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 The Department has released FAQs for H-2Bs in the entertainment industry.

ICE updated its list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program approved schools on 29th June 2009.

USCIS offers immigration services and resources specifically for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families who are stationed in the United States and abroad.

As ofJuly 10, 2009, approximately 44,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions and approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption had been filed. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into account the fact that some of these petitions may be denied, revoked, or withdrawn.

USCIS announced that the Department of Homeland Security will extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia from its current expiration date of Sept. 17, 2009 through March 17, 2011.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that, effective today, it will resume Premium Processing Service for nonimmigrant religious worker petitions filed by certain R-1 petitioners.  Only those petitioners who have successfully passed an on-site inspection are eligible to file under Premium Processing Service.

Administrative Appeals Office is an office within USCIS that decides appeals from denials of various petitions by USCIS such as H-1, L-1, I-140 etc.

AAO Processing Times

As ofJuly 24, 2009, approximately 44,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions and approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption had been filed. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into account the fact that some of these petitions may be denied, revoked, or withdrawn.

Travelers wanting to participate in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s trusted traveler program in the San Luis area will soon have the opportunity to participate in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection program.

CBP will open a local enrollment center in the fall of 2009, followed by dedicated commuter lanes at the San Luis port of entry in late 2009. Travelers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to apply early for the new program by visiting the SENTRI Web site.

DOJ flyers for employers and employees on Form I-9 document issues for persons covered by Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Fact Sheet: DHS Blue Campaign 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today launched the “Blue Campaign”—a DHS-wide initiative to combat human trafficking through enhanced public awareness, victim assistance programs, and law enforcement training and initiatives.

The Department has posted new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) addressing filing and documentation requirements in response to questions received from the regulated community. To view the PERM Round 11 FAQs, please check attachent. 

This final rule amends the Department of State's regulations related to the application for an immigrant visa and alien registration, to offer a completely electronic application procedure as an alternative to submission of Form DS-230, the Application for
Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration.

This rule is effective August 3, 2010.

At present, the United States has two main programs for temporarily importing low-skilled workers, sometimes referred to as guest workers. Agricultural guest workers enter through the H-2A visa program, and other guest workers enter through the H-2B visa program. Employers interested in importing workers under either program must first apply to the U.S. Department of Labor for a certification that U.S. workers capable of performing the work are not available and that the employment of alien workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State today issued a joint statement on the decision to suspend processing for new adoption cases based on abandonment in Nepal.
 
Joint Statement

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) experienced technical difficulties with the Form I-797C, Notice of Action - Fingerprint Notification.  USCIS did not print and mail this form to asylum applicants living in California and Arizona between July 8, 2010 and August 4, 2010. 

What You Should Do

Go to the nearest USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for fingerprinting and biometrics collection before your asylum interview if you:

AAO Processing Times as of August 01, 2010.

[Federal Register: August 3, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 148)] [Notices]
[Page 45628-45629]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr03au10-71]

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary

Delayed Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines for the Remainder of 2010

AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services.

ACTION: Notice.