Headlines: Class Action Filed Against DHS for L-2 and H-4 Processing Delays β The American Immigration Lawyers Association and Wasden Banias, LLP, filed a class action lawsuit challenging processing delays on extensions of status and employment authorization documents for H-4 and L-2 nonimmigrant spouses. USCIS Extends Flexibilities for Responding to Agency Requests β USCIS will […]
Headlines: House Passes ‘Dreamer’ and Farmworker Bills; Senate Passage Uncertain β On March 18, 2021, two immigration-related bills passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. DHS Withdraws Affidavit of Support Proposed Rule β The Department of Homeland Security announced the withdrawal of a proposed rule, “Affidavit of Support on Behalf of Immigrants,” published on […]
Headlines: DHS Rescinds Public Charge Rule, Withdraws Appeals of Injunctions Blocking It β DHS rescinded regulations resulting from a final rule that was vacated by a federal district court. Under the now-rescinded rule, the government could deny applications for green cards, temporary nonimmigrant status, and naturalization if the government found they relied onβor were at […]
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New Guidance on Exceptions for Travelers From Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland β The Department of State rescinded the previous national interest determination regarding categories of travelers eligible for exceptions under Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10143 related to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 […]
