News & Resources

USCIS Now Requires Certain Adjustment Of Status Applicants To Submit Medical Examination With Their Form I-485 Application

December 20, 2024

Effectively immediately, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will require certain applicants filing a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to submit a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record with their Form I-485 Application. Applicants who are adjusting status within

Incoming Trump Administration Looks to Deport Migrants to Third-Party Countries

December 17, 2024

The incoming Trump administration is preparing a list of countries to which it may deport migrants if their home countries refuse to accept them, according to sources. These countries include Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Panama and Grenada. If implemented, it could result in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands

What is CBP Preclearance?

December 5, 2024

CBP Preclearance refers to a program operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) that allows U.S. bound travelers to complete immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departing for the United States, rather than upon arrival at a U.S. Port-of-Entry. This process occurs at designated preclearance locations outside the

Philippines Ambassador to the U.S. Urges Undocumented Philippines Citizens to Leave Voluntarily

November 29, 2024

Philippines Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez said it would be better for undocumented Philippines citizens to voluntarily leave the U.S. rather than be deported. Ambassador Romualdez made these comments following Donald Trump being elected as the 47th President of the United States and Trump’s appointment of Thomas

What is a Joint Sponsor for a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support?

November 26, 2024

A Joint Sponsor for Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is an individual who agrees to share the financial responsibility for sponsoring an immigrant when the primary sponsor (the Petitioner) does not meet the minimum income requirements. The joint sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria and file their own Form I-864

Update on Visa Chargeability for Hong Kong Persons from the President’s Executive Order

September 12, 2020

Since the President’s July 14, 2020 Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization there has been much concern and confusion about whether and how the Executive Order impacts persons born in Hong Kong. The issue is whether the Executive Order makes individuals born in Hong Kong subject to visa chargeability of

Important Notice for K Visa Applicants Affected by COVID-19

September 2, 2020

Effective August 28, as it becomes safe to resume more consular operations at the U.S. Embassy in Manila and the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, posts are authorized to give K visa cases high priority. Applicants should check https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ (Philippines) and http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/vn/ (Vietnam) for updates. The I-129F Petition

U.S. Embassy in Manila Resumes Limited In-Person Passport Service Operations on September 1st

September 1, 2020

The American Citizen Services (“ACS”) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila will resume limited in-person passport service operations on September 1st by appointment only. Other routine ACS operations such as notarial services, affidavits in lieu of legal capacity to marry and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad will remain suspended. Prior

Department of States Expands Non-Immigrant Visa In-Person Interview Waivers

August 31, 2020

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive in-person interviews for individuals applying for non-immigrant visas in the same visa classification. Previously, only those applicants whose non-immigrant visas had expired within the previous 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver.

House of Representatives Passes Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act

August 28, 2020

On Saturday, August 22, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed The Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act (H.R. 8089). The legislation seeks to temporarily prevent planned furloughs by the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (“USCIS”) by immediately increasing USCIS premium processing revenues. In May 2020, USCIS notified Congress

DOS Provides Update on Public Charge Inadmissibility Following Temporary Injunction

August 12, 2020

DOS Provides Update on Public Charge Inadmissibility Following Temporary Injunction Following a nationwide injunction issued by a federal judge temporarily blocking Public Charge inadmissibility from being enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) will be updating its guidance to consular officers on how to

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