Afghan Evacuees Can Reapply for Parole in June

Afghan allies who came to the U.S. through the humanitarian parole option over the last two years can reapply for the program in June 2023, per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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Deportation Appeal Deadline Extended for Extraordinary Cases

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) announced a potential extension for the appeal of deportation orders for qualifying individuals.

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CBP One App Expanded to Increase Migrant Appointments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced updates to their CBP One mobile app meant to simplify the migrant appointments process for asylum-seekers and migrants. In addition, CBP is in the process of increasing available appointments to 1,000 on a daily basis.

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USCIS Providing Documentation on Immigration Status After Some Immigration Status Decisions

USCIS confirmed the availability of documentation to confirm the immigration status of qualifying new asylees and lawful permanent residents following some legal findings. Individuals whose immigration status is granted by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or an immigration judge will receive documentation to confirm their status.

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COVID Vaccination Requirements Update from DHS

COVID vaccination requirements for travel to the U.S. will be lifted on May 12, 2023. This includes providing proof of vaccination.

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Proposed Border Bill by U.S. House Republicans Revealed

A proposed U.S. border bill from Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives has been revealed. The proposed bill focuses on limiting migration at the southern border, calling for stricter asylum requirements, limited parole programs, and other updates.

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The Multiple Petition Rule: Frequently Asked Questions

The multiple petition rule is cited as a concern by USCIS for the FY2024 H-1B cap registration process. We have compiled some frequently asked questions and answers about the multiple petition rule as it relates to registration and subsequent petition filing.

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DOS and DHS Announce New Measures as Title 42 Ends and Title 8 Returns

Title 42, the Covid-19 public health order that allows U.S. immigration officials to turn people back at the border, will be lifted on May 11, 2023. New processes are being put in place to address the expected influx of entrants.

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FY 2024 H-1B Cap Update: USCIS Releases Data, Confirms Emphasis on Multiple Registrations

USCIS released the FY-2024 cap registration statistics, which reveal notable increases in several areas. First, demand for the H-1B visa did not waiver at all, despite recent tech layoffs. Instead, USCIS received more H-1B registrations than ever before.

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Expanded Parole: Reason for Hope?

The Biden Administration expanded parole program continues to face legal challenges. A recent ruling keeps the legal process moving forward, as well as the expanded parole program itself.

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Guidance on Citizenship and Naturalization for Adopted Children Clarified by USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided an update to the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify U.S. citizenship and naturalization options apply to adopted children. The updates are effective immediately.

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USCIS Extends the Suspension of Biometrics for H-4, L2, and E nonimmigrant Applicants

The temporary suspension of biometrics submission requirements has been extended for qualifying individuals filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status when requesting a change of status or extension of stay to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. The previous suspension of biometrics submission is in place until May 17, 2023.

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May 2023 Visa Bulletin: Visa Retrogression is Here to Stay with Small Exception for China EB-3

The May 2023 Visa Bulletin shows further retrogression with some small exceptions. Demand in the employment-based visa category continues, causing further retrogression. For Family-Based cases, there is little to no movement.

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Deportation Topic of SCOTUS Review

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will hear arguments that consider some terms related to deportation policy. The matters under review ask when the federal law that gives the U.S. government the ability to deport noncitizens who are convicted of “an offense related to obstruction of justice” should be used.

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Online Tool for Noncitizen Change of Address Submission Announced by ICE

An online option is being made available for noncitizens to submit their change of address information, per U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The online option gives noncitizens a third option to update their information, along with existing in-person and phone options.

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Inappropriate Use of TN Visa Subject of Lawsuit

A second lawsuit has been filed against an Alabama car parts manufacturer due to differences between the employment the individual was hired to fill and their ultimate employment.

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Point of Activation for Federal Asylum Protections Under Review

The moment at which the United States is required to process asylum seekers at the U.S. border is being contested by the Biden Administration. In 2021, a judge ruled that the policy requiring individuals to wait across the U.S. border, started by the Trump administration, was unlawful.

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Gender Marker Self-Selection Updated by USCIS

Effective immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the Policy Manual specifying that self-identified gender markers are acceptable for individuals requesting immigration benefits. USCIS now accepts the chosen gender marker as selected on USCIS forms, whether it matched supporting documentation or not.

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Updates to Time Frames for Paper-Based Filings and Responses Announced by USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided clarity on what is considered timely filed for paper-based benefit requests and responses to a USCIS action if the due date falls on a federal holiday, Saturday, or Sunday. For these situations, a paper filing or response that is received not later than the next business day is considered timely.

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USCIS Updates Validity Period for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the current signature requirement for Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record is removed. The validity period has been extended.

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