Congress Proposes the Case Backlog and Transparency Act to Tackle USCIS Backlogs

Congress Proposes the Case Backlog and Transparency Act to Tackle USCIS Backlogs

By Raul Pinto The backlog of pending applications at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased exponentially in the last few years. Congress is finally taking notice. The Case Backlog and Transparency Act, introduced by Congressman Tony Cárdenas on October 25, seeks to address the long delays encountered by millions of immigrants who applied for […]

USCIS Extends COVID-19-Related Flexibilities

USCIS Extends COVID-19-Related Flexibilities

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain COVID-19-related flexibilities through Jan. 24, 2023, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors. Under these flexibilities, USCIS considers a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date set forth in the following requests or notices before taking any action, if the request or notice was issued […]

USCIS is Expediting EADs for Healthcare and Childcare Workers

USCIS is Expediting EADs for Healthcare and Childcare Workers

By Linda Nwoke The Autumn/Fall season brings a lot of noticeable changes – changing colors, shorter days, and lower temperatures. The progressive reduction of the hours of light also affects our bodies, including mild states of sadness and anxiety. Despite the changing times, COVID-19 continues to lurk around, keeping the nation and its system at […]

USCIS Announces Online Filing for Affirmative Asylum Applications

USCIS Announces Online Filing for Affirmative Asylum Applications

Migrants from Colombia walk cross the border by the wall separating the United States and Mexico to turn themselves over to authorities on May 13, 2021 in Yuma, Arizona. (Shutterstock) WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, is available to file online for certain affirmative […]

USCIS Form and Policy Updates Remove Barriers to Naturalization for Applicants with Disabilities

USCIS Form and Policy Updates Remove Barriers to Naturalization for Applicants with Disabilities

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on October 19, announced updated policy guidance to clarify and conform with the revision of Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. Consistent with this administration’s goal of removing barriers to legal immigration under President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration […]

USCIS Form and Policy Updates Remove Barriers to Naturalization for Applicants with Disabilities

USCIS Form and Policy Updates Remove Barriers to Naturalization for Applicants with Disabilities

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced updated policy guidance to clarify and conform with the revision of Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. Consistent with this administration’s goal of removing barriers to legal immigration under President Biden’s Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, Form N-648 has […]

Statement from USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou on DACA Ruling

Statement from USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou on DACA Ruling

Defend the American Dream DACA Rally – Aug 19, 2017 Memphis,  Tenn. (Shutterstock) By uscis.gov “While today’s decision is deeply disappointing, it does not change current USCIS operations. Consistent with the court’s order, USCIS will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests, and continue to accept but not process initial DACA requests. We remain […]

USCIS Awards FY 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grants

Nearly $20 Million Will Expand Citizenship Preparation Services in 30 States

USCIS Awards FY 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grants

New York, NY – June 1, 2022: Eliezer Eugenio Richiez-Paredes receives certificate of US citizenship during Memorial Day naturalization ceremony at USCIS New York District Office. (Shutterstock) WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services awarded nearly $20 million in grants to 66 organizations in 35 states to help prepare lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and those with a […]

Council Member Gale Brewer Calls on USCIS for Faster Application for Employment Authorization Processing Times

Council Member Gale Brewer Calls on USCIS for Faster Application for Employment Authorization Processing Times

As of September 8, 2022, New York City has received over 9,800 individuals seeking asylum. Today, Council Member Gale A. Brewer introduced Resolution 0307-2022 calling on United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to process I-765 Employment Authorization Documents within 30 days and quickly clear the backlog of applications. With Speaker Adrienne E. Adams and Committee […]

Marriage Fraud Consequences, the Stokes Interview & Legal Advice

Marriage Fraud Consequences, the Stokes Interview & Legal Advice

By Janet Howard Are you talking about a fake (“sham”) marriage as a way of getting a Green card (U.S. lawful permanent residence)? Please be aware that your fraudulent marriage plan is illegal. Marriage fraud is a crime, regardless of the circumstances under which you sought to “help” an unlawful immigrant circumvent legal immigration channels […]