- by Forrest G. Read IVThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan and Venezuela. TPS for Afghanistan will be extended and redesignated for 18 months, from November 21, 2023m to May 20, 2025. Those who already have TPS (approximately 3,100 individuals) should re-register and apply for a renewal of… Continue Reading
- by Michael H. NeifachOn September 27, 2023, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas announced that Israel will join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Pursuant to the designation, beginning on November 30, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to apply online through ESTA to travel to the United States on the VWP. The… Continue Reading
- by Robert J. O'Kosky IIIn the latest decision in the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) saga, Judge Andrew Hanen in the Southern District of Texas has found that the new DACA Final Rule issued by the Biden Administration was unlawful. In addition, he expanded the original July 16, 2021, injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Biden… Continue Reading
- by Amy L. Peck, Michael H. Neifach and Otieno B. OmbokBy September 30, 2023, Congress will again have to fund the government. Despite ongoing efforts by the administration and Congress, indications are that a shutdown may occur at the beginning of the fiscal year, on October 1. Should a shutdown occur, it will affect a number of immigration- and visa-related agencies and processes. USCIS Because… Continue Reading
- by Christine TraversiThis is the first of a two-part series on the three factors to consider when evaluating the possible impact a job change could have on a certified PERM labor certification and a foreign national’s green card process. Typically, unless the foreign worker qualifies for an exception, employers sponsoring a foreign national for permanent residency (a… Continue Reading
- by Carolina GuiralU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its Policy Manual (PM) to provide guidance to USCIS officers on evaluating eligibility criteria for the EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-1B (outstanding professor or researcher) employment-based immigrant visa classifications. The EB-1 immigrant visa classifications are important methods for employers to sponsor outstanding talent in the United States… Continue Reading
- by James M. Stone and Kimberly M. BennettAs the United States carries out projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act, the manufacturing industry must prepare to face staffing challenges in meeting future demand. Immigration can help address the demand. Please see our full article here. Continue Reading
- by Forrest G. Read IVThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending and redesignating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan for 18 months, from November 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025, due the ongoing armed conflict and other ongoing extraordinary conditions. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate and redesignate a “foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the… Continue Reading
- by Minnie Fu, Xiaolu Sheng and Porter S. YoungThe launch date of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been delayed to 2024, as reflected on the official ETIAS website. The date of entry into operation of ETIAS is not yet known, but it is expected to be announced at the end of 2023, according to the European Commission Migration and… Continue Reading
- by Beth E. BoyerGreen card holders who seek naturalization are required to pass a civics test and demonstrate English proficiency. The test used for this was developed in 2008, and the Biden Administration has announced it is updating the test. The changes are going to be tested in the coming months, and USCIS plans to implement them in… Continue Reading