Immigration News and Policy Updates

USCIS has announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants from five countries can submit their initial TPS applications online.

USCIS has closed its Biometrics Processing Unit (BPU) in Alexandria, VA.

USCIS has announced a second round of random selections for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap. Individuals with selected registrations will receive a selection notice in their myUSCIS account.

Due to COVID-19, the U.S. government will extend existing U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada land border closures through Aug. 21, 2021.

A federal judge in Texas blocked the DACA program from moving forward. Current recipients are not affected, but new applications will not be accepted.

The State Department has released the August 2021 Visa Bulletin, which brings advancement in multiple employment-based categories.

The TPS extension and re-designation period for Yemen is effective for 18 months, starting on Sept. 4, 2021, and extending through March 3, 2023.

USCIS has updated Form I-9 guidance for employers whose employees provide a receipt showing they applied to replace documentation that was stolen, lost or damaged.

DOS announced NIEs granted in the past year are automatically extended for 12 months from date of approval and for multiple entries to the U.S. when used for the purpose for which they were granted.

DHS has withdrawn a “duration of status” proposed rule that would have set a maximum period of stay for exchange visitors, foreign students and media personnel.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released plans to promote naturalization with a comprehensive interagency task force.

Starting June 23, 2021, USCIS will accept resubmissions for FY 2021 H-1B cap subject petitions that were closed or rejected because the requested start date was later than Oct. 1, 2020.

Due to COVID-19, U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada land borders will remain closed through July 21, 2021.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday on June 18, 2021.

The State Department has released the July 2021 Visa Bulletin, which brings significant advancement in multiple employment-based categories.

USCIS announced that it will temporarily offer lockbox filing flexibilities for applicants and petitioners impacted by USCIS lockbox delays.

USCIS has announced three updates to the USCIS Policy Manual to improve immigration services.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that individuals who entered the U.S. without permission cannot obtain status as permanent residents from within the U.S. through the TPS program.

USCIS has updated its COVID-19 policy for in-person visitors.

The U.S. State Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have announced that certain U.S. citizens may return to the country using expired passports.