TPS for Ukraine Updates: Новости по ТПС для Украины.

Today, on July 14, 2022, I attended a conference call with the USCIS headquarters, and they provided important updates about TPS for Ukraine. Below are some of the talking points in English and Russian.

Cегодня 14 июля 2022 USCIS ответили на многие вопросы по ТПС для Украины во время конференции с адвокатами, которую я посетила.

1) USCIS is expecting that the processing time for TPS for Ukraine will be about 6 months. Soon, the processing times will be available at USCIS website. Ожидается, что сроки рассмотрения ТПС для Украины будут 6 месяцев. Скоро даты будут опубликованы онлайн на сайте USCIS.

2) Some TPS applications will be denied. The reasons for denial are inadmissibility grounds, criminal, frivolous asylum application (it is important!), reinstatement of a prior deportation order, etc. Некоторые заявления на ТПС получат отказ. Например, если у вас открыто решение по депортации, вы подавали фривольное заявление на полит убежище в прошлом, у вас есть судимости и другие основания для признания вас невъездным в США. Проконсультируйтесь с адвокатом.

3) Application for TPS can be filed online. However, if you are requesting a fee waiver, currently, it can be only filed by mail. However, USCIS is working on making a Fee Waiver request available for online filing soon. Заявление на ТПС может быть подано как онлайн так и по почте. Если вы хотите подать бесплатно - только по почте. USCIS планируют скоро поменять правила - и разрешить подачу бесплатно онлайн (подать заявление на fee waiver).

4) Be careful preparing your application and what documents you are submitting with your application.
Внимательно готовьте свое заявление и документы для подачи.

5) Avoid immigration scams. Consult licensed attorneys, not notarios or someone says that they are a "paralegal" or "immigration consultant". USCIS sees a lot of fraudulent activity.
Избегайте иммиграционного мошенничества. Многие нотариусы, паралигалы и так называемые "иммиграционные консультанты" на самом деле не являются адвокатами, не имеют права давать юридический совет, но занимаются иммиграционными услугами. Обращайтесь за помощью к адвокату. USCIS видит много нарушений и мошенничества по делам ТПС.

6) If your application is pending too long or you didn't receive a Receipt Notice, form I-797, they might be investigating your case more closely. Consult an attorney. Если ваше заявление слишком долго ждет решения или вы даже не получили письмо с номером дела, возможно какие-то проблемы именно с вашим заявлением, и оно требует больше времени. Проконсультируйтесь с адвокатом.

7) You can travel to Ukraine and return back to the USA if you have an advance parole (if TPS is pending) or travel authorization (if TPS is granted). Вы можете путешествовать в Украину и обратно в США, если у вас есть travel document. А именно, advance parole (если ТПС все еще на рассмотрении) или travel authorization (если ТПС уже утвержден). Помните, что это требует особого заявления, госпошлины и времени для получения.

8) If you applied for TPS online and made a mistake that you noticed too late, there is a way to correct it through your online account.
Если вы сделали ошибки в своем заявлении онлайн, то есть способы их исправить через ваш аккаунт онлайн.

9) YES, you can have another valid Non-immigrant status while in TPS. However, you must maintain that status. There are rules to follow. Да, вы можете одновременно с ТПС поддерживать другой неиммиграционный статус. Помните, что важно не нарушать это второй статус, чтобы его не потерять (например, студенческий).

10) If you left Ukraine in a hurry and do not have some important documents, there is a way to submit "secondary evidence", and if accepted, it could be used instead of the missing documents from Ukraine.
Если вы оставили на Украине какие-то важные документы и у вас их нет с собой, их можно заменить другими документами. Проконсультируйтесь с адвокатом.

11) In some instances, people without Ukrainian citizenship could be granted TPS. В некоторых ситуациях человек не являющийся гражданином Украины может получить статус ТПС для Украины. Это узкие исключения.

