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
Green Cards
Federal Pay Transparency Bills Introduced
On Equal Pay Day, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced three bills, including a national pay transparency bill, that she believes would help to close the pay gap between men and women.
She chose Equal Pay Day for the introduction of these bills because it marks the additional days women must work to earn what…
Full Enforcement of REAL ID Law Moved to 2025, ETIAS Moved to 2024
New travel authorization systems are being postponed again in the United States and in Europe: REAL ID until May 7, 2025, and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) until 2024.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the deadline for REAL ID until May 3, 2023. As…
Lawful Permanent Residents May Use Newly Available Mail Option for Temporary Evidence of Status
Lawful permanent residents may receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status by mail, rather than physically visiting a field office, USCIS has announced.
LPRs eligible for delivery of temporary evidence of status will be mailed a Form I-94 with ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed photo of the LPR obtained…
What Travelers Need to Know About Electronic ‘E-Gate’ Border Entry Systems
Passport stamps used to be treasured mementos for some travelers, but they are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Instead, biometrics and electronic entry systems are being deployed. But that is not the only thing that is changing. Now, in many countries, e-Gates may take the place of customs officers.
E-Gates automate border control…
USCIS Announces Extension of Validity of Certain Green Cards
USCIS is extending the validity of conditional permanent residence cards, or green cards, for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date.
The move is in response to the long processing delays for those filing petitions to remove conditions on residence – the Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence for certain individuals who gained…
Certain Green Cards Getting 24-Month Extensions as USCIS Deals With Processing Delays
In continuing its efforts to deal with processing backlogs, USCIS is allowing longer automatic extensions of green cards for lawful permanent residents who have applied for naturalization.
Although legal permanent residence (green card status) must be maintained, it does not expire once it is granted. The card that is issued to memorialize the status, however…
Foreign Student-Athletes and Name, Image, Likeness
Prior to 2021, collegiate student-athletes were not able to make sponsorship deals and profit from their names, images, and likenesses (NILs). However, in 2021, that changed when the NCAA adopted a new policy allowing student-athletes (those headed for professional teams, as well as less prominent players) to profit from, and build their brands, while in…
Diversity Visa Program Open for FY 2024
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is open for FY 2024. Applications may be filed online until 12:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2022.
The DV Lottery program makes 50,000 immigrant visas (“green cards”) available every year to applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Eligible individuals must meet certain requirements…
Presidential Pardon for Simple Marijuana Possession Leaves Out Many
Severe immigration consequences for certain non-U.S. citizens remain despite President Joe Biden’s pardon of all prior federal offenses for simple marijuana possession.
On October 6, 2022, President Biden took a major step toward the decriminalization of marijuana, pardoning all prior federal offenses for simple marijuana possession. Although this pardon will affect only approximately 6,500 individuals…