Immigration Law News

April 20, 2012

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals in the USA has been designated for 18 months until September 30, 2013. Eligible nationals of Syria must register during the 180 day period from now through September 25, 2012. For further information regarding TPS, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Immigration has been accepting accepting H-1B petitions for fiscal year 2013. The latest count shows that Immigration has already received 20,600 petitions that count towards the 65,000 cap and 9,700 that count towards the 20, 000 advanced degree cap. If you or someone you know is in need of filing an H-1B petition, it is imperative to file as soon as possible given the numerical limitation attached to the H-1B program. For further information on the H-1B visas, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Fees for visa services at US Consulates have changed as of April 13, 2012. Most visa fees have increased, but there are a few that have decreased. For more information on the processing your visas abroad and paying the correct fee, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

There has been an increase of 62% of visa applications and processing at the US Consulates in Brazil just for the month of March 2012. This increase is a testament to the commitment from both governments toward creating economic growth and opportunities. For more information on processing your visas at the US Consulates in Brazil or anywhere in the world, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The State Department announced an increase in the visa validity for Colombian National who qualify for a tourist non-immigrant visa. The increase means that tourist visas issued to those who qualify will now be good for 10 years instead of 5 years. For more information on processing visas abroad, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or Audrey@gloverdichter.com.

March 30, 2012

H-1B alert: Immigration announced this week that it will begin accepting H-1B petitions for fiscal year 2013 as of next week, Monday, April 2, 2012. If you or someone you know is in need of filing an H-1B petition, it is imperative to file as soon as possible given the numerical limitation attached to the H-1B program. For further information on the H-1B visas, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Washington National Airport in Washington, DC and Chicago O’Hare International Airport have been added to the list of TSA’s Pre Check program airports, that allows for certain travelers to be prescreened prior to traveling for expedited screening at the airport. Active duty service members in the US Armed Forces are now eligible to participate in the Pre Check program. For further information on the Pre Check Program, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The US Embassy in New Delhi, India has announced the implementation of the Interview Waiver Pilot Program. The program allows consular officers to waive interviews for qualified non-immigrant applicants renewing their visas within 48 months of their expirations. Also, some qualified foreign investors may qualify for the program as well. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Investors have several immigration options when investing in the USA. Investor may elect to invest in an existing business or they may establish their own business as the vehicle of the investment. For further information on processing your investment visas, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

March 8, 2012

DEADLINE: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans has been extended for 18 months until September 9, 2013. Eligible nationals of El Salvador must re-register during the 60 day period from now through March 12, 2012. For further information regarding TPS, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The Global Entry Program has been extended to four more airports: Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Denver International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The Global Entry program allows pre-approved travelers to use automated kiosks to process their entry into the USA. The Kiosks are available at 24 US international airports. The program is available to US Citizens, US Lawful Permanent Residents, and some Mexican nationals. For further information on the Global Entry program, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Congress is working on a bill that would allow Israeli Citizens to enter the USA as E-2 non-immigrant Treaty Trader Investors, if Israel provides reciprocal treatment of US Citizens. Such visa would allow Israeli Citizens to invest in businesses in the USA. More information on the progress of this bill is forthcoming. . For further information on the non-immigrant and/or investor visas please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

H-1B alert: Immigration seems to be increasing site visits of US employers who filed petitions. Petitioners must be prepared to answer questions pertaining to the terms and conditions of the H-1B employment. For further information on the H-1B visas and/or site inspections, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

PASSPORT DAY: The State Department announced that this Saturday, March 10, 2012 will host the fourth annual Passport Day during which US Citizens may apply for passport books and/or cards at any of the 25 US passport agencies or numerous passport application acceptance facilities. The program is to encourage US Citizens to attain their US passports for travel abroad. For further information on obtaining a US passport, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

February 29, 2012

DEADLINE: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans has been extended for 18 months until September 9, 2013. Eligible nationals of El Salvador must re-register during the 60 day period from now through March 12, 2012. For further information regarding TPS, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The State Department announced that the US Embassy in Lisbon and the US Consulate in Ponta Delgada in Portugal will no longer process immigrant visas and diversity visas. All such visas will be processed at the US Embassy in Paris, France. All pending cases will continue to be processed in Portugal until May 30, 2012, thereafter, cases will be transferred to Paris. Non-immigrant visa processing such as tourist, business and student visas will not be affected. For further information on processing your visas abroad, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

