November 22, 2024 The Future of H4 EAD: Potential Elimination Under Second Trump Term
November 19, 2024 Trump Confirms Use of U.S. Military for Mass Deportation Program
November 19, 2024 USCIS Issues Updated Guidelines on Child Custody for U.S. Citizenship Eligibility
November 18, 2024 President-elect Trump Appointments to Lead U.S. Immigration Policy
November 18, 2024 Biden’s Options To Strengthen U.S. Immigration Policy
September 18, 2023
October 2023 Visa Bulletin: Major Advancement for India Employment-Based Categories
The October 2023 Visa Bulletin shows dramatic updates, particularly for India Employment-Based cases. Other updates are noted.
September 14, 2023
DACA Program Declared Unlawful by Texas Judge
The Biden Administration’s DACA program has been ruled illegal by a Texas federal judge. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides work authorization and protection from deportation for children brought to the U.S. under the age of 18.
September 13, 2023
Voluntary Departure Deadline Now Includes Weekends, Holidays
Individuals facing removal proceedings who accept voluntary departure must leave the country within the 60-day deadline, including weekends and federal holidays, a Tenth Circuit panel found.
September 13, 2023
Government Funding Deadline September 30 to Avoid Shutdown
U.S. Government funding is established through September 30, 2023. If Congress does not pass funding legislation, a government shutdown is possible on October 1, 2023. The process, with less than three weeks, is seemingly going to be a challenge.
September 12, 2023
TPS Beneficiaries EAD Extension Deadline
Qualifying Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders may be eligible for an EAD extension. Specific requirements apply with a deadline of October 26, 2023. If you need help, contact us.
September 11, 2023
Affirmative Asylum Applicants Required to Bring Interpreters to Interviews
Affirmative asylum applicants who are not fluent in English are required to bring an interpreter to their asylum interview, effective September 13, 2023.
September 8, 2023
Proposal to Grant Immigration Judges Permanent Administrative Closure Authority
The Biden administration is proposing making immigration judges’ authority to pause qualifying removal cases a permanent policy. Referred to as administrative closure, the authority is not explicitly stated in regulations.
September 7, 2023
Rio Grande Barrier Ordered Removed
Texas must remove a floating barrier from the Rio Grande River, per a federal judge. The barrier, meant to reduce illegal border crossing, was found to be in violation of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act.
September 7, 2023
K-1 Visa: The Importance of Timely Marriage
The K-1 visa, often referred to as the fiancé visa, is an avenue for the fiancée of U.S. citizens to come to the United States with the intention of getting married in the country. This visa allows the fiancé a single entry to the U.S. to get married within 90 days of their admission to the U.S.
September 7, 2023
New Backlog Record for Employment‐Based Green Card
According to an analysis from the CATO Institute, a new record of 1.8 million employment-based cases is in the green card backlog which sets a new high. But that's just the start.
August 30, 2023
Update On Processing Delays for Advance Parole Applicants
Advance Parole grants certain immigrants the option to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad without needing a visa. It's essential for Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants because departing the U.S. without Advance Parole before the AOS application is approved may result in the abandonment of the AOS Green Card application.
August 30, 2023
What You Need To Know About R-1 Temporary Religious Worker Visa
The R-1 Temporary Religious Worker visa is an option for those who wish to bring a qualifying foreign minister, clergyperson, or religious worker to the U.S. The R-1 is a temporary visa with optional renewal periods.
August 25, 2023
Our Perspective: USCIS Announces Additional Child Status Protection Act Relief
USCIS issued additional policy guidance regarding the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). The new guidance offers helpful clarifications following the February 2023 policy update, further expanding access to much-needed relief.
August 22, 2023
Humanitarian Parole Program Hearing Scheduled
Legal proceedings begin this week arguing the legality of the humanitarian parole program. A group of Republican states claims the Biden administration is overstepping its power with the creation of the program.
August 22, 2023
Rio Grande Floating Barrier Removal Hearing
A Texas judge is hearing arguments as to the removal of a barrier that is floating in the Rio Grande River. The barrier, installed by the state of Texas, is meant to deter migrants from crossing the border.
August 21, 2023
USCIS Introduces Online In-Person Appointment Request
USCIS announced the availability of an online form to request in-person appointments at the local field office.
August 17, 2023
USCIS Medical Examination Alerts
Many Employment-Based (EB) Adjustment of Status applicants are receiving messages from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Generally, the message is a call to action for applicants to complete their Form I-693 as soon as possible.
August 16, 2023
Premium Processing Expectations for F-1 EADs
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman is receiving reports of delays in the premium processing timeline for their employment authorization document (EAD). This update outlines expectations, timelines, and a suggested process if delays are encountered.
August 11, 2023
Simplifying and Streamlining the Cuban and Haitian Family Reunification Parole Process
DHS announced the process under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Process (CFRP) and Haitian Family Reunification Parole Process (HFRP) will be streamlined with the use of technology.
August 9, 2023
The End of Fiscal Year 2023: September 2023 Visa Bulletin
The September 2023 Visa Bulletin, the last for the current fiscal year for the U.S. government, is now available. The bulletin shows the return to pre-pandemic levels in some visa categories.