Immigration News
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On Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Justice Department and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Affirm Commitment to Technological Equity for People with Disabilities
on July 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Technology is growing ever more indispensable to many aspects of modern life. Consequently, ensuring that technology does not create new barriers for people with disabilities, and that disabled people can fully access and benefit from technology, is becoming increasingly important to securing the promise of equal opportunity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes the technologies deployed by employers, state and local government services such as public schools, voting […]
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Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to Host First Public Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing Meeting
on July 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will virtually cohost the first public meeting of the Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing (Strike Force) on Thursday, Aug. 1, to discuss Strike Force enforcement actions taken to lower prices for Americans.
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Activist Short Seller Charged for $16M Stock Market Manipulation Scheme
on July 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A federal grand jury in the Central District of California returned an indictment yesterday charging a prominent activist short seller with multiple counts of securities fraud for a long-running market manipulation scheme reaping profits of at least $16 million.
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Attorney General Garland Delivers Remarks on the Arrests of Alleged Leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel
on July 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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United States Sues National General Holdings Corp. and Subsidiaries for Falsely Placing Insurance on Hundreds of Thousands of Borrowers’ Vehicles
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The United States has filed a civil complaint under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) against National General Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, National General Insurance Company, National General Lender Services Inc. and Newport Management Corporation (National General), alleging that, for over a decade, National General erroneously force-placed its Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI) product on vehicles financed through Wells Fargo, despite […]
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Defendants with Ties to White Supremacy Sentenced in Connection with Plot to Destroy Energy Facilities
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Three men were sentenced today for various conspiracy and firearms offenses in connection with a racially-motivated scheme to destroy an energy facility.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Arizona Election Office
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
An Alabama man pleaded guilty today to sending threatening messages to election workers with Maricopa County Elections in Phoenix.
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North Korean Government Hacker Charged for Involvement in Ransomware Attacks Targeting U.S. Hospitals and Health Care Providers
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment on Wednesday charging North Korean national Rim Jong Hyok for his involvement in a conspiracy to hack and extort U.S. hospitals and other health care providers, launder the ransom proceeds, and then use these proceeds to fund additional computer intrusions into defense, technology, and government entities worldwide. Their ransomware attacks prevented victim health care providers from providing full and timely care to patients.
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Foreign National Charged for Selling Counterfeit Cancer Drugs
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A federal grand jury in Houston returned an indictment today charging an Indian national with selling and shipping tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of counterfeit oncology pharmaceuticals into the United States.
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Substance Use Disorder Treatment Clinics to Pay More than $850,000 to Resolve Allegations They Knowingly Overbilled Medicaid for Office Visits
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia have reached an $863,934 civil settlement with certain substance use disorder treatment clinics serving patients from Virginia to resolve allegations that these clinics submitted false and fraudulent claims to the Medicaid program. The clinics – Crossroads Treatment Center of Petersburg P.C., ARS Treatment Centers of New Jersey P.C., Crossroads Treatment Center of Greensboro P.C. and Starting Point of Virginia P.C. – are part of a chain […]
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UnitedHealth Group Abandons Two Acquisitions Following Antitrust Division Scrutiny
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division released the following statement after UnitedHealth Group abandoned its proposed acquisitions of Stewardship Health Inc. and a related company following scrutiny from the Antitrust Division.
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United States Obtains $26M in False Claims Act Judgments Against Laboratory Companies and Their Owner
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
On July 18, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland entered default judgments for the United States totaling $26,341,951.38 against Patrick Britton-Harr and multiple laboratory companies owned by him for violations of the False Claims Act. The court entered these judgments after Britton-Harr and his companies failed to defend against the United States’ allegations.
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Two Men Plead Guilty to Acting as Illegal Agents of Chinese Government and Bribery
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
John Chen, 71, of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Los Angeles, California, and Lin Feng, 44, a PRC citizen and resident of Los Angeles, California, pleaded guilty to acting as unregistered agents of the PRC and bribing an IRS agent in connection with a plot to target U.S.-based practitioners of Falun Gong — a spiritual practice banned in the PRC.
