On Monday, July 21, 2020 the USCIS unveiled a newly designed uscis.gov website. The new design has a more open feel to help online visitors to use the already existing online tools and resources. The new website design was developed with the input from users and the public.
New USCIS.gov website features include:
USCIS has announced that they have been making improves to their online Multilingual Resources located on USCIS Web Page, “Multilingual Resource Center”! This page includes a pull-down list with more then twenty different languages to choose from, each covers a wide range of topics such as citizenship, Green Cards, employee verification, biometrics, how to report fraud and avoid immigration scams, and humanitarian programs.
Source of Information:
USCIS, 6/9/20, Web Page:
The American Immigration Council (AIC) has released all fifty states and the District of Columbia, for a total of fifty-one updated state-by-state fact sheets highlighting immigration data and facts. These fact sheets highlight the demographic and economic impact of Immigrants in each state.
With national immigration policy being discussed, we thought that it would be a good time to provide some statistics on the Immigrant population in the United States as provided by this AIC research. Once a week we will be posting a blog with information on three states at a time. This week we will highlight; Mississippi, Missouri and Montana!
The AIC has compiled research which shows that Immigrants are an essential part of each of these states’ economy, labor force and tax base. As our economy continues to grow, Immigrants and their children are a growing economic and political force as consumers, taxpayers and entrepreneurs. As United States economic continues to grow, immigrants and their children will continue to play a key role in shaping the economic and political future of each of these states.
USCIS has announced that they have been making improves to their online Multilingual Resources located on USCIS Web Page, “Multilingual Resource Center”! This page includes a pull-down list with more then twenty different languages to choose from, each covers a wide range of topics such as citizenship, Green Cards, employee verification, biometrics, how to report fraud and avoid immigration scams, and humanitarian programs.
Source of Information:
USCIS, 6/9/20, Web Page:
USCIS announced on Wednesday, July 1st, 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:
On Monday, July 6th, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced new rules for international students with F-1 or M-1 visas ahead of this fall semester. These changes could force some international students to transfer colleges or leave the country.
International students with F-1 or M-1 visas cannot take only online college courses! They must take an in-person class during the upcoming fall semester to remain in the United States. They will be forced to transfer or willing leave the country, if not they will face possible deportation.
New Fall Semester Rules for International Students:
USCIS announced on Wednesday, July 1st, 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:
USCIS operations are mostly funded by applicants and petitioners’ fees, with the drop in applications that start in March and has continued until their reopening in June. The drop-in fees are mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused the USCIS facilities closures! USCIS Deputy Director, Joseph Edlow released a statement on USCIS fiscal outlook:
“The effects of the coronavirus pandemic are long reaching and pervasive, leaving few unscathed in its wake. USCIS is still experiencing those very effects, which began with an alarming drop in applications at the end of March. Forecasts predict a crippling budget shortfall that requires assistance from Congress to allow USCIS to maintain current operations.
“Since May, USCIS has worked with Congress to explain the financial situation and educate members and staff on the needs of the agency. Recognizing the need to not let taxpayers carry this burden, USCIS’ proposal to Congress includes a requirement that any funding provided by Congress will be paid back to the U.S. Treasury. Both the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and the Office of Management and Budget have written to Congress supporting this proposal. Without congressional action before August 3, USCIS will need to furlough over 13,000 staff members, which will have tremendous negative impacts on our mission administering our nation’s lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity, and protecting the American people. We urge Congress to provide the funding needed to pay our dedicated staff and ensure our operations continue uninterrupted during these unprecedented times.”
USCIS published a brief statement on the Presidential Proclamation, “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak” issued on June 22nd by President Trump.
USCIS Deputy Director for Policy, Joseph Edlow stated, “Monday’s presidential proclamation temporarily restricts certain categories of visas from being issued to protect jobs for American workers while our economy recovers from the effects of COVID-19. This does not affect those currently working in the U.S. on valid H-1B or similar visas. The proclamation also does not prevent individuals in possession of valid visas prior to the effective date of the proclamation from entering or re-entering the country, if they have been abroad, provided they have not otherwise rendered themselves inadmissible. The U.S. will continue to honor these already valid visas as we help American workers get back on their feet.”
Source of Information:
As of June 4th, USCIS is open for non-emergency services to the public. The dates for USCIS Application Support Centers have not been announced but will resume soon. I have listed COVID-19 safety guidelines for entering any USCIS Facility below:
Guidelines for Entering USCIS Facilities
– Visitors may not enter a USCIS facility if they:
H1B Visa Lawyer Blog