US Consulates in Brazil have streamlined visa processing in order to decrease wait times for visa interviews. Additional staff, extended interview hours, and expanded facilities have helped in the expedited processing of US visas in Brazil. For further information on processing your visas abroad, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

US Embassy in London, UK has announced that there will be limited non-immigrant visa processing in London during the upcoming Olympics. Furthermore, London has announced that it has expanded the Visa Reissuance Program to include H-1 visa applicants. For further information on processing your visas abroad, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The US Embassy in Beijing, China announced the New Interview Waiver Pilot Program, which would allow certain visa applicants that have already been interviewed and thoroughly screened during prior visa processing, to maybe be eligible to renew visas without another interview. For further information on processing your visas abroad, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Due to the current situation in Syria, the US Embassy in Damascus will no longer accept family immigrant petition. Such petitions must be filed in the US Embassy in Amman. All Refugee/Assylee petitions must also be filed in Amman. For further information on processing your visas abroad, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

January 28, 2012

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans has been extended for 18 months until September 9, 2013. Eligible nationals of El Salvador must re-register during the 60 day period from now through March 12, 2012. For further information regarding TPS, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) program is managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Homeland Security. The program was established to assist employers to detect the use of fraudulent documents when verifying documents of new employees. Membership to the program is voluntary. IMAGE will be hosting a series of forums across the USA to learn more about the program. For further information regarding IMAGE, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Immigration announced the opening of a new office in Queens, New York. The new office is under the New York District and it is located at 27-35 Jackson Avenue. The office is a full service immigration office accepting applications/petitions, processing biometrics and performing naturalization ceremonies. Also, the Garden City office has been replaced with the recently opened Holtsville office in Long Island. For further information, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The State Department announced that the application for the US passport card is now online. The application is being made available for a 90-day pilot program allowing US citizens in the USA and/or Canada to apply for the passport card online. The purpose of the passport card is to simplify travel by US citizens by land or air to Canada, Mexico the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card is not valid for other international travel. For further information regarding the passport card, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Immigration is in the process of implementing changes to the EB-5 Employment Creation program in order to streamline the system. Immigration is accelerating the processing of some EB-5 cases in order for the jobs to be created quicker. For further information on processing your EB5 cases, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

January 17, 2012

UPDATE: The US Consulate in Chennai, India has stopped processing immigrant visa petitions as of January 1, 2012. Pending visa applications in Chennai will be processed through March 30, 2012. Thereafter, the Embassy in New Delhi and the US Consulate in Mumbai are the only centers accepting and processing such petitions. All new applications as of January 1, 2012 must be filed at the Embassy in New Delhi or the US Consulate in Mumbai. For further information on processing visa petitions, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The State Department stated that visa processing in Brazil and China has jumped more than 50% in the first quarter of 2012. To meet the increasing demand, further resources are being deployed by the State Department so that wait times for visas do not increase in either country. For more information on processing visas abroad, please contact me at (954) 450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The Houston Immigration Court has closed due to relocation. The new address for the Court is 600 Jefferson Street, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77002. The new Court will open for business on January 23, 2012. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

October 22, 2011

Immigration began accepting H-1B petitions as of April 1, 2011. So far, Immigration has received 43,300 H-1B petitions that count toward the 65,000 cap and 19,600 advanced degree H-1B petitions that count toward the 20,000 cap. If you are considering filing an H-1B petition, please contact me (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

DEADLINE: The deadline for eligible widows and widowers of US citizens seeking immigration benefits based on their marriage is OCTOBER 28, 2011. Widows and widowers may apply for legal permanent residence based on marriage to a US citizen even if married less than 2 years prior to the US citizen spouse’s death. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Immigration announced an 18 month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Sudan and South Sudan. The new extension is effective as of November 3, 2011 and continues through May 2, 2013. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has established a hotline where people can report potential civil rights violations stemming from Alabama’s immigration law. The new hotline number is 1-855-353-1010. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

Immigration is in the process of implementing changes to the EB-5 Employment Creation program in order to streamline the system. Immigration is accelerating the processing of some EB-5 cases in order for the jobs to be created quicker. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com.