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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on Arrests of Alleged Leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo) and Joaquin Guzman Lopez
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the arrests of alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo) and Joaquin Guzman Lopez:
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Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Supporting Private Parties’ Right to Bring Voting Rights Act Challenge to Robocalls
on July 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The Justice Department today filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire supporting the right of private plaintiffs to bring a lawsuit challenging robocalls as intimidating, threatening or coercive in violation of Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act. This brief is one of several filed by the Justice Department explaining the prohibition against voter intimidation in Section 11(b) and supporting the longstanding principle that private plaintiffs […]
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USCIS to Begin Triennial Investment and Revenue Threshold Updates for International Entrepreneur Rule
by USCIS on July 24, 2024 at 7:31 pm
Effective Oct. 1, 2024, we will increase the investment and revenue thresholds under the International Entrepreneur Rule, as required every three years. The application fee will not change, however.
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Ohio Man Sentenced for Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Violation, Communicating Interstate Threats and Conspiracy
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
An Ohio man was sentenced today for threatening to destroy a reproductive health services facility in Columbus, Ohio, and for conspiring to commit money laundering.
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Admera Health Agrees to Pay Over $5M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Kickbacks to Third Party Marketers
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Admera Health LLC (Admera) has agreed to pay the United States $5,389,648 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying commissions to third party independent contractor marketers in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). Admera will pay an additional $147,851 to individual states for claims paid to Admera by state Medicaid programs.
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Readout of the Pardon Attorney’s FCI Thomson Visit
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
On July 23, Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer and members of her team visited Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Thomson, a low security Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) facility for male inmates with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp, located in Thomson, Illinois. The Pardon Attorney and her team hosted a series of educational sessions about the federal clemency process and answered questions from FBOP staff and incarcerated individuals.
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Justice Department Hosts Workshop to Enhance Cooperation in Tackling Environmental Crime
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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Florida Telecommunications and Information Technology Worker Charged with Acting as Agent of PRC Government
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
An indictment was unsealed today charging Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, with conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General and with acting as an agent of the PRC without notification to the Attorney General. If convicted, Li faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
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OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Financial Assistance for Victims Pre-Application Information Session
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
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New Jersey Man Charged with Terrorism Offenses Relating to His Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Hadi Matar, 26, of Fairview, New Jersey, was arraigned today in federal court in connection with attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization; engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries; and providing material support to terrorists.
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Nineteen Alleged Members of Human Smuggling Organization Charged for Illegally Bringing Migrants into United States
on July 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Nineteen alleged members of a human smuggling organization were charged for coordinating the smuggling of dozens of unauthorized migrants into the United States from Mexico, mostly aboard personal watercraft via the Pacific Ocean. Nine of the 19 are in custody. A grand jury returned an indictment against 14 members of the organization, and a complaint was filed against an additional five.
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Twelfth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Transnational Scheme to Defraud Spanish-Speaking U.S. Consumers
on July 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A Peruvian national pleaded guilty today for his participation in a transnational mail and wire fraud conspiracy.
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West Virginia Business Owner Charged with Employment Tax Offenses and Not Filing Personal Tax Returns
on July 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm
A federal grand jury in Charleston, West Virginia, returned an indictment charging a West Virginia man with not paying employment taxes and not filing his personal tax returns.
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CBP Field Ops to Host Annual Trade Day Event in Detroit
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 22, 2024 at 9:13 pm
DETROIT – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations will host the 13th Annual Trade Day at Huntington Place downtown, August 7 The free event is open to the public and will provide attendees with an opportunity to…
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Tools Outage
by USCIS on July 22, 2024 at 2:41 pm
USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on July 19, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 18, 2024, to March 17, 2026, due to conditions in Somalia that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Children’s Acquisition of Citizenship
by USCIS on July 18, 2024 at 1:14 pm
USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding provisions for children’s acquisition of citizenship.
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Reminders on the Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families
by USCIS on July 17, 2024 at 4:58 pm
On June 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced actions to promote family unity in the immigration process. This announcement is consistent with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keep families together. DHS is establishing a process to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for parole in place from certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for at least a decade.
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New Policy Guidance on Noncompliance with EB-5 Regional Center Program
by USCIS on July 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm
We are issuing policy guidance on new provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that cover consequences for noncompliance with the EB-5 Regional Center program.
