USCIS is seeking feedback from the public that will help the development of new public charge regulations. Since the previous public charge rule (2019) under President Trump was vacated on March 9, 2019, USCIS has been applying the public charge inadmissibility statute consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance, the policy that was in place before the 2019 public charge final rule. You...
On August 5, 2021, President Biden signed a memorandum to defer for 18 months the removal of Hong Kong residents present in the United States. This decision was based on China's "continued assault on Hong Kong's autonomy, undermining its remaining democratic processes and institutions, imposing limits on academic freedom, and cracking down on freedom of the press." President Biden stated...
On July 21, 2021, USCIS made the following announcement regarding the availability of online filing for certain TPS applicants. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that certain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants can now file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, online.TPS applicants submitting an initial registration application may apply for TPS...
On July 6, 2021, DHS announced the re-designation and extension of Yemen for TPS. This means that current beneficiaries may extend their TPS until March 3, 2023, and first-time applicants may also apply. Current beneficiaries Current beneficiaries will be eligible to re-register for an extension of their status and have employment authorization. Approximately 1,700 current beneficiaries will be...
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program will expire on June 30, 2021, unless Congress reauthorizes it. A lapse in authorization does not affect EB-5 petitions filed by investors who are not seeking a visa under the Regional Center Program. USCIS will reject Form I-924 and I-526 received on or after July 1, 2021, related to the regional center program. Further, USCIS will not act on...
Many noncitizens who are waiting for “Biden’s Immigration Plan” to become law are getting restless and losing hope. The reality is it’s not easy for a bill to become a law. In fact, Congress hasn’t passed major immigration legislation in decades.
On June 14, 2021, USCIS updated its policy manual to allow eligible U visa petitioners (victims of crime in the United States) access to employment authorization sooner. Currently, U visa petitioners are waiting approximately five years before receiving a determination that allows them access to an employment authorization document and grant of deferred action. Through this new process, USCIS...
On June 9, 2021, USCIS issued policy updates to improve the immigration system. Improvements are expected to continue under the Biden administration. USCIS is committed to modernizing the immigration system and operating it in a fair, efficient, and humane manner. Expedited Processing USCIS provided further guidance on when expedited processing may be warranted. Please see our post regarding...
Update August 17, 2021 USCIS issued another reminder that the deadline to submit green card applications for Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) from eligible Liberians and their immediate family members is December 20, 2021. Q. What are the requirements for a family member to adjust status based on LRIF? A. To adjust based on LRIF, each family member must: Properly file his...