October 7, 2011

Immigration began accepting H-1B petitions as of April 1, 2011. So far, Immigration has received 32,200 H-1B petitions that count toward the 65,000 cap and 16,700 advanced degree H-1B petitions that count toward the 20,000 cap. If you are considering filing an H-1B petition, please contact me.

DEADLINE: The deadline for eligible widows and widowers of US citizens seeking immigration benefits based on their marriage is OCTOBER 28, 2011. Widows and widowers may apply for legal permanent residence based on marriage to a US citizen even if married less than 2 years prior to the US citizen spouse’s death. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

The Social Security Administration announced that it is using a new method called randomization to issue new social security numbers. The change is expected to help protect the integrity of such numbers. The numbers will no longer be assigned based on geographical significance for the first three numbers. New unassigned area numbers will be introduced. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

The State Department announced that registration for the diversity (lottery) visa for 2013 has begun. Registration must be done on line between noon October 4, 2011 to noon November 5, 2011. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

The recent amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act allows for continued eligibility for children over 21 years age to self-petition under The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Only certain individuals qualify and the petitions must be filed before age 25. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

September 10, 2011

Immigration began accepting H-1B petitions as of April 1, 2011. So far, Immigration has received 29,000 H-1B petitions that count toward the 65,000 cap and 15,800 advanced degree H-1B petitions that count toward the 20,000 cap. If you are considering filing an H-1B petition, please contact me.

Immigration announced that it has begun the process of moving from a paper-based environment to an electronic based environment in which petitions and applications will be filled in a secure manner. The process of switching from paper to electronic filing will take years as several regulations must be revised as well.

DEADLINE: The deadline for eligible widows and widowers of US citizens seeking immigration benefits based on their marriage is OCTOBER 28, 2011. Widows and widowers may apply for legal permanent residence based on marriage to a US citizen even if married less than 2 years prior to the US citizen spouse’s death. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

Household members of a principal nonimmigrant may be able to accompany such principal to the USA as a visitor using a tourist visa. Immigration and State Department define “household member” as an alien who regularly resides in the same dwelling as the principal nonimmigrant and there is a type of relationship and care as one normally would expect between nuclear family members.” For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

Employment Authorization was automatically extended by Immigration for Liberian nationals covered under the deferred enforced departure program due to expire on March 31, 2012.

The State Department announced that the US Consulate General in Mumbai, India has resumed processing H and L visas. All interviews will be conducted at the Lincoln House Consulate building. For further information, please contact me at (954)450-1563 or audrey@gloverdichter.com

The recent amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act allows for continued eligibility for children over 21 years age to self-petition under The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Only certain individuals qualify and the petitions must be filed before age 25.

August 12, 2011

Immigration issued a reminder that it is imperative for non-US Citizens to report a change of permanent address within 10 days. Failure to give written notice to Immigration of the change of permanent address within 10 days is a misdemeanor crime and has the possibility of jeopardizing future immigration benefits. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Immigration announced the launching of an online Ombudsman pilot program to assist with cases.Assistance is limited to cases located in Texas and theWashington, DC area. Individuals, employers and/or their representative may request help through the new system for cases experiencing difficulties with CIS. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Department of Justice filed suit to challenge State of Alabama new immigration law, which is modeled after the Arizona law.

Global Entry and NEXUS Trusted Traveler programs are now available at pre-clearance airports in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. Such programs provide kiosks at airports allowing preapproved travelers to self process when entering the USA. Please contact me if you have any questions.

State Department warns again against rampant fraud towards Diversity Visa program. For proper information please check the State Department website. Please contact me if you have any questions.

July 9, 2011

The State Department announced that the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, has temporarily suspended the processing of all visas to the USA due to the emergency services being provided to US Citizens. Any Yemen citizen wishing to process a visa, may do so at another US Consulate that process visas outside of Yemen.

Immigration announced the lifting of the hold placed on cases of same-sex partners and will resume processing such cases. Although the Department of Justice made an announcement that it finds the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, it is upto the Federal Courts or Congress to change the law to allow the approval of such cases.

