Department of Homeland Security

USCIS and Prevailing Wage Updates + I-9 Compliance Guidance

Annual Report to Congress by the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (“CIS”) Ombudsman The CIS recently released its annual report on the state of affairs at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), addressing issues encountered by individuals and employers applying for immigration benefits and reviewing areas for improvement. While the CIS Ombudsman’s recommendations

Department of Homeland SecurityImmigration

Department of Homeland Security Updates: May 20, 2022

Relief for Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) Applicants Effective May 4, 2022 On May 3, 2022, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced a Temporary Final Rule (“TFR”) to increase the automatic extension period for certain EAD categories. The temporary extension period (initially 180 days from the expiration date listed on the EAD) has been

Immigration

Department of State and Homeland Security Updates

Department of State Update: In light of the severe backlogs in visa interview scheduling and in an effort to expedite visa issuance to qualified applicants, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has extended the Interview Waiver Program for certain nonimmigrants (H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q) and their dependents through December 31, 2022.

Department of Homeland Security

DHS Update

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started implementing their policy memorandum pertaining to the broader use of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in immigration court. USCIS may now issue NTAs to applicants who receive a denial on a petition that affects their U.S. immigration status. USCIS will send denial letters and provide details on how

Department of Homeland Security

DHS Update

The start of the New Year has been marked by a few immigration controversies. An important federal court decision of January 9th has resulted in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) resumption of DACA status renewal and temporary employment authorization application acceptance and processing for the registered DACA individuals. USCIS recommends that applicants

Department of Homeland Security

DHS Update

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,