Immigration Uncovered

Episode 29: Challenging USCIS Fee Increases with Attorney Jonathan Wasden
In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman sits down with renowned attorney Jonathan Wasden to discuss his firm's recent lawsuit against USCIS. The lawsuit aims to halt proposed fee increases that could significantly impact immigrants, particularly those seeking H-1B and EB-5 visas. Wasden shares insights into the legal arguments presented, the plaintiffs' roles, and how the lawsuit challenges USCIS on multiple fronts, from compliance with Congressional requirements to fiscal transparency.

Key Takeaways:
  • USCIS Biases: Discussion on institutional biases against H-1B and EB-5 visa categories.
  • Legal Arguments: How fiscal law, lack of proper notice, and failure to release supporting data underpin the case.
  • Proposed Asylum Fee: Analysis of the controversial asylum application fee and fiscal implications.
  • EB-5 Visa Impact: Examination of skyrocketing EB-5 visa fees and their effect on immigrant investors.
  • Plaintiffs’ Role: The role of the American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA) in the lawsuit.
  • Future of Immigration Policy: Potential outcomes of the lawsuit and its long-term effects on USCIS and immigration policy.
Listen now to learn how this legal battle could reshape USCIS fee structures and immigration policy, and discover how you can support this critical challenge.

What is Immigration Uncovered?

Welcome to Immigration Uncovered: A 8am DocketWise Podcast

Immigration Uncovered is all about helping immigration lawyers build successful practices and thrive. Brought to you by the team behind Docketwise—the top-rated software for immigration professionals—each episode is packed with practical tips, fresh ideas, and real stories from attorneys rethinking how they work.

Through candid conversations with attorneys, marketing and management experts, tech founders, and other voices in the immigration space, we explore what it really takes to run a modern practice—from everyday challenges to big-picture shifts.

We dive into:
- Practice management and workflows that actually work
- Marketing and branding that connect you with the right clients
- Wellness and sustainability for lawyers doing demanding work
- Tech tools and trends shaping the future of legal services
- And of course, what’s changing in immigration policy

New or seasoned, solo or scaling—you’re in the right place. This podcast is here to support you with insight, inspiration, and maybe even a little relief. Subscribe to get the latest episodes delivered, and tune in whenever it works for you.