12) TPS is issued individually to each applicant (to parents and children separately). You need to submit an application for each family member. There is no "derivative" TPS status. Статус ТПС это не семейный статус. Он не выдается на всю семью. Каждый должен подать индивидуальное заявление, включая детей. Кому-то могут отказать, не взирая на родственные связи, если они не соответствуют требованиям ТПС.

Для консультации с адвокатом, пишите по адресу.[email protected]  ​

​Beginning July 1, 2022, USCIS will issue a new travel authorization document to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States. USCIS will no longer issue advance parole documents to a TPS beneficiary’s for travel outside the United States.

If you are a TPS beneficiary (TPS was approved) with an existing, unexpired advance parole document, you may continue to use it for travel outside the United States through the period of validity printed on it.

If you are a TPS beneficiary applying for a new travel authorization document, you should continue to use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

If you have a pending Form I-131, you do not need to file a new application.

USCIS will continue issuing advance parole documents to noncitizens with pending applications for TPS (Form I-821).

Recently we published very important related news on our blog.

Briefly in Russian:

С 1 июля 2022 USCIS начал выдавать новый документ для поездок за пределы США лицам в статусе TPS..

Мы недавно опубликовали на нашем блоге важные новости по этому вопросу и будущей возможности получить грин карту.

Форма заявления - таже форма I-131.

Если заявлние I-821 TPS все еще находится на рассмотрении, то по прежнему USCIS будет выдавать advance parole.

To schedule a consultation, please email us to schedule.

Information about TPS from USCIS. 

USCIS announced today that they are extending the designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for another 18 months.
​
The 18-month extension of TPS for Venezuela will be effective from September 10, 2022, through March 10, 2024. Only beneficiaries under Venezuela’s existing designation, and who were already residing in the United States as of March 8, 2021, are eligible to re-register for TPS under this extension.

Venezuelans who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS.

Approximately 343,000 individuals are estimated to be eligible for TPS under the existing designation of Venezuela.

​TPS for Venezuela page at USCIS is here.

​Extensión del TPS de VenezuelaEl Departamento de Seguridad Nacional anunció la extensión del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) de Venezuela por 18 meses, desde el 10 de septiembre de 2022 hasta el 10 de marzo de 2024.
La extensión del TPS de Venezuela por 18 meses entrará en vigor el 10 de septiembre de 2022. DHS publicará una notificación en el Registro Federal que explicará cómo reinscribirse bajo la designación de Venezuela y solicitar un Documento de Autorización de Empleo (EAD). Se estima que aproximadamente 343,000 personas estar elegibles para TPS bajo la designación existente de Venezuela. 
USCIS continuará con el procesamiento de las solicitudes pendientes. Los solicitantes que tengan un Formulario I-821, Solicitud de Autorización de Empleo o el Formulario I-765, Solicitud de Autorización de Empleo, no tienen que presentar la solicitud nuevamente. Si USCIS aprueba su Formulario I-821 pendiente presentado durante la designación inicial de TPS para Venezuela, USCIS le otorgará al solicitante TPS hasta el 10 de marzo de 2024. De manera similar, si USCIS aprueba un Formulario I-765 pendiente relacionado con TPS para un solicitante inicial, emitirá un nuevo EAD válido hasta el 10 de marzo de 2024.
Mas Información
DHS planificará y coordinará oportunidades de enlace comunitario con respecto a la extensión y redesignación de TPS para Venezuela para brindar información y responder preguntas del público.
Para obtener la información más actualizada relacionada con el Estatus de Protección Temporal, visite nuestra página de TPS.

As of May 1, 2022, all employers must only accept unexpired List B identity documents as part of the I-9 process.

After July 15, 2022, e-Verify will no longer provide extended timeframes for employees to visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) to resolve Social Security mismatches.

