Immigration News

by Jose Munoz on September 17, 2021 at 10:55 pm

The post In A Day Marked to Celebrate Immigrants, Biden Moves to Expel Thousands More of Them appeared first on United We Dream.

by USCIS on September 17, 2021 at 1:01 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day this year by welcoming 21,000 new citizens in 335 naturalization ceremonies across the country between Sept. 17 and 23.

by USCIS on September 16, 2021 at 6:44 pm

As part of our credit card payment pilot program, the Texas Service Center is now accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for petitioners filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, with Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, or when filing Form I-907 to upgrade a pending Form I-140 to premium processing.

by Allison Mannos on September 16, 2021 at 5:14 pm

The post NILC Statement on Biden’s ‘Status Update’ on Remain in Mexico Policy appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by Richard Irwin on September 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm

The post We Need for Congress to Pass the LIFT the BAR Act (The Torch) appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by Juan Gastelum on September 14, 2021 at 5:03 pm

The post Marielena Hincapié to Leave National Immigration Law Center in June 2022 appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by USCIS on September 14, 2021 at 2:37 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

by Juan Gastelum on September 10, 2021 at 4:58 pm

The post NILC Statement on the Introduction of the LIFT the BAR Act in the U.S. House of Representatives appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by USCIS on September 9, 2021 at 4:57 pm

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the automatic extension of TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan.

by Anabel Mendoza on September 7, 2021 at 1:15 pm

The post Full Page New York Times Ad Makes it Clear: The Time for Citizenship is Now. No Excuses. appeared first on United We Dream.

by USCIS on September 3, 2021 at 6:30 pm

Starting Sept. 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.

by Anabel Mendoza on September 2, 2021 at 9:33 pm

The post Texas’ Abortion Ban is a Stern Reminder of the Lengths Republicans Will Go To Attack Our Civil Liberties appeared first on United We Dream.

by USCIS on September 1, 2021 at 2:03 pm

We have created a new Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on our website for customers to keep track of updates we make to lockbox filing locations.

by Jose Munoz on August 25, 2021 at 2:54 pm

The post In The Cover of Night, U.S. Supreme Court Upholds White Nationalism appeared first on United We Dream.

by USCIS on August 25, 2021 at 12:16 pm

USCIS will conduct system maintenance to the Contact Relationship Interface System (CRIS) on Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 11:30 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 26, at 3:00 a.m. Eastern.

on August 25, 2021 at 4:00 am

by Richard Irwin on August 25, 2021 at 12:17 am

The post NILC Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision to Deny Biden Administration’s Requested Pause of “Remain in Mexico” Policy appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by Richard Irwin on August 24, 2021 at 10:42 pm

The post NILC Statement on House Passage of a Pathway to Citizenship in the Budget Resolution appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by Jose Munoz on August 24, 2021 at 8:30 pm

The post This is Our Year: Momentum to Win Citizenship for Millions Builds After House Passes $3.5 Trillion Budget Resolution appeared first on United We Dream.

by Richard Irwin on August 24, 2021 at 4:31 pm

The post NILC Urges the Biden Administration to Fight the Return of the “Remain in Mexico” Policy appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by USCIS on August 20, 2021 at 2:21 pm

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking data and information from the public that DHS intends to use to develop a public charge regulatory proposal.

by USCIS on August 19, 2021 at 7:45 pm

As of Aug. 13, 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.

by USCIS on August 19, 2021 at 6:04 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reached a settlement agreement in the case of Vangala et al. v. USCIS et al., No. 4:20-cv-08143(N.D. Cal.). The agreement allows certain individuals to receive updated receipt dates for resubmitted immigration benefit applications or petitions originally rejected under the former “No Blank Space” rejection policy.

by Jose Munoz on August 19, 2021 at 4:02 pm

The post Our Stories, Our Power: United We Dream Awarded the Clarence B. Jones Impact Award for Transformative Storytelling appeared first on United We Dream.

by Anabel Mendoza on August 18, 2021 at 10:00 pm

The post Defund Hate Campaign Kicks Off National Day of Advocacy With Nearly 50 Meetings With Members of Congress to Demand They Divest From ICE and CBP appeared first on United We Dream.

by USCIS on August 18, 2021 at 1:10 pm

In a key step toward implementing the Administration’s blueprint for a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) are publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would amend current regulations to improve the processing of asylum claims.

