Category Archive

Additional 35,000 H-2B Visas Available! The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Labor (DOL) announced a temporary final rule making available an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas during the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. The visas are for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or after April 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022. The …

New Requirements for EB-5 Visa! U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published two new forms for regional center designation under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Form I-956, Application for Regional Center Designation, and Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program. USCIS said that all entities seeking regional center designation must submit these forms in compliance with …

New Forms, New Program Requirements Announced for Entities Seeking Regional Center Designation Under EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published two new forms for regional center designation under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Form I-956, Application for Regional Center Designation, and Form I-956H, Bona Fides of Persons Involved with Regional Center Program. USCIS said that all …

Big News Today on EAD Extensions! On May 3, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is temporarily amending existing DHS regulationsrelated to expiring employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain renewal applicants. The prior extension period of up to 180 days will automatically increase to up to 540 days …

ICE Announces Extension of I-9 Flexibilities to October 31, 2022 On April 25, 2022, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of Form I-9 flexibilities until October 31, 2022. The extension relates to deferral of the physical presence requirements of the employment eligibility verification process for certain employees, first announced on March 20, 2020, and updated periodically. The …

Pres. Biden announces new “Uniting for Ukraine” program for entry of 100,000 Ukrainians to U.S. On April 21, 2022, President Biden announced a new “Humanitarian Parole Program” that will facilitate the entry of up to 100,000 Ukrainians. Eligible Ukrainians must have been living in Ukraine as of Feb. 11, 2022, have a sponsor in the U.S, and meet vaccination and …

State Dept., USCIS Announce Actions Related to Reauthorized EB-5 Regional Center Program; Visa Bulletin Revised to Include New Categories The Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced several actions related to the newly reauthorized EB-5 regional center program. Below are highlights. Department of State DOS has resumed processing immigrant visas associated with the EB-5 regional …

USCIS and the Immigration Courts Revise and Expedite the Asylum Process On March 24, 2022, the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice announced an interim final rule to “improve and expedite processing of asylum claims made by noncitizens subject to expedited removal, ensuring that those who are eligible for asylum are granted relief quickly, and those who are not are …

Biden Administration Announces Relief Measures for Ukrainians On March 24, 2022, President Biden announced that the United States will accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians and other displaced people fleeing the Russian invasion in Ukraine, in addition to providing an additional $1 billion in humanitarian aid. “This is not something that Poland or Romania or Germany should carry on their own. …

I-9 Rules Changing for Employers – Original, Current Documents Now Required The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that beginning May 1, 2022, it is ending the COVID-19 temporary policy for List B identity documents. As of that date, employers will no longer be able to accept expired List B documents. If an employee presented an expired List B document …