The US and Mexico have resume the voluntary repatriation program of Mexican nationals found to be illegal in the Sonora Arizona Desert region. The program allows for medical attention to be provided to save lives and give such Mexican nationals the opportunity to voluntarily be repatriated to Mexico immediately.

The State of South Carolina passed similar legislation as the recently upheld Arizona law. The South Carolina law requires that businesses must show proof that they are participating in the E-Verify system before licenses or other documents are issued. The North Carolina law is extensive as is the controversial Arizona law.

The White House announced the establishment of the SelectUSA Initiative, which is managed by the Department of Commerce in order to attract business investments in the USA in order to create jobs, promote economic growth and competitiveness.

June 2011

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that some Libyan students may be eligible for employment authorization. A notice was published in the Federal Register that allows some Libyan students to work an increased number of hours during the school year. Also, if necessary such students may lower their course load and still maintain F-1 student status. In order to take advantage of the program, the students that qualify must apply for employment authorization. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Various Federal Government agencies have teamed up with CIS in order to fight immigration service scams promulgated by the unauthorized practice of law. Given the number of people who get hurt on an annual basis due to such fraudulent scams, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and ICE are teaming up nationally with states and local agencies to combat such fraudulent practices. A major campaign to educate the public is being launched as part of the initiative. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

New I-9 Employment Verification Forms are available and must be used for all new hires. According to the latest guidance from Immigration, even if the employee works only for one (1) day, there must be an I-9 on file. The latest guidance issued by CIS this month answers several complicated questions relating to the proper use of the I-9 forms. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

September 10, 2010

The latest H-1B counts are 36,600 visa petitions processed that count toward the 65,000 cap and 13,400 advance degree H-1B visa petitions processed that count toward the 20,000 cap. Time is of the essence to file such petitions because once CIS reaches the caps for each H-1B category, employers will not be able to file H-1Bs until April 2011.

On July 1, 2010, Puerto Rico began issuing new and more secure certified copies of birth certificates to US citizens born in Puerto Rico. Immigration, therefore, has decided that as of September 30, 2010, all birth certificates issued in Puerto Rico prior to July 1, 2010, will no longer be acceptable for immigration purposes only. This change does NOT affect citizenship status or any person born in Puerto Rico.

The US State Department updated the visa reciprocity schedule with China to show that H visas are now issued for 12 month periods with multiple entries.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should be not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This website is designed and intended for general information only. The information presented at this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

September 3, 2010

The latest H-1B counts are 34,900 visa petitions processed that count toward the 65,000 cap and 13,000 advance degree H-1B visa petitions processed that count toward the 20,000 cap. Time is of the essence to file such petitions because once CIS reaches the caps for each H-1B category, employers will not be able to file H-1Bs until April 2011.

Reminder to the El Salvadoran community in the USA that re-registration for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) ends on September 7, 2010. In order to receive the 18 month extension of TPS through March 9, 2012, applications must be filed before September 7, 2010.

Reminder that Visa Waiver Travelers will be paying an increased fee of $14 under the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee recently passed by Congress, which goes into effect on September 8, 2010.

ICE has been increasing its I-9 inspections throughout the USA. Please make sure your company is in full compliance with I-9 regulations. For questions, please contact me.

US Consulates in Canada have changed the system to process visas in Canada. Visa applicants must go on line to their particular web site in order to attain the required information to process such visas, including making appointments.

Extraordinary ability immigrant visas can be processed for highly successful business people, artists, models, athletes, scientists, etc. The extraordinary visa, if approved, grants permanent residency without the need of a petitioner. Call me to discuss.

August 27, 2010

The latest H-1B counts are 33,900 visa petitions processed that count toward the 65,000 cap and 12,600 advance degree H-1B visa petitions processed that count toward the 20,000 cap. Time is of the essence to file such petitions because once CIS reaches the caps for each H-1B category, employers will not be able to file H-1Bs until April 2011.

Congress passed the Emergency Border Security Bill, which allocates funds to different government agencies that work to protect our borders. One of most significant provisions of this law is that raises filing and fraud prevention and detection for L visas by $2,250 and H-1B visas by $2,000 for applicants who have more than 50 employees in the US if more than 50% of the employees are on either H or L visas. The fee increase ends on September 30, 2014 and it is effective immediately.

