Pakistanis in New York City

In a heartbreaking scene from Lebanon, a grieving mother was seen holding her son for the last time as he lay in his grave. The moment reflects a level of pain that is difficult to put into words—a stark reminder of loss and the enduring bond between a parent and child.

The U.S. State Department is advising people to think twice about traveling to Pakistan because of safety concerns like terrorism, kidnappings, and unrest—especially in areas such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

My H-1B expires at the end of September. My employer has started the extension process, but only with regular processing — I’d have to pay for Premium Processing myself.

Given that I’m from a country affected by the recent visa pauses and constantly changing rules, do you think regular processing is safe, or should I pay out of pocket to file with Premium Processing?

Would really appreciate any advice or experiences!