Headlines: Dept. of State Issues New Guidance on Exceptions for Travelers From Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland β The Department of State rescinded the previous national interest determination regarding categories of travelers eligible for exceptions under Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10143 related to the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland. Those […]
Headlines: President Biden Revokes Trump-Era Ban on Entry of Many Immigrants; State Dept. Issues Instructions on Exceptions to Nonimmigrant Ban β President Biden revoked former President Trump’s proclamation issued in April 2020 that banned many immigrants from entering the United States. The Department of State issued instructions on exceptions to the nonimmigrant ban. March Visa […]
Headlines: “U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021” Unveiled by Biden Administration, Democrats β The Biden administration and Democratic sponsors in the Senate and House of Representatives have put forth a sweeping new immigration reform bill, the 353-page “U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.” USCIS Reaches FY 2021 H-1B Cap β USCIS issued official confirmation that it has […]
Headlines: State Dept. Exempts Certain Travelers From Restrictions β DOS announced exemptions for certain travelers from COVID-19-related restrictions based on the national interest. President Biden Reinstates DED for Liberians β President Biden has directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to reinstate Deferred Enforced Departure for eligible Liberians and to provide for continued work authorization through […]
Headlines: USCIS Delays H-1B Wage-Based Selection Process for Cap-Subject Petitions βThe wage-based selection process is delayed to December 31, 2021, meaning that it will not be in effect for the upcoming H-1B cap filing season this March. FY 2022 H-1B Visa Registration Period Starts March 9 β The initial registration period for FY 2022 […]
Headlines: USCIS To Abide by Previous Filing Fee Amounts Under Preliminary Injunction β USCIS will continue to abide by previous filing fee amounts because of two preliminary injunctions. Judge May Extend Hold on Deportation Moratorium Until February 23 β The Department of Justice may appeal, but it was unclear as of press time whether it […]
Headlines: President Biden Sets in Motion a Flurry of Immigration Actions in First Days β Newly inaugurated President Joseph R. Biden launched a sweeping array of immigration-related executive orders, regulatory actions, and legislative proposals. DHS Pauses Certain Removals for 100 Days β The Department of Homeland Security announced that it is pausing for 100 days […]
Headlines: Biden Administration Poised to Introduce Immigration-Related Executive Orders; Democrats Prepare Legislation β The Biden administration has plans to introduce executive orders and push for immigration legislation “immediately” after taking office. Labor, Homeland Security Dept. Issue Final Rules Changing Prevailing Wage Methodology, Employer-Employee Relationship β The agencies’ final rules make substantive changes to foreign worker […]
Headlines: USCIS Issues Final Rule Prioritizing Higher Wages in H-1B Cap Selection Process β USCIS published a final rule prioritizing the selection of new H-1B petitions in 2021 based on proffered wages. USCIS Announces Delays in Issuing Receipt Notices Filed at Lockbox Facilities β USCIS announced delays of four to six weeks in sending out […]
Headlines: Trump Extends Through March Bans on Foreign Workers Previously Set to Expire December 31, 2020; Extends Memo on Visa Sanctions β President Trump signed a proclamation extending earlier proclamations suspending the entry of certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants through March 31, 2021. He also extended a separate memo on visa sanctions for certain […]
