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U.S. offering breaks on immigration deadlines due to pandemic — but higher fees await
After immigrants apply for immigration benefits and submit their forms with the all the requirements, it is common for immigration authorities ask for more evidence to establish eligibility in support of their visa, green card, asylum and citizenship through naturalization petitions.
Proclamation on Patriot Day, 2020
In 2001, our Nation, united under God, made an unbreakable promise never to forget the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who were senselessly killed on September 11. On this sacred day — Patriot Day — we solemnly honor that commitment.
Video Immigration Hearings Surge Under Trump Administration
Video immigration hearings are rising as ICE puts more migrants in distant immigration jails, and they’re subject to a lot of technical and transparency difficulties.
Immigration to New York City Drops 45 Percent Under Trump
Federal immigration policies and visa processing delays have slowed migration to New York City by 45 percent over the past four years.
M&A deals must weigh rigid immigration laws
If the new employer terminates employees on work visas, such as H-1B, L-1, TN, H-1B1, E-3, or O-1 nonimmigrants, those workers will have 60 days or until their authorized stay expires.
USPS Mail Delays Could Disrupt the Immigration System
The election isn’t the only thing threatened by delays in the postal service. The entire immigration system is highly dependent on mail courier services.
Coronavirus and Immigration
Find out how COVID-19 changes will impact nonimmigrant visa holders as well as certain immigrants in the United States.
United States agency warns of long waits for immigrant visas, work permits
United States agency responsible for granting immigrant visas and “green card” residency permits said on Tuesday that it would avoid a planned furlough of 13,000 employees in two weeks but warned of long wait times.
National Governors Association Announces New Gubernatorial Leadership For 2020-21
The National Governors Association (NGA) today announced its new Executive Committee leadership for 2020-21 as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo became chair of the association representing all 55 leaders of states and territories.
Spike in fees hurts legal immigration
According to CNN, It increased the cost of online naturalization applications from $640 to $1,160. The naturalization fee will represent the full cost to process the application, the agency says, plus a proportional share of overhead costs, a change from previous policy.
US to raise naturalization application fees by $500
The Trump administration is dramatically increasing fees for dozens of immigration and work applications, including a more than 80 percent increase on naturalization applications and a first-time fee for asylum applicants.
Immigration agency pushes back 13,000 furloughs
The immigration agency previously said it would have to furlough more than 13,000 employees at the beginning of August if Congress did not provide emergency supplemental funding.
H-1B Visa Lawsuit
The recent proclamation suspended the entry of foreign nationals on H-1B, L-1, H-2B and (most) J-1 temporary visas until at least December 31, 2020. The plaintiffs argue that overrides Congress. “The proclamation is unlawful”
Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s mask mandate to take effect today
The governor’s mandate says masks must be worn in all indoor and outdoor environments where people are exposed to non-household members and where social distancing isn’t possible.
Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson issues statewide mask mandate
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) issued an order Thursday making his state the latest to mandate that residents wear face masks in public to curb the spread of COVID-19. The mandate will go into effect Monday.
US immigration courts back in business despite coronavirus
Backlog of 1.2 million cases awaits as courts in New Jersey, Maryland and Michigan reopen to non-detained immigrants.
Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Administration In DACA Case
A narrowly divided Supreme Court extended Thursday a life-support line to some 650,000 so-called DREAMers, allowing them to remain safe from deportation for now, while the Trump administration jumps through the administrative hoops that the court said are required before ending the program.
U.S.-Mexico border closure extended for another month but could stay shut much longer
Both countries announced the decision on Tuesday ahead of a Monday deadline to extend, end or modify the border restrictions.
The U.S. and Mexico have extended travel restrictions on their shared border until late July.
Arkansas Supreme Court reverses conviction of Arkansas National Guardsman
The Arkansas Supreme Court reverses the conviction of an Arkansas National Guardsman represented by The Asa Hutchinson Law Group and dismisses the underlying criminal charges against the Guardsman. This case was the first in Arkansas history to address the Arkansas Guard’s court-martial jurisdiction.
High-Skill Immigration Restrictions Expected Soon.
An analysis of immigration law and regulations, as well as recent administration actions, leads to the conclusion a combination of methods will be used to implement the restrictions.