U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a fourth extension to a temporary final rule (TFR) that necessitates the use of a USCIS interpreter during specific affirmative asylum interviews. This extension prolongs the requirement until September 12, 2023. Subsequent to this date, affirmative asylum applicants unable to proceed with the interview in English will be responsible for providing their own interpreters.
USCIS Prolongs Rule Mandating Interpreters for Affirmative Asylum Interviews
USCIS Revises Policy on Gender Marker Selection for Immigration Benefit Requests
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing an update to its policy guidance, effective immediately, regarding the selection of a self-identified gender marker on forms and documents for individuals seeking immigration benefits. The key points of this update are as follows:
Self-Identified Gender Marker:
USCIS will now accept the self-identified gender marker provided by individuals requesting immigration benefits.
DHS Initiates Limited Implementation of DACA under Final Regulation
WASHINGTON— The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) commenced the implementation of its final rule (PDF) designed to safeguard and strengthen Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on Monday, October 31, 2022. This final rule establishes DACA on a formal regulatory framework, enhancing the program's resilience during ongoing legal challenges.
USCIS Announces Release of Form I-956K for Direct and Third-Party Promoters
We are pleased to announce the publication of Form I-956K, Registration for Direct and Third-Party Promoters. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 has introduced a new requirement, mandating direct and third-party promoters to register with USCIS.
Individuals serving as direct or third-party promoters, including migration agents, involved with the following entities must complete Form I-956K:
A regional center /li>
A new commercial enterprise /li>
An affiliated job-creating entity /li>
An issuer of securities intended for immigrant investors in connection with a specific capital investment project
The submission of Form I-956K does not incur any filing fees.
Certain Afghan Parolees Are Employment Authorized Incident to Parole 1/2
Effective June 8, 2023, specific Afghan parolees have been granted employment authorization incident to their parole. This revised guidance is applicable to Afghan parolees possessing an unexpired Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with a class of admission denoted as "PAR" and Afghanistan as the indicated country of citizenship, provided their parole has not been terminated.
Certain Afghan Parolees Are Employment Authorized Incident to Parole 2/2
Afghan parolees meeting the criteria of an unexpired Form I-94 with a class of admission denoted as "OAR" or "PAR" and Afghanistan as the indicated country of citizenship are eligible for the following provisions. If you are an Afghan parolee paroled into the United States on or after July 31, 2021, without receiving an “OAR” or “PAR” class of admission on your Form I-94, please contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at oawi94adjustments@cbp.
Title: DHS Extends and Redesignates Somalia for Temporary Protected Status: Registration Opens for Eligible Individuals
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially extended and redesignated Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through a Federal Register notice, spanning 18 months from March 18, 2023, to September 17, 2024. This announcement, made by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Jan.
Title: USCIS Issues Guidance on the International Entrepreneur Parole Program
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released comprehensive guidance (PDF, 311.98 KB) regarding parole for international entrepreneurs.
In an effort to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation within the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced the International Entrepreneur Rule on January 17, 2017. This rule establishes a framework for DHS to utilize its parole authority, granting a period of authorized stay, on a case-by-case basis, to noncitizen entrepreneurs with a substantial ownership interest in a startup entity.
USCIS Unveils New Strategic Plan to Reinforce a Diverse Workforce
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has officially launched its 2023-2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan (PDF, 3.28 MB), marking a significant step toward embedding a culture rooted in DEIA principles within the agency's daily operations.
USCIS Observes Independence Day 2023 with a Continued Dedication to Naturalization
WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is set to mark Independence Day by extending a warm welcome to over 5,500 new citizens through more than 180 naturalization ceremonies scheduled between June 30 and July 7. These ceremonies underscore our commitment to embracing immigrants and advocating for the advantages of U.S. citizenship for all eligible individuals.