Immigration issued a reminder to the El Salvadoran community in the USA that re-registration for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) ends on September 7, 2010. In order to receive the 18 month extension of TPS through March 9, 2012, applications must be filed before September 7, 2010.

Visa Waiver Travelers will be paying an increased fee of $14 under the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee recently passed by Congress. It is expected to go into effect on or after September 8, 2010.

ICE has made several arrests throughout the USA for immigration law violations, 23 arrests in New England, 32 in Las Vegas this week.

Did you know that if you qualify for the “O” non-immigrant visa, you might actually qualify for an extraordinary ability immigrant visa yielding permanent residency? Call me to discuss.

August 20, 2010

The latest H-1B counts are 29,700 visa petitions processed that count toward the 65,000 cap and 12,300 advance degree H-1B visa petitions processed that count toward the 20,000 cap. Time is of the essence to file such petitions because once CIS reaches the caps for each H-1B category, employers will not be able to file H-1Bs until April 2011.

Immigration issued special instructions for visitors who would like to enroll in school while in the USA on a tourist visa, which specify it is prohibited under the law. Any visitor wanting to study in the US must apply for the proper student visa.

Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) has issued the final rule on Employment Authorization granted for dependents of foreign officials such as A and G visas. The rule allows the dependents to work once they apply and receive employment authorization from CIS.

August 6, 2010

The latest H-1B counts are 27,300 visa petitions processed that count toward the 65,000 cap and 11,600 advance degree H-1B visa petitions processed that count toward the 20,000 cap. Time is of the essence to file such petitions because once CIS reaches the caps for each H-1B category, employers will not be able to file H-1Bs until April 2011. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

CIS announces delays in processing employment authorization applications and advance paroles/travel permit applications due to an overwhelming number of application received recently due to the TPS extensions granted to El Salvador, Haiti, etc. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The Department of State announced that form DS 230 to process immigrant visas abroad will be phased out and replaced by DS 260. The new form requires that it be filled out and executed electronically. The new form went into effect as of August 3, 2010. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The US Department of State has clarified that there is still a treaty between the US and Denmark authorizing E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader non-immigrant visas even if the new 2010 reciprocity schedule states that there is no treaty. The Foreging Affairs Manual, however, is correct in showing the treaty between US and Denmark and authorizing both, E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader non-immigrant visas. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Immigration announce improved customer service features on their website that include new features for Spanish speaking clients. Also, the new features now allows clients to submit on-line inquiries regarding their cases to which CIS commits to answering within 15 days. The new on-line inquiry system is expected to reduce the need for InfoPass appointments. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Presidential permit was granted for the building of the San Diego-Tijuana Airport Cross Border Facility (CBF), which will be an enclosed pedestrian bridge across the US-Mexico border linking passenger facilities in the San Diego airport and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico airport. The purpose for the bridge is to provide travelers quick, secure and reliable access to flights at both ariports without border crossing delays. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

July 31, 2010

Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) expands payment options at all domestic offices. CIS will no longer accept cash, but it will begin to accept personal checks and credit cards for payment of filing fees of immigration applications and petitions. Money orders will still be accepted too. The credit cards accepted will be Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. The new payment options will take effect as of October 1, 2010. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Immigration has issued guidance and clarification as to specific EB-5 situations. The EB-5 program has grown in importance in the immigration world allowing conditional permanent residence to investor who invest minimally $1 million dollars and create 10 jobs. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Department of Homeland Security and TSA have launched two new programs. The first program is a security campaign called “If You See Something, Say Something” encouraging passengers and crews to report suspicious general aviation activity to TSA’s hotline 1-866-GA-SECURE. The second initiative is the streamlining the screening process of passengers and crews by allowing pilots and operators of general aviation flights to submit the manifest the the Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) once, which information will be shared between TSA and Customs and Border Protection. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The latest H-1B counts are 26,000 visa petitions processed that count toward the 65,000 cap and 11,300 advance degree H-1B visa petitions processed that count toward the 20,000 cap. Time is of the essence to file such petitions because once CIS reaches the caps for each H-1B category, employers will not be able to file H-1Bs until April 2011. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance as to the proper handling of I-9s for extended Temporary Protective Status (TPS) beneficiaries. In particular, DOJ explains that when a blanket extension is issues as those issued recently for El Salvador, Nicaragua and Haiti, expired employment authorization documents (EADs) must be accepted until new EADs are issued with new expiration dates. Thus, beneficiaries of blanket TPS cannot be terminated from or denied employment simply because the EAD is expired. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

