Guestbook Entry for SAMIR SHAH, United States
Name
SAMIR SHAH
Country
United States
State
OH
Search
Guestbook Entry for Aruna Disanayaka, United States
Name
Aruna Disanayaka
Country
United States
State
MD
Guestbook Entry for Ravikanth Akupatni, United States
Name
Ravikanth Akupatni
Country
United States
State
MI
USCIS Re-Opens Previously Pending Deferral Requests
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services announced it will reopen non-military deferred action cases that were pending on August 7. Letters will be sent this week re-opening all cases that were pending on August 7.
DHS Proposes Minimal Registration Fee for Petitioners Seeking to File H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions to pay a $10 fee for each electronic registration they submit to USCIS.
Rajiv's News Clips - Green card or US citizenship applicants may have to provide social media identity
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
"The newly introduced proposal, in the context of applicability to the Indian diaspora in the US, will cover citizenship applications, applications for adjustment of status filed by those in the USA seeking to obtain green cards (such as H-1B workers, or those on intra-company transfers holding an L-1 visa). It will also apply to green card holders seeking re-entry permits (who wish to stay away from the US for two years)," explains Arlington-based Rajiv Khanna, Managing Attorney at Immigration.com
Sept 5, 2019 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics:
FAQ: What if H-4 EAD's are revoked by the USCIS || Working on other projects while on H-1B|| Multiple H-1B approvals
Others: F-1 OPT, GC for parents, H1B RFE regarding Specific Specialty
USCIS Proposes More Effective and Efficient Processing of Work Authorization Requests for Asylum Applicants
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a proposed regulation to improve the process for granting or denying an initial application for employment authorization documents (EADs) by reforming the current 30-day timeline pertaining to pending asylum applicants.
Cuccinelli Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision Allowing Enforcement of the Asylum Rule
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to permit the enforcement of the Trump Administration’s asylum rule requiring asylum seekers to seek protection in at least one third country they traveled through en route to the United States.
USCIS to Welcome More Than 34,000 New Citizens in Celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
WASHINGTON—USCIS announced that it will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by welcoming nearly 34,300 new U.S. citizens during 316 naturalization ceremonies across the nation between Sept. 13 and 23.
Rajiv's News Clips - US rule to end work permits for H-1B spouses unlikely to go through this year
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
According to Rajiv S Khanna, Managing Attorney at law firm Immigration.com, the delay is not the core issue. “When you are bringing in a new regulation or deregulation, there has to be some reasonable basis in fact and circumstance. How do you justify taking away an entire cadre of highly qualified, highly motivated people from the workforce when unemployment levels are below 4%?” he said.
Visa Bulletin - October 2019
Number 34
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during October for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Rajiv's News Clips - Go easy on H-1B, STEM pupils to win against China: US think tank
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
“Technology is our only edge in the commercial world and if we lose that, we fall behind. In order to maintain and enhance this, we need a system to attract and keep STEM graduates,” Rajiv S Khanna, Managing Attorney at law firm Immigration.com, said.
For more on this news please see the attachment.
Filing Guidance for CW-1 Petitions Seeking to Extend Status for Fiscal Year 2020
USCIS will consider certain fiscal year (FY) 2020 CW-1 petitions seeking an extension of status for temporary workers present in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to be filed on time, even if USCIS receives them after the worker’s current period of CW-1 petition validity expires.
Sept 19, 2019 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 19 September, 2019
FAQ: Effect of H-1B approval on H-4 EAD || Travel during H-1B amendment and using old employer's visa stamp || For how many years is the H-1B quota exemption valid? || Can a GC pending EAD holder move locations?|| Should I maintain my H-1B after filing I-485 Adjustment of Status || Nonimmigrant visa for a partner in an unmarried gay couple || Impact of multiple pending H-1B
OTHER: Multiple H-1 and H-4 pending || H-1B holder and F-1 holder getting married|| Consequences of simultaneously two H-1B approvals || Impact on green card if working for two employers || Impact of withdrawing LCA || Cross chargeability spouse not present at I-485 interview || Expediting EAD || Working a US job from Canada remotely || Can an employer refuse to produce tax returns? etc.
Rajiv's News Clips - Aged-out kids in US: Must opt for international student-visa or self deport
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv on the article:
Rajiv Khanna, Arlington-based immigration advocate says: “Many of the cases where a change to student status is requested do get approved. But there are also cases where it is rejected owing to the boilerplate reason that the student has the entire family in the US, therefore they have no ties to their home country.” “The life of a youngster and the family unity should not have to depend upon the 'benevolence' of an immigration officer,” he adds
USCIS Announces New Locations for Onsite Overseas Military Naturalization Services
WASHINGTON—Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it will provide military naturalization services at four overseas military bases, due to the agency’s shifting international footprint and office closures overseas.
