Headlines: EB-5 Program To Expire June 30 After Efforts Fail in Senate; Reauthorization Still Possible Later – Since the Senate has recessed until July, it appears that the EB-5 regional center program will expire. It remains to be seen whether Congress will reauthorize it later. USCIS Allows Resubmission of Certain FY 2021 H-1B Petitions Rejected […]

Headlines: USCIS Updates Policies to Improve Immigration Services: Expedited Processing, RFEs/NOIDs, EADs – USCIS issued new policy updates to clarify the criteria and circumstances for expedited processing; improve guidance for requests for evidence and notices of intent to deny; and increase the validity period for initial and renewal work authorization documents for certain noncitizens with […]

Headlines: ICE Announces Extension, New Employee Guidance on I-9 Compliance Flexibility – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced an extension until August 31, 2021, of the flexibilities in rules related to Form I-9 compliance that were initially granted last year due to precautions related to COVID-19. USCIS Eases Visitor Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated Individuals – […]

Headlines: DHS Announces Continuation of International Entrepreneur Program – USCIS said the program, first introduced in 2017, “will remain a viable program for foreign entrepreneurs to create and develop start-up entities with high growth potential in the United States.” USCIS Temporarily Suspends Biometrics Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrants Changing or Extending Status – Previously, applicants had […]

Headlines: President Biden Suspends Entry of Noncitizens/Non-LPRs Traveling From India; U.S. Mission in India Announces Limits on Visa Services – President Biden has issued a proclamation suspending the entry of non-U.S. citizens who were physically present within India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States, with some exceptions. […]

Headlines: President Biden Will Raise Refugee Cap Following Backlash – President Biden plans to raise the cap on refugees for FY 2021 by May 15, 2021. The announcement followed a backlash after he announced originally that refugee admissions this fiscal year would be kept at 15,000. President Biden Picks Nominees for USCIS, CBP – President […]

Headlines: Bipartisan Bill Introduced in Senate Would Provide Up to 40,000 Unused Immigrant Visas for Doctors, Nurses – The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act would provide unused employment-based immigrant visas for up to 25,000 foreign nurses and 15,000 foreign physicians and their family members. USCIS Completes Initial FY 2022 H-1B Cap Season Selections; Petitions May Be […]

Headlines: House Passes ‘Dreamer’ and Farmworker Bills; Senate Passage Uncertain – On March 18, 2021, two immigration-related bills passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. DHS Withdraws Affidavit of Support Proposed Rule – The Department of Homeland Security announced the withdrawal of a proposed rule, “Affidavit of Support on Behalf of Immigrants,” published on […]

Headlines: Dept. of State Issues New Guidance on Exceptions for Travelers From Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland – 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: “U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021” Unveiled by Biden Administration, Democrats – 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 – USCIS issued official confirmation that it has […]