- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started issuing redesigned Permanent Resident Cards (i.e., “Green Cards”) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) under its secure identification document program. The new cards display their holders’ photos on both sides, contain a unique graphic image and color pattern (Statue of Liberty and mostly green palette for Green Cards, and a bald eagle and predominantly red palette for EADs), have embedded holographic images, and do not display the holder’s signature. Green Cards no longer have an optical stripe on the back. Importantly, there is no requirements for the Green Card and EAD holders to replace their existing documents with the newly adopted cards; rather, both the old and the new document formats remain valid through their expiration date. Individuals with Green Cards that do not list an expiration date are advised to apply for a replacement document bearing an expiration date as the new cards are more secure and less vulnerable to fraud and tampering.
- USCIS has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals and residents of Haiti through January 22, 2018 due to the continued effects of the January 2010 earthquake in that country. Current beneficiaries of Haiti’s TPS designation who wish to extend their TPS must re-register by July 24, 2017 and may request a new EAD. The EADS of those who re-register and request a new EAD during the 60-day re-registration period are eligible for an automatic extension of their expiring EAD for up to 180 days. Current EADs are not automatically extended without a new EAD request.
- DHS has rescinded the November 20, 2014 President Obama administration memorandum that created Deferred Action for Parents of American and Lawful Permanent Residents (“DAPA”) and provided certain work authorization opportunities for the affected categories of U.S. residents. The June 15, 2012 memorandum that created DACA and provided opportunities for the young people that arrived to the U.S. illegally as children, remains in effect.