Immigration News
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EAPA Action: Notice of Determination as to Evasion in EAPA Case 7509 - Steel Wheels
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
WASHINGTON— On August 21, 2023, CBP issued the notice of determination as to evasion for EAPA investigation 7509, filed by Accuride Corporation and Maxion Wheels Akron LLC against U.S. importer Vanguard National Trailer Corporation (Vanguard) for…
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QB 23-401 2023 Cotton Note 5
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Cotton provided for in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 5, Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Quota Period: September 20, 2023 through September 19, 2024. Opening Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Restraint Level: Aggregate 20,207…
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QB 23-305 2024 Specialty Sugar Period 1
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Specialty Sugar provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5 Quota Period: October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 Opening Date: Monday, October 2, 2023 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) for all time zones. …
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EAPA Action: Notice of Determination as to Evasion in EAPA Case 7782 - Forged Steel Fittings
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
WASHINGTON— On August 16, 2023, CBP issued the notice of determination as to evasion for EAPA case 7782 filed by Flatland Holdings LLC d/b/a RK Supplies LLC, against U.S. importer YVC USA, Inc. (YVC) for evasion of the applicable AD/CVD orders A-570…
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QB 24-215 Cocoa Powder Chapter 18 AUSN 1
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Cocoa Powder provided for in Chapter 18, Additional U.S. Note 1, of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Quota Period: October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 Opening Date: Monday, October 2, 2023 Restraint Level: 2,313,000 Kilograms…
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EAPA Action: Notice of Determination as to Evasion in EAPA Case 7783 - Quartz Surface Products
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
WASHINGTON – On August 31, 2023, CBP issued the notice of determination as to evasion for EAPA case 7783 filed by Cambria Company LLC, against U.S. importer, Superior Commercial Solutions LLC (SCS) for evasion of the applicable AD/CVD orders A-570-…
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QB 23-406 2023 Cotton Note 10
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Fibers of cotton processed but not spun, described in additional U.S. note 10 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions. Quota Period: September 11,2023 through September 10, 2024 Opening Date: Monday, September 11,…
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QB 24-222 2024 Mixes & Doughs
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Mixes and Doughs as provided for in Chapter 19, additional U.S. Note 1 and U.S. Note 3 Quota Period: October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024 Opening Day: Monday, October 2, 2023 Restraint Level: WTO Aggregate 5,398,000 kg HTS…
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QB 23-404 2023 Cotton Note 8
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Cotton, not carded or combed, the product of any country or area including the United States, States, and described in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 8, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Quota Period: August 1, 2023 through July 31,…
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QB 24-502 2024 Tobacco
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity Tobacco Quota Period September 13, 2023 through September 12, 2024 Opening Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2023 Restraint Levels Country Restraint Level UOM Argentina 10,750,000 Kilograms Brazil 80,200,000…
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CBP to temporarily suspend operations at Bridge of the Americas cargo lot
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
EL PASO, Texas – Beginning Monday, Sept. 18, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s El Paso Office of Field Operations will temporarily suspend cargo processing at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) port of entry. The BOTA cargo lot is typically open…
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CBP modifies Withhold Release Order against Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its subsidiaries
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced 18 September that it modified the Withhold Release Order (WRO) issued on Oct. 21, 2021, against Supermax Corporation Bhd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (Supermax Glove Manufacturing,…
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QB 23-614 2023 Fourth Quarter Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for Steel Mill Articles of European Union (EU) Member Countries
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Steel Mill Articles as specified in Presidential Proclamations Quota Period: October 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Opening: October 2, 2023 12:01 AM Local Port time. Entries submitted prior to opening day local port time will…
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QB 23-403 2023 Cotton Note 7
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Cotton, not carded or combed, the product of any country or area including the United States, and described in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 7, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Quota Period: August 1,2023 through July 31, 2024…
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Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 7
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
EAC's Message It's been another busy month in the Office of Trade! In September, I traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, meet with the U.K. Border Force and His Majesty’s…
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QB 23-402 2023 Cotton Note 6
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Cotton, not carded or combed, the product of any country or area including the United States, and described in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 6, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Quota Period: August 1,2023 through July 31, 2024…
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QB 23-704 2023 Aluminum Absolute Quota Fourth Quarter Argentina
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
On May 31, 2018, the President issued a Presidential Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 providing for an absolute quota for imports of aluminum products from Argentina, effective for goods entered for consumption, or…
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QB 23-221 2024 Mix Condiments and Seasonings
