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In a move that has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities and legal circles alike, Acting USCIS Director Andrew Davidson issued a memorandum on February 14, 2025, announcing an indefinite "administrative pause" on all pending benefit requests from individuals paroled into the United States. This sweeping freeze, justified by concerns of fraud, public safety, and national security, has effectively brought to a standstill the progress of hundreds of thousands of cases, leaving countless individuals in a state of limbo. Understanding the Scope of the Pause: The "administrative pause" is not a mere slowdown; it's a complete halt. It impacts a wide range of programs that rely on parole as a pathway to residency and other benefits. Key programs affected include: Uniting for Ukraine: This program, designed to provide refuge for Ukrainians fleeing war, is now significantly hampered. CHNV Parole Program: Intended to offer safe passage to individuals from Cuba,...

The recent budget agreement passed by the House and Senate has significant implications for individuals and families, particularly when it comes to estate planning. While the headlines often focus on broad fiscal policy, understanding the specific changes affecting estate taxes, gift taxes, and related provisions is crucial for protecting your assets and ensuring your legacy. This article breaks down the key aspects of the budget relevant to estate planning, helping you understand how these changes might impact your financial future. Understanding the Budget's Impact on Estate Taxes One of the most critical areas of focus for estate planners is the potential for changes to the estate tax exemption. While the recent budget did not make any immediate changes to the current exemption levels , it's important to understand the context and potential future shifts. Current Estate Tax Exemption: For deaths occurring in 2025, the estate tax exemption rises to $13.99 million, up from $1...

The Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a crucial role in supporting small businesses across the United States by providing resources, assistance, and access to capital. Its mission is to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive in their businesses, contributing significantly to the overall economy. Small businesses are essential to the US economy, providing a substantial number of jobs and contributing significantly to tax revenue. There are approximately 33.2 million small businesses in the US, which make up 99.9% of all businesses in the country. Small businesses employ about 46.4% of all private sector employees in the US and are responsible for creating roughly two out of every three new jobs. They account for 39.4% of the total private sector payroll in the US, translating to a considerable contribution to income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Additionally, small businesses generate about 43.5% of the US's economic activity (GDP). https://www.bls.gov/ Who is Ke...