The U.S. Citizenship Application Process Is Changing in 2025
By John Rottier
International and Immigration Law,
February 2026
Changes to the U.S. naturalization process took effect on October 20, 2025, including new civic test, stricter rules for exemptions, re-introducing neighborhood investigations, revised moral character standard, and more.
Visa Processing Paused for 75 Countries: What Immigrant Visa Applicants Need To Know
By John Rottier
International and Immigration Law,
February 2026
On January 14, 2026, the Trump Administration announced a significant change to U.S. immigrant visa processing. Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State will pause the issuance of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 designated countries, based on a new policy that creates a presumption of public charge inadmissibility for individuals applying with passports from the affected countries.
Comments on Immigration
By John Rottier
International and Immigration Law,
December 2021
Excerpts from John Rottier’s blog were he frequently comments on immigration related issues.
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