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Mixed Condiments and Seasonings as provided for in Chapter 21, Additional U.S. Note 4 Quota Period: October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024 Opening Date: Monday, October 2, 2023 Restraint Level: All countries 689,000 kilograms…
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$1 Million in Counterfeit Merchandise Seized CBP Chicago
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
CHICAGO– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago O’Hare’s International Mail Branch, seized a shipment last night containing 67 pieces of counterfeit designer watches, bracelets, handbags, and scarves. The items were deemed to…
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QB 23-407 2024 AGOA Limits
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Qualifying goods from designated sub-Saharan African countries that have satisfied the requirements under the provisions of AGOA. October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Opening Date: Monday, October 2, 2023. Restraint Level:…
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Trade News Snapshot - Volume 5, Issue 6
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
EAC's Message Summer has just flown by, and we’re already in the midst of back-to-school season! It's an exciting time for students and parents alike, but also a time that requires us to be especially vigilant. As we go about…
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CBP initiates interoperability standards test to improve supply chain transparency
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the completion of its first interoperability test. The test seeks to establish global standards to foster transparency and a standard manner of communication between the private sector…
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QB 23-624 2023 Fourth Quarter Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for Steel Articles of Japan or the United Kingdom
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Steel Articles as specified in Presidential Proclamations Quota Period: October 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Opening: October 2, 2023 12:01 AM Local Port time. Entries submitted prior to opening day local port time will not be…
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QB 23-306 2024 Specialty Sugar Period 2
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Specialty Sugar provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5 Quota Period: October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 Opening Date: Tuesday October 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) for all time zones. Restraint…
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CBP Activates Lead Field Coordinator for Region IV, makes Final Preparations for Arrival of Hurricane Idalia
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
* Editor’s note: CBP will populate downloadable imagery products of CBP’s Hurricane Idalia response to CBP Flickr and DVIDS. MIAMI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is making final preparations for Hurricane Idalia, which continues to gain…
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QB 23-301 2024 Refined Sugar
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Refined Sugar provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5 Quota Period: October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 Opening Date: Monday, October 2, 2023 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). This Quota is Expected to Oversubscribe…
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QB 23-303 2024 Raw Sugar Cane Allocations
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Raw Cane Sugar as provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5 Quota Period: October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024 Opening Date: Monday, October 2, 2023 Allocations Country Restraint Level UOM Conversion…
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QB 23-604 2023 Fourth Quarter Absolute Quota for Steel Mill Articles of Argentina, Brazil, and South Korea
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Steel Mill Articles as specified in Presidential Proclamations Quota Period: October 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Opening: October 2, 2023 12:01 AM Local Port time. Entries submitted prior to opening day local port time…
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1,747 Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets, & Rings Worth over $12 Million Seized by Louisville CBP
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
LOUISVILLE, Ky— Last night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville seized a shipment containing 1,747 pieces of counterfeit designer rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The items were deemed to be counterfeit by CBP’s…
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QB 24-310 2024 Specialty Sugar Period 1 Results
by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 4, 2023 at 6:09 am
Commodity: Specialty Sugar The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 1 opened on Monday October 2, 2023 and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 5.97973% or .0597973 was calculated via ACE, a UC message was…
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Tools Outage
by USCIS on October 2, 2023 at 2:41 pm
USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 at 11:50 p.m. through Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern.
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DHS Previews Federal Register Notice Extending and Separately Redesignating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on September 29, 2023 at 8:45 pm
Today, the Department of Homeland Security is previewing a Federal Register notice for an 18-month extension of Venezuela’s 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The notice explains how to register for TPS under Venezuela’s redesignation and how to re-register for the extension. Applicants for TPS are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) during the duration of the TPS designation.
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USCIS Continues Fee Exemptions and Expedited Processing for Afghan Nationals
by USCIS on September 29, 2023 at 6:24 pm
Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is extending and expanding previously announced filing fee exemptions and expedited application processing for certain Afghan nationals.
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USCIS Awards $22 Million in FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grants
by USCIS on September 28, 2023 at 7:01 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today awarded over $22 million in grants to 65 organizations in 29 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for naturalization.
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USCIS Increases Employment Authorization Document Validity Period for Certain Categories
by USCIS on September 27, 2023 at 6:13 pm
We are updating guidance in the Policy Manual to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, and granted asylum, as well as recipients of withholding of removal.