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CBP Seizes Counterfeit Products Valued at Over Half a Million Dollars
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 11, 2024 at 4:46 pm
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Rochester port of entry seized a variety of designer items for bearing counterfeit trademarks, to include beauty products and dietary supplements. During the month of June,…
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on July 8, 2024 at 3:49 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026, due to country conditions in Yemen that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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Norfolk CBP Cools Off Counterfeit Air Conditioners from China
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 3, 2024 at 7:30 pm
NORFOLK, Va. – A shipment of air conditioners from China got a chilly reception in Norfolk, Va., after U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized them on Thursday for bearing counterfeit Energy Star certification marks. The air conditioners were…
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3 Packages worth over $10M intercepted by Louisville CBP
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on July 3, 2024 at 4:36 pm
LOUISVILLE, Ky— In just 24 hours, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Port of Louisville seized three shipments containing a total of 2,387 pieces of jewelry including rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings bearing designer…
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USCIS Updates Customer Service and Safe Address Procedures for Individuals Protected Under Confidentiality Provisions
by USCIS on July 3, 2024 at 2:22 pm
We have implemented provisions in the USCIS Policy Manual that provide guidance on customer service and safe address procedures for individuals protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367.
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on June 28, 2024 at 10:07 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Aug. 4, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2026, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Haiti.
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USCIS Celebrates Independence Day 2024 and Continues Its Commitment to Naturalization
by USCIS on June 28, 2024 at 2:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming approximately 11,000 new citizens in more than 195 naturalization ceremonies between June 28 and July 5.
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TFTEA – One Year Later
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 6:39 pm
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s complex border security mission includes protecting our nation’s economic vitality through both trade enforcement and facilitation. One year ago, on February 24, 2016, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement…
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U.S. Economic Engine: CBP Provides Horsepower
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 4:45 pm
Although many people recognize U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the agency securing our borders at and between ports across the nation, they may not recognize the critical role CBP plays in facilitating the movement of goods and cargo into the…
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100 Days and Counting…Protecting American Businesses, Helping Our Economy
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 2:35 pm
President Obama signs TFTEA into law on February 24, 2016, as CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske (far left) looks on. Photo Credit: Reuters A little over 100 days ago, President Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (…
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All Systems Go: CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 26, 2024 at 12:13 pm
One of CBP’s many responsibilities includes protecting our nation’s economic security while preventing the importation of harmful goods and products. That means ensuring the safety and efficiency of the supply chain, helping importers get their…
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USCIS Extends Employment Authorization Documents under Temporary Protected Status Designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan
by USCIS on June 20, 2024 at 5:46 pm
We are extending the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries under the designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan through March 9, 2025.
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USCIS Clarifies Guidance About How to Adopt a Child under the Hague Adoption Convention
by USCIS on June 14, 2024 at 1:51 pm
Effective June 14, 2024, we have updated the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 5, Part D, to clarify how prospective adoptive parents can adopt a child under the Hague Adoption Convention.
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USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on Customer Service and Confidentiality Protections for Certain Naturalized U.S. Citizens
by USCIS on June 12, 2024 at 1:21 pm
USCIS is issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that interprets that the confidentiality protections under 8 U.S.C. 1367 end at naturalization, which will allow naturalized U.S. citizens previously protected under 8 U.S.C. 1367 (specifically, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners and those seeking or with approved T and U nonimmigrant status) the ability to fully access e-filing and other customer service tools.
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USCIS Issues Guidance on In-Person Filing for Certain SIJ Petitioners
by USCIS on June 6, 2024 at 1:28 pm
We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how certain petitioners for special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) classification (or their representatives) may file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widower, or Special Immigrant.
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USCIS Shifts Workload for Form I-730 Following-to-Join Refugee Petitions
by USCIS on May 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Effective May 6, 2024, all Forms I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, filed for following to join refugees (FTJ-R) are being processed at the USCIS International Operations Division rather than the Asylum Vetting Center.
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CBP Increases Transparency in Proprietary Investigations
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 29, 2024 at 3:59 pm
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a process that will allow authorized individuals to access business confidential information in Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) administrative proceedings, increasing transparency in…
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USCIS Updates Guidance for Family-Based Immigrant Visas
by USCIS on May 22, 2024 at 1:22 pm
Effective May 22, 2024, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on family-based immigrant visa petitions (including Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and, in limited situations, family-based Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant), including explaining how we handle correcting approval notice errors, requests for consular processing or adjustment of status on the beneficiary’s behalf, and routing procedures for approved petitions.
