2021 Immigration Legal Updates

Citizens of Croatia Can Now Travel to the U.S. Using the Visa Waiver Program

December 1, 2021 Croatian nationals can now enter the U.S. and spend up to 90 days in the country without first obtaining a visitors' visa (B-1 or B-2), due to new participation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

USCIS Finally Agrees That Spouses of L-1 and E Visa Holders Can Work in the U.S. Without First Applying for a Work Permit (EAD)

November 10, 2021 Husbands and wives of L-1 intracompany transferees who come to the U.S. on L-2 visas will no longer need to submit an I-765 form and receive a work permit (EAD) card in order to accept U.S. employment.

Changes to List of H-2B Visa-Eligible Countries Announced by DHS

November 10, 2021. The H-2B visa allows foreign nationals to come to the United State to temporarily fill certain nonagricultural jobs, but only if they are from one of certain eligible countries; the list of which has recently been changed.

AG Garland Overturns Trump-Era Decision Undermining Asylum for Victims of Gender and Gang Violence

June 16, 2021 Attorney General Merrick Garland overrules Trump-era ruling denying that many victims of domestic violence may qualify for asylum in the United States.

Immigration Court (EOIR) Filing Fees Going Up in January 2021

January 19, 2021 U.S. immigration court system (formally known as the Executive Office for Immigration Review, or EOIR) adopts a final rule increasing filing fees for applications, appeals, and motions; however, most of the increases have been blocked by a federal court pending further litigation.

Medical Exam Reports (I-693) Temporarily Accepted by USCIS If Older Than 60 Days

** LEGAL UPDATE ** The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent delays in all manner of things has made it difficult for immigrants living in the United States and applying for adjustment of status or "AOS" (leading to lawful permanent residence or a green card) to get their required medical examination done