Benefits for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees

 Are you a Ukrainian individual, or non-Ukrainian individual who last habitually resided in Ukraine, who has been granted humanitarian parole?

You may be eligible for federal “mainstream” (non-ORR funded) benefits, such as cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You may also be eligible for cash assistance, medical assistance, employment preparation, job placement, English language training, and other services offered through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). This document focuses on the benefits and services funded by ORR. Read more at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/fact-sheet/benefits-ukrainian-humanitarian-parolees#:~:text=Ukrainian%20humanitarian%20parolees%20may%20be,language%20training%3B%20childcare%3B%20transportation%3B
Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Readout of National Public Engagement on Backlog Reduction

 WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur M. Jaddou and agency leadership participated in a virtual public engagement with nearly 2,000 stakeholders nationwide to discuss the agency’s efforts to reduce backlogs and improve processing times.

Director Jaddou briefed participants on the agency’s priorities, including ensuring the agency’s fiscal health and increasing our hiring, and emphasized USCIS’ commitment to delivering timely decisions to those we serve in order to make the nation’s immigration system more fair and humane. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/readout-of-national-public-engagement-on-backlog-reduction

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS to Implement Premium Processing for Certain Previously Filed EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing premium processing for certain petitioners who have a pending Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. This expansion of premium processing only applies to certain previously filed Form I-140 petitions under an E13 multinational executive and manager classification or E21 classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver (NIW). Petitioners who wish to request a premium processing upgrade must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-implement-premium-processing-for-certain-previously-filed-eb-1-and-eb-2-form-i-140
Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan

 WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice 

on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. This notice provides information about how to register for TPS under Afghanistan’s designation. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced the 18-month designation of Afghanistan for TPS.

The registration process begins on May 20, 2022. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Afghanistan must file an application. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-announces-registration-process-for-temporary-protected-status-for-afghanistan
Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Simplifying, Improving Communication of Case Processing Data

WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to simplify and improve how the agency communicates case processing time data to the public. As part of an agency-wide commitment to improve transparency, efficiency, and customer service, the changes also make it easier for individuals to get an immediate answer on when they can make an inquiry into their case.

“USCIS is committed to listening to applicants and stakeholders and continuously improving our services,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This is an important step – and by no means the last – in improving clarity and transparency of USCIS data for the public.” Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-simplifying-improving-communication-of-case-processing-data

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week

 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is honoring its dedicated workforce during Public Service Recognition Week, May 1-7. Celebrated during the first full week in May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week is a time set aside to honor those who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees.

“USCIS employees are doing important work to uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Today and every day, we recognize our dedicated workforce for their commitment and resiliency during challenging times and we thank them for their steadfast service to the nation. I’m proud of the tireless work the thousands of USCIS employees are doing to respond to humanitarian crises, break down barriers in the immigration system, increase access to eligible immigration benefits, promote efficiency and reduce our processing times, and welcome new citizens.” Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-celebrates-public-service-recognition-week

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Increases Automatic Extension Period of Work Permits for Certain Applicants

 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) that increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), available to certain EAD renewal applicants, to up to 540 days. The increase, which will be effective immediately on May 4, 2022, will help avoid gaps in employment for noncitizens with pending EAD renewal applications and stabilize the continuity of operations for U.S. employers.

“As USCIS works to address pending EAD caseloads, the agency has determined that the current 180-day automatic extension for employment authorization is currently insufficient,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This temporary rule will provide those noncitizens otherwise eligible for the automatic extension an opportunity to maintain employment and provide critical support for their families, while avoiding further disruption for U.S. employers.” Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-increases-automatic-extension-period-of-work-permits-for-certain-applicants

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Honduran citizen admits to deadly smuggling incident, following ICE HSI, federal partner investigation

 LAREDO, Texas – A Honduran citizen plead guilty Wednesday for transporting noncitizens resulting in death, following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol (BP) and the Laredo Police Department (LPD).

Darwuin Sai Kabrera-Garsia 26, plead guilty April 28 for smuggling three noncitizens resulting in the death of one. Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/honduran-citizen-admits-deadly-smuggling-incident-following-ice-hsi-federal-partner

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.