Achives from Author

We are updating guidance in Volume 3 of the USCIS Policy Manual related to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) program—a program where certain immigration benefits can be provided to survivors of domestic abuse. From fiscal years 2020 to 2024, the overall number of Form I-360 VAWA self-petitions increased by approximately 360% and male self-petitioners increased by 259%. These […]

In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a major overhaul of the H-1B visa selection process, replacing the traditional random lottery with a weighted selection system.  Key Features of the Weighted System The new system prioritizes higher-paid and higher-skilled workers by giving them more entries into the selection pool based on their […]

Effective Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating our Policy Manual to clarify flexibilities that may be available to benefit requestors during and after an emergency or unforeseen circumstance.  The update explains that during certain emergencies or unforeseen circumstances that may present unanticipated challenges to immigration benefit requestors, we may use our discretion to implement certain flexibilities relating […]

On Nov. 26, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register notice designating Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from Nov. 27, 2024, through May 27, 2026.   This designation allows eligible Lebanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon) to obtain TPS if they have resided continuously […]

On Aug. 26, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, issued an administrative stay, preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from granting parole in place under Keeping Families Together for 14 days.   To comply with the district court’s administrative stay, USCIS will, until further notice:   Not grant any pending parole […]

New Policy Opens H-1B Visa Path for DACA Recipients Jun 21, 2024 In a significant move aimed at benefiting U.S.-educated foreign nationals, the Biden administration announced a new policy Tuesday to streamline the work visa process for college graduates, including DACA recipients. ARTICLE AT A GLANCE Graduates from U.S. colleges and universities, including DACA recipients (Dreamers), […]