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CBP Honors 11 Heroes at Annual Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 20, 2024 at 1:50 pm
Uniformed personnel stood at attention May 16 as agents and officers escorted the families and loved ones of each of CBP’s fallen heroes honored this year at the CBP Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony in the Woodrow Wilson Plaza outside CBP…
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CBP improves Republic of Korea steel exports with Electronic Certification System
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 16, 2024 at 3:02 pm
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Republic of Korea held a ribbon cutting ceremony May 15 to celebrate the deployment of the Electronic Certification System (eCERT) to the Republic of Korea. The new government-to-…
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USCIS Announces New FY 2024 Funding Opportunity Under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
by USCIS on May 15, 2024 at 2:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the opening of the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA), a new funding opportunity under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.
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USCIS Opens Additional San Francisco Asylum Office Location
by USCIS on May 13, 2024 at 6:37 pm
USCIS’ San Francisco Asylum Office is opening an additional temporary location in Oakland, California. Effective May 15, 2024, asylum applicants under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Asylum Office may receive an interview notice to appear at the asylum office located in Oakland instead of San Francisco.
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USCIS Clarifies Policy on Location of H-3 Training
by USCIS on May 8, 2024 at 1:06 pm
We have issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying when H-3 nonimmigrants may participate in training provided on the property of an academic or vocational institution.
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Centralized Intake Processing of VAWA Self-Petitions and Related Filings at the Nebraska Service Center
by USCIS on May 7, 2024 at 6:11 pm
Effective April 1, 2024, we centralized the intake process of Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and related filings under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for self-petitioning abused spouses, children, and parents at the Nebraska Service Center.
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USCIS Celebrates Its Employees During Public Service Recognition Week
by USCIS on May 6, 2024 at 2:12 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is honoring its dedicated workforce during Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) 2024. Celebrated annually during the first full week in May since 1985, PSRW is a time set aside to honor those who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees.
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USCIS Reminds Certain Employment-Based Petitioners to Submit the Correct Required Fees
by USCIS on April 29, 2024 at 7:36 pm
We are updating our Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule to help certain employment-based petitioners understand how to submit the correct required fees.
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USCIS Strengthens T Nonimmigrant Visa Program and Protections for Trafficking Victims
by USCIS on April 29, 2024 at 5:03 pm
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of the T nonimmigrant status (T visa) and ensure eligible victims of human trafficking can access protections and stabilizing benefits on a timely manner.
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USCIS Announces Open Application Period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
by USCIS on April 24, 2024 at 5:42 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the application period for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.
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USCIS to Open International Field Offices in Qatar and Turkey
by USCIS on April 23, 2024 at 2:54 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the upcoming opening of international field offices in Doha, Qatar, and Ankara, Turkey, to increase capacity for refugee processing, strengthen strategic partnerships, and facilitate interagency cooperation.
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Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller addresses the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on April 19, 2024 at 8:15 pm
First of all, I just want to say thank you for the introduction. You are all true partners of US Customs and Border Protection, and more importantly, true partners in the economic security of this nation and the safety and security of our citizens.…
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Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the Early Second Half of FY 2024
by USCIS on April 18, 2024 at 5:10 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 19,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the early second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 with start dates from April 1 to May 14, 2024, under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule (FY 2024 TFR).
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USCIS Announces Employment Authorization Procedures for Palestinians Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure
by USCIS on April 12, 2024 at 3:41 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through Aug. 13, 2025.
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on April 12, 2024 at 1:44 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to December 12, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ethiopia that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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CBP Trade Summit in Philadelphia Highlights the Importance of Partnership
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on April 12, 2024 at 12:47 pm
At a time when the U.S. economy is thriving, a standing-room-only crowd packed the halls of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit on March 26-28 in Philadelphia. The three-day conference, which attracted 1…
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USCIS Adopts Department of Labor Definition of “Science or Art”
by USCIS on April 10, 2024 at 1:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to add the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) definition of “science or art” for Schedule A, Group II cases.
