USCIS Provides Information on Uniting for Ukraine

 On April 21, the United States announced Uniting for Ukraine, a key step towards fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily for a two-year period of parole. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States. They will also be eligible to apply for discretionary employment authorization from USCIS.

Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-provides-information-on-uniting-for-ukraine

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine and Sudan

 WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted today two Federal Register notices on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine and Sudan. These notices provide information about how to register for TPS under each country’s designation. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced the 18-month designation of Ukraine for TPS and the 18-month designation of Sudan for TPS.

The registration process for both countries begins on April 19, 2022. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Ukraine or Sudan must file an application. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-registration-process-for-temporary-protected-status-for-ukraine-and-sudan

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Service Center Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to Most Forms

 As part of our credit card payment pilot program, the USCIS service centers are now accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for most forms. The goal of this pilot is to bring USCIS one step closer to accepting digital payments using a credit card at all service centers.

We started, and then expanded, this program at the Nebraska Service Center, and then further expanded the program to all service centers. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-service-center-expands-credit-card-payment-pilot-program-to-most-forms

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Implements Risk-Based Approach for Conditional Permanent Resident Interviews

 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a policy update to adopt a risk-based approach when waiving interviews for conditional permanent residents (CPR) who have filed a petition to remove the conditions on their permanent resident status.

Effective immediately, new criteria will guide USCIS officers on when to waive interviews for CPRs who filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. This update replaces previous agency guidance that required all CPRs to undergo an interview if they obtained CPR status via consular processing.

“Implementing a risk-based strategic approach to the CPR-interview process will increase efficiencies that improve processing times, allow for a better use of agency staffing resources, and help reduce the pending caseload while still maintaining procedures to identify fraud and protect national security,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This update is consistent with agency priorities to break down barriers in the immigration system, eliminate undue burdens on those seeking benefits, and effectively respond to stakeholder feedback and public concerns.” Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-implements-risk-based-approach-for-conditional-permanent-resident-interviews

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

DHS and DOL to Supplement the H-2B Cap with Additional Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2022

 WASHINGTON —The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the forthcoming publication of a joint temporary final rule to make available an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. These visas will be set aside for U.S. employers seeking to employ additional workers on or after April 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022. 

“Informed by current demand in the labor market, today we are announcing the availability of an additional 35,000 H-2B visas that will help to support American businesses and expand legal pathways for workers seeking to come to the United States,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Recognizing the importance of strong worker protections, we will apply greater scrutiny to those employers who have a record of violating obligations to their workers and the H-2B program.”  Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/all-news/dhs-and-dol-to-supplement-the-h-2b-cap-with-additional-visas-for-second-half-of-fiscal-year-2022

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.