Immigration Update – October 11, 2021

Headlines: State Dept. Announces Changes in Vaccination Requirements for Immigrants and Certain Nonimmigrants – All immigrant visa applicants, all K fiancé(e) visa applicants, and nonimmigrant visa applicants who are referred to panel physicians must receive a full COVID-19 vaccine series as part of their medical exam before being issued a visa. The vaccine must be […]

Immigration Update – October 04, 2021

Headlines: Continuing Resolution to Fund Government Until December 3 Includes Provisions to Aid Afghans at Risk – The continuing resolution to keep the federal government open until December 3, 2021, was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. USCIS Releases Information for Afghans at Risk, Including Parolees Departing Military Installations and Others […]

Immigration Update – September 27, 2021

Headlines: Biden Admin Announces New Policy: Vaccines, Testing Required for International Travelers to United States – The Biden administration will ease pandemic travel restrictions to allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter the United States beginning in November 2021. USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests – The flexibility, extended in response to the ongoing […]

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 […]