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USCIS Announces Information Regarding EB-5 Regional Center Audits
by USCIS on April 9, 2024 at 6:48 pm
Under the new provisions of section 203(b)(5)(E)(vii) added by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) to the Immigration and Nationality Act, we must audit each designated regional center at least once every five years.
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USCIS Announces New Guidance on Form I-693 Validity Period
by USCIS on April 4, 2024 at 5:34 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds.
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USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits
by USCIS on April 4, 2024 at 2:26 pm
Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days.
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Notice of FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Selection Process Completion and Cap Season Reminders
by USCIS on April 1, 2024 at 6:28 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
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USCIS Provides Third Gender Option on Form N-400
by USCIS on April 1, 2024 at 4:27 pm
We have revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to provide a third gender option, “X,” defined as “Another Gender Identity.” We are also updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual accordingly to account for this form revision and other forthcoming form revisions that will add a third gender option; see the Policy Alert.
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USCIS Revises Policy Manual to Align with New Fee Rule
by USCIS on April 1, 2024 at 2:10 pm
We are revising our guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements Final Rule published in the Federal Register on Jan. 31, 2024, and effective on April 1, 2024.
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USCIS Announces Filing Location Change for Certain Employment-Based I-485 and Related Forms
by USCIS on March 29, 2024 at 12:47 pm
On, April 1, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is changing the filing location for concurrently filed Forms I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service; I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; and I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and for related Forms I-131, Application for Travel Document; I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, filed with the application […]
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New Citizens Will Be Able to Seamlessly Request Social Security Updates
by USCIS on March 28, 2024 at 3:50 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, starting April 1, applicants filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, will have the option to request an original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) or card and update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) without having to visit an SSA office.
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H-1B Form I-129 Filing Location Change and FY 2025 H-1B Cap Season Updates and Reminders
by USCIS on March 26, 2024 at 2:42 pm
The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season closed at noon Eastern on March 25, 2024.
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USCIS Reopens Field Office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
by USCIS on March 22, 2024 at 4:34 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced the reopening of an international field office in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
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Counterfeit Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and Kansas Jayhawks Championship Rings worth $2.71M Intercepted by Cincinnati CBP
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 22, 2024 at 4:03 pm
CINCINNATI– Collectors and fans clamor for championship rings of their favorite collegiate and pro sports team, with some paying top dollar for the real thing. Unfortunately, third party retailers are selling counterfeit versions of these rings for…
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Burma (Myanmar) for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on March 22, 2024 at 2:15 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Burma for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from May 26, 2024, to November 25, 2025, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Burma that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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USCIS Extends Initial Registration Period for FY 2025 H-1B Cap
by USCIS on March 21, 2024 at 10:28 pm
USCIS has extended the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap.
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USCIS Updates Policy Guidance Clarifying Expedite Requests
by USCIS on March 21, 2024 at 5:45 pm
USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how we consider expedite requests related to government interests and requests related to emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations, including travel-related requests.
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Closing Today: Virtual Registration for CBP 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 21, 2024 at 2:22 pm
WASHINGTON — Registration to virtually attend the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit remains open until 4 p.m., today. The Summit will take place virtually and on-site in…
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Importer and firm plead guilty in federal court to conspiracy to avoid paying over $1 million in Antidumping and Countervailing Duties
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 20, 2024 at 2:27 pm
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The U.S. Attorney Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced Tuesday a guilty plea from Kenneth Fleming and Akua Mosaics, Inc. (“Akua Mosaics”) to a conspiracy to smuggle goods to avoid paying antidumping duties of…
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USCIS Clarifies Anti-Discrimination Policy
by USCIS on March 15, 2024 at 3:34 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced agency-wide anti-discrimination guidance that addresses public-facing interactions and affirms our public service principles.
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USCIS Streamlines Process for Refugee Employment Authorization Documents
by USCIS on March 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm
USCIS has begun implementing a streamlined process for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to provide Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) more efficiently to eligible refugees after they are admitted into the United States.