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USCIS Exempts Biometric Services Fee for all Form I-539 Applicants
by USCIS on September 25, 2023 at 4:46 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
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Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status
by USCIS on September 21, 2023 at 9:07 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Afghanistan that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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Important Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
by USCIS on September 18, 2023 at 4:06 pm
On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule.
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DHS Issues Proposed Rule to Modernize H-2 Temporary Visa Programs and Strengthen Worker Protections
by USCIS on September 18, 2023 at 2:18 pm
Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took steps to strengthen protections for temporary workers through the H-2A temporary agricultural and the H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker programs (H-2 programs).
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USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by Welcoming More Than 6,900 New Citizens
by USCIS on September 15, 2023 at 3:39 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by welcoming more than 6,900 new citizens in over 130 naturalization ceremonies across the nation between Sept. 17 and Sept. 22.
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USCIS Clarifies Guidance for EB-1 Eligibility Criteria
by USCIS on September 12, 2023 at 1:35 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in our Policy Manual to clarify the types of evidence that we may evaluate to determine eligibility for extraordinary ability (E11) and outstanding professor or researcher (E12) EB-1 immigrant visa classifications.
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Affirmative Asylum Applicants Must Provide Interpreters Starting Sept. 13
by USCIS on September 11, 2023 at 6:40 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds affirmative asylum applicants that, starting Sept. 13, 2023, you must bring an interpreter to your asylum interview if you are not fluent in English or wish to proceed with your interview in a language other than English.
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DHS Extends TPS Re-registration Periods for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan to 18 Months
by USCIS on September 8, 2023 at 6:39 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending from 60 days to 18 months the periods to re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan.
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Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan
by USCIS on September 5, 2023 at 2:21 pm
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from November 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in South Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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USCIS Updates Voter Registration Guidance for Naturalization Ceremonies
by USCIS on August 25, 2023 at 1:33 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in our Policy Manual to provide clarification on voter registration access at our administrative naturalization ceremonies.
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USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act
by USCIS on August 24, 2023 at 1:43 pm
We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how we will apply the extraordinary circumstances exception to the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) in light of a Feb. 14, 2023, policy change.
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USCIS Launches Online Appointment Request Form
by USCIS on August 21, 2023 at 3:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.
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Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Sudan
by USCIS on August 18, 2023 at 4:54 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudan for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine
by USCIS on August 18, 2023 at 1:20 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent individuals from safely returning.
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USCIS Reopens Field Office in Havana, Cuba
by USCIS on August 17, 2023 at 5:53 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reopen an international field office in Havana, Cuba.
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DHS Reopens USCIS Field Office in Havana, Cuba
by USCIS on August 17, 2023 at 5:41 pm
Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced the reopening of an international field office in Havana, Cuba.
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DHS Modernizes Cuban and Haitian Family Reunification Parole Processes
by USCIS on August 10, 2023 at 2:41 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today published Federal Register notices that will update and modernize the Cuban and Haitian family reunification parole (FRP) processes, reflecting extensive feedback from stakeholders on these important programs.
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USCIS Updates Receipts Process for Form I-129S
by USCIS on August 3, 2023 at 3:25 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced changes to the way we issue receipts for L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferees (executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals) under a previously approved blanket L petition.
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DHS Issues Guidance for Stateless Noncitizens in the United States
by USCIS on August 1, 2023 at 4:22 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), today issued new guidance to assist stateless noncitizens in the United States who wish to obtain immigration benefits or have submitted other requests to USCIS.
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Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted Registrations Complete for FY 2024 H-1B Cap
by USCIS on July 31, 2023 at 9:22 pm
USCIS recently announced that we would need to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations.
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Invitations to be Issued for Family Reunification Parole Process
by USCIS on July 28, 2023 at 6:22 pm
The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) will begin issuing invitations under the family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras on July 31, 2023.
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USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registrations
by USCIS on July 27, 2023 at 4:33 pm
In March 2023, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2024 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.
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USCIS To Publish Revised Form I-9
by USCIS on July 21, 2023 at 3:16 pm
On Aug. 1, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
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USCIS Updates Policy Manual to Make It Easier to Identify Who Is Subject to the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility
by USCIS on July 20, 2023 at 1:33 pm
We have incorporated important information regarding the categories of adjustment of status applicants to whom the public charge ground of inadmissibility applies from the appendices in Volume 8, Part G, of the USCIS Policy Manual, to Chapter 3, Applicability, to make it easier to identify whether the public charge ground of inadmissibility applies to a specific adjustment of status category.
