New Executive Order to Replace Travel Ban
Here's the latest update about a new Executive Order that replaces Travel Ban. https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/executive-order-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states
USCIS Releases Updated Handbook for Employers
USCIS has released an updated Handbook for Employers, Guidance for Completing Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification form) rev. 1/22/17
DHS security statement on Feb 3 Court Ruling regarding Jan 27 Executive Order
In accordance with the judge's ruling, DHS has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the Executive Order entitled, "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travelers for operational action subject to the Executive Order. DHS personnel will [...]
End Rumors Directive from DOS – No Current Plans to Expand Travel Ban Beyond Current Countries
In response to rumors of plans to expand the travel ban to other countries, DOS informed the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) that there is no addendum, annex, or amendment now being worked on to expand visa revocations or the travel ban to countries other than those currently implicated in the Executive Order entitled, "Protecting [...]
DOS Issues Update on Travel Restriction for Dual Nationals of Restricted Countries
The DOS clarified that the Executive Order (13769 on Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals) does not restrict the travel of dual nationals from any country with a valid U.S. visa in a passport of an unrestricted country. It states, our Embassies and Consulates around the world will continue to process visa [...]
Travel Ban, Rigorous Vetting, Green Card Renunciation – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Over the past 48 hours there has been a flurry of immigration related activity in the news, at our airports. Immigrants traveling to, or returning from visits abroad have been put through increased scrutiny at international airports. Here is a quick update and what you need to know. President Trump issued an Executive Order on [...]
Executive Order on H-1Bs and Other Nonimmigrant Visas Imminent
According to a report by Bloomberg, “President Donald Trump’s clash with Silicon Valley over immigration is about to become even more contentious.” We are now awaiting an Executive Order that may seriously impact H-1B Visas and other nonimmigrant Visa categories like the L-1A, L-1B, H1B1, etc. The executive order is still a draft, according to [...]
USCIS Publishes Final Rule on Certain Employment-Based Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Programs
USCIS has published a final rule to modernize and improve several aspects of certain employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa programs. USCIS has also amended regulations to better enable U.S. employers to hire and retain certain foreign workers who are beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions and are waiting to become lawful permanent residents. This [...]
USCIS FEES TO BE RAISED FOR SEVERAL PETITION CATEGORIES – EFFECTIVE DATE 12/23/2016
USCIS published a Fee Increase schedule in the Federal Register today. Applications and petitions mailed, postmarked, or otherwise filed on or after 12/23/16 must include new fee. (81 FR 73292, 10/24/16) USCIS Fee Schedule (pdf) A few important Forms and the corresponding fee increases are listed below: Form From To I-129 $325.00 $460.00 I-539 [...]
How does the Visa Bulletin Work?
The Department of State is responsible for administering the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) relating to the numerical limitations on immigrant visa issuances. This information sheet explains the operation of the immigrant number allotment and control system: http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Immigrant%20Visa%20Control%20System_operation%20of.pdf