USCIS Extends Evidence of Status for Conditional Permanent Residents to 24 Months with Pending Form I-751 or Form I-829

 Starting Sept. 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. We are making the change from 18 to 24 months to accommodate current processing times for Form I-751 and Form I-829, which have increased over the past year.

Conditional permanent residents who properly file Form I-751 or Form I-829 will receive a receipt notice that can be presented with their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card), as evidence of continued status for up to 24 months past the expiration date on their Green Card, while their case remains pending with USCIS. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-extends-evidence-of-status-for-conditional-permanent-residents-to-24-months-with-pending-form

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

HSI Phoenix, police arrest 2 men for alleged sexual exploitation of a minor

 SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. – Two area men were arrested in the past 72 hours on various counts of sexual exploitation of a minor as a result of ongoing investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD).

“Innocent children are irreparably harmed in the production of child pornography, and individuals who distribute such revolting material continue to victimize them,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge of HSI Phoenix. “Protecting the most innocent members of our society is a top priority for HSI and we will not concede in our efforts to take child predators off our streets by putting them where they belong - behind bars.”

Read more at: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-phoenix-police-arrest-2-men-alleged-sexual-exploitation-minor

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

DHS Seeks Public Comment on Public Charge Rulemaking

 WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking data and information from the public that DHS intends to use to develop a public charge regulatory proposal. The purpose of public comment is to ensure that the proposal is fair, consistent with law, and informed by relevant data and evidence. Public comment also will help DHS ensure that the proposed regulation does not impose undue burdens on noncitizens seeking admission to or adjustment of status in the United States. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/dhs-seeks-public-comment-on-public-charge-rulemaking

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

DHS and DOJ Publish Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Make Asylum Process More Efficient and Ensure Fairness

 WASHINGTON – In a key step toward implementing the Administration’s blueprint for a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) are publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would amend current regulations to improve the processing of asylum claims.  The proposed rule would allow, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officers to hear and decide applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection for individuals who receive a positive credible fear determination.  These cases are currently assigned to immigration judges within DOJ’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/dhs-and-doj-publish-notice-of-proposed-rulemaking-to-make-asylum-process-more-efficient-and-ensure

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Temporarily Extending Validity Period of Form I-693

 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is temporarily extending the validity period for Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, from two years to now four years due to COVID-19-related delays in processing.

USCIS may consider a completed Form I-693 as valid if: 

• The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no more than 60 days before the applicant filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• No more than four years have passed since the date of the civil surgeon’s signature; and
• A decision on the applicant’s Form I-485 is issued on or before Sept. 30, 2021. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-temporarily-extending-validity-period-of-form-i-693

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

USCIS Expands Partnership with Social Security Administration

 WASHINGTON— USCIS announced today that applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. Previously, these individuals had to apply for a Social Security number at a Social Security office. USCIS is revising Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include the additional questions needed to apply for an SSN or a replacement card. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-expands-partnership-with-social-security-administration

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.

Statement from Ur M. Jaddou as New Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

 “As a proud American and a daughter of immigrants, I am deeply humbled and honored to return to USCIS as director. I look forward to leading a team of dedicated public servants committed to honoring the aspirations of people like my parents and millions of others who are proud to choose this country as their own. USCIS embodies America’s welcoming spirit as a land of opportunity for all and a place where possibilities are realized. Read more at: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/statement-from-ur-m-jaddou-as-new-director-of-us-citizenship-and-immigration-services

Contact Darren Heyman, immigration attorney, for more information.