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USCIS Updates Visa Availability Approach for Managing Form I-526 Petition Inventory
by USCIS on July 18, 2023 at 6:25 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced it would update its visa availability approach for managing the inventory of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, to promote greater efficiency.
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USCIS Expands myProgress to Form I-765 and Form I-131
by USCIS on July 12, 2023 at 1:43 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
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DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
by USCIS on July 7, 2023 at 3:53 pm
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration.
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USCIS Launches Online Rescheduling of Biometrics Appointments
by USCIS on July 6, 2023 at 5:45 pm
On June 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments before the date of the appointment.
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USCIS Celebrates Independence Day 2023 and Continues its Commitment to Naturalization
by USCIS on June 30, 2023 at 4:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming more than 5,500 new citizens in more than 180 naturalization ceremonies between June 30 and July 7.
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Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua Reinstated and Extended for 18 Months
by USCIS on June 20, 2023 at 2:37 pm
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today posted Federal Register notices extending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua for 18 months.
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USCIS Provides Guidance on Employment Authorization Documents Based on Compelling Circumstances
by USCIS on June 14, 2023 at 3:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released policy guidance on the eligibility criteria for initial and renewal applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) in compelling circumstances based on existing regulatory requirements at 8 CFR 204.5(p).
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DHS Rescinds Prior Administration’s Termination of Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
by USCIS on June 13, 2023 at 9:21 pm
Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of the prior Administration’s terminations of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua and the extension of TPS for these for countries for 18 months.
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USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
by USCIS on June 12, 2023 at 5:48 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.
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USCIS Announces Expansion of Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the Opening of the Grant Application Period
by USCIS on June 9, 2023 at 7:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.
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Certain Individuals Requesting Parole Can Now File Form I-131 Online
by USCIS on June 9, 2023 at 3:12 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that certain individuals requesting parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, online.
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Applications for Re-Parole and Work Authorization Renewal Are Fee-Exempt for Certain Afghan Nationals
by USCIS on June 9, 2023 at 1:03 pm
Effective June 9, 2023, through July 31, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will consider, on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, a two-year extension of the original parole period for Afghan parolees who have already applied for asylum or for adjustment to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (such as adjustment of status as a special immigrant).
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Certain Afghan Parolees Are Employment Authorized Incident to Parole
by USCIS on June 8, 2023 at 6:10 pm
Effective June 8, 2023, certain additional Afghan parolees are employment authorized incident to parole.
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Lockbox Filing Location Updates Webpage Expanded to Include Service Center Filing Location Updates
by USCIS on June 6, 2023 at 4:36 pm
USCIS has updated the Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on our website to now include service center filing location updates as well: Lockbox and Service Center Filing Location Updates.
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USCIS Changes Filing Location and Documentation Requirements for Certain Affirmative Asylum Applications Using Form I-589
by USCIS on May 31, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Effective today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for certain affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail.
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USCIS Updates Review Process for the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans
by USCIS on May 18, 2023 at 2:37 pm
The U.S. government is granting advance travel authorization for up to 30,000 noncitizens each month to come to the United States to seek parole on a case-by-case basis under the processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.
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USCIS Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week
by USCIS on May 8, 2023 at 3:51 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is honoring its dedicated workforce during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13.
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USCIS Providing Documents After Notice of Immigration Judge and BIA Decisions About Immigration Status
by USCIS on May 4, 2023 at 2:34 pm
We now are affirmatively creating and providing documented evidence of their status to certain new asylees and lawful permanent residents upon our receiving notification that an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has granted status.
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USCIS Extends and Expands Employment Authorization for Hong Kong Residents Covered by DED
by USCIS on May 3, 2023 at 12:56 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today posted a Federal Register notice on the extension and expansion of eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Hong Kong residents.
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EOIR Announces Appointment of Sheila McNulty as Chief Immigration Judge
on April 26, 2023 at 4:00 am
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USCIS Clarifies Guidance on Citizenship and Naturalization for Adopted Children
by USCIS on April 21, 2023 at 2:09 pm
Effective immediately, we are updating Volumes 5 and 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how U.S. citizenship and naturalization provisions apply to adopted children.