During COVID-19 pandemic, USCS and DHS temporarily allowed employers to accept expired List B identity documents as part of the I-9 process. It was acceptable for employers to accept expired state IDs or driver’s licenses for List B if the document expired on or after March 1, 2020, and the state extended the document expiration date due to COVID-19.

This temporary policy ended on May 1, 2022. Employers have until July 31, 2022 to update their I-9 Forms for employees that presented expired List B documents between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022. A chart detailing these changes can be found here.

Similarly, due to the closure of SSA offices to the public, USCIS allowed employers participating in E-Verify to postpone dealing with Social Security mismatches (cases in which an employee’s Social Security number did not match the number in the E-Verify database resulting in a “TNC” or “tentative non-confirmation”). Before the pandemic, an employee contesting a TNC was required to contact the SSA within 8 federal working days or risk getting a Final Non-confirmation and loss of employment. Beginning March 2, 2020, this requirement was temporarily suspended. uscis e-verify

As of July 15, 2022, employees receiving a TNC for a Social Security mismatch will again be required to contact the SSA within 8 federal working days to resolve the mismatch. Employees with mismatches between March 2, 2020 and July 14, 2022 have until September 29, 2023 to resolve their cases. 

​Read more here. Updates are here.

On June 24, 2022, USCIS updated its Policy Manual. New policy is intended to make it easier for people to obtain a green card without having to apply for an inadmissibility waiver.

Purpose

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy
Manual on inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(INA), specifically, the effect of returning to the United States during the statutory 3-year or 10-
year period after departure or removal (if applicable).

Under this new policy guidance, a noncitizen who again seeks admission more than 3 or 10 years after the relevant departure or removal, is not inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(B) even if the noncitizen returned to the United States, with or without authorization, during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period.

Background

In 1996, Congress provided specific grounds of inadmissibility related to a noncitizen’s accrual of
unlawful presence in the United States, including inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(9)(B).

A noncitizen is inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(B) if the noncitizen accrues more than 180 days of
unlawful presence, departs or is removed (whichever applies), and again seeks admission within 3-
years or 10-years, respectively, after the departure or removal. This INA provision does not speak to
the effect of returning to the United States during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period without first
obtaining a waiver of inadmissibility.4 There are neither regulations, precedent federal court
decisions, nor published5 administrative decisions on the issue. However, more recently, two federal
district courts have issued decisions on this issue, concluding that the statutory 3-year and 10-year
periods run from the date of departure or removal (whichever applies) without interruption. 

USCIS is issuing this guidance to explain the effect of returning to the United States during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period after departure or removal (whichever applies) on inadmissibility determinations under INA 212(a)(9)(B). USCIS has not previously issued guidance on this specific issue in a policy memorandum, the Adjudicator’s Field Manual, or the Policy Manual.7 USCIS is now issuing this policy guidance to memorialize clear, express, and public-facing policy guidance in the Policy Manual regarding the impact of returning to the United States during the statutory 3-year and 10-year periods of inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(9)(B). This policy guidance, which is consistent with two recent district court decisions and an unpublished BIA decision on this issue, will ensure efficient and consistent adjudication in such cases, and enable the government to preserve significant resources.

This guidance contained in Volume 8 of the Policy Manual is effective immediately and applies prospectively to USCIS inadmissibility determinations made on or after June 24, 2022. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any prior related guidance on the topic. In addition, some noncitizens may be eligible to file a motion to reopen8 their previously denied application with USCIS using a Notice of Appeal or Motion (Form I-290B).

For more information, see the Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility webpage.

Policy Highlights

• Explains that USCIS does not consider a noncitizen who has accrued more than 180 days of unlawful presence and has departed or been removed (whichever applies) inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(B) unless the noncitizen again seeks admission to the United States within the statutory 3-year or 10-year period after departure or removal (whichever applies) following accrual of the requisite period of unlawful presence.

• States that the statutory 3-year or 10-year period begins to run once the noncitizen departs or is removed (whichever applies) and continues without interruption from that date until 3 or 10 years after such departure or removal.

