The USCIS announced that, effective October 5, 2016, it increased the validity period for initial or renewal EADs for asylum applicants from one year to two years. The change applies to those with pending asylum claims under category (c)(8) on the Form I-765. The change applies to all such applications that are pending on or filed after October 5, 2016.

Ksena Karelina Freed From Russian Prison
Ksena Karelina, a dual U.S.-Russia citizen, was freed from Russian prison in a prisoner exchange after she had received a lengthy sentence for making a $52 donation to a charity conducting humanitarian work in Ukraine.