Let's Talk US Immigration

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram

Expert commentary on U.S. immigration law and the EB-1 green card process, written by Chris M. Ingram Law Offices, California-based specialists helping global talent secure their future in America. theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

  1. New H-1B Fee Increases & USCIS "High Risk" Country List (2026 Update)

    1 HR AGO

    New H-1B Fee Increases & USCIS "High Risk" Country List (2026 Update)

    New H-1B fees and strict vetting protocols are changing the U.S. immigration landscape. In this episode, we break down the $500 H-1B fee increase for the 2026 lottery season and the new $2,805 premium processing fee you need to be aware of. We also investigate the newly released list of 39 “high-risk” countries and what the pause in processing means for nationals from these regions. Are your past approvals safe? We discuss the retroactive review of benefits granted since January 20, 2021, and whether USCIS will recheck your green card or visa status under these new directives. In this video, we cover: H-1B Fee Hike: Breakdown of the new $500 fee and premium processing costs for March 2026. The “High Risk” List: Which 39 countries are on the list and what the “national security threat” designation means for you. Retroactive Vetting: Will USCIS revoke or re-adjudicate approvals from the last few years? Processing Delays: How the pause on final adjudication affects current applicants. Access free visa guides, backlog updates & consultations at www.breakthroughusa.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    19 min
  2. NIW Green Card Success – From Rejection to National Impact

    1 DAY AGO

    NIW Green Card Success – From Rejection to National Impact

    Wrong advisor = game over. Chi (fintech star) filed weak evidence → denied despite fixes → relocated to London forever. Contrast: Sanjay (French edtech whiz) boosted STEM scores 15%, doubled clubs in 60 Chicago schools → NIW approved 2025 → now scaling nationwide. Skip PERM delays (12-18 months saved), self-sponsor your EB-2 green card if your work hits U.S. priorities (education, AI, health). Exceed Matter of Dhanasar prongs with airtight evidence: testimonials, data, endorsements. Book a free legal consultation at https://www.breakthroughusa.com/?utm_... or call 760-754-7000.This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.*Host's voice generated with AI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    34 min
  3. New H-1B Fee Increases & USCIS "High Risk" Country List (2026 Update)

    10 FEB

    New H-1B Fee Increases & USCIS "High Risk" Country List (2026 Update)

    New H-1B fees and strict vetting protocols are changing the U.S. immigration landscape. In this episode, we break down the $500 H-1B fee increase for the 2026 lottery season and the new $2,805 premium processing fee you need to be aware of. We also investigate the newly released list of 39 “high-risk” countries and what the pause in processing means for nationals from these regions. Are your past approvals safe? We discuss the retroactive review of benefits granted since January 20, 2021, and whether USCIS will recheck your green card or visa status under these new directives. In this video, we cover: H-1B Fee Hike: Breakdown of the new $500 fee and premium processing costs for March 2026. The “High Risk” List: Which 39 countries are on the list and what the “national security threat” designation means for you. Retroactive Vetting: Will USCIS revoke or re-adjudicate approvals from the last few years? Processing Delays: How the pause on final adjudication affects current applicants. Access free visa guides, backlog updates & consultations at www.breakthroughusa.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    19 min
  4. New H-1B Rules & Visa Shock: Jan 2026 Immigration Update

    31 JAN

    New H-1B Rules & Visa Shock: Jan 2026 Immigration Update

    BREAKING 2026 UPDATE: The U.S. has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries. In this video, we break down exactly what this means for your case, plus confirmed changes to the H-1B registration system and premium processing fees. Key Updates Covered: •⁠ ⁠The “75-Country” Suspension: Which regions are affected and why consular processing has stalled. •⁠ ⁠H-1B Electronic Registration: Confirmed changes to the lottery system for 2026. •⁠ ⁠Premium Processing: New timelines and fee structures you need to budget for. •⁠ ⁠Economic Warning: Why experts predict a “brain drain” in STEM fields if policies don’t shift. Whether you are a STEM professional, an international student, or an employer, this video provides the factual, human-centered guidance you need right now. Access free visa guides, backlog updates & consultations at www.breakthroughusa.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    27 min
  5. Explore NIW: Green Card, No Job Offer, Degree Holders

    27 JAN

    Explore NIW: Green Card, No Job Offer, Degree Holders

    Unlock Part 3 of our expert 4-part series on the National Interest Waiver (NIW) green card—your self-petition path to permanent residency for advanced pros. With USCIS denial rates hitting 37% in early 2025 and processing times stretching 12-19 months, learn how to build an airtight Dhanasar-compliant case. From Attorney Chris M. Ingram’s proven strategies, we revisit Aisha’s high-stakes journey and introduce Chidi’s fintech turnaround.Aisha’s AI Ethics Victory: Facing brutal USCIS scrutiny at her consular interview? Aisha, the global AI ethicist, bridged her WHO-validated work to U.S. public health with a custom roadmap, CDC-aligned outbreak models, and interview coaching from our team. Approved July 2025—now advising the CDC on national prevention. Her words: “Chris’s team was my anchor through the storm.”Common NIW Denial Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them): * Weak Evidence/No Dhanasar Nexus: Generic letters or vague impact? Fix with quantifiable proof of national merit (e.g., citations, partners). * Misrepresentation Traps: Inconsistent dates or unverified claims lead to bars—vet EVERY detail. * Insufficient National Scope: Local wins won’t cut it; show multi-state benefits like economic growth or health crises. In 2025’s fraud-crackdown era, robust docs are non-negotiable. Enter Chidi: German-Nigerian fintech founder of Paylink, empowering 15,000+ EU businesses with $100M+ in QR payments. Hit with an RFE for missing U.S. ties? Our team rebuilt with FDIC unbanked data (4.5% of U.S. households excluded), Treasury-aligned letters, job projections, and prep. Approved—now piloting in Silicon Valley, creating jobs & boosting inclusion.These stories prove: RFEs aren’t fatal. With strategic evidence & guidance, turn scrutiny into success. Your national impact deserves the green light! 🌐 Book your FREE EB2 NIW review now: https://www.breakthroughusa.com/?utm_... 📞 760-754-7000👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly insights into U.S. immigration law and visa strategy. ⚖️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    31 min
  6. Advanced Degree? NIW Green Card: No Job Offer Needed!