• States that a noncitizen’s location during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period and the noncitizen’s manner of return to the United States during the statutory 3-year or 10-year period are irrelevant for purposes of determining inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(9)(B). 

Untimely Motions to Reopen for Certain USCIS DenialsOn June 24, 2022 USCIS published new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual concerning the effect of returning to the United States during the statutory three-year or 10-year period after departure or removal. Under this policy guidance, a noncitizen who again seeks admission more than three years or 10 years after the relevant departure or removal is not inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(B), even if the noncitizen returned to the United States, with or without authorization, during the statutory three-year or 10-year period.
Generally, under 8 CFR 103.5(a)(1)(i), a motion to reopen filed by an applicant or petitioner must be filed within 30 days of the decision that the motion seeks to reopen. However, on or before December 27, 2022, you may file an untimely motion to reopen your previously denied application with USCIS on Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, and in accordance with the form instructions and filing fee, if:

• You returned to the United States during the statutory three-year or 10-year period;
• You filed your application with USCIS after the expiration of the statutory three-year or 10-year period; and
• We denied your application on or after April 4, 2016, solely based upon inadmissibility under INA 212(a)(9)(B) and your return to the United States during the statutory three-year or 10-year period.

You should write “Return to United States during three-year or 10-year statutory period” to assist with identification and to prevent rejection for untimely filing. We will accept untimely motions to reopen that meet the requirements above. Any individual in litigation on this basis may work through the government’s representative in litigation. If your case is reopened, it will be adjudicated under the new policy guidance
Read more here. 

More Information about Unlawful Presence and the BarsYou can find more information on unlawful presence in AFM Chapter 40.9.2 (PDF, 1017.74 KB). You can also find additional information about grounds of inadmissibility in the USCIS Policy Manual.
Read here.

Whether an unlawful presence ground of inadmissibility applies to you depends on the immigration benefit you are seeking.
​Depending on the immigration benefit you are seeking, the law may exempt you from the ground of inadmissibility.
If you are inadmissible due to one or more of the unlawful presence grounds of inadmissibility, you generally cannot obtain a visa from the U.S. Department of State, enter the United States at a port of entry, or obtain an immigration benefit such as adjustment of status (Green Card) in the United States without first obtaining a waiver or another form of relief (such as consent to reapply for admission).
You can find information about some of the waivers or forms of relief on the following form pages:

• Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant
• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
• Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
• Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal

​Read new policy at USCIS website. 

Big news for TPS:

On July 1, 2022, USCIS updated its policy regarding eligibility for adjustment of status of certain recipients of TPS.  USCIS clarified that TPS beneficiaries who travel abroad temporarily, with the prior consent of the USCIS (new travel authorization form I-512T), and who return to the USA in accordance with that prior authorization, may be inspected and admitted into TPS upon return, with certain exceptions. TPS beneficiaries whom DHS has inspected and admitted into TPS after such authorized travel are considered “inspected and admitted” and therefore eligible to apply for a green card through a process known as adjustment of status under INA 245(a) and INA 245(k). This is true even if the TPS beneficiary was present without admission or parole when initially granted TPS. USCIS  introducув a new form, TPS Travel Authorization (Form I-512T) for authorizing such travel. A TPS applicant has to be eligible to apply for a green card, in one if the categories, this didn't change.

Briefly in Russian:

1 июля 2022 USCIS опубликовал официальный меморандум, который изменил стырые правила по ТПС. Теперь человек в статусе ТПС, может получить разрешение на поездки за границу, новую форму, которую вводят специально для ТПС, и по возвращении в США, ему или ей будет разрешен официальный въезд в США на основании инспекции офицером на границе. С этим официальным разрешением на въезд, человек сможет подать на грин карту через процесс известный как adjustment of status, даже если до этого они въехали без визы и проживали нелегально в США. Естественно, человек должен иметь основания для подачи на грин карту, в соответствии с законом.

