The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a new expedited deferred action request process for noncitizen workers who have experienced labor rights violations or have information about such violations. This initiative offers protection to these workers against immigration-related retaliation by exploitative employers.
DHS Announces Streamlined Deferred Action Request Process for Noncitizen Workers in Labor Rights Cases
USCIS Announces Online Filing for Certain Affirmative Asylum Applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced the option to file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, online for specific affirmative asylum applicants. USCIS still accepts the latest paper version of this form by mail, providing flexibility to applicants.
Important Notices:
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Eligibility: If you were recently paroled into the United States and your parole is still valid, or if you've applied for asylum, and your application has been pending for a minimum of 150 days, you are likely eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document allows you to work legally in the United States.
Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans
DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has introduced procedures to facilitate the safe and orderly entry of nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, along with their immediate family members, into the United States. These processes consider qualified individuals who lack U.S. entry documents and are currently residing outside the United States.
USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on 2-Year Foreign Residence Requirement for J Nonimmigrant Classification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual related to the 2-year foreign residence requirement for J nonimmigrant exchange visitors. This update provides details on how USCIS assesses compliance with the requirement, the evidence required to demonstrate fulfillment, and situations where satisfying the requirement may be practically impossible.
Selected Renewal Applicants Get 180-Day Employment Authorization Extension
Certain renewal applicants who have submitted Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, are eligible for an automatic extension of their expiring employment authorization and employment authorization documents (EADs) while their renewal application is under review.
USCIS Updates Guidance on EB-5 Regional Center Program
On October 26, 2023, the USCIS is releasing new guidance concerning the EB-5 Regional Center Program. This update incorporates changes from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 into the USCIS Policy Manual. It builds upon the initial update made on October 6, 2022.
The changes include reorganizing Part G, Volume 6 of the Policy Manual, with a few revisions to reflect the new structure.
USCIS Extends Parole by Two Years for Certain Afghan Nationals Under Age 14
In a recent announcement, USCIS has introduced a case-by-case extension of the initial parole period for specific Afghan nationals. This extension, granting an additional two years, is applicable to individuals who meet the following criteria:
They were paroled into the United States between July 30, 2021, and Sept.