As a part of various USCIS immigration applications, the U.S. government requires the applicants’ biometrics to be collected in order to conduct relevant background checks and services prior to granting the requested immigration benefits. In the past, mobile biometrics services (e.g., photographs and fingerprinting) may be provided by USCIS at pre-determined locations for those
Minnie Fu
‘Dignity Act’ Immigration Bill Includes Mandatory E-Verify, Path to Citizenship, Border Security
In December 2021, Congressional Democrats tried to include immigration reforms in the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). Some of the proposals would have helped unauthorized immigrants by providing those eligible with parole and work authorization. The bill also would have reduced green card backlogs and provided some applicants with expedited green cards for a fee.…
Immigration Considerations for Foreign Property Developers Looking to Enter U.S. Market: L-1 Route
The average American may not know that some of the largest real estate developments in recent history were completed by foreign real estate companies. The L-1 nonimmigrant visa classification can provide a useful pathway for such multinational companies. See more in our publication here.
Update on Suit Over Government Delays in Adjudicating Approval of H-4, L-2 Visa Extensions
In Washington federal court, H-4 and L-2 spouses are continuing their fight to end the delays in approving visa extensions and work authorization – some of which are taking over a year to adjudicate. The plaintiffs in Edakunni v. Mayorkas are asking the court to decide whether this constitutes an unreasonable delay.
The plaintiffs contend…
Naturalization Test Returning to 2008 Version in March
On March 1, 2021, USCIS will be returning to the 2008 version of the naturalization civics test. This change is a response to President Joe Biden’s Executive Order, “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration System,” that directed a review of the naturalization process to eliminate barriers to the process. Individuals who file naturalization applications…
Public Charge Rule Update: Court Limits Nationwide Injunction to Connecticut, New York, Vermont
On August 12, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit limited the nationwide injunction on the Department of Homeland Security’s Public Charge Rule to three states: Connecticut, New York, and Vermont.
Since August 14, 2019, exactly one year ago today, when DHS published the final version of the new Public Charge Rule…
Trump Administration Seeks to Crack Down on “Birth Tourism”
The Trump Administration is turning its attention to birth tourism again. President Trump was reportedly considering trying to end the practice with an executive order or by way of a constitutional challenge. But accomplishing the goal through regulation has been on the Department of State’s (DOS) agenda. DOS published a final rule on January…
Ready for REAL ID?
October 1, 2020, is the REAL ID deadline, and most people will not be able to board even a domestic air flight in the U.S. without either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a passport.
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The Transportation Safety Administration…
Changes to EB-5 Investor Visa Program
USCIS has published its new final rule significantly changing the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program to address concerns about fraud, abuse, and national security risks. The new regulations will become effective on November 21, 2019.
The EB-5 Investor Visa Program was created almost 30 years ago to incentivize foreign investments and create jobs in the United…
EB-5 and Its European Counterpart Subject to Expected Changes, Oversight
In June 2018, Congress held a hearing on “Citizenship for Sale: Oversight of the EB-5 Investor Visa Program.” The current EB-5 program allows wealthy individuals to apply for and obtain green cards by investing anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000 in U.S. enterprises. Like any other green card holders, after five years, the beneficiaries can apply…