on August 18, 2021 at 4:00 am

In a key step toward implementing the Administration’s blueprint for a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would amend current regulations to improve the processing of asylum claims.

on August 18, 2021 at 4:00 am

by Anabel Mendoza on August 17, 2021 at 7:51 pm

The post Defund Hate: More than 190 non-governmental organizations send letter to Senate leadership, reiterating the need for Congress to significantly decrease funding for ICE detention appeared first on United We Dream.

by Anabel Mendoza on August 17, 2021 at 1:53 pm

The post 130+ Groups Release Top Five Immigration Priorities for Biden Administration’s Next Budget appeared first on United We Dream.

by USCIS on August 12, 2021 at 6:28 pm

Beginning Aug. 12, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is temporarily extending the validity period for Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, from two years to now four years due to COVID-19-related delays in processing.

by Anabel Mendoza on August 11, 2021 at 7:50 pm

The post We Are Home: Advocates Celebrate Inclusion of Citizenship in the Senate Budget Resolution appeared first on United We Dream.

by Richard Irwin on August 11, 2021 at 3:06 pm

The post NILC Statement on Senate Passage of a Pathway to Citizenship in the Budget Resolution appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by Juan Gastelum on August 9, 2021 at 10:30 pm

The post NILC Statement on the Inclusion of a Pathway to Citizenship in the Budget Reconciliation Package appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by USCIS on August 9, 2021 at 4:44 pm

USCIS announced today that applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on August 9, 2021 at 10:44 am

*/ ACE Portal ResourcesIntroduction to an ACE Secure Data Portal AccountApplying for an ACE Secure Data Portal AccountACE Portal FeaturesThe following provides advanced details on how accounts may be structured and how Account Owners may go about...

by USCIS on August 5, 2021 at 7:31 pm

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced updated policy guidance affecting children born outside of the United States and the determination of whether children born through assisted reproductive technology (ART) are considered to have been born “in wedlock.”

by USCIS on August 4, 2021 at 10:09 pm

Statement from Ur M. Jaddou as New Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

by USCIS on August 3, 2021 at 5:09 pm

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) announcing extensions of the registration periods from 180 days to 18 months for initial (new) applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the designations of Venezuela and Burma, and the redesignation of Syria. This notice also provides certain specific corrections to the FRN regarding Venezuela (86 FR 13574).

by USCIS on July 30, 2021 at 4:35 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will open a new asylum office in Tampa on Aug. 2, in response to an increasing asylum workload in Florida. The new office becomes the eleventh asylum office in the country and the second in Florida, joining the existing Miami Asylum Office. The Tampa and Miami asylum offices will divide the state’s  asylum workload.  

by USCIS on July 30, 2021 at 2:03 pm

The Department of Homeland Security today posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice that provides information about how to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced this 18-month designation of Haiti for TPS on May 22. 

by USCIS on July 29, 2021 at 2:29 pm

In March 2021, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

by USCIS on July 28, 2021 at 7:47 pm

USCIS is reminding the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the wildfires in the western United States and the recent building collapse in Surfside, Florida.

by USCIS on July 23, 2021 at 5:01 pm

USCIS is announcing today that employers may file H-2B petitions for returning workers under the FY 2021 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule.

by USCIS on July 22, 2021 at 1:42 pm

On July 22, we adjusted the addresses for certain applicants filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. We have not changed any filing locations but have refined attention lines and ZIP codes to improve internal processes at our lockboxes.

by USCIS on July 21, 2021 at 6:43 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants who are eligible nationals of Burma, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela or Yemen, or individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in one of those countries, can now file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, online, if they are applying for TPS for the first time.

by USCIS on July 21, 2021 at 2:02 pm

The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) extending and redesignating Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from Sept. 18, 2021, through March 17, 2023.  Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas made the decision to extend and redesignate Somalia for TPS after consultation with interagency partners and careful consideration of the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Somalia.

by USCIS on July 20, 2021 at 6:35 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has expanded a previously announced pilot program at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for certain applicants applying for premium processing.

by USCIS on July 20, 2021 at 3:24 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending.

by USCIS on July 19, 2021 at 10:08 pm

“Pursuant to the July 16, 2021 Order issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Texas v. United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is enjoined from granting initial DACA requests.

by USCIS on July 19, 2021 at 3:36 pm

Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension and re-designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This extension and re-designation will be in effect from September 18, 2021, through March 17, 2023.

