A DHS rule expanding biometric collection is increasing the role of departure inspections in U.S. immigration enforcement.
Continue Reading CBP Expands Biometric Exit Controls: What Travelers, Employers Should Know
The New Alien Registration Requirement: Considerations for Foreign Nationals
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Alien Registration Requirement, effective April 11, 2025, requires most noncitizens aged 14 and older who remain in the United States for over 30 days, to register and complete biometrics.
Continue Reading The New Alien Registration Requirement: Considerations for Foreign Nationals
USCIS Removes Biometric Services Fee for Form I-539
On Sept. 25, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that effective Oct. 1, 2023, applicants will no longer have to pay the $85 biometric services fee when filing Form I-539, the Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status. This exemption applies to all applicants whose applications are postmarked on or after Oct. 1
USCIS Launches Online Biometric Rescheduling Tool
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new online tool for rescheduling biometric services appointments, commonly known as Application Support Center or ASC Appointments. According to USCIS, this self-service tool enables requestors, attorneys, and accredited representatives to reschedule biometrics appointments before the scheduled date without the need to call or mail correspondence
Another Round of Premium Processing Expansion!
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status.
The expansion of premium processing for these categories will occur in phases. Starting June 13, 2023, USCIS
GT Immigration Policy Briefings | April 2023
- House Immigration Border Bills Move Forward: The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement marked up H.R. 2640, the Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023. This bill focuses on border and asylum reform as well as unauthorized immigration. A separate bill, the
USCIS Tightens Policies Regarding Biometrics Appointment Reschedule Requests
On May 11, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it no longer accepts written, mailed-in requests to reschedule biometrics appointments. Instead, requestors must call the USCIS Contact Center to reschedule their biometric services appointments scheduled at a USCIS Application Support Center. The phone number for the USCIS Contact Center is 800-375-5283. USCIS
DHS Proposed Rule to Expand Biometric Data Collection for Noncitizen Travelers
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop a comprehensive biometric entry-exit system that would allow the collection of biometrics from travelers entering and departing from airports, land ports, seaports, or any other authorized point of entry/departure. The rule would enable U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to