Recently Revised CSPA Policy: Impact on Consular Processing Cases
Backlogs at U.S. embassies and consular offices abroad have experienced backlogs, further limiting individuals from CSPA protections. With the revised CSPA policy, options exist for those applying abroad.
Updated CSPA Policy: Retroactive Effect for Those Who Didn’t Apply Based on Previous Guidance?
USCIS stated that for previously filed applications that were denied based on the applicant “aging out,” they will accept I-290B Motions to Reopen under the updated CSPA Policy.
Supreme Court Asked to Consider Definition of Obstruction of Justice for Deportation
The Supreme Court received a request from U.S. Attorney General Garland to include an expanded definition of obstruction of justice as a basis for deportation.
Little-to-No Movement in the March 2023 Visa Bulletin
The March 2023 Visa Bulletin showed little to no movement for both employment-based and family-based cases. There is little forward movement in some categories for China and a small retrogression for India.
Breaking News: USCIS Reinterprets Child Status Protection Act, Freezes Age Based on Dates of Filing Chart
USCIS issued updated guidance under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). USCIS will now use the Dates for Filing Chart for calculating a child’s age under CSPA.
TPS Program Termination Rescinded
A previous federal court decision that allowed the ending of Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for individuals from El Salvador, Haiti, Sudan, and Nicaragua has been overturned. In addition, a federal appeals court agreed to revisit the 2020 ruling that gave the U.S. government the ability to revoke TPS.
Indian Nationals Encouraged to Apply for U.S. Visas in Countries with Lower Wait Times
The U.S. Embassy in India suggests that Indian nationals travel to specific countries with lower wait times for B1 or B2 visas. Specific countries have expanded the availability of visa appointments for Indian nationals.
Visa Applications Denied Due to Travel Ban Can Reapply
Individuals whose visa applications were denied due to the Trump administration’s travel restrictions on people from Muslim-majority countries can reapply for their visas.
Pilot Program for Domestic Renewal of H-1B and L Visa Announced
A pilot program from the U.S. Department of State will begin later this year allowing visa renewal options for qualifying H-1B and L visa holders who are currently required to travel to have their documents renewed.
Extension to Validity Dates of Permanent Resident Cards, Form I-751 and I-829
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a 48-month extension to the validity period of Permanent Resident Cards for qualifying individuals. Below is the full announcement. Begin USCIS Announcement USCIS is extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (PRC) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I‑829, […]