New Policy Guidance on 3/10 Year Unlawful Presence Bars – May Serve the 3/10 Year Bar Inside the U.S.

On June 24, 2022, USCIS issued new policy guidance regarding the effect of returning to the United States during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period after departure or removal. In general, a noncitizen is inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(B) if the noncitizen accrues more than 180 days of unlawful presence, departs or is removed (whichever applies), and again seeks admission within 3-years (if...

Current State of DACA

On July 16, 2021, a district court in Texas ruled against DACA and found it to be unlawful. It's important to highlight that the decision only affects first-time filers. Existing DACA holders may continue to renew their DACAs and pending renewal application will continue to be processed. Both the White House and the DOJ have expressed intent to appeal the decision. Current state of DACA as of...

ICE Announces Case Review Process

ICE announces the creation of case review process for those who believe their case was not properly considered under the current enforcement priorities. Details about the current enforcement priorities are shown below. Individuals requesting a detention case review should contact their local ERO field office for initial consideration. Upon request, cases will be further reviewed by a Senior...

Current Immigration Enforcement and Removal Priorities

Update June 28, 2022 A U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas vacated Secretary Mayorkas's September 30, 2021, memorandum. The order, however, was stayed through June 24, 2022, to allow the Fifth Circuit the chance to rule on the government's appeal. The Fifth Circuit did not rule and the motion remains pending. As such, the District Court's decision to vacate took effect on June...

Summary of the “Biden Immigration Bill” for Individuals without Lawful Status Part 1

The U.S. Citizenship Act, also commonly known as the “Biden Immigration Bill”, states as its purpose, “to provide an earned path to citizenship, to address the root causes of migration and responsibly manage the southern border, and to reform the immigrant visa system, and for other purposes.” For the the 11 million undocumented community members, the good news is that this earned path...

Políticas Favorables a los Inmigrantes en el Horizonte, los Dreamers Serán los Primeros en Beneficiarse

La Administración de Biden ha anunciado un amplio proyecto de ley de reforma migratoria titulado "Ley de Ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos de 2021." Proporciona una vía acelerada para la obtención de la ciudadanía a quienes se encuentren en Estados Unidos sin estatus legal a partir del 1 de enero de 2021. Este grupo de personas representa más de 10.5 millones. Inicialmente, podrían obtener...

CIS Ombudsman Provides Case Assistance on Receipt Delays, Biometrics Appointment, EAD delays

The CIS Ombudsman has issued an update regarding its services for case assistance. Receipt Delays If more than 90 days have passed since you filed a petition/application with USCIS, you may submit a request for case assistance with the CIS Ombudsman, and our office will reach out to USCIS to resolve your issue. If less than 90 days have passed since you filed a petition/application with USCIS,...

DACA is Here to Stay

Update June 15, 2021 Today marks the ninth year since DACA was first announced. To the hundreds of thousands who were brought to the US as children, DACA provided them temporary relief from deportation and empowered them to pursue their American Dreams. DACA recipients have been strengthening our nation with their talents and handwork. Many have been serving our nation overseas and fighting the...