    23 JAN

    Advanced Degree? NIW Green Card: No Job Offer Needed!

    Part 2 of our 4-part NIW green card series—your roadmap to self-sponsoring permanent residency without a job offer. With USCIS denial rates spiking to 46% in Q3 2025 and processing times hitting 8-19 months, learn how to nail the Matter of Dhanasar framework from Attorney Chris M. Ingram’s team. Recap Pt 1: NIW’s self-petition perks vs. PERM delays, worker protections, and hot fields like STEM.Dhanasar Prong 1: Substantial Merit & National ImportanceProve your endeavor’s U.S. impact—e.g., AI for cybersecurity ($10T annual threat) or biotech averting health crises (COVID losses: $16T global). Tie to CDC/EPA goals for multi-state benefits.Prong 2: Well-Positioned to AdvanceShowcase your edge: Advanced degrees, awards, 10+ peer-reviewed pubs, grants/partners. Build a track record proving execution (e.g., progressive leadership).Prong 3: Waiver Benefits U.S.Argue urgency—skip labor cert’s 15-24 month drag for immediate national wins like job creation or outbreak prevention.Essential Evidence Checklist: * Academic Proof: PhD/Master’s transcripts. * Impact Validators: Awards, media hits, quantified rec letters (e.g., “Saved $X in costs”). * Independent Letters: From non-supervisors detailing your unique U.S. value. Prep for realities: 8-14 month waits (up to 19 at Nebraska), RFEs (respond FAST with stronger docs), and intent-probing interviews (”How’s your work CDC-aligned?”). Practice your vision!Hot NIW Fields in 2025: * Science/Tech: Cyber AI, biotech vaccines. * Healthcare: Outbreak models (see Aisha below). * Education: STEM equity programs. * Business: Fintech for unbanked (5.4% U.S. households). * Environment: Carbon capture. * Security: Data protection. * Arts: Cultural diplomacy. Aisha’s Story: From RFE Nightmare to NIW HopeCanadian epidemiologist Aisha’s Epigard AI predicts outbreaks using weather/travel/social data—saved thousands in Canada, WHO/UN praised. Aligns with CDC 2024 surveillance ($16T COVID lesson). Initial petition flopped (WHO overclaim → RFE); Chris M. Ingram’s team rebuilt with CDC letters & cost projections. Ottawa interview grilled intent—tune into Pt 3 for her win & Chidi’s fintech battle!Book a FREE consultation with the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram, a nationally respected team focused on U.S. immigration and self-petition green card cases.🌐 https://www.breakthroughusa.com/?utm_... 👉 Like and subscribe to stay up to date on the latest USCIS developments — and how they could impact your U.S. visa journey.⚖️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.*Host's voice generated with AI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    42 min
  7. Why Are Some Green Cards Frozen? The 2026 U.S. Visa Pause Explained

    19 JAN

    Why Are Some Green Cards Frozen? The 2026 U.S. Visa Pause Explained

    In January 2026, the U.S. government paused green card processing for nationals of 75 countries, placing hundreds of thousands of immigration cases into indefinite limbo. In this episode, we explain why the visa pause happened, why these specific countries were affected, and what it means if your green card application is now on hold. We examine the official “public charge” justification, compare it with immigration and welfare data, and break down how a limited fraud investigation led to a sweeping policy shift. We also discuss which visa categories are affected, which remain available for now, and what options may exist for professionals and families navigating this uncertainty. This episode is informational and analytical, not legal advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    36 min
  8. Unlock NIW: Green Card Without a Job Sponsor Required

    12 JAN

    Unlock NIW: Green Card Without a Job Sponsor Required

    Can you get a green card without a sponsor? Yes! Kick off our 4-part NIW green card series—empower advanced pros to self-sponsor permanent residency without employer ties. In 2025’s scrutiny era (54% denial rate Q3), bypass PERM’s 16-month waits & $5K+ costs via Congress’s EB-2 pathway, balancing worker protections with talent influx. Like EB-1A (extraordinary ability), NIW skips global acclaim & employer needs—ideal for STEM innovators.Dhanasar’s 3 Prongs (2016 Landmark): * Prong 1: Merit & National Importance – Prove U.S.-wide impact (e.g., AI cybersecurity vs. $10T threats; biotech vaccines post-COVID). * Prong 2: Well-Positioned – Back with degrees, awards, pubs (10+ citations), grants/partners. * Prong 3: Waiver Benefits – Show urgency outweighs labor cert (e.g., 6-18 month I-140 waits; premium: 45 days/$2,805). Qualifying Fields 2025: * Science/Tech: Cyber defense, biotech. * Healthcare: Pandemic models. * Education: STEM equity. * Business: Fintech inclusion (5.4% unbanked). * Environment: Carbon capture. * Security: Data protection. * Arts: Diplomacy/soft power. Book your FREE consultation with the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram today:🌐 https://www.breakthroughusa.com/?utm_... 📞 760-754-7000👇 Drop your questions and comments below — we’d love to help!⚖️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

    1h 4m
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About

Expert commentary on U.S. immigration law and the EB-1 green card process, written by Chris M. Ingram Law Offices, California-based specialists helping global talent secure their future in America. theingramimmigrationdivein.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Ingram Immigration Brief
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk US Immigration