Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday ✨
Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)
BIG NEWS: We've made our conference more accessible to all of you! ❤️ After 6 months of nonstop work, the biggest immigrant-focused event in America is just 15 days away. 500+ people are already coming - but we want the room overflowing with our community. We heard from many of you, especially students and folks outside California, that the ticket price was a barrier. That didn’t sit right with us.
So we cut prices in half.
You can now join the full 2-day experience for $199 (includes food, job fair, legal consults), or attend the main day for just $99. This might be the most important weekend of your year. Don't miss it.
Now, onto the newsletter.
You're receiving this email, alongside 36,000+ immigrants, as part of the Unshackled weekly newsletter. Immigration is a complex world. So every Wednesday, I simplify that by sharing breaking news, free webinar invites, & latest trends. If you find value in reading it, share your unique referral code with a lucky friend. If this was forwarded to you, get your own here! Read all the past editions here. 💃 |
This week's TL;DR
📌 UNfold: Breaking news
Trump administration proposes changes to H-1B selection
The Trump administration is planning changes to the H-1B visa lottery and the naturalization exam, according to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. A new proposed rule would replace the current random H-1B lottery with a weighted system that favors employers offering higher wages. The proposal, titled “Weighted Selection Process,” is currently under review and will be open for public comment once published. Edlow also stated that USCIS plans to make the naturalization test more rigorous, similar to the version introduced during the previous Trump administration.
USCIS releases updated fee schedule form G-1055
On July 22, 2025, USCIS released an updated edition of Form G-1055, reflecting new immigration fees introduced under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. The updated fee schedule applies to forms filed on or after July 22, with incorrect-fee submissions being rejected after August 21, 2025. Forms affected include I-131 (Travel Documents), I-485 (Adjustment of Status), and I-765 (Work Authorization), among others. Some forms now also include additional mandatory fees, which cannot be waived and must be submitted as separate payments.
New 1% remittance tax starts in 2026, only applies to cash transfers
A new 1% remittance tax will take effect on January 1, 2026, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But, the tax applies only to cash transfers (like those made at Western Union or with money orders) sent from the U.S. to another country. Online transfers, bank wires, WISE, Revolut, debit/credit card transactions are not affected. The tax applies to everyone, not just non-citizens. Check out my IG reel for a clear breakdown.
🎁 UNlock: Relevant resources
[Free webinar: August 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM PT] Rise In RFEs & What You Can About It with Manifest Law
As we head into an election cycle, RFEs (Requests for Evidence) are on the rise again. Whether you’re applying for a NIW, EB-1A, or H-1B, understanding how to navigate this trend is critical. In 2018, H-1B RFE rates hit nearly 70%, and recent signs suggest history may be repeating itself. RSVP now, spots are limited.
[Free resource] What happens to your finances if you’re detained or deported?
Getting detained or deported by ICE can have serious financial consequences from high legal fees to restricted access to your bank accounts. Finance writer Sarah Brady has put together a practical guide to help immigrants protect their money, assets, and legal options during uncertain times. If you're an immigrant, this is an essential read. Read the full guide here.
[Free resource] Applying to Harvard, Yale, or Princeton? Here’s how to stand out.
Getting into an Ivy League school takes more than just high test scores, it takes a standout profile. Open Admit's free strategy call helps U.S. students uncover what top schools are really looking for and how to craft an application that gets noticed. If you're aiming for Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, or Penn, this call is a must. Book your free Ivy League strategy session here.
💫 UNcover: Latest trends
🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner
Want to finally start that creative project you’ve been putting off? Check out Act Two a live program and community designed to help you bring your ideas to life with structure, accountability, and expert support. Built by the team behind Write of Passage, it’s for people who know they’re made for more creatively, professionally, or both. You’ll work on a meaningful project this fall alongside ambitious, curious peers. Spots are limited, book a discovery call to learn more.
👉 Want to put yourself in front of 36,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.
⚖️ UNshackle: The Coachella for skilled immigrants
Open Atlas Summit 2025 is the largest and most influential event for skilled immigrants in the U.S. Come meet 1,000+ ambitious immigrants, tech leaders, founders, investors, and lawyers over 2 days in August 15-16, 2025.
Top 5 reasons to not miss the biggest party of the year:
- Get free consult from 10+ lawyers who will spend all day (Aug 16th) answering your questions - saving you hundreds of dollars in consultation fees
- Join a Job Fair where you can meet 30+ visa-friendly companies that are actively hiring and will sponsor (hosted with MigrateMate)
- Meet 40+ expert speakers. This includes former White House staff, Forbes 30U30 founders, EB-1 recipients, top investors, and influencers you follow on social media
- Join the extraordinary lounge to meet 50+ EB1/O1 recipients in one room for exclusive connections and opportunities.
- ...and relax with a stand-up comedy show by one of your favorite immigrant comedians :)
This is only the beginning.
We will continue adding ways to make this uniquely valuable for you.
Use code "NEWSLETTER10" for 10% off.
Are you an EB-1/NIW/O-1 aspirant? Join our flagship course for $299 taught by an attorney.
We've launched three flagship courses consisting of 60+ in-depth modules that walk through every step of filing and getting an EB-1A, NIW, and O-1A. Don't worry though—there's little legal jargon. This is for you if you want to escape the H-1B lottery or the 100-year green card backlog and secure your future in America based on merit. Click here to join for $299 today. 🚀
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Until next week, stay lovely.
Yours truly,
Soundarya 💚
💡 None of the information shared in this newsletter is meant to be legal advice. If you're looking for legal advice, speak to a lawyer or visit the Unshackled lawyer directory with vetted lawyer recommendations.
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