USCIS Implementation of Jan. 27 Executive Order

USCIS continues to adjudicate applications and petitions filed for or on behalf of individuals in the United States regardless of their country of origin, and applications and petitions of lawful permanent residents outside the U.S. USCIS also continues to adjudicate applications and petitions for individuals outside the U.S. whose approval does not directly confer travel authorization. Applications to adjust status also continue to be adjudicated, according to existing policies and procedures, for applicants who are nationals of countries designated in the Jan.

You CAN travel internationally and domestically (Unless you from one of the 7 countries)

2 February 2017

Successful H-1 visa stamping: One of our clients had H-1 visa re-stamped at the Hyderabad consulate on Tuesday 31 January 2017. No issues!

Successful H-4 visa stamping and entry: I have just received this message from one of our clients:

At 6:30 AM, XXX said the following:

Good morning Rajivji, YYY (Spouse) came back from India yesterday evening and had no issues at her immigration check in Boston as well as her H4 stamping at Delhi on Jan 23rd.

 

New Rule Effective Jan. 17 Affecting Form I-9 Completion for Certain Employees

On Jan. 17, 2017, a new rule, “Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers” amending DHS regulations went into effect.  The regulatory amendments provide for the automatic extension of the validity periods of certain Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766) for up to 180 days if the employee: 

DHS statements on the entry of lawful permanent residents and compliance with court orders and the president's executive orders

STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JOHN KELLY ON THE ENTRY OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS INTO THE UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON – In applying the provisions of the president's executive order, I hereby deem the entry of lawful permanent residents to be in the national interest.

Accordingly, absent the receipt of significant derogatory information indicating a serious threat to public safety and welfare, lawful permanent resident status will be a dispositive factor in our case-by-case determinations.

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Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 26 January 2017

Immigration.com

Citizenship and Naturalization

Nonimmigrant Visas

Substantial transcription for video

Discussion Topics, Thursday, 26 January 2017:
FAQ: Traveling after applying for naturalization/citizenship pending; "Retroactive" effect of the new regulations; would H-4 EAD remain valid if I-140 is withdrawn; Serial H-1 transfers with multiple employers - H-1 transfers while another H-1 pending; What types of marriages in foreign countries are considered legal in the USA; Can an I-485 be filed without the help of an employer; FAQ: Impact on H-1 and green card of employer company's bankruptcy; FAQ: Impact of child turning 21 - green card, H-4, F-1; Delay in naturalization; Travel During H-1B Transfer/Extension Pending; Starting a nonprofit organization while on H-1 visa; H-1B expiring, PERM not filed, options; Trump and employment based immigration.

Other: Quota exemption from H-1 because of prior approval; Changing roles impact on PERM green card; Impact on green card of changing jobs; I-131/N-470 for children; etc.