July 23, 2010

The latest H-1B count was 25,300 petitions that count towards the 65,000 cap, and 11, 000 petitions that count toward the advance degree cap of 20,000. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued the Final Rule on Electronic Signature and Storage of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

DHS announced deployment of Advanced Imaging Technology Deployments at 28 Airports. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

CIS has issued a reminder to eligible Nicaraguans and Hondurans who have not re-register for TPS to do so by following the late registration rules. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Updates have been issued regarding extended TPS and employment authorization for nationals of Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Liberia, Sudan and Somalia. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

July 16, 2010

For the first time ever, CIS introduced a fee waiver form. Once approved, the form will be made available to applicants who cannot afford to pay the immigration filing fees. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

CIS has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of El Salvador and automatically extended employment authorization until March 9, 2012. For more information, please contact me at a udrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Registration deadline for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible Haitian nationals has been extended by CIS until January 18, 2011. For more information, please contact me at a udrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

US Department of Justice filed suit again Arizona “to declare invalid and preliminarily and permanently enjoin the enforcement of S.B. 1070.” For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

CIS proposes fee increases for most immigration applications and petitions. Effective date of such increases is to be determined soon as the comment period ends.For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

ICE clarifies what is the “date of hire” for E-Verify purposes within the three day rule. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

As of the date of publication, the latest H-1B count was 24,800 petitions that count towards the 65,000 cap, and 10, 600 petitions that count toward the advance degree cap of 20,000. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

US Consulates in China liberalize their interview policy and allow Chinese citizens to process their visas at any US Consulate in China regardless where the applicants live. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

June 25, 2010

CIS announced that as of June 18, 2010 the latest cap H-1B count was 22,900. As for advanced degree cap H-1B the count was 9,700.00. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

USCIS issued a fact sheet as a guide to INFOPASS, the on line appointment system.
For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The Department of Homeland Security announced a partnership with with the Major Cities Chiefs Association to create a Southwest Border Law Enforcement Compact. The partnership allows non-border states and local law enforcement agencies to send officers to state and local law enforcement agencies along the Southwest border. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The US continue to hold talks with Cuba on Cuban Migration. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

US Consulates in China are open on Saturdays for a few weeks to process the overwhelming amount of visa applications of Chinese citizens wanting to visit the US. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

CIS launched a newly redesigned web interface for employers using the E-Verify Program. All employers who currently use E-Verify must complete the on line tutorial and upgrade to the new system. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

June 4, 2010

Department of State announced new consular fees that are to start on June 4, 2010. Most non-immigrant visas are $140, Petition based non-immigrant visas such as H, L, O, P, Q, R are $150, K visas are $350, and E visas are $390. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

June 3, 2010

The USA has established a program with France to identify high risk travelers and prevent such travelers from boarding airplanes bound to the USA. The USA has a similar program with Spain. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

June 1, 2010

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released the updated list of SEVP approved schools. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

May 26, 2010

Citizenship and Immigration Service announced that the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has been revised. The purpose for the revision of the EAD is to include additional information in a machine-readable format. Issuance of the newly designed EAD began on May 11, 2010. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

May 24, 2010

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced clearance procedures for pleasure boats entering the US from Canada. Any vessel that is either at anchor or at dock in the USA must obtain clearance from CBP and must present travel documents. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

May 21, 2010

The latest update from CIS on H petitions is as follows:

H-1B: 19,600 cap eligible petitions counting towards the 65,000 cap amount.
H-1B Master’s Exemption: 8,cap eligible petitions toward the 20,000 cap amount.

