Immigration Updates

America needs an immigration system that respects our long traditions as a welcoming nation and builds a foundation for meeting the challenges of the 21st century. The current system is sorely outdated and badly in need of reform. Congress must act swiftly, using not only its legislative power but also its oversight and budget authorities…

In a Federal Register notice published on January 21, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced, “The Secretary of Homeland Security is amending the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List [for OPT] by adding 22 qualifying fields of study.” “The government uses the STEM Designated Degree Program List to determine F-1 students’ eligibility for…

The direction of COVID-19 variants remains difficult to predict, but the CDC now recommends lifting the travel restrictions imposed in Proclamation 10315. And, the President, Joseph R. Biden Jr. has done that. ” In light of these changed circumstances, and based on the recommendation of the CDC, I have determined that it is in the…

Dear Client and Visitors, Please be advised that effective Monday, December 13, 2021, New York State has ordered an indoor mask mandate. Please plan to wear a proper-fitting mask at Servcorp | 17 State Street. If you do not have one, feel free to ask the front desk. Thank you. LAW OFFICES OF NORKA M.…

On October 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Labor announced separate settlement agreements with Facebook regarding its use of the permanent labor certification program (PERM). The Justice Department’s settlement resolves its claims that Facebook routinely refused to recruit, consider or hire U.S. workers, a group that includes U.S. citizens,…

Number 59 Volume X A. STATUTORY NUMBERS This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during November 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. Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services…

An immigrant can lose his Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status when he or she demonstrates his or her intent to no longer reside in the United States as an LPR after departing the United States. In addition, abandonment of LPR status by a parent is imputed to a minor child who is in the parent’s…

The B-2 “Visitor for Pleasure” visa, along with its cousin the Visa Waive Program, are the most widely used vehicles for entry into the United States. The B-2 visitor visa has many specific uses, but more importantly, it also has specific situations where its use is expressly prohibited. The B-2 visitor visa category can be…

Under U. S. law, every person who immigrates base on a relative petition must have a financial sponsor. If you choose to sponsor your relative’s immigration by filing a Petition for Alien Relative, you must agree to be the financial sponsor and file an affidavit of support when the time comes for the actual immigration.…

10/31/2021 Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) provides Liberians in the United States and their families an opportunity to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card), regardless of immigration status. USCIS has expanded its guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual about Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) to clarify steps applicants must take if they cannot…