Headlines: State Dept. Exempts Certain Travelers From Restrictions – DOS announced exemptions for certain travelers from COVID-19-related restrictions based on the national interest. President Biden Reinstates DED for Liberians – 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 –The 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 – The initial registration period for FY 2022 […]
Headlines: USCIS To Abide by Previous Filing Fee Amounts Under Preliminary Injunction – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – The agencies’ final rules make substantive changes to foreign worker […]
Headlines: USCIS Issues Final Rule Prioritizing Higher Wages in H-1B Cap Selection Process – 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 – 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 – 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 […]
Headlines: Trump Signs Appropriations Bill Extending Several Immigration Programs; State Dept. Issues Related Guidance – President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which extends the expiring E-Verify, Conrad 30, and non-minister religious worker green card programs, among other things. I-9 Flexibility Extended to January 31 – The flexibility applies only to employers […]
Headlines: Ninth Circuit Rejects USCIS Reasoning on H-1B Computer Programmer as ‘Specialty Occupation’ – The Ninth Circuit ruled that USCIS’s denial of a visa for a computer programmer on the basis that it was not a “specialty occupation” was arbitrary and capricious, and remanded the case. DOJ Finalizes Rule Hiking Fees for EOIR Applications, Appeals, […]
Headlines: DHS, DOJ Issue Final Rule Tightening Asylum Regulations – DHS and DOJ issued a final rule tightening the regulations governing asylum, withholding of removal, and protections under the Convention Against Torture. The final rule generally adopts a proposed rule issued in June 2020 with few substantive changes. USCIS Issues DACA Guidance Under Court Order […]