For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

May 14, 2010

The latest update from CIS on H petitions is as follows:

H-1B: 18,000 cap eligible petitions counting towards the 65,000 cap amount.
H-1B Master’s Exemption: 7,600 cap eligible petitions toward the 20,000 cap amount.
H-2B: 65,307 petitions approved and 828 petitions pending all count toward the 66,000 cap amount

For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

CIS announced that it has redesigned the permanent resident card/green card to ad enhanced security features. New cards are being issues effective May 11, 2010 to all new legal permanent residents, or to residents who need to replace current cards. The new cards are now “green” in honor of its nickname the “Green Card.” For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras and Nicaragua has been extended. All re-registration TPS applications must be filed between May 5, 2010 and July 6, 2010. The extension is for 18 months so it is good until January 5, 2011, if granted. The extension does NOT apply to nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua who entered the USA after December 30, 1998. Limited initial registration may be available. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

April 25, 2010

The Governor of Arizona signed into law the wide sweeping legislation criminalizing immigrants who are in the USA illegally in Arizona. Also, the new law allows police to stop anyone just based on a suspicion to question him/her on his/her immigration status in the USA. The new law takes effect in early July 2010. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

A friendly reminder that TPS applications for Haitians who qualify for TPS must be received by Immigration on or before July 20, 2010. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The latest update from Immigration is that it has approved 62, 622 H-2B petitions that count towards the 66,000 cap per fiscal year. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The latest update from Immigration is that it has received approximately 13,600 H-1B petitions that are subject to the cap of 65,000 per fiscal year. Immigration has also approved 5,800 H-1B petition with advanced degree. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

All federal contractors must enroll in the E-Verify program in order to maintain their federal contractor status. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

April 21, 2010

Immigration issued guidance for all stranded travelers to and from Europe. If a traveler entered the USA on the visa waiver program (green I-94), Immigration has automatically extended all such I-94s by 30 days. If the traveler entered the USA using a visa (white I-94), then the traveler is required to file an extension with immigration to not incur unlawful presence in the USA. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

April 16, 2010

Arizona’s legislature passed a widely reaching law giving police the authority to question and determine the immigration status of people just based on “reasonable suspicion.” For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The US and Germany signed a statement regarding their intent to put in place a trusted traveler program as part of the Global Entry program, which is part of a US Customs and Border protection program that gives members that are pre-approved options to regular passport processing. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

ICE has updated the list of approved schools for the SEVIS program. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

April 8, 2010

As of close of business on Monday, April 5, 2010, Immigration announced that it had received a total of 9,525 cap-subject H-1B petitions. Of those petitions, 6,791 were “regular” cap, and 2,734 were advanced degree. It is imperative to process all H-1Bs petitions as soon as possible. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.ghting

April 5, 2010

Today Greece is officially part of the visa waiver program as it is effective today. There are numerous other countries designated for the visa waiver program. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

April 1, 2010

Today CIS began accepting H-1B applications that count toward the 65,000 visa cap for fiscal year 2011. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

March 22, 2010

CIS announced that it automatically extended employment authorization for Liberian nationals covered under Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) through September 30, 2010. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

March 18, 2010

Today the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that on April 1, 2010, it is centralizing processing and adjudication of all new orphan (Non-Hague) petitions with the agency’s specialized adoptions team in Missouri. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

USCIS addresses questions regarding Humanitarian Parole. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled initiatives to enhance the E-Verify program, which includes a new agreement with the Department of Justice to streamline the adjudication process in cases of E-Verify misuse and discrimination. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

March 15, 2010

USCIS published a reminder last week that there are immigration benefits available for Chilean Nationals to maintain or establish lawful immigration status in the USA in light of the recent natural catastrophes in Chile. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

March 9, 2010

USCIS announced that it will begin accepting H-1B applications for fiscal year 2011 beginning April 1, 2010. The federal government’s fiscal year begins on October 1 every year. So H-1Bs that are granted and that are counted against the 65,000 visa cap will have a start date of October 1, 2010. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.

The Department of Homeland Security announced Greece’s designation as a member of the visa waiver program. Citizens from countries in the visa waiver program do not need to apply for a tourist visa at US consulates in their home country, if they meet the program’s qualifications. Citizens from countries in the visa waiver program must show citizenship in such country (i.e. passports) and meet the program’s qualifications in order for visas to be granted at the point of entry in the US or pre-flight inspection in some countries. Visitors from such countries may be given up to 90 days to visit the US. For more information, please contact me at audrey@gloverdichter.com or 954-450-1563.