by Richard Irwin on July 16, 2021 at 10:41 pm

The post National Immigration Law Center Responds to Texas Federal Court Ruling on DACA appeared first on National Immigration Law Center.

by USCIS on July 7, 2021 at 8:38 pm

The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) extending and re-designating Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from Sept. 4, 2021, through March 3, 2023.

by USCIS on July 6, 2021 at 8:28 pm

July 6, 2021 Extension and Re-Designation Allows Additional Eligible Yemenis to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

by USCIS on July 2, 2021 at 2:03 pm

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization, a whole-of-government approach to breaking down barriers to U.S. citizenship and promoting naturalization to all who are eligible, as outlined in President Biden’s Executive Order 14012. 

by USCIS on July 1, 2021 at 10:43 pm

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to making the naturalization process both welcoming and accessible to all who are eligible. As part of that effort, President Biden issued Executive Order 14012: Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration System and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued the following naturalization policies designed to […]

by USCIS on July 1, 2021 at 6:02 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming more than 9,400 new citizens in 170 naturalization ceremonies between June 30 and July 7. These ceremonies demonstrate our commitment to welcoming immigrants. USCIS is proud to welcome people from all over the world as our newest U.S. citizens during this celebration of Independence Day. 

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 29, 2021 at 6:36 pm

Phase 1As the first of three phases to enhance truck manifest functionality in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), ACE Truck Manifest – Phase 1 will provide a modernized trade-facing truck manifest User Interface (UI), accessed through the...

by USCIS on June 24, 2021 at 2:03 pm

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020

by USCIS on June 23, 2021 at 7:14 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today it will accept resubmitted fiscal year (FY) 2021 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were rejected or administratively closed solely because the requested start date was after Oct. 1, 2020.

by USCIS on June 23, 2021 at 2:26 pm

USCIS has launched an H-2B Employer Data Hub to provide information to the public on employers or agents petitioning for H-2B workers.

by USCIS on June 17, 2021 at 8:27 pm

On Sunday, June 20, we observe World Refugee Day. Every year, this day draws attention to the plight of refugees across the globe.

by USCIS on June 17, 2021 at 6:40 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that it is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding eligibility for adjustment of status under Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF). The updated guidance clarifies what evidence an applicant may submit to establish Liberian nationality when applying for adjustment of status under LRIF.

by USCIS on June 17, 2021 at 12:39 am

“We applaud the attorney general’s decisions today vacating two prior decisions that limited asylum eligibility for individuals fleeing violence perpetrated by domestic partners or on account of familial relationships in their home countries.

by USCIS on June 16, 2021 at 4:21 pm

USCIS announced today that it will automatically extend parole and employment authorization, if applicable, for parolees who timely applied for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term resident status.

by USCIS on June 16, 2021 at 1:18 pm

“June marks the seventh annual celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, which honors the individual and collective contributions made by immigrants in communities across the United States.

by USCIS on June 14, 2021 at 6:04 pm

Effective June 14, 2021, the Vermont Service Center will no longer receive any incoming mail at the St. Albans, VT facility, which is being decommissioned.

by USCIS on June 10, 2021 at 2:30 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will offer filing flexibilities to provide relief to certain applicants and petitioners impacted by delays at a USCIS lockbox.

by USCIS on June 9, 2021 at 2:42 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued new policy updates in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the criteria and circumstances for expedited processing; improve request for evidence (RFE) and notice of intent to deny (NOID) guidance; and increase the validity period for initial and renewal employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens with pending adjustment of status applications.

by USCIS on June 3, 2021 at 2:03 pm

Under the recently announced H-2B supplemental cap temporary final rule, USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the cap for the additional 16,000 H-2B visas made available for returning workers only.

on June 3, 2021 at 4:00 am

by USCIS on June 2, 2021 at 1:44 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a pilot program for accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450,

by USCIS on May 28, 2021 at 1:10 pm

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide clarification regarding certain naturalization applications filed by veterans of the U.S. armed forces under section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

on May 28, 2021 at 4:00 am

by USCIS on May 27, 2021 at 1:39 pm

Due to updated guidance from the CDC, USCIS has updated its visitor policy. Fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear a face covering. Individuals two years old and older who are not fully vaccinated must still wear a face covering.

by USCIS on May 24, 2021 at 1:33 pm

The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) designating Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective May 25, 2021, through Nov. 25, 2022. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced on March 12 that Burma would be designated for TPS.

