Category Archives: Inadimssability

Passport immigration stamp on the inside page of a passport

I-601 vs. I-601A Waivers: Provisional Waiver Strategy for Consular Processing

By Meri S. Ponist |

What is the Difference Between I-601 and I-601A? Families confronting unlawful presence problems often hear the words “waiver” and “provisional waiver” used almost interchangeably. In practice, however, Form I-601 and Form I-601A serve different purposes, apply at different stages of the process, and require different strategic planning. Choosing the wrong approach, or misunderstanding the… Read More »

Arrested criminal hands with handcuffs holding passport

Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude: The Categorical Approach in Immigration Law

By Meri S. Ponist |

Why CIMT Analysis Is So Important Few areas of immigration law create as much confusion as crimes involving moral turpitude, commonly called CIMTs. The phrase sounds moralistic and old-fashioned, and in many ways it is. Yet it remains deeply consequential in modern immigration practice. A CIMT finding can affect admissibility, deportability, eligibility for relief,… Read More »

I-130 Petition for alien relative blank form lies on United States flag with blue pen from Department of Homeland Security close up

Waivers for Prior Misrepresentation in Family-Based Immigration

By Meri S. Ponist |

Few findings in immigration law carry consequences as severe as a determination of fraud or willful misrepresentation. Under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i), a foreign national who, by fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact, seeks to procure a visa, admission, or other immigration benefit is inadmissible. Unlike many other grounds of inadmissibility, this bar… Read More »

USCIS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services logo close-up on website page

Public Charge Rule Updates and Marriage-Based Applications in 2026

By Meri S. Ponist |

Few aspects of the marriage-based green card process generate more confusion than the public charge ground of inadmissibility. Over the past several years, regulatory shifts, litigation, and agency reinterpretations have reshaped how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services evaluates financial sponsorship. As we move through 2026, applicants and petitioners must understand how current policy affects… Read More »