Immigration Update – September 20, 2021

Headlines: Senate Parliamentarian Rejects Inclusion of Immigration Language in $3.5 Trillion Bill – In a blow to Democrats, President Biden, and immigration advocates, the Senate parliamentarian ruled that immigration language cannot be included in the $3.5 trillion filibuster-proof budget reconciliation bill. District Court Vacates H-1B Lottery Wage-Based Final Rule – The rule would have prioritized […]

Immigration Update – September 13, 2021

Headlines: DHS Continues TPS Designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal – DHS announced the automatic extension of temporary protected status designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal. The automatic extension of TPS-related documentation includes EADs through December 31, 2022. USCIS Is Expediting Afghan Petitions, Observers Say – According […]

Immigration Update – September 07, 2021

Vol. 10, No. 8A ▪ August 1, 2014 Headlines: State Dept. Releases Guidance on Immigrant Visa Prioritization – DOS released guidance on how its embassies and consulates are prioritizing immigrant visa applications as they work to reduce the backlog resulting from travel restrictions and operational constraints caused by the global COVID pandemic. DHS Extends I-9 […]

Immigration Update – August 31, 2021

Headlines: COVID Vaccinations To Be Required for Many Green Card Applicants – Effective October 1, 2021, with few exceptions, those applying for permanent residence (green card) must be vaccinated against COVID-19, now classified as a “Class A inadmissible condition,” the CDC announced. Justice Dept. Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claims With Large Health Care Organization – DOJ […]

Immigration Update – August 23, 2021

Headlines: Cap Reached for Remaining H-2B Visas for Returning Workers for FY 2021 – USCIS has received enough petitions for returning workers to reach the additional 22,000 H-2B visas made available under the FY 2021 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule. USCIS Extends Flexibilities Through October for Certain OPT Applicants Filing Work Authorization Applications – […]

Immigration Update – August 17, 2021

Headlines: USCIS Expands Partnership With Social Security Administration – Applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status can now apply for a Social Security number or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. Visa Bulletin for September 2021 Released – The bulletin notes, among other things, that the Worldwide employment-based preference limit […]

Immigration Update – August 09, 2021

Headlines: Biden Administration Develops Plan to Require Full Vaccination for Most Travelers to United States – The Biden administration is developing a “phased” plan to require most travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated, with exceptions. The idea is to make it possible to safely re-open travel to the United States and lift […]

Immigration Update – August 02, 2021

Headlines: USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection From Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registrations – On July 28, 2021, USCIS selected additional previously submitted electronic registrations using a random selection process. The petition filing period based on registrations selected on July 28 will begin on August 2 and close on November 3, 2021. Consent Order […]

Immigration Update – July 28, 2021

Headlines: U.S. Extends Nonessential Travel Restrictions at Canada, Mexico Land Borders; Canada Opens to U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents August 9 – Canadians and many other U.S.-bound international travelers can fly into the United States if they receive a negative COVID-19 test. Applicants for Change of Status to F-1 Student No Longer Need to Submit Subsequent Applications […]

Immigration Update – July 20, 2021

Headlines: New DACA Applications Blocked by Federal Judge – New Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applications will not be allowed under a ruling by a U.S. district judge. The judge temporarily stayed his ruling for nearly 650,000 current DACA recipients. No Surprise: Ombudsman’s Annual Report Says USCIS Faces ‘Unprecedented Challenges’ Due to Pandemic, Backlogs, Financial […]