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USCIS Releases New Strategic Plan Aimed at Strengthening a Diverse Workforce
by USCIS on April 20, 2023 at 2:09 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released its 2023-2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan, marking the agency’s first comprehensive strategy to incorporate a culture of DEIA principles as a foundational element of its daily work.
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USCIS Extends Temporary Suspension of Biometrics Submission for Certain Form I-539 Applicants
by USCIS on April 19, 2023 at 2:02 pm
USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status.
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USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Safe Mailing Address and Case Handling Procedures for Certain Protected Persons
by USCIS on April 11, 2023 at 6:47 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide guidance on mailing address procedures for persons eligible for and recipients of victim-based immigration relief, specifically Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners as well as those who are seeking or currently hold T or U nonimmigrant status (protected persons).
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Employers May File H-2B Petitions for FY 2023 Late Second Half Returning Workers
by USCIS on April 10, 2023 at 4:40 pm
Starting April 13, 2023, USCIS will begin accepting petitions for workers for the late second half of fiscal year (FY) 2023, requesting employment start dates from May 15, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2023 under the H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule.
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USCIS Updates Guidance on Administrative Naturalization Ceremony Venues
by USCIS on April 4, 2023 at 1:41 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the types of venues USCIS may use for administrative naturalization ceremonies.
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Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for the Early Second Half of FY 2023
by USCIS on March 31, 2023 at 8:33 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 16,500 H-2B visas made available for returning workers for the early second half of fiscal year (FY) 2023 with start dates from April 1, 2023 to May 14, 2023, under the FY 2023 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule.
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USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on Self-Selecting a Gender Marker on Forms and Documents
by USCIS on March 31, 2023 at 6:53 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that, effective immediately, USCIS will accept the self-identified gender marker for individuals requesting immigration benefits
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USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693
by USCIS on March 31, 2023 at 1:12 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is removing the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an individual applies for an underlying immigration benefit, including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
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New Filing Address for Courier Delivery Services to USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
by USCIS on March 30, 2023 at 5:03 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for courier delivery services to the Phoenix lockbox. The facility has moved to Tempe, Arizona, and the filing location for courier delivery services for UPS, FedEx, and DHL has also changed to Tempe. The filing location remains the same when using the U.S. Postal Service.
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Provision Allowing Special Immigrant Juveniles to File Form I-360 in Person Before Their 21st Birthday
by USCIS on March 30, 2023 at 3:22 pm
Petitioners for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification (or their representatives) may schedule an appointment within two weeks before their 21st birthday to file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, in person.
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USCIS Updates Policy on Time Frames for Paper-Based Filings and Responses Ending on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays
by USCIS on March 29, 2023 at 1:43 pm
We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.
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FY 2024 H-1B Cap Season Updates
by USCIS on March 27, 2023 at 6:34 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
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USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities
by USCIS on March 23, 2023 at 1:43 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023.
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USCIS Form and Policy Updates for Applying for Naturalization Based on Military Service
by USCIS on March 22, 2023 at 2:10 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify and conform with the revision of Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.
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Update to Filing Location for U Nonimmigrant-Based Form I-485
by USCIS on March 20, 2023 at 1:32 pm
U nonimmigrants applying to become lawful permanent residents must now file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, only at the Nebraska Service Center and not at the Vermont Service Center.
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USCIS Relocates Lockbox From Phoenix To Tempe, Arizona for Courier Delivery Services
by USCIS on March 17, 2023 at 2:44 pm
On March 31, applicants and petitioners filing at the Phoenix lockbox will see a new filing location for courier delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL.
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USCIS Announces Additional Mail Delivery Process for Receiving ADIT Stamp
by USCIS on March 16, 2023 at 6:56 pm
Lawful permanent residents may receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident status by mail rather than physically visiting a field office to receive an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp).
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USCIS Removes Biometrics Requirement for Form I-526E Petitioners
by USCIS on March 15, 2023 at 7:15 pm
Beginning on March 15, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is removing the biometrics submission requirement and $85 fee requirement for petitioners filing Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor.
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USCIS Extends Rule Providing Interpreters at Affirmative Asylum Interviews
by USCIS on March 15, 2023 at 4:13 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today a fourth extension to a temporary final rule (TFR) requiring use of a USCIS interpreter at certain affirmative asylum interviews.
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USCIS Issues Guidance on Analyzing Employers’ Ability to Pay Wages
by USCIS on March 15, 2023 at 1:43 pm
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance on how we analyze an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications.