USCIS has announced that it is offering temporary flexibility for certain benefit requests submitted at lockboxes. Lockbox facilities are centralized locations that USCIS has to receive a variety of applications.
Khadija DerrickJuly 2, 2021
India has been added to a list of travel banned countries due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Khadija DerrickJune 22, 2021
On April 28, The State Department expanded National Interest Exception to students, journalists, and those providing vital support for critical infrastructure. This expansion will apply to the following countries and regions: • Brazil • China • Iran • Ireland •…
Khadija DerrickJune 15, 2021
The US Supreme Court ruling of June 7, 2021, held that TPS holders must have a lawful admission in order to become Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).
Khadija DerrickJune 8, 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused drastic delays in the processing and issuance of E-1 trader visas and E-2 investor visas.
Khadija DerrickMay 14, 2021
The Department of State announced on May 10, 2021, that it has relaunched the International Entrepreneur Parole program, which was initiated in the final days of the Obama administration but slated to be eliminated in 2018 under the Trump administration.
Khadija DerrickMay 12, 2021
On April 27, 2021, USCIS announced that it will begin giving deference to prior decisions when adjudicating requests for an extension of stay.
Khadija DerrickApril 27, 2021
Attorney Julie Gharagouzloo is licensed in New York and is originally from Paris, France.
Khadija DerrickApril 26, 2021
On April 8, The State Department have expanded National Interest Exception to those travelling on immigrant and fiancé(e) visas and certain exchange visitors. This expansion will apply to the following countries and regions:
Khadija DerrickApril 12, 2021
You can come to the U.S. as a tourist during COVID, but you have to be aware that travel is restricted if you are coming from certain European countries.
Khadija DerrickMarch 24, 2021
In light of the consular uncertainty and delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a common question we receive is whether consulates are again processing E-2 visas. Fortunately, the answer is yes -- consulates have generally returned to processing E-2 visas,…
Khadija DerrickMarch 12, 2021
On March 2, 2021, without prior notice, the Secretary of State rescinded the previous national interest guidance that allowed people in certain visa categories to travel to the United States despite the COVID related travel ban. The changes impact the…
Jenny ZhanMarch 3, 2021
On February 18, 2021, President Biden presented a proposal for immigration reform to Congress. The proposal touches upon many areas of immigration law, suggesting reforms for family and employment-based immigration and seeking to provide a pathway to permanent residence and…
Jenny ZhanFebruary 19, 2021
In March 2020, former President Trump issued presidential proclamations that restrict entry to the U.S. to people who: Were physically present in the Schengen Area region during the 14-day period prior to their entry in the U.S. Were physically present…
Jenny ZhanFebruary 18, 2021
In 2017, President Trump signed the Buy American, Hire American (“BAHA”) Executive order. This Executive Order sought to protect the interests of U.S. workers in the administration of the U.S. immigration system and prevent abuse and fraud. For L-1 visas,…
Jenny ZhanFebruary 2, 2021
On January 25, 2021, president Biden signed an Executive Order 14005 called Ensuring Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers. In Section 14 of this Executive Order, president Biden revoked: Former president Trump’s Executive Order no.…
Jenny ZhanFebruary 2, 2021
Due to Covid-19 global pandemic, the USCIS Service Centers are taking longer than usual to make a decision on all types of visa petitions. If you filed an extension of status petition long time ago and USCIS still has not…
Jenny ZhanJanuary 27, 2021
President Biden took office on January 20 to the relief of many immigrants and non-immigrants in the U.S. On his first day, he signed 17 Executive Orders, many of which were immigration related. Executive orders usually have immediate effect and…
Jenny ZhanJanuary 22, 2021
Late Monday night, President Trump ordered an end to the Coronavirus related travel ban put on non-citizen and permanent resident travelers from Europe and Brazil. For more information, please click here for Europe and here for Brazil. The proclamation will…
Jenny ZhanJanuary 19, 2021
In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers coming from Schengen countries or the U.K. (such as B-1 business visitors), treaty traders, or treaty investors may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such…
Jenny ZhanJanuary 5, 2021
The first Corona virus stimulus bill provided much needed relief for E-2 visa holders. Many E-2 visa companies were struggling and both the PPP loans and the EIDL grant kept many E-2 businesses afloat. You can find out more about…
IanScottDecember 23, 2020
Last month, President-elect Joe Biden announced that he plans to nominate Alejandro Mayorkas to serve in his cabinet as Secretary of Homeland Security. Mayorkas, who would be the first immigrant and first Latino in the role, would manage the Department…
Jenny ZhanDecember 22, 2020
Michaela Vrazdova spoke at National Interest Exception Questions and Answers for Immigration Lawyers
Michaela Vrazdova spoke on National Interest Exception issues at a Corporate Practice/Consular Practice/CBP Practice event for AILA’s New York Chapter. Michaela Vrazdova was a discussion leader for the Consular Practice Committee and she discussed the National Interest Exception application process at different…
Jenny ZhanDecember 15, 2020
On December 11, 2020 Congress has passed a short-term spending bill through until December 18. This means that the programs that were slotted to expire on December 11 have been given an extension without change for another 7 days. The…
Jenny ZhanDecember 15, 2020
