USCIS announced that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is extending flexibilities previously announced on March 30, 2020, to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to certain agency requests. This flexibility applies if the issuance date listed on the request, notice, or decision is between March 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021, inclusive. USCIS […]
Learn MoreWASHINGTON— The Department of Homeland Security today announced the imminent publication of a Notice of Proposed Rule making that proposes expanding department authorities and methods for collecting biometrics that will establish a defined regulatory purpose for biometrics. With the proposed changes, DHS would modernize biometrics collection and authorize expanded use of biometrics beyond background checks to include identity verification, […]
Learn MoreTPS Beneficiaries Retain Same Immigration Status after Traveling Abroad WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a Policy Memorandum adopting the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) decision on Matter of Z‑R‑Z‑C. The decision holds that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries who travel abroad using a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-issued travel document under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section […]
Learn MoreICE announces another extension to I-9 compliance flexibility WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today announced another extension of the flexibilities in rules related to Form I-9 compliance that was granted earlier this year. Due to the continued precautions related to COVID-19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will further extend this policy […]
Learn MoreThis alert updates and extends a December 2019 alert that purportedly empowers USCIS to reject a Form I-918 or Form I-918, Supplement A that contains any blank spaces. Under the new alert, USCIS may also reject a Form I-918, Supplement B – which is completed by a law enforcement agency, rather than the petitioner – containing […]
Learn MoreAs long as the July 29, 2020, SDNY decision is in effect, USCIS will apply the 1999 public charge guidance that was in place before the Public Charge Rule was implemented on Feb. 24, 2020 to the adjudication of any application for adjustment of status on or after July 29, 2020. In addition, USCIS will adjudicate any application or […]
Learn MoreThe fight to block President Trumps’s new requirement that prospective immigrants seeking visas prove they can get or pay for their own health insurance continues. Lawyers for seven people urged a federal judge this past Friday to continue to block this new requirement. The new requirement is centered upon the admissibility issue of “public charge.” […]
Learn MoreBrief summary of the affective provisions of the Proclamation and DHS/HHS/CDC announced implementation of the Proclamation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndRk63UmelQ. Returning USC/LPRs, their immediate relatives and others exempted under Section 2(a) of the Proclamation, who had visited Hubei province in China within 14 days of their arrival, would be subject to institutional quarantine at 7 ports of entry: JFK (New York City), […]
Learn MoreUSCIS announced yesterday that, due to the implementation of the public charge final rule, beginning February 24, 2020 it will only accept new editions for many of its forms. The new edition forms include many relevant to our humanitarian based cases: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Form I-539A, Supplemental Information […]
Learn MoreBeginning February 24th, the Department of Homeland Security will begin to implement the new Public Charge Rule for inadmissibility. This same date, USCIS is also requiring that the newest version of certain forms be filed. If the latest edition is not filed, the case will be rejected. The new Public Charge rule will impact adjustment of […]
Learn MoreOn February24, 2020, USCIS will impose the new Public Charge rules on most immigration applications based on inadmissibility ground under INA section 212(a)(4). A new Form I-944 must be submitted with all applications so the government may determine if an applicant is inadmissible. Under these new rules, the federal government will consider a variety of […]
Learn MoreUSCIS announced that it is suspending in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices, and Application Support Centers (ASCs) in response to COVID-19. The suspension is effective March 18 until at least April 1. Those needing assistance with emergency services should call the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS announced, yesterday, that in an effort to protect employees and communities, […]
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