2022 Immigration Legal Updates

U.S. Consulates Authorized to Waive Some In-Person Interviews for Nonimmigrant Visas Through 2022

December 23, 2021. U.S. Department of State authorizes consular officers to waive (lift) the in-person interview requirement for certain temporary nonimmigrant visa applicants, in light of COVID delays.

New DACA Regulations Do Not Create New Application Opportunities: Only Renewals Will Be Accepted

October 31, 2022 U.S. government issues new regulations concerning DACA for foreign nationals who arrived in the U.S. without permission when they were children, but does not create any new possibilities for first-time applicants.

USCIS Eases Requirements on Naturalization Applicants Needing Disability-Based Waiver of Citizenship Exams

October 19, 2022, U.S. citizenship applicants with a physical or mental disability who need a waiver of the naturalization exam requirements should have an easier time obtaining a sufficiently convincing report from a doctor, under revised U.S. government guidelines.

Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Opens October 5, 2022

October 5, 2022. U.S. State Department publishes instructions for this year's diversity visa lottery open registration period (so-called DV-2024).

Options for National of Ukraine Seeking Asylum, TPS, or Other Protection in the United States

Ukrainians looking for protection from the Russian military invasion have some possibilities in the United States.

Automatic Extensions of Green Card Expiration Date for I-90 Filers Now 24 Months

September 26, 2022. USCIS processing times are so long that it is giving applicants for a green card renewal an automatic 24-month extension of green card validity. Don't lose your receipt notice!

Green Card Applicants Have Options for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements?

September 14, 2021. If you're a green card applicant with objections to receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, learn about your options here.

Ethiopia Designated for Temporary Protected Status, Protecting Its Nationals From Deportation Into 2024

The country of Ethiopia has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing its nationals who were in the U.S. on the day this was announced to lawfully remain for 18 months and receive work permission.

Received RFE, NOID, or NOIR From USCIS Between March 2020 and March 23, 2023? You Might Have Extra Time to Reply

You might have an additional 60 calendar days to get your request for evidence (RFE) or notice of intent to deny (NOID) to USCIS.

Non-Citizens and Others Lacking REAL-ID Cards Now Have Until May, 2023 to Get One

** LEGAL UPDATE ** Passed in 2005, the federal REAL ID Act set standards that all states are expected to follow when issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards, as a way of enhancing security. Once the Act goes into full effect, only people bearing REAL-ID-compliant cards will be able to use

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

Venezuela's Temporary Protected Status Extended Into 2024

July 11, 2022 Biden Administration extends designation of Venezuela for TPS, to last another 18 months.

Afghan Nationals in the U.S. Protected From Deportation With Grant of Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

May 20, 2022 The country of Afghanistan has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing Afghan nationals who were in the U.S. on the day this was announced to lawfully remain for 18 months.

Biden Authorizes Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon

April 14, 2022. People from Cameroon who were in the U.S. on April 14, 2022 can apply for TPS and protection from removal.