To be eligible for adjustment of status under INA 245(a), a noncitizen must have been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States, unless exempt from this requirement. On June 7, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the interpretation that a noncitizen who enters the United States without having been inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled, and who is subsequently granted TPS, generally does not meet this requirement.1 USCIS is updating its guidance to reflect the decision of the Supreme Court. USCIS is also updating the effect of authorized travel by a TPS beneficiary on eligibility for adjustment of status under INA 245(a). On August 20, 2020, USCIS adopted a decision by the Administrative Appeals Office in Matter of Z-R-Z-C- as agency policy.

Matter of Z-R-Z-C- held that treating TPS beneficiaries who were paroled upon returning from travel authorized under INA 244(f)(3) as parolees for purposes of eligibility for adjustment of status under INA 245(a) was contrary to the language of the statute, as such noncitizens should not be considered to have been paroled, despite the issuance and use of parole documents for reentry into the United States. The adoption of this holding as the agency’s policy position significantly changed the agency’s position on the effect of authorized travel and return to the United States by TPS recipients. Matter of Z-R-ZC- also held that being “inspected and admitted” after TPS-authorized travel does not constitute being inspected and admitted for purposes of adjustment of status under INA 245(a).  

USCIS has reviewed its interpretation of the relevant statutory authority3 and the effect of TPS authorized travel on eligibility for adjustment of status, and on July 1, 2022, rescinded its designation of Matter of Z-R-Z-C- as an adopted decision.

USCIS is updating its guidance to clarify that TPS beneficiaries who travel abroad temporarily, with the prior consent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and who return in accordance with that prior authorization, may be inspected and admitted into TPS upon return, with certain exceptions. TPS beneficiaries whom DHS has inspected and admitted into TPS after such authorized travel are “inspected and admitted” for purposes of adjustment of status under INA 245(a) and INA 245(k).

This is true even if the TPS beneficiary was present without admission or parole when initially granted TPS.

USCIS is also updating its guidance relating to how it authorizes TPS beneficiaries to travel pursuant to the Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Nationality Amendments of 1991 (MTINA).

USCIS is introducing a new form, TPS Travel Authorization (Form I-512T) for authorizing such travel and will no longer be using Authorization for Parole of an Alien Into the United States (Form I512L) for this population. Presenting with a valid Form I-512T allows a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a port-of-entry to admit the named bearer into TPS.

USCIS is also removing guidance and reserving the affected Policy Manual section regarding the effect of TPS and TPS-authorized travel on whether a naturalization applicant was lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as required under INA 318.

The removed guidance did not reflect the 2021 Supreme Court decision that conferral of TPS was not an admission, and it applied the rescinded policy in Matter of Z-R-Z-C- to TPS beneficiaries who returned from authorized travel. Guidance reflecting these changes will be issued subsequently. USCIS is also updating its guidance relating to when adjustment of status applications are in the jurisdiction of USCIS, as opposed to the jurisdiction of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

The update also clarifies that jurisdiction is based on whether or not DHS places a noncitizen into removal proceedings as an “arriving alien.” This guidance, contained in Volume 7 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately and applies prospectively to applications adjudicated on or after July 1, 2022. The guidance in Part B, Chapter 2, Section A, Subsection 5, Temporary Protected Status, also applies retroactively to past travel in all cases arising under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit under the recent decision Duarte v. Mayorkas, 27 F.4th 1044 (5th Cir. 2022), as well as in individual cases arising elsewhere where USCIS has determined that retroactive application is appropriate, as explained in the guidance. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes Adjudicators Field Manual Chapter 54.4(a)(3)(A), TPS Advance Parole Procedures, and any other related prior guidance on the topic.

Policy Highlights:

• Incorporates the Supreme Court’s decision in Sanchez v. Mayorkas.

• Reflects the rescission of Matter of Z-R-Z-C- as an adopted decision.

