Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila
Hot Topics. Breaking News. Trusted Legal Insight.
Each week we break down the biggest immigration headlines, explain what the latest policy changes really mean, and give you practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're an immigrant, a family member, or an employer, you're in the right place."
Episodes
14 episodes
Immigration in Focus Episode 11: The Visa Ban Gets Struck Down — But the Immigration Crackdown Is Far From Over
In Immigration in Focus Episode 11, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains the federal court ruling striking down the Trump administration’s 75-country immigrant visa processing policy and why the decision does not mean that every af...
Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila Episode 10: $103,265 for an H-1B? Plus, Could Asylum Applicants Lose Their Tourist Visas?
In this episode of Immigration in Focus, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains DHS’s newly proposed $103,265 additional fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions and what it could mean for employers and foreign professionals. She al...
Immigration in Focus Episode 9: New USCIS Forms, the New Public Charge Rules & a Warning About AI Immigration Scams
USCIS is making major changes in September 2026, including new editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 beginning September 15 and Form I-485 beginning September 18—with no grace period for older editions after the applicable cutoff dates. Mari...
Immigration in Focus Episode 8: New Birthright Citizenship Orders and Denaturalization
In Episode 8 of Immigration in Focus, immigration attorney Maria Aguila discusses the latest developments involving birthright citizenship, new executive actions affecting citizenship, and the federal government’s increased focus ...
Immigration in Focus Episode 7: Electronic Filing, Tougher Evidence Standard Adjusting Status and Advance Parole New Case Law
USCIS has announced two significant changes affecting immigration cases: a new framework allowing the agency to require electronic filing of certain immigration forms, and a restrictive new policy concerning adjustment of status that emph...
Immigration in Focus Episode 6: New USCIS Evidence Rules, What Applicants Need to Know
USCIS updated its evidentiary policy on August 5, 2026, reinforcing that immigration applicants and petitioners should establish eligibility and provide required initial evidence when they file. In this episode of Immigration in Focus,...
Immigration in Focus Episode 5: What Happens If You Lose Your Case in Immigration Court?
What happens if you lose your case in immigration court? In this episode, we explain your appeal options, important deadlines, and the keydifferences between detained and non-detained respondents in plain, simple English. If you or a loved ...
Immigration in Focus Special Episode ICE at Airports, New Asylum Rule
Today, I am speaking without transcript and expressing my concerns about the new asylum rule that would eliminate the need for USCIS to interview affirmative asylum applicants and refer directly to the immigration courts (defensive asylum) and ...
Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila Episode 4: Understanding Immigration Court from Start to Finish – A Simple Guide to the Removal Process
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every immigration case is different. If you have received a Notice to Appear or have a hearing scheduled in immigration court, consult with an experienced...
Immigration in Focus Episode 3: The End of "Duration of Status"—What Every International Student Needs to Know Before September 15, 2026
In this episode of Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila, we discuss the Department of Homeland Security's new Final Rule that replaces the long-standing "Duration of Status" admission for many F-1 international students with a fixed pe...
Immigration in Focus Special Episode 2 ICE and Death Count
3 deaths in 1 week – why? ICE traffic stops and immigrants, that’s why.Just yesterday, multiple news outlets reported that the Department of Homeland Security instructed ICE officers to temporarily stop conducting most vehicle or traffic...
Immigration in Focus Special Episode: ICE and Death Count
In this episode of Immigration in Focus, immigration attorney Maria Aguila discusses two important developments making national headlines: the ongoing FBI investigation into the fatal ICE-involved shooting in Biddeford, Maine, and...
Immigration in Focus Episode 2 ICE Enforcement
According to a recent New York Times report, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has significantly increased immigration arrests over just a five-day period. This podcast is part of a 3 part series. Today in part 1, I'll explain ...
July 2026 TPS Updates: What Haitian and Other TPS Holders Need to Know
In this episode of Immigration in Focus with Maria Aguila, immigration attorney Maria Aguila explains the latest developments affecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries following significant federal court decisions i...