Important New DHS Rule Relating to AC21 Interpretation Taking Effect on Jan. 17
The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule titled “Retention of EB-1, EB2- and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers,” (81 FR 82398).
Centralized SIJ Processing at National Benefits Center (starting Nov. 1, 2016)
Starting on November 1, 2016, the USCIS will centralize the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program. The USCIS will process Form I-360 petitions and Form I-485 immigrant visa applications for the SIJ program at one location, the National Benefits Center
USCIS Publishes New Edition of Form G-884, Request for the Return of Original Documents
The USCIS has released a new edition of the Form G-884, Request for the Return of Original Documents. The new edition is dated 09/19/16. Starting on December 5, 2016, the USCIS will only accept the 09/19/16 edition. Until then, the USCIS will continue to
DOS Refugee Resettlement Fact Sheet for FY-2016
On October 4, 2016, the Department of State (DOS) released its Fact Sheet for FY-2016 Refugee Admissions. According to the DOS, the United States admitted 84,995 refugees in FY-2016.
Three Important Immigration Programs Extended Through December 9
On September 29, the President signed a continuing appropriations bill into law. The bill extends the EB5 Regional Center Program, the EB4 non-minister special immigrant program, and the Conrad 30 J Waiver Program through December 9, 2016. The USCIS has u
AAO Case Processing Times as of September 1, 2016
The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) released its updated processing times as of September 1, 2016. As of that date, the average processing time for the review of all forms is six months or less. However, the AAO may take longer than six months due to
BIA Issues Important Decision on Criminal Copyright Infringement and CIMTs
In the Matter of Zaragoza-Vaquero, 26 I&N Dec. 814 (BIA 2016), the BIA held that a federal conviction for criminal copyright infringement under 17 U.S.C. 506(a)(1)(A) and 18 U.S.C. 2319(b)(1) is a crime of moral turpitude. A key point was that the statute
DHS Inspector General Finds Persons Ordered Deported/Removed Were Improperly Granted Citizenship
On Sep. 19, the DHS Inspector General (IG) released a report that found that the USCIS improperly granted citizenship to at least 858 persons from “special interest countries” who had been previously ordered deported or removed under another name. The IG
Average National Benefit Center Processing Dates (as of Jul. 31, 2016)
The National Benefits Center (NBC) released its average forms processing date information as of July 31, 2016.
Board Issues Precedent Decision in the Matter of Ibarra, 26 I&N Dec. 809 (BIA 2016)
In the Matter of Ibarra, 26 I&N Dec. 809 (BIA 2016), the BIA held that INA aggravated felony provision for a “theft offense” in sec 101(a)(43)(G) includes extortionate takings. The Board found that a California statute for robbery by force or fear is cate
