Category Archive for: ‘immigration news’
USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors who are responding to certain: Requests for Evidence; Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14); Notices of Intent to …
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USCIS Updates Discretionary Criteria for Case-by-Case Interview Determinations of Adjustment of Status Applications Based on Refugee or Asylee Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated guidance (PDF, 319.68 KB) expanding the discretionary criteria USCIS officers use to determine whether to interview applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, based on refugee or asylee status. The updated criteria are well within the parameters of USCIS’ regulatory authority to determine, on a case-by-case …
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An October Surprise for Employment-Based Workers
By: Rishi P. Oza, Esq. The October Visa Bulletin was welcome good news for an otherwise bleak 2020, as the priority dates moved significantly for EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 category workers from both India and China. The dramatic jump forward holds the promise of unlocking …
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Rapid Fire Changes Come to the World of Immigration
By Rishi P. Oza, Esq. As if 2020 has not been chaotic enough with the COVID-19 pandemic, racial strife, and an oncoming presidential election, the immigration world has been on fire for the past month with policy changes issued from the United States Department of …
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USCIS to Celebrate Independence Day by Hosting Naturalization Ceremonies Across the Country
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is celebrating the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our great country by hosting naturalization ceremonies across the United States from July 1 through July 7. Despite the pandemic, USCIS continues to welcome new citizens, demonstrating American resiliency …
Read MoreUSCIS Rule Strengthens Employment Eligibility Requirements for Asylum Seekers
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a regulatory change to deter aliens from illegally entering the United States and from filing frivolous, fraudulent, or otherwise non-meritorious claims for asylum to obtain an employment authorization document. This rule does not alter asylum eligibility criteria in any way …
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USCIS Statement on Supreme Court’s DACA Decision
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow issued the following statement on today’s Supreme Court decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program: Today’s court opinion has no basis in law and merely delays the President’s lawful ability …
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USCIS Provides Greater Flexibility in Processing Work Authorization Requests for Asylum Applicants
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a regulatory change to provide greater flexibility in the processing of initial employment authorization documents (commonly called EADs) for asylum applicants by removing the burdensome and agency-imposed 30-day time frame. The final rule becomes effective on Aug. 21. This change …
Read MoreState Department Selects FY 2021 Diversity Visa Lottery Winners
At a glance Lottery entrants must check the State Department’s official Diversity Visa Lottery website to learn whether they have been chosen. Entrants may experience delays accessing the official website due to heavy user traffic. The State Department does not send direct notification to lottery winners. Successful entrants …
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FY 2021 H-1B Cap Filing Period Closes June 30
At a glance The FY 2021 H-1B cap petition filing window closes June 30. Employers should work with their Fragomen team to ensure the timely submission of H-1B cap petitions on behalf of selected beneficiaries. A closer look The 90-day filing window for FY 2021 …
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