• Clarifies that if a TPS beneficiary is inspected and admitted into TPS following a return from authorized travel, this meets the requirements of INA 245(a) and 245(k) for adjustment of status.

• Provides that USCIS may deem past travel under advance parole to have been an admission into TPS in certain cases.

• Clarifies the circumstances under which USCIS or EOIR have jurisdiction over adjustment of status applications following a TPS beneficiary’s inspection and admission into TPS after a return from authorized travel.

• Clarifies that jurisdiction over an adjustment application by a noncitizen in removal proceedings is based on whether or not DHS placed the noncitizen into those proceedings as an “arriving alien.”

• Removes and reserves guidance discussing TPS when considering whether a naturalization applicant was lawfully admitted as a permanent resident as required under INA 318. Summary of Changes Affected Section: Volume 7 > Part A > Chapter 3 > Section D, Jurisdiction

• Makes revisions throughout to clarify basis for jurisdiction and to incorporate new policy on effect of TPS-authorized travel. Affected Section: Volume 7 > Part B > Chapter 2 > Section A, “Inspected and Admitted” or “Inspected and Paroled” • Revises Subsection 5 (Temporary Protected Status), in its entirety. Affected Section: Volume 12 > Part D > Chapter 2 > Section C, Effect of Change in Law 

• Removes text under Subsection 2 (Case Law), Temporary Protected Status and Admission or Parole into the United States for Adjustment of Status, and reserves section.

Citation

​Volume 7: Adjustment of Status, Part A, Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures, Chapter 3, Filing Instructions [7 USCIS-PM A.3]; Part B, 245(a) Adjustment, Chapter 2, Eligibility Requirements [7 USCIS-PM B.2]. Volume 12: Citizenship and Naturalization, Part D, General Naturalization Requirements, Chapter 2, Lawful Permanent Resident Admission for Naturalization [12 USCIS-PM D.2]. 

USCIS Memo, dated July 1, 2022.

Read another post on this topic here - I-512T Travel Authorization for TPS Beneficiary v. Advance Parole for I-821 pending.

USCIS Covid-19 60 calendar days response time extension is still valid until July 25, 2022. It is expected to be the last 60-day extension, which started in March of 2020.
Напоминание о том, что 60 дневное продление периода для ответа на запросы из USCIS все еще в силе до 25 июля 2022. Ожидается, что это последнее продление (с марта 2020 по 25 июля 2022).

USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests Release Date In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain flexibilities through July 25, 2022, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors. We anticipate this may be the final extension of these flexibilities. USCIS will consider a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date set forth in the following requests or notices before taking any action, if the issuance date listed on the request or notice is between March 1, 2020, and July 25, 2022, inclusive:

Requests for Evidence;
Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
Notices of Intent to Deny;
Notices of Intent to Revoke;
Notices of Intent to Rescind;
Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers; and
Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5,
Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.

In addition, USCIS will consider a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), if:

The form was filed up to 90 calendar days from the issuance of a decision we made; and
We made that decision between Nov. 1, 2021, and July 25, 2022, inclusive.

Under previously announced flexibilities, USCIS considered a Form I-290B or a Form N-336 if the form was filed up to 60 calendar days from the issuance of a decision by USCIS, and if the decision was issued between March 1, 2020, and Oct. 31, 2021, inclusive.

Go to uscis.gov/coronavirus for USCIS updates.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-flexibility-for-responding-to-agency-requests-1
​

USCIS intends to modify its interpretation of 8 U.S.C. § 1182 (a)(9)(B) to no longer require an applicant for adjustment of status to spend his or her period of inadmissibility (3 or 10 years) outside of the United States and is in the process of finalizing a revised policy, including final approval by the Department of Homeland Security, and issuing new guidance to USCIS adjudicators.

USCIS also affirmed that it is not currently denying adjustment applications or requiring applicants to file waiver applications on the basis that an applicant returned to the United States within the period of inadmissibility under this section.

