Due to COVID-19, USCIS announced that as of March 20, 2020, it is immediately suspending premium processing service for all Form I-129 and I-140 petitions until further notice. USCIS also said that petitioners that have already filed a form requesting premium processing will receive refunds if their cases are not acted on within the 15
USCIS
COVID-19 and Employer Responsibilities to Workers on Visas
As employers respond to workplace issues pertaining to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), it is important not to forget about foreign nationals working pursuant to temporary non-immigrant visas. Employers must avoid discriminatory policies and remember that there are additional rules and regulations that apply to employees on visas.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Working
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Factors Government Will Consider under New Public Charge Rule
By Sarah R. Barnhill on
On the same day the Public Charge Rule went into effect (February 24, 2020), immigrant advocates held a teach-in at Boston City Hall to try to lessen the uncertainty and fear that has been spreading through immigrant communities.
The Administration has stated that the Public Charge “[R]ule will protect hardworking American taxpayers, safeguard welfare programs…
Driver’s Licenses for Foreign Nationals Valid for I-9 Purposes, Even If Non-REAL ID Compliant
By Maggie Murphy on
Long lines could be seen outside and around New York Department of Motor Vehicles offices as undocumented immigrants waited anxiously for hours in long queues to obtain driver’s licenses. Since 2013, a growing number of states have been issuing driver’s licenses in one form or another to undocumented workers. New York and New Jersey…
H-1B Visa Processing Delays Underscored by Extraordinary Need for Healthcare Workers
By Amy L. Peck on
Processing delays for immigration cases have increased by 46 percent in the past two fiscal years and 91 percent since FY 2014.
Businesses complain that they cannot obtain H-1B visas for key employees. Congress is looking into why these delays are taking place. In the meantime, foreign nationals become disenchanted and look for solutions in…
New York Sues DHS over Prohibition on New Yorkers’ Inclusion in Trusted Traveler Programs
New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in federal court (State of New York v. Wolf et al, 1:20-cv-01127) over its new policy prohibiting New Yorkers from registering or re-registering for various Trusted Traveler Programs.
New York residents were singled out by the Trump…
Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement of DHS’ “Unlawful Presence” Calculation
By Amy L. Peck on
International students at U.S. colleges and universities can feel a bit more secure now that a federal district court judge in North Carolina has permanently enjoined the government from enforcing its 2018 Policy Memorandum that changed how “unlawful presence” would be calculated.
Judge Loretta Biggs, in Guilford College et al. v. Chad Wolf, U.S. Department…
USCIS Introduces New I-9 Form
By Amy L. Peck & Michael H. Neifach on
Posted in I-9 and E-Verify, USCIS
The long-promised new Form I-9 is now available for use and downloading from the USCIS website. Although it became available for use starting January 31, 2020, there is a grace period. Employers have up to 90 days (until May 1, 2020) to start using the new form which has the Revision date 10/21/19 on…
New Public Charge Rule Effective February 24, USCIS Announces
By Amy L. Peck on
USCIS has announced the new Public Charge Rule will become effective on February 24, 2020, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has lifted the injunction.
This Rule affects legal immigrants (those who are legally in the United States and those who are seeking admission to the United States) and illegal immigrants (who have never been…
USCIS Announces Iranians Are No Longer Eligible for E-1 or E-2 Visa Status
By Forrest G. Read IV on
USCIS has announced that Iranians in the U.S. will not be eligible for extensions of E-1 or E-2 visa status or changes to that status from another visa classification. The announcement comes more than a year after the U.S. Department of State notified Iran on October 3, 2018, of the termination of the 1955 Treaty…