Community Conference Calls Recordings
(Click on links in the second column to download the recordings)
| Date | Audio Recordings | Video Recordings | Questions/Topic for the Call | |
| November 14, 2019 | https://youtu.be/iexR_HQi9ZM |
Immigration.com
PERM Processing Times (as of 4/30/2025)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | December 2023 |
| Audit Review | N/A |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | March 2025 |
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
USCIS Assists in Investigation Leading to Conviction of Indian Citizen for Submitting Fraudulent Immigration Application
Release Date
05/05/2025
BURLINGTON, Vt. – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the conviction of an Indian citizen for submitting a fraudulent immigration application.
Recording for May 01, 2025, Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Agency
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Green Card
Visa Bulletin For June 2025
Number 3
Volume XI
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during June for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Immigration impact of past criminal law allegations - Will a reduced traffic misdemeanor affect my US visa application?
Question details
I was involved in a car accident 2 years ago and got a traffic misdemeanor ticket that was reduced to illegal parking and 200$ fine from court. There was No Arrest & No Hearing. Given the current crisis, I would like to know whether it will impact my visa or immigration cases. If yes, how can we avoid those problems?
Related FAQs:
FAQ: Immigration impact of past omission or errors in Form DS-160 or other government forms.
I am a mechanical engineering PhD student in PA on an F1 visa from a ROW, with no travel ban. Came to the US in Dec 20XX.
When applying F1, made a mistake in DS-160, said i never applied to immigrant visa before though I had applied to DV (DV rejected). I only said so without realizing DV is also called an immigrant visa (I thought it was company sponsor, marriage, etc.); it was an innocent mistake. I realized it last week in an immigration seminar at uni. I also applied for DV after arriving in the USA.
I-20 ends in 12/20XX, F1 ends in 11/20XX, and the passport ends in 2032. Will travel be an issue before 11/20? How likely is it that a random check will reveal this mistake without traveling? I'll tell the truth when asked, but what are the consequences? What can I do?
For OPT, STEM OPT, or if I need extra PhD time and graduate in 2028, will it be a problem if I extend the I-20 duration? Or if I switch to another US uni next semester?
NIW prepared DIY, ready to file, but unsure because it is an immigrant visa, similar to DV. Wanna do PP, with approved I-140, can I get OPT or stem opt (before filing 485)? Should I go home for a visa extension, or can Mexico/Canada do it?
FAQ: Immigration impact of prior dismissed Domestic Violence case
I had a domestic violence case 5 years ago, which was dismissed. With the new government now and the news about visa denials and deportations, can you please tell me your thoughts on if there will be any problems with my stamping even if I get the stamping done successfully, will there be challenges entering into the US in the port of entry?
Or there are no changes in how visa processing is handled for people with dismissed domestic violence cases. Thank you for your guidance.
FAQ Transcript
Minor past infractions, even those reduced to non-criminal violations like illegal parking, are causing concern for visa applicants. Here's a breakdown:
- Non-immigrant visas (B1/B2, F/J): These are the most vulnerable. Even minor issues can be raised during visa stamping due to a shift in the US government's stance, though denial based on a reduced traffic misdemeanor is unlikely. The impact on already issued visas is still unclear and is being litigated.
- Work visas (H, L, E): These are less likely to be affected by minor past incidents.
- Green cards: Generally, only more serious issues, like drug convictions or multiple convictions, pose a problem.
- Citizenship: Good moral character is required, but incidents outside the 5 years preceding the application usually aren't a major concern, and rehabilitation can be a factor.
Regarding the specific question about a traffic misdemeanor reduced to illegal parking with a fine:
- Immigration impact: It should not impact your immigration status (deportability/inadmissibility).
- Visa impact: While the government might cause a delay during stamping, they should not deny your visa based on this.
Crucially, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer specializing in deportation/removal defense (with at least 10-15 years of experience) in the state where the incident occurred to understand the specific potential impact on your case. Dismissals can sometimes have immigration consequences even if they aren't criminal convictions.
Port of Entry (POE) risk for a green card holder with a concurrent employment history?
Question details
I had a green card and worked for two remote employers simultaneously for two years without knowing each other. Got two W2s for two years. But for the last year, working for only one employer. Planning on vacation outside of the country. Do I have any issues at POE because I am employed at multiple places at the same time?
FAQ Transcript
A green card holder working two remote jobs simultaneously without their knowledge, receiving two W2s and presumably paying taxes, has likely committed a potential violation of their employment contracts (a civil matter), but it should not impact their green card status or ability to travel, assuming their overall green card history is clean.