The USCIS has announced a change in policy regarding adjudication of advance parole applications. An advance parole is an application filed with the USCIS seeking permission to return to the U.S. after international travel. Commonly, someone files this application along with an application to register permanent residence to permit international travel during the adjudication period of an application to register permanent residence. The USCIS is denying this application if the applicant travels … [Read more...]
ALERT: TRAVEL LEADING TO DENIALS OF PENDING ADVANCE PAROLE
We have learned that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed its policy toward travel by individuals who have applied for advance parole (AP) documents. There are reports that USCIS is denying applications for AP where the applicant travels before the new AP document is approved, possibly even when the applicant currently holds a still unexpired AP document or has H or L nonimmigrant status. USCIS has a “webpage” … [Read more...]
ALERT: All applicants for naturalization must provide biometrics.
The USCIS has announced that it is updating the policy regarding biometrics (fingerprints) requirement for naturalization applicants. Previously, the requirement for fingerprints was waived for naturalization applicants age 75 and older. USCIS has announced that the fingerprint requirement will no longer be waived for these applicants. Naturalization applicants with disabilities who are unable to provide fingerprints, or are unable to provide legible fingerprints, are still eligible for … [Read more...]
Trump Administration Skeptical on TPS Extensions
The Trump Administration recently signaled that it may consider ending some Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for countries that have benefited from the special status in recent years. For example, TPS for Haitian nationals was very nearly terminated. It was extended through January 22, 2018 only after intense lobbying. Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly “extended the TPS designation,” … [Read more...]
ALERT: New Version of Form I-9 Released
On July 17, 2017, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a new version of its Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The new version is available “online” https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-9.pdf?download=1. Employers may use this new version, with revision date 07/17/17 N immediately. The previous version of the form, with revision date 11/14/16 N, may be used through September 17, 2017. Beginning on September 18, 2017, employers may only use … [Read more...]
