The fee increase by USCIS that was supposed to go into effect on Friday has been halted by a federal court!
IMMIGRATIONIMPACT.COM
Federal Court Halts Massive USCIS Fee Increases for Immigration Applications
USCIS will stay in business as the agency cancels the planned furlough of 13,000 employees. Cases will continue to be processed.
CNN.COM
Immigration agency cancels furlough of more than 13,000 employees
USCIS is raising filing fees beginning October 2nd. If you thinking about filing an application it may be in your best interest to do so before fees go up!
IMMIGRATIONIMPACT.COM
USCIS Fee Hikes Will Go Into Effect for These Applications
A new memo by the Trump administration announcing its plan to rollback DACA even in light of the Supreme Court decision. They have announced they will no longer accept new applications and limit work card renewals to one year instead of the two years individuals were previously granted. Applications for advance parole will be considered only in light of “extraordinary circumstances.” This action will certainly face legal challenges as we continue to defend the Dreamers!
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-announces-steps-roll-back-daca-program-n1235115
NBCNEWS.COM
Trump announces steps to roll back DACA program
Non-detained court hearings at the Kansas City Immigration Court are being postponed through August 14, 2020.
PORTAL.EOIR.JUSTICE.GOV
portal.eoir.justice.gov
For now USCIS is postponing the furlough of it’s employees until August 30th as they await funding and review revenue.
ROLLCALL.COM
USCIS postpones plans to furlough 13,400 employees, for now - Roll Call
See below for information about revisions USCIS is making to its citizenship test. These revisions include a greater number of questions that applicants will have to answer. These updates apply to anyone filing for citizenship on or after December 1, 2020.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
November 13 at 9:25 AM ·
Every 10 years, we revise the naturalization test to ensure it accurately assesses applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history, government & values. Today, we issued an updated version of the test, including more questions that will test applicants’ understanding of U.S history & civics. The number of test questions will be 20, with a minimum of 12 questions that must be answered correctly. The updated naturalization test will be used for all applicants who apply for naturalization on or after Dec. 1, 2020. More: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-announces-a-revised-naturalization-civics-test
Great news for our Dreamers!
NEWSANDGUTS.COM
CBS News: Judge orders restoration of DACA, opening immigration program to new applicants for first time since 2017 - News & Guts Media
USCIS will now be accepting new DACA applications! Our office can assist you with these filings.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/12/07/update-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals?fbclid=IwAR3Si8BI_JruhF3wii_RdMAqgwc-M32mrzBm_TYTyNsO8Vkewo6mR0eyjwo
DHS.GOV
Update: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Information about the steps the Biden administration has taken in regards to immigration as well as what they hope to accomplish.
Due to the inclement weather our office is closing early to allow our staff to get home safely. Be careful out there!
The immigrant visa ban has been lifted!
CNN.COM
White House lifts Trump order that temporarily banned certain immigrant visas during pandemic
Heads up! If you recently filed for citizenship, USCIS is reverting back to the original 2008 naturalization test. They had changed the test for those filing on or after December 1, 2020, but are going back to the prior test as they work to develop a new one. Between now and April 19, 2021 applicants will be able to choose which version of the test they wish to take if they filed after December 1st. However, after April 19th only the 2008 test will be offered.
USCIS.GOV
USCIS Reverts to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test
Temporary Protected Status has been issued for Burma!
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
March 12 at 2:20 PM ·
Due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Burma that prevent individuals who are nationals of Burma from returning safely, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Burma for 18 months. Specific dates for the TPS designation and instructions for applying will be in an upcoming Federal Register notice about the Burma designation. For more info visit: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/03/12/secretary-mayorkas-designates-burma-temporary-protected-status
