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EspanolIn 2019, United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a rule affecting certain forms, including those used by asylum applicants and victims of certain criminal acts. Now, that rule has been reversed, such that a blank space is no longer automatically disqualifying. This will make it easier for asylum applicants with missing or incomplete documentation to get asylum status. Continue reading “USCIS Reverses “Blank Space” Rule for Asylum Applicants”
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U.S. Resumes Issuing Visas for Foreign Workers
American consulates around the world have once again begun issuing H-1B visas, as well as other visas, which will permit people to legally work in the United States. A ban was placed on these visas being issued during the coronavirus pandemic, which was meant to curtail the spread of the virus and limit the economic impact on American workers. By resuming the issuing of these visas, however, more people will be able to seek employment with American companies. Continue reading “U.S. Resumes Issuing Visas for Foreign Workers”
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan Nationals
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, recently announced that Venezuelans living in the U.S. continuously since March 18, 2021, will be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This will enable them to apply for Employment Authorization, and will allow them to remain in the U.S. for eighteen (18) months- until September 2022.
Each applicant must submit the application for TPS on Form I-821 with supporting documents such as: Continue reading “Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan Nationals”
The U.S. Citizenship Act – Part 1
The U.S. Citizenship Act – Part 1
The U.S. Citizenship Act has been proposed by President Biden and introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate. The legislation provides for an:
Earned Path to Citizenship- Creates a new designation called Lawful Prospective Immigrant (LPI) status.
Criteria to qualify:
1. Must be physically present in the U.S. on or before January 1, 2021
2. Must pass criminal & security checks
3. Pay the requisite filing fee, and submit application
Announcement of Major Changes in Immigration Law
After one and a half years, President Obama finally decided that “enough is enough” and pulled the trigger on enacting immigration reforms. While the measures taken by President Obama fall short of the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill that unanimously passed the Senate in June, 2013, they are certainly expansive in nature, and provide some relief to the millions of undocumented Americans living in this country. The president does not have authority to provide a pathway to citizenship without the cooperation of the Senate and the House of Representatives. We are very happy with these changes, and applaud President Obama for taking this action.
Continue reading “Announcement of Major Changes in Immigration Law”
Per the NY Times, “Obama Said to Plan Moves to Shield 5 Million Immigrants”
The attached article, published on November 13, 2014 in the New York Times, reveals President Obama’s likely plans for immigration reform via an executive order. We are hopeful that in addition to granting deferred action for the parents of U.S. citizen children, lawful permanent residents, and DACA recipients, the President goes a step further, and allows certain immigrants, who have been living in the U.S. for a long period of time, to Parole in Place. The Parole in Place doctrine will allow those eligible, to receive their Lawful Permanent Residence (green card) in the United States.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/14/us/obama-immigration.html?_r=1
Immigration Reform has Stalled…Now What?
With comprehensive immigration reform stalled in the House of Representatives, and President Obama inundated with complaints from the Latino activists, the President recently ordered his Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh C. Johnson, to conduct an evaluation of all deportations of illegal immigrants.
When it is predictably confirmed by DHS Secretary Johnson that the far majority of those immigrants removed from this country are not dangerous criminals, but are rather hard working people trying to make a better life for their family, President Obama will have a few options at his disposal besides sitting back and waiting for the House to act on immigration reform. Continue reading “Immigration Reform has Stalled…Now What?”
Is Deferred Action Possible if Immigration Reform Continues to Stall in House
This is a well written article that discusses President Obama’s options if immigration reform continues to stall in the House. Deferred Action for those immigrants who would benefit from the Senate’s Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill would certainly be better than the status quo.
The Misleading I-601A Waiver
On April 2, 2012, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), with great fanfare, published a proposed rule to allow immigrants who have approved Immediate Relative petitions (i.e. U.S. citizen spouse, son or daughter over 21 years of age) to apply for a waiver of the 3/10 year unlawful presence bar “in the U.S.” The conditional approval of the I-601A waiver by the USCIS would then make visa processing a very quick process-the time frame stated was one month. What the USCIS did not state is how difficult it would be to get the I-601A waiver approved. There are a number of reasons why this I-601A does not live up to its billing. Continue reading “The Misleading I-601A Waiver”
When will the House act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform?
All has been quiet on the immigration reform front since Congress went on recess in August, and as of today, September 24, 2013, there seem to be more questions regarding comprehensive immigration reform than answers. The following are three questions on the minds of all parties affected by any pending legislation. Continue reading “When will the House act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform?”
