USCIS announces new H-1B visa procedures
ON January 9, 2020, the USCIS finalized the implementation of a significant change to the processing of H-1B visa petitions this year. Consequently, there will not be a short filing…
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USCIS tightens policy on student and exchange visitor violators
THE USCIS issued another Policy Memorandum on May 10, 2018, that imposes significant restrictions to F and M students, as well as J exchange visitors, who violate their status. The…
Automatically acquiring US citizenship
THERE are opportunities in the immigration laws for an individual to automatically become a United States citizen. As U.S. citizenship bestows tremendous benefits, it is important for individuals to know…
Complexities of criminal issues in immigration
THE Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that one of their greatest priorities is to arrest and deport individuals with criminal convictions. Since the start of the Trump administration, the…
DHS expands provisional waiver program
ON July 29, 2016, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the expansion of the provisional waiver program. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 more individuals will be eligible to apply…
USCIS to begin parole program to reunite families of Filipino WWII veterans
“ It is with great honor that such a program is finally being implemented so that Filipino WWII Veterans can finally be together with their loved ones once again.” ON…
K-1 fiancée: Adjusting status after a separation or divorce
COMING to the United States as a K-1 Fiancée is an exciting and joyous occasion. After typically waiting many months to be together, couples are finally reunited and ready to…
Residing in the US indefinitely through an E-1/E-2 Visa
THE E nonimmigrant visa category allows nationals of countries who are a party to certain treaties with the United States to receive visa benefits in order to invest in a…
April deadline for H-1B visas
THE United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will once again begin accepting petitions for H-1B working visas on April 1, 2016. Petitions may be submitted for employment to commence…
Waiving fraud due to extreme hardship
FOR individuals who are seeking to obtain lawful permanent residency, any past fraud or misrepresentation renders the individual inadmissible and ineligible to legalize status unless they are granted a fraud…
The U Visa: Assistance to victims of certain crimes
When a serious crime has been committed, justice can only be served when the perpetrator of the crime is successfully prosecuted and jailed. Unfortunately, justice is often not served when…
Filipino WWII Veterans: Family reunification on the horizon
ON October 2, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally announced the upcoming implementation of a parole program that will help reunite certain family members of Filipino WWII Veterans. …
Change to Visa Bulletin advances adjustment filing eligibility
A TREMENDOUSLY beneficial change to the Visa Bulletin was announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and Department of State (DOS) on Sept. 9, 2015. The change…