The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), has announced plans to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This is in addition to the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas available each fiscal year.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced policy and form updates aimed at simplifying the naturalization process for applicants with disabilities. These changes align with President Biden's executive orders to enhance legal immigration and promote equity.

Before your naturalization interview, it's crucial to study for the English and civics test. USCIS provides free resources to assist you in your preparations.

English Test Overview

The English test evaluates your ability to understand and use the English language, encompassing reading, writing, and speaking basic English skills.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.