The Compass® Immigration News to help Employers, Families and Individuals navigate the legal system to successfully achieve their immigration goals.
USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registrations
In March 2021, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Per regulation, we use historical data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant factors to calculate the number of registrations needed to meet […]
One Situation In Which Your Spouse or Family Member’s Criminal History Can Prevent Your Immigration to the United States
It is common for an individual who is applying for a green card to immigrate to the United States to run into difficulties caused by past criminal convictions. For example, a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude or certain drug-related offenses can render an applicant inadmissible to the United States. Typically, this only applies […]
The Number Of Immigrants Jailed By ICE Has Ballooned Under Biden This Year
Provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association The number of immigrants detained by ICE has grown significantly under the Biden administration, including those who have passed their initial asylum screenings, according to an analysis of government data by BuzzFeed News. The number of immigrants held in private prisons and local jails that sat partially empty […]
Recent Steps USCIS Has Taken to Make Things (Slightly) Better
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may not be a paragon of efficiency or customer service, but USCIS has recently made three policy changes with the goal of, or that will have the effect of, making things (slightly) better for those seeking U.S. immigration benefits. Today, USCIS has announced that it has extended a […]
Practice Advisory: Immigrant Visa (Green Card) Processing Delays
Provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association David SwaimManaging PartnerDavid Swaim and Associates, P.C.Dallas, Texas
The Supreme Court says that a grant of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is not an admission to the United States
This week, the United States Supreme Court issued an unanimous 9-0 decision in Sanchez v. Mayorkas, No. 20-315 (U.S. 2021) holding that a grant of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) does not count as an “admission” into the United States for the purposes of qualifying to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). This decision effectively closes […]
DOS Provides Information on National Interest Exceptions for Regional COVID Proclamations
AILA Doc. No. 20071733 | Dated May 27, 2021 DOS announced that the Secretary of State made a national interest determination regarding categories of travelers eligible for exceptions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199, and similar subsequent PPs related to the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this determination, together with national […]
Secretary Mayorkas Designates Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months
AILA Doc. No. 21052430 | Dated May 22, 2021 DHS Secretary Mayorkas announced a new 18-month designation of Haiti for TPS, enabling Haitian nationals and individuals without nationality who last resided in Haiti currently residing in the U.S. as of 5/21/21 to file initial applications for TPS as long as they meet eligibility requirements. WASHINGTON […]
DHS’s Restrictive H-1B Rule Has Finally Been Stricken from the Federal Regulations
In November, we wrote about a new rule promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which would have drastically changed the H-1B nonimmigrant visa category by making the definition of “specialty occupation” considerably more restrictive and by making it much more difficult to employ an H-1B worker to physically work at a third party’s […]