Immigration

The Mintz Immigration Practice focused on the evolving immigration landscape and the anticipated changes to US immigration policies as of October 2021 in this 30-minute session.

The U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) Office of Public Affairs issued a press release two days ago, October 19, 2021, announcing a settlement with Facebook involving their recruiting practices to qualify foreign nationals for permanent residence (green card) status in the U.S. This settlement involves a civil fine of $4.75 million payable to the U.S. government, plus an additional payment of up to $9.5 million to eligible victims. This settlement ends a lawsuit filed by DOJ against Facebook in December of 2020.

This alert covers the White House’s September 20, 2021 announcement that it is revamping travel restrictions for international travelers entering the US. Beginning in early November, country-specific travel bans will be replaced by a policy based on vaccination status and COVID-19 testing.

This alert discusses the USCIS’s requirement, as of October 1, for any applicant for immigration categories requiring the immigration medical examination to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

On Monday, August 9, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that applicants filing for permanent resident status may also apply for a Social Security number or replacement card as part of their adjustment of status application process.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the results of a second H-1B cap lottery. The agency selected an additional number of H-1B registrations from the original submissions, which occurred during the registration period from March 9 to March 25, 2021.

This alert covers a USCIS settlement regarding lengthy delays in processing of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications for individuals in F-1 student status.

This alert discusses the US State Department’s July 6, 2021 announcement that National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the COVID-related travel ban are now valid for 12 months — up from 30 days — and that multiple entries are permitted.

This alert provides information about USCIS’s new, official policy updates to be included in its Policy Manual, which examiners use to adjudicate eligibility for immigration benefits.

This alert covers updated guidance issued by the US Department of State on June 1, 2021 that expands the eligibility for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the travel bans from the Schengen Area of the EU, the U.K., Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced they would again extend flexibility relating to in-person Form I-9 compliance.

On May 18, 2021, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated its interpretation of the requirements for acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth as provided by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

This alert advises caution regarding international travel and covers the CDC’s January 26, 2021 order on COVID-19 testing, current travel bans and their exemptions and waivers, visa processing, and additional notes on entry into the US.

This alert reviews the Department of State’s updated guidance, issued March 2, 2021, on the National Interest Exception (NIE) waiver to the COVID-related travel ban affecting individuals traveling to the US from the Schengen Area, the U.K. and Ireland.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be suspending biometric screening requirements for H-4, L-2, E-1, E-2, and E-3 dependent visa holders for two years beginning May 17, 2021.

Although no official announcement was made, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now recommending that Canadian TN and L applicants schedule an appointment to present their applications when entering the United States at a Buffalo area border crossing.

The immigration alert outlines a new process announced by USCIS that will allow some F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online.