speakers on this episode are: Tim D'Arduini, Partner Anabel Nataros, Senior Associate Nigel James, Associate Stay connected with us: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter and email updates. Schedule a consultation here.

Once someone is eligible to file for naturalization, is it just a formality? Or are there hidden pitfalls that can delay, deny, or even undo an application? In the second episode of our two-part naturalization series, host Karuna Simbeck is joined by colleagues Megan Kludt and Stacy Shore to build on the first episode's overview of naturalization eligibility. This conversation digs into the issues that can often surprise applicants in the process of becoming a US citizen. Karuna, Megan, and Stacy discuss the criminal and moral character issues that can jeopardize a naturalization case – and in some circumstances, even an existing green card – along with why full disclosure to counsel remains essential even for issues already raised in a prior green card filing. They also cover how applicants can document good moral character through letters, affidavits, and other supporting evidence.

In the first installment of a new two-part series on naturalization, host and attorney at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Megan Kludt, is joined by Stacy Shore and Karuna Simbeck to break down what it means to become a US citizen, and why the topic feels especially timely right now.

What does USCIS's new approach to adjustment of status mean for green card applicants, and how does it reshape the choice between staying in the U.S. and processing abroad? In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host and Senior Associate at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Natalia Gouz, is joined by Partner Jessica DeNisi, who brings additional insight from her background with the U.S. Department of State. Natalia and Jessica unpack USCIS's May 2026 policy memo on adjustment of status, examining what the memo says, what's played out in practice in the weeks since its release, and what it could mean for anyone weighing their green card options. Natalia and Jessica walk through the firm's initial response to the memo, discuss the strategy of interfiling positive equities evidence into pending applications, and highlight why the policy shift carries particular weight for EB-5 investors, given the program's upcoming grandfathering deadline. Additionally, they share what's been observed at adjustment of status interviews since the memo took effect, including new questions from officers, inconsistent approaches across field offices, and a mix of requests for evidence, rescheduled interviews, and approvals without incident. Drawing on her State Department background, Jessica also offers a detailed look at consular processing: how it differs from adjustment of status, how the timeline unfolds through the National Visa Center, and why switching from adjustment of status to consular processing later in the process is far more difficult than the reverse. Whether you're weighing your own green card strategy or advising employees through this shift, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating USCIS's evolving discretionary framework. Speakers on this episode are: • Natalia Gouz • Jessica DeNisi Stay connected with us: • Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. • Sign up for our newsletter and email updates. • Schedule a consultation here.

Your organization enrolled in E-Verify to strengthen compliance, but could that same program now be the source of your next government audit? In the final episode of Klasko Immigration Law Partners' Worksite Compliance mini-series, host Nick Lowrey, Senior Associate in Klasko's Washington, D.C. office, is joined by John Fay, Director of Product Strategy at Equifax Workforce Solutions. With two decades of experience in I-9 and E-Verify compliance and a background that spans both law and technology, John brings a uniquely practical perspective to one of the most misunderstood enforcement tools currently being deployed against employers. Nick and John break down what an E-Verify desk audit (officially called a "desk review") actually looks like in practice, including: • What triggers the government's automated data analytics flag and puts an employer on the audit radar • What documents and records are typically requested, and how the response window has recently been compressed from 10 to 5 business days • Why proof of E-Verify user training is a newly scrutinized requirement that many employers are unprepared to document • How the government's recommendation report distinguishes between discrepancies and observations • Why termination from the E-Verify program, not financial penalties, is the primary enforcement tool Nick and John also address the do's and don'ts of responding to a desk audit, including why employers should avoid reflexively correcting records before carefully reviewing the government's findings with counsel. Whether you're a current E-Verify participant, considering enrollment, or simply trying to understand how worksite compliance enforcement is evolving, this episode offers a clear-eyed, practical guide to protecting your organization. Speakers on this episode are: • Nick Lowrey, Klasko Immigration Law Partners • John Fay, Equifax Workforce Solutions Stay connected with us: • Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. • Sign up for our newsletter and email updates. • Schedule a consultation here. Connect with Guidepost Solutions: • Learn more at workforce.equifax.com. • Follow on LinkedIn and X.