Current Legal Information

Securing a green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is a significant step towards building a life together in the United States. As of April 2025, several key updates to USCIS rules, policies, and form requirements are essential for applicants to understand to navigate this process successfully. This comprehensive guide will walk you through these changes and provide a detailed overview of the spousal green card application. Key Updates and New Policies in 2025 While the fundamental eligibility requirements for a marriage-based green card remain largely unchanged, ahearing to the following  procedures and forms udates will make a different to rejection, denial or approval: Stricter Form Requirements: USCIS has implemented new editions of critical forms, including Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)). As of early April and May 2025, respectively, only the latest ed...

The power of eminent domain, enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, allows federal, state, and local governments to acquire private property for "public use." This governmental authority, also known as condemnation, underpins numerous projects benefiting the public, such as infrastructure development (roads, bridges), essential public facilities (schools, government buildings), parks, and utilities. More controversially, it has also been applied to certain redevelopment initiatives. While federal law sets the foundational principles, the specific procedures and limited exemptions are defined at the state level. The interpretation of "public use" can differ across states, with some offering stronger safeguards for property owners through constitutional amendments or specific legislation that restricts the use of eminent domain, particularly for private economic development purposes. The Indirect Role of Estate Planning in Eminent Domain Estate pla...