The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has granted class certification in MadKudu Inc. v. USCIS, et al., to a group of employers who claim that the
Continue Reading Class Certification Granted in H-1B Lawsuit
Congress Passes and the President Signs the Continuing Resolution Keeping Government and Vital Programs such as EB-5 and E-Verify Operational Thru Dec. 11, 2020 – New Premium Processing Directive
On Sept. 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed and the president signed H.R. 8337 to keep the U.S. government operational through Dec. 11, 2020. This action will maintain vital immigration
Continue Reading Congress Passes and the President Signs the Continuing Resolution Keeping Government and Vital Programs such as EB-5 and E-Verify Operational Thru Dec. 11, 2020 – New Premium Processing Directive
Updates to Visa Reciprocity for Mexican Nationals
In line with the U.S. Department of State’s increased periodic review and update of visa “reciprocity” pursuant to a January 2017 Executive Order, Mexican nationals will now benefit from
Continue Reading Updates to Visa Reciprocity for Mexican Nationals
June 22 Immigration Proclamation Challenged by Business Organizations and Plaintiffs in New Lawsuit
Presidential Proclamation 10052, issued on June 22, 2020, has now been challenged in several federal district courts. As previously reported, Presidential Proclamation 10052 barred the issuance of visas to
Continue Reading June 22 Immigration Proclamation Challenged by Business Organizations and Plaintiffs in New Lawsuit
Exceptions to Presidential Proclamations – Department of State Guidance
On July 16, 2020, the Department of State provided updated information on the availability of exceptions to the June 22 Presidential Proclamation 10052, which extends Proclamation 10014 through Dec. 31, 2020,.
Some travelers and visa applicants who are affected by the Proclamation may qualify for an exception if the purpose of their travel to the United States is for humanitarian reasons, public health response, or national security. Other exceptions include: (1) applicants who are subject to aging out of their current immigrant visa classification; (2) certain H and J visa applicants who are traveling to the United Sates to work in support of a critical U.S. foreign policy; and (3) dependents of applicants who are excepted from, or not subject to, the Proclamations.
Continue Reading Exceptions to Presidential Proclamations – Department of State Guidance
DHS Rescinds Policy Restricting F-1/M-1 Students from Taking Online Courses
On July 14, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agreed to rescind the following modifications to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) exemptions for F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant
Continue Reading DHS Rescinds Policy Restricting F-1/M-1 Students from Taking Online Courses
U.S. Embassies and Consulates Expected to Resume Visa Services Beginning on July 15
The U.S. Department of State announced on July 13, 2020, via Twitter, that U.S. embassies and consulates are entering a “phased resumption of routine visa services” beginning July 15, 2020.
Continue Reading U.S. Embassies and Consulates Expected to Resume Visa Services Beginning on July 15
DHS/SEVP Announce Changes to Temporary Exemptions for F-1 and M-1 Students Taking Online Courses During Fall 2020
On July 6, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced modifications to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) exemptions for F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant students who will be
Continue Reading DHS/SEVP Announce Changes to Temporary Exemptions for F-1 and M-1 Students Taking Online Courses During Fall 2020
Status of U.S. Consular Operations
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many U.S. Consulates and Embassies closed temporarily. As of June 20, 2020, some U.S. Consulates reopened, while others remain closed until further notice. Below is an outline of current openings:
Continue Reading Status of U.S. Consular Operations
President Trump Issues Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain NonImmigrants into the United States
On June 22, 2020, President Trump issued a Proclamation, that will be effective on June 24, 2020, suspending the entry of those seeking to enter the United States in
Continue Reading President Trump Issues Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain NonImmigrants into the United States