​See joint case status report on May 25, 2022.

​The current status of the ULP bars is explained here at USCIS website.

Unlawful presence is the period of time when you are in the United States without being admitted or paroled or when you are not in a “period of stay authorized by the Secretary.” You may be barred from being admitted to the United States for:

• Three years, if you depart the United States after having accrued more than 180 days but less than one year of unlawful presence during a single stay and before removal proceedings begin;
• 10 years, if you depart the United States after having accrued one year or more of unlawful presence during a single stay, regardless of whether you leave before, during, or after removal proceedings; or
• Permanently, if you reenter or try to reenter the United States without being admitted or paroled after having accrued more than one year of unlawful presence in the aggregate during one or more stays in the United States.

You can find these bars in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) and (II) (the 3-year and 10-year unlawful presence bars) and INA 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) (the permanent unlawful presence bar).

In March 2022, USCIS published the Final Rule in Federal Register, and announced that Premium Processing soon to become available for several new USCIS applications, including I-765 - work permit, I-539 - change of status for a student F-1, F-2, J-1, etc.

Expected timeframes or processing times will be 30 days.

The Final Rule was published in Federal Register in March 2022.

When USCIS updates information and forms on their website, premium processing will become available.

The fee for a premium processing (USCIS I-907) must be paid separately and in addition to the base filing fee.

В марте 2022 было объявлено о намерении сократить сроки рассмотрения многих петиций и заявлений. Для ускорения рассмотрения было предложено распространить процедуру Ускоренного рассмотрения на новые группы заявлений. В том числе, на разрешение на работу и на смену статуса с туристического на студенческий. Такие заявления предполагается будут рассмотрены в течение 30 дней. Дополнительные госпошлины будут взимать в дополнение к базывым госпошлинам.

Designation of Afghanistan for TPS: for a period from May 20, 2022 to November 20, 2023. Must be present and continuously residing in the USA since March 15, 2022.

On May 19, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice (FRN) designating Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months from May 20, 2022, through Nov. 20, 2023.

This designation allows Afghan nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) who have continuously resided in the United States since March 15, 2022, to file initial applications for TPS. The FRN provides instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.

Afghanistan’s 18-month TPS designation will go into effect on May 20, 2022, and individuals must also prove their continuous physical presence in the United States since the designation date. The FRN explains the procedures necessary for an individual to submit an initial registration application under the designation and to apply for an EAD.

​Read more at USCIS website.

To schedule consultation with an immigration attorney, please email us or visit our website at www.law-visa-usa.com
​

С 4 мая 2022 разрешение на работу считается продленным на 540 дней (вместо 180 дней), если новое заявление подано до срока истечения предыдущего в определенных категориях. Это временное правило действует с 4 мая 2022 по 26 октября 2023.

Effective May 4, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is temporarily amending existing DHS regulations related to expiring employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain renewal applicants. The prior extension period of up to 180 days will automatically increase to up to 540 days from the expiration date stated on their current EADs.

The up to 540-day automatic EAD extension only applies to those EAD categories currently eligible for the previous up to 180-day automatic extension of employment authorization and EAD validity. USCIS will provide up to 360 days (for a total of up to 540 days) of additional automatic extension time to eligible applicants with a pending EAD renewal application on the temporary rule’s effective date and for 540 days thereafter (that is, from May 4, 2022 to Oct. 26, 2023).

Applicants with pending I-765 renewal applications as of May 4, 2022, will not receive a new receipt notice reflecting the increased EAD automatic extension period. However, Form I-797C notices that refer to a 180-day automatic extension will still meet the regulatory requirements for employment authorization. Therefore, individuals who show Form I-797C notices that refer to a 180-day extension, along with their qualifying EADs, still receive the up to 540-day extension under this rule. 

What does the Temporary Final Rule mean for your employees?

• If an employee’s automatