Articles Posted in Immigration News

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a Request for Public Input in the Federal Register, “Identifying Barriers Across U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Benefits and Services; Request for Public Input”. This notice is looking for comments from the public on how to reduce barriers and obtain full access to all legal immigration services available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

*The public may submit comments, identified by docket number USCIS-2021-0004, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Please follow the instructions for submitting comments. All written comments are requested on or before May 19. Comments submitted in a manner other than the one listed in the Federal Register, including e-mails or letters sent to DHS or USCIS officials, may not be reviewed. *USCIS

 
Please view this USCIS News Release for more details: DHS Seeks Public Input to Identify Barriers that Limit or Prevent Access to Immigration Benefits and Services

The Biden Administration has proposed adding up to 100 new immigration judges to their Immigration Courts. This part of the overall national budget proposal would allocate millions more in funding to help clear up the immigration legal backlogs, which include hearings and asylum requests.

Please view this Nevada Current News Article for more details: Up to 100 new immigration judges would be added under budget request

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The Biden Administration quickly reversed itself on the number of refugee admissions after a huge outcry from Democrats and Immigration Advocates! Read some of the different points of view in the stories below!

List of some of the Top News Stories related to “Refugee Admissions”:

• The Hill, 4/16//21: White House reverses course on refugee cap after Democratic eruption

The Biden Administration is NOT expected to renew Trump’s order halting many work-based visa programs which he imposed about a year ago. The order will expire this Wednesday and was justified because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the U.S. economy.

Please visit The Hill News Article for more detailed information: Biden to let Trump-era visa restrictions expire

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USCIS announced on Wednesday, March 24th, that they were extending the flexibilities that they originally announced on March 30th. These flexibilities are for responding to certain requests from the USCIS, some are listed below:

• Requests for Evidence;
• Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);

Even with many states easing their COVID-19 restrictions, the USCIS would like to remind visitors that their visitor policy for all their facilities has not changed! They would like you to review their, “USCIS Visitor Policy” first before your visit. They remind all visitors ages 2 and above must still wear a mask within the facilities.

For complete details, please review USCIS News Alert, “Update on USCIS Visitor Policy“

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The Biden Administration and the Congressional Democrats have created a new immigration reform bill, “U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.” Senator Menendez (D, NJ) has introduced the bill to the Senate and Representative Sánchez (D, CA) has introduced an identical bill the House.

Here are just some of the highlights of the upcoming legislation:

• Establish an “earned path to citizenship” for “eligible entrants” (and their spouses and children) that provides for an initial period of authorized admission as a “lawful prospective immigrant,” valid for six years and extendable. Qualifying individuals would also receive a work permit and travel authorization. A lawful prospective immigrant could become eligible for permanent residence after at least five years of prospective status. Prospective applicants would need to have been in the United States before 2021.

Last spring at the beginning of the Pandemic, former President Trump stopped the issuance of green cards until the end of the year citing American job loss, this basically blocked legal immigration. Just before leaving office he extended the ban until the end of March 2021. On Wednesday, President Biden lifted that order!

In his proclamation, President Biden states that shutting the door on legal immigrants “does not advance the interests of the United States.” The proclamation also states, “To the contrary, it harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from joining their families here. It also harms industries in the United States that utilize talent from around the world,”.

Presidential Action: A Proclamation on Revoking Proclamation 10014