Legal Updates for Immigration

USCIS Cancels Change to 128-Question Naturalization Exam Developed in 2020

February 22, 2021 Applicants for naturalized U.S. citizenship who had been studying for the 2020 version of the civics and history exam that USCIS announced it would begin using in 2021 can stop, and study for older, easier version!

Biden Administration's First Changes to U.S. Immigration Policy

February 2, 2021 President Biden's initial actions concerning immigration address DACA, the border wall, enforcement and deportation priorities, Liberian DED, and more.

Received RFE, NOID, or NOIR From USCIS Between March 2020 and January 15, 2022? You Might Have Extra Time to Reply

June 24, 2021 Applicants and petitioners responding to requests for evidence (RFEs) and notices of intent to deny (NOIDs) from USCIS might have more time.

Most Asylum Seekers Won't Qualify for Work Permits Under New USCIS Rules

August 25, 2020. USCIS announces new rules that change which asylum applicants are eligible for a work permit and when.

USCIS Issues 2021 Poverty Guidelines: Raises Required Income Level for Family Sponsors of Immigrants

April 1, 2021 A U.S. sponsor filling out Form I-864 must prove that his or her income or assets are high enough to support the intending immigrants; and the 2021 guidelines require higher than ever support levels.

How Asylum Applicants Can Check Status of Case Online

You can use your asylum receipt code to see whether USCIS has received your case, whether your interview with an asylum officer has scheduled, or whether a decision was reached in your case.

Trump Asylum Bar Put on Hold by Federal Judge

November 19, 2018 A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's asylum bar, which will remain in effect until December 19.

Trump and A.G. Whitaker Announce New Bar to Asylum for Unlawful Entrants

On November 9, 2018 the Trump administration issued a new bar on asylum, through a presidential proclamation. It applies to people who enter the U.S. unlawfully (outside an official port of entry) at the southern border.

New USCIS Policy Affects Timing of Medical Exam (Form I-693) for Applicants to Adjust Status

November 1, 2018 USCIS reduces the length of time a medical exam report will be valid to two months.

International Entrepreneurs Can Apply for Parole Entry to U.S.

May 10, 2021. USCIS is accepting applications from international entrepreneurs seeking parole entry to the United States.

USCIS Narrows Interpretation of TN Category for Economists

November 20, 2017. Employers now need to find another visa option to employ market research analysts, marketing specialists, or financial analysts from Canada and Mexico, because USCIS closed the TN door on the economist category.