by USCIS on May 21, 2021 at 3:48 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) have published a joint temporary final rule making available an additional 22,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural guest worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2021 to employers who are likely to suffer irreparable harm without these additional workers.

by USCIS on May 18, 2021 at 1:52 pm

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule that removes from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) an interim final rule (IFR) issued in October 2020, which has since been vacated by a federal district court.

by USCIS on May 17, 2021 at 5:38 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.

by USCIS on May 13, 2021 at 4:04 pm

Effective May 17, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will temporarily suspend 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, and E nonimmigrant status.

by USCIS on May 11, 2021 at 1:48 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that applicants, petitioners, requestors and beneficiaries may now call the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) to reschedule their biometric services appointments scheduled at a USCIS Application Support Center.

by USCIS on May 10, 2021 at 2:13 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that the Department of Homeland Security is withdrawing a 2018 notice of proposed rulemaking that proposed to remove the International Entrepreneur program from DHS regulations.

by USCIS on May 7, 2021 at 1:18 pm

The Department of Homeland Security has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have expanded department authorities and requirements for collecting biometrics by removing age restrictions; requiring submission of biometrics for every applicant, petitioner, sponsor, beneficiary, or other individual filing for or associated with any immigration or naturalization benefit or request unless DHS waives or exempts the biometrics requirement; codifying the authority to use DNA test results; and […]

by USCIS on April 27, 2021 at 1:23 pm

USCIS is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual instructing officers to give deference to prior determinations when adjudicating extension requests involving the same parties and facts unless there was a material error, material change, or new material facts.

by USCIS on April 19, 2021 at 8:32 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking comment from the public on how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can reduce barriers that prevent both U.S. and foreign citizens from obtaining access to the full assortment of legally available immigration services and benefits.

by USCIS on April 13, 2021 at 7:33 pm

Senior U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Elvis Harold Reyes (56, Brandon, Florida) to 20 years and 9 months in federal prison for mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme where he posed as an immigration attorney and filed hundreds of fraudulent asylum applications.

by USCIS on April 12, 2021 at 1:58 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online.

by USCIS on April 1, 2021 at 4:46 pm

USCIS today confirmed that for all forms it has reverted to the form rejection criteria it applied before October 2019 regarding blank responses.  

by USCIS on March 30, 2021 at 2:35 pm

USCIS has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap) including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).

by USCIS on March 26, 2021 at 4:51 pm

Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced updated guidance for adjudicating requests for P-1A nonimmigrant classification for internationally recognized athletes.

by USCIS on March 24, 2021 at 5:03 pm

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020

by USCIS on March 19, 2021 at 1:17 pm

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the withdrawal of the affidavit of support proposed rule, consistent with DHS’s commitment to reduce barriers within the legal immigration system that placed increased burdens on American families wishing to sponsor individuals immigrating to the U.S.

by USCIS on March 18, 2021 at 5:44 pm

Effective March 18, USCIS has updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification based on the settlement agreement resulting from the Saravia v. Barr class action lawsuit.

by USCIS on March 18, 2021 at 4:00 pm

The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) extending and re-designating Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective March 31, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022.

by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on March 18, 2021 at 2:22 pm

Last Updated | February 5, 2018On February 24, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will deploy Cuban ABI Entries and updates to eBond functionality in ACE.Ability to Accept Goods from Cuba What will change in ACE for Cuban ABI Entries?ACE will...

by USCIS on March 12, 2021 at 5:01 pm

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced it may reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions on Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, made based on three rescinded policy memos.

by USCIS on March 10, 2021 at 3:05 pm

In light of some states and municipalities relaxing mask mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds the public that we will continue to enforce our visitor policy in all USCIS facilities.

by USCIS on March 9, 2021 at 11:29 pm

Today, DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that the government will no longer defend the 2019 public charge rule as doing so is neither in the public interest nor an efficient use of limited government resources.

by USCIS on March 8, 2021 at 10:35 pm

New Designation Allows Eligible Venezuelans to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is designating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, until September 2022. This new designation of TPS for Venezuela enables Venezuelan nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Venezuela) currently residing in the United States to file initial applications for TPS, so long as they […]

by USCIS on February 26, 2021 at 9:47 pm

USCIS today announced flexibilities for certain foreign students affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. These flexibilities apply only to applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021, inclusive.