USCIS announces that H-4 EAD workers can now work while waiting for EAD Renewal and an EAD is no longer required for E-2 and L-2 Spouses to Work
In settlement of several lawsuits, the USCIS recently announced significant changes to its policy regarding employment authorization documents (EAD) for certain H-4, E-2, and L-2 dependent spouses. The following policy guidance is effective as of November 12, 2021: The automatic extension…
How EAD and Green Card Applicants Can Request a New or Replacement Social Security Card through USCIS Forms
Social security cards are available for certain immigrants, including those who have an employment authorization document (EAD) or green card. Recently, the USCIS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have made it a little easier for EAD and green card applicants to request a…
DHS Announces Fee Exemptions, Streamlined Processing for Afghan Nationals as They Resettle in the U.S.
Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will exempt filing fees and streamline application processing for Afghan nationals who were paroled into the United States for humanitarian reasons on or after July 30, 2021. These actions will…
USCIS Commemorates Veterans Day with Special Naturalization Ceremonies
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will honor Veterans Day this year by holding more than 90 ceremonies naturalizing more than 4,440 current and former members of the military and their families. Each year, on Nov. 11, the nation honors members…
November Visa Bulletin: Retrogression For EB-3 India and China
The Department of State publishes immigrant visa availability information in a monthly Visa Bulletin which establishes cut off dates for filing of adjustment of status applications or immigrant visa applications. The cut-off dates are determined based on predictions of immigrant visa demand….
Request for Public Input: Remote Document Examination for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Due to the pandemic, DHS is seeking public input on its proposed modifications for employers when reviewing I-9 employment eligibility documents: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking comments from employers, employer organizations, employee groups, and other members of…
U.S. Lifts Regional Travel Bans and Imposes Vaccination Requirement for All Adult Foreign National Travelers
On November 8, 2021, the COVID-19 regional travel bans, which prohibited entry into the United States of persons physically present in Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, will end. Instead, all adult…
USCIS Implements Employment Authorization for Individuals Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure for Hong Kong Residents
Eligible Hong Kong Residents May Apply for EADs and Travel Authorization U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today issued a Federal Register notice with information on how to apply for employment authorization for eligible Hong Kong residents covered under the president’s Aug….
Justice, Labor Departments Reach Settlements with Facebook Resolving Claims of Discrimination Against U.S. Workers
The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Labor today announced separate settlement agreements with Facebook regarding its use of the permanent labor certification program (PERM). The Justice Department’s settlement resolves its claims that Facebook routinely refused to…
What You Should Know and Do About Your USCIS Receipt Notice
Whenever you send an application or petition to the USCIS, you should expect a “receipt notice,” or Form I-797C which is titled Notice of Action. Typically, applicants get the receipt notice about 2 to 4 weeks after the USCIS receives the…
