Immigration News Resources

I-589 Asylum Application Form – Get Approved in 2023

Visa Nation’s Immigration News - March 29, 2023 - 12:48

Those seeking protection from persecution in their home countries can apply for asylum in the United States, assuming they meet the proper qualifications. The main reasons individuals may escape persecution are due to religion, race, nationality, membership in a social group and political affiliations. The current asylum backlog in the U.S. is due to the...

The post I-589 Asylum Application Form – Get Approved in 2023 appeared first on VisaNation.

Legal Representation for Immigrants Protects Their Rights

AILA DEI Law Student Scholarship winner Melissa McElroy describes how “immigrants with or without status are at an enormous disadvantage when they face immigration proceedings without an attorney” and how state and federal legislation aims to expand legal representation programs.

The post Legal Representation for Immigrants Protects Their Rights first appeared on Blog: Think Immigration.

USCIS Updates Policy on Time Frames for Paper-Based Filings and Responses Ending on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

H-1B Registration Results Have Started Arriving

Visa Nation’s Immigration News - March 27, 2023 - 15:15

The H-1B visa 2023-2024 registration results have started trickling in! Employers should check their accounts to see if they were selected. You will also receive a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, where it says “Registration Selection” in the box labeled Notice Type. On the selection notice, it will tell you the date period your company...

The post H-1B Registration Results Have Started Arriving appeared first on VisaNation.

FY 2024 H-1B Cap Season Updates

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).

Where the ‘Migrant Protection Protocols’ Stand, Four Years After Going Into Effect

Last week, a federal court in California issued a decision allowing asylum seekers and other plaintiffs to continue their legal challenge to the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” program, officially (and in true Orwellian fashion) called the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). The program—which forced migrants to wait indefinitely in Mexico for their immigration court asylum hearings […]

The post Where the ‘Migrant Protection Protocols’ Stand, Four Years After Going Into Effect appeared first on Immigration Impact.

I-129 Form Complete Guide: Processing Time, Filing Address & More

Visa Nation’s Immigration News - March 23, 2023 - 10:23

Employers who would like to petition USCIS for a foreign national to come to the U.S. temporarily to perform service, labor or to receive training must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. A wide range of individuals will therefore need this form completed on their behalf including those seeking H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3,...

The post I-129 Form Complete Guide: Processing Time, Filing Address & More appeared first on VisaNation.

USCIS Announces End of COVID-Related Flexibilities

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023.

Dispelling the Myth: How Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes and Contribute to the US Tax Base

As Tax Day approaches, it is important to acknowledge the tax contributions made by immigrants—even those who are undocumented. These contributions play a vital role in the funding and sustainability of America’s public services and programs. Immigrants’ Tax Contributions Undocumented immigrants make significant contributions to the U.S. tax system by paying sales, income, and property […]

The post Dispelling the Myth: How Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes and Contribute to the US Tax Base appeared first on Immigration Impact.

H-1B 90-Day Filing Window – Next Steps for Lottery Winners

Visa Nation’s Immigration News - March 22, 2023 - 10:43

The annual H-1B lottery registration window has officially closed (was extended to 5 p.m. Eastern on Monday, March 20th this year, due to technical issues on USCIS’ site). USCIS will carry out the lottery now until winners are notified on March 31st. 65,000 are allotted for the regular cap and 20,000 for the H-1B masters...

The post H-1B 90-Day Filing Window – Next Steps for Lottery Winners appeared first on VisaNation.

Why Finding Your Pro Bono Opportunity Can Help YOU

AILA’s Practice and Professionalism Center highlights a few recent “Pro Bono High Fives,” featuring AILA members, to inspire and encourage others to use their legal expertise to change lives, and maybe have some fun too!

The post Why Finding Your Pro Bono Opportunity Can Help YOU first appeared on Blog: Think Immigration.

USCIS Form and Policy Updates for Applying for Naturalization Based on Military Service

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify and conform with the revision of Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.

A Florida Court Blocks ‘Parole + ATD’ Program in Latest Fight Between State and Federal Immigration Authority

On March 8, a Florida court blocked the Biden administration from using a key border program referred to as Parole plus Alternative to Detention (Parole + ATD). The court’s decision vacated the policy as unlawful. While the written order includes commentary on a wide range of border-related issues, including parole itself, the decision only directly […]

The post A Florida Court Blocks ‘Parole + ATD’ Program in Latest Fight Between State and Federal Immigration Authority appeared first on Immigration Impact.

USCIS Update: What To Do If You Are A Laid Off Nonimmigrant Worker

Visa Nation’s Immigration News - March 20, 2023 - 15:27

If you are a nonimmigrant worker who has been laid off, there are steps you can take to remain in the United States during a period of authorized stay. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provided information and guidance on its website to assist nonimmigrant workers in this situation. If your employment...

The post USCIS Update: What To Do If You Are A Laid Off Nonimmigrant Worker appeared first on VisaNation.

Update to Filing Location for U Nonimmigrant-Based Form I-485

U nonimmigrants applying to become lawful permanent residents must now file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, only at the Nebraska Service Center and not at the Vermont Service Center.

Immigration Agencies Violate FOIA, Harming Immigrants and Government Transparency Alike

Immigration agencies have a problem with transparency. With an immigration system as complex as ours and Freedom of Information Act offices that are chronically underfunded, it’s no surprise that immigration agencies violate FOIA—a statute created to strengthen our democracy by helping regular citizens understand what the government is up to—by failing to timely provide details […]

The post Immigration Agencies Violate FOIA, Harming Immigrants and Government Transparency Alike appeared first on Immigration Impact.

Three Years of Title 42

In March 2020, the world came to an unfamiliar halt. The COVID-19 pandemic was no longer a looming and distant concern. Events rapidly fell off calendars, schools shuttered, and those who could sheltered in place. Our hopes that the impact of the pandemic would be short lived were shattered with each passing month. Beyond the […]

The post Three Years of Title 42 appeared first on Immigration Impact.

H1B Registration Deadline Extended Until 5PM ET on March 20, 2023

Visa Nation’s Immigration News - March 17, 2023 - 11:07

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, some users were not able to complete the H-1B registration process. USCIS has corrected this technical issue and will now accept registrations until 5:00 p.m. Eastern on Monday, March 20, 2023. Please note that any paid and completed registrations were not affected by this technical issue. More information can be...

The post H1B Registration Deadline Extended Until 5PM ET on March 20, 2023 appeared first on VisaNation.

USCIS Relocates Lockbox From Phoenix To Tempe, Arizona for Courier Delivery Services

On March 31, applicants and petitioners filing at the Phoenix lockbox will see a new filing location for courier delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

USCIS Announces Additional Mail Delivery Process for Receiving ADIT Stamp

Lawful permanent residents may receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident status by mail rather than physically visiting a field office to receive an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp).

Pages