Requests for Evidence Surge Under Trump
Immigration attorneys throughout the US are reporting a dramatic increase in requests for evidence (RFE), in nearly all types of immigration filings. ILG has experienced an increase in RFEs for H-1B, L-1, I-140, I-130, N-400 and I-485 filings. We can only assume that the Trump administration appointees have recently taken over management of DHS sub agencies (USCIS, ICE, CBP), and are enacting the restrictionist immigration policies President Trump campaigned on.
NSC agrees to stop denying AP applications based on travel
Recently, USCIS has been erroneously denying advanced parole applications for applicants that have travelled while the application was pending, even though the law clearly states that certain applicants (L and H visa holders) are exempt from travel restrictions during the adjustment process. During the August 10, 2017, USCIS Nebraska Service Center (NSC) stakeholder teleconference, a USCIS official agreed to stop denying Advance Parole applications for applicants who had othe
New interview requirement for employment-based adjustments
A new requirement necessitates an in-person interview for employment-based green card applicants at the adjustment stage. Visa holders who are family members of refugees or people who receive asylum will also be required to undergo an in-person interview when they apply for provisional status. The interview mandate is not, technically, new, but USCIS currently routinely waives the interview requirement for employment-based visa holders. Under the new policy, such waivers w
USCIS updates N-400 Biometric Requirements in Policy Manual
On July 26, USCIS announced updating its policy to specify that every naturalization applicant must provide biometrics regardless of age, unless the applicant qualifies for a fingerprint waiver due to certain medical conditions. Previously, USCIS waived the fingerprint requirements for naturalization applicants age 75 or older because of difficulty in capturing readable fingerprints from this age group. The USCIS policy update can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/polic
USCIS resumes Premium Processing for certain cap-exempt H1B petitions starting July 24
On July 24, 2017, USCIS announced it will resume premium processing for certain cap-exempt H-1B petitions effective immediately. Premium processing will resume for petitions that may be exempt from the cap if the H-1B petitioner is: 1) an institution of higher education; 2) a nonprofit related to or affiliated with an institution of higher education; or 3) nonprofit research or governmental research organization. Premium processing will also resume for petitions considered