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QB 24 – 210 2024 Peanuts
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 12, 2024 at 3:11 pm
COMMODITY: Peanuts provided for in Chapter 12, Additional U.S. Note 2. QUOTA PERIOD: April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. OPENING DAY: Monday, April 1, 2024. RESTRAINT LEVELS Countries Quantity Limit Argentina…
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Commercial Customs Advisory Committee holds first public meeting of 2024
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 11, 2024 at 8:30 pm
WASHINGTON – The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) unanimously approved six recommendations on export modernization, CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, and broker modernization during its first public meeting of the…
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CBP launches new dashboards for enhanced visibility into trade violations and enforcement efforts
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 11, 2024 at 8:18 pm
WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched two dynamic statistics dashboards focusing on the Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations programs, marking the latest in a series of actions to improve the transparency and effectiveness of…
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De Minimis Shipment worth over $11 million stopped by Louisville CBP
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 11, 2024 at 2:51 pm
LOUISVILLE, Ky—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Louisville seized a de minimis shipment containing 35 counterfeit designer watches. The items were deemed to be inauthentic by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise…
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USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024 and Announces Filing Dates for the Second Half of FY 2024 Supplemental Visas
by USCIS on March 8, 2024 at 8:46 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024 and is announcing the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the reminder of FY 2024 made available under the FY 2024 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule.
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Trade News Snapshot - Volume 6, Issue 2
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 7, 2024 at 6:05 pm
EAC's Message As we advance into 2024, CBP’s collaborative engagements continue to demonstrate our dedication to trade integrity and to the meticulous enforcement of trade laws. This month, CBP teams traveled domestically and…
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Reminder: Certain Updated Forms Take Effect on April 1 with No Grace Period
by USCIS on March 1, 2024 at 6:04 pm
With the new fee rule that goes into effect April 1, 2024, you must use the new 04/01/24 editions
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FY 2025 H-1B Registration Period and myUSCIS Organizational Account Reminders
by USCIS on February 28, 2024 at 6:22 pm
On Feb. 28, 2024, we launched new myUSCIS organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within an organization, as well as their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. A new organizational account is required to participate in the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in March 2024.
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Eligible Ukrainians Can Now Apply for Re-Parole
by USCIS on February 27, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Beginning Feb. 27, 2024, eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are physically present in the United States can now be considered for re-parole so they can continue to temporarily remain in the United States.
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Eligible Ukrainians Can Now Apply for Re-Parole - Russian
by USCIS on February 27, 2024 at 3:31 pm
С 27 февраля 2024 года некоторые категории граждан Украины и их ближайшие родственники, которые физически находятся в Соединенных Штатах, могут подать заявку на повторное получение гуманитарного пароля, чтобы иметь возможность временно оставаться в Соединенных Штатах.
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Eligible Ukrainians Can Now Apply for Re-Parole - Ukrianian
by USCIS on February 27, 2024 at 3:31 pm
Починаючи з 27 лютого 2024 року, певні категорії громадян України та їхніх найближчих родичів, які фізично перебувають у Сполучених Штатах, можуть подати заявку про повторне отримання гуманітарного паролю, щоб мати можливість тимчасово залишатись в Сполучених Штатах.
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Reminder: Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees Takes Effect Today
by USCIS on February 26, 2024 at 4:00 pm
As previously announced, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect today, increasing the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. USCIS published a final rule announcing the change on Dec. 28, 2023.
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Completing an Unprecedented 10 Million Immigration Cases in Fiscal Year 2023, USCIS Reduced Its Backlog for the First Time in Over a Decade
by USCIS on February 9, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing end of fiscal year (FY) 2023 data that illustrate the agency’s progress in meeting its strategic priorities. The USCIS workforce has worked tirelessly over the past year to uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility by reducing backlogs, improving customer experience, addressing humanitarian needs, and strengthening employment-based immigration.
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Trade News Snapshot - Volume 6, Issue 1
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on February 9, 2024 at 6:04 pm
EAC's Message We’ve kicked off the year with active engagement across key areas: strengthening trade compliance, enhancing industry collaboration, and fostering innovation. This issue offers a snapshot of those initiatives…
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QB 24-113 USMCA Agriculture Canada
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on February 8, 2024 at 6:28 pm
Commodities: Agricultural products described in Chapter 98, Subchapter XXIII, U.S. Note 1 thru U.S. Note 10 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Quota Period: January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024 Opening Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024…