The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the reestablishment of an international field office in Havana, Cuba, through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Havana office will facilitate U.S. immigration benefits and services, encompassing interviews and case processing for pending Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) cases and Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petitions.
DHS Reopens USCIS Field Office in Havana, Cuba
USCIS Policy Manual Update on the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act
We are revising the USCIS Policy Manual to provide further clarification on how we will interpret the extraordinary circumstances exception to the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) in response to a policy change on Feb.
DHS Previews Federal Register Notice on Extension and Redesignation of Venezuela for
News release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security. Redesignation Enables Additional Eligible Venezuelan Nationals Who Arrived in the U.S. by July 31, 2023, to Seek TPS and Employment Authorization Documents
Venezuelan Nationals Entering After July 31, 2023, Are Ineligible for TPS. Those Entering Illegally Will Face Enforcement Consequences
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security is offering a preview of a Federal Register notice for an 18-month extension of Venezuela's 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and a separate redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The notice outlines the process for registering for TPS under Venezuela's redesignation and re-registering for the extension.
Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status
In a news release originally published by the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective from December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025. This decision is in response to the ongoing armed conflict and exceptional and temporary conditions in Cameroon, preventing individuals from safely returning.
Advancements and Achievements: USCIS’s Impactful Initiatives in FY 2023 2/2
Release Date: 02/09/2024
In the fiscal year 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State collaborated to address the evolving needs of U.S. employers, enhance immigration services, and fulfill the agency's humanitarian mission.
USCIS Achieves Historic Milestone: 10 Million Immigration Cases Completed in FY 2023, Marking a Significant Backlog Reduction 1/2
Release Date: 02/09/2024
In a groundbreaking achievement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released data showcasing its remarkable performance in fiscal year (FY) 2023. The agency has demonstrated substantial progress in key areas, including customer experience enhancement, employment-based immigration, naturalization processes, and humanitarian efforts.
Impact of ACICS Loss of Recognition on Immigration Programs
We want to bring to your attention the recent development regarding the loss of recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This decision, effective Aug. 19, 2022, has significant implications for certain immigration-related student programs and applicants, particularly those associated with English language study, 24-month STEM OPT extension, H-1B, and I-140 petitions.
Employment Authorization for Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees
In response to recent legislation, USCIS is implementing special provisions for certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees, ensuring they receive benefits similar to refugees. The legislation specifies that covered parolees are eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and benefits available to refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157).
Effective Nov.
USCIS Introduces Online Filing for Affirmative Asylum Applications
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the availability of online filing for Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, for certain affirmative asylum applicants. While USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of the form by mail, this expansion of online filing aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for both the agency and stakeholders.
USCIS Announces Achievements in Backlog Reduction, Humanitarian Support, and Fiscal Responsibility
WASHINGTON – Today, USCIS unveiled its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 progress report (PDF, 1.08 MB), showcasing significant accomplishments in backlog reduction, support for humanitarian missions, and fiscal responsibility. The report provides a comprehensive overview of USCIS initiatives, including efforts to strengthen fiscal stability, implement adjudicatory efficiencies, enact policy measures, and execute agency-wide backlog reduction strategies.
