A recent Executive Order makes one change to the current public charge inadmissibility framework and lays the groundwork for future changes within two months. The Executive Order affects both the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and Department of State (“DOS”)...
As the Biden Administration Attempts to Solidify DACA, Challenges Remain
Although President Biden has made protecting and strengthening DACA one of his administration’s immigration priorities, litigation continues to threaten the program. DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, allowing certain individuals without lawful...
What is USCIS Public Charge Rule and Why Was It Suspended?
“Public charge” refers to a vaguely defined ground of inadmissibility that could stop someone from either entering the United States or receiving a green card. Essentially, it means that in an immigration case, the government decides that an applicant would likely...
Anticipated USCIS Furlough in August 2020; What Does That Mean for Your Case?
Everyone has been feeling the pinch of the pandemic, which has had devastating economic impacts. Numerous small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and many are finding it difficult to meet the monthly rent. USCIS is no different, and as an organization they are...
Green Card Through Marriage Process 2020
You and your girlfriend have been dating for a while. You are thinking about getting married and starting a marriage-based green card case now. You wonder how to get your spouse a green card so that you can live together in the United States. What are the requirements...
Are USCIS Offices Really Open Now after June 2020 Re-opening?
USCIS re-opening on June 4, 2020 was supposed to jumpstart stalled immigration cases. However, the reopening has shown disparate impacts on green card, naturalization, and H1B cases The first, in fact only, action taken by USCIS after the reopening was to gradually...
Trump Travel Ban-Travel Restrictions from Chinese Students and Scholars
Effective June 1, 2020, the Presidential Proclamation by President Trump will block certain Chinese nationals from obtaining F or J visas if they are suspected of being associated with entities in China that are involved in its “military-civil fusion strategy.” This...
Naturalization Ceremony After June 2020 USCIS Reopening
USCIS was reopened to the public on June 4, 2020, and has already begun scheduling naturalization oath ceremonies. You need to aware of new procedures to attend the ceremony due to COVID-19. What to Bring: First off, make sure to verify the time, day, and location of...
The ICE and CBP Agents Deployed against the Black Lives Matter Protests
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck. Floyd pleaded for Chauvin to stop; however, his pleas fell on deaf ears and he eventually died. Floyd’s death...
USCIS Reopening on June 4, 2020
On May 27, 2020, USCIS confirmed its reopening to the public on June 4, 2020. Although USCIS will resume routine public services, local USCIS field offices will operate at a reduced capacity. The number of appointments and interviews will be reduced to ensure social...