USCIS Policy Update for Employer’s Proof of Ability to Pay
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the analysis of an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for certain employment-based immigrant petition adjudications.
USCIS Issues Policy Alert on Evaluation of Eligibility for O-1B Visa Classification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy alert regarding the evaluation of eligibility for the O-1B visa classification. This policy guidance aims to provide clarification on how USCIS evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for the O-1B visa classification.
Recent Federal Court Decision Upholds Limited Judicial Review for Immigration Cases
A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denial of a Ukrainian man’s bid for permanent residency will not be reviewed by the Seventh Circuit. The court found that the man’s petition did not meet the criteria for permitting judicial review of agency decisions.
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.
USCIS Policy Updates for Asylees and Refugees
USCIS recently announced a policy update that affects the adjustment of status applications filed by asylees and refugees. Residence requirements are outlined.
USCIS Long Term Strategic Plan Announced
USCIS announced their long-term strategic plan for FY2023-2026. Three key goals are identified, including promoting effective and efficient management.
USCIS Extends Certain COVID-19 Flexibilities
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the continued flexibility for some COVID-19 flexibilities, through March 23, 2023. These flexibilities are extended to allow for delays as the ongoing backlog continues.
USCIS Proposes Fee Updates
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) completed their bi-annual review of fees, noting that 96% of the costs incurred by the organization are paid through fees, not government funding. To that end, they noted that their costs are not currently being covered.
Lying, Filing False Immigration Documents Results in Prison Sentence
Two individuals falsely claiming to be immigration attorneys and filing false documents for recruited individuals have been assigned a five-year prison sentence. The individuals operated two companies called JLLAS Corp. and EIMAAN LLC offering immigration services. Many of the clients of these companies did not have a legal status to be in the United States and had a limited understanding of the English language. The companies were paid by these individuals, totaling over $325,000. Over 40 individuals who were working to gain work authorization, green cards, and other paths to obtain citizenship were affected.
USCIS Continues and Expands Program For Afghan and Iraqi Visas
USCIS has announced that SIV classifications will now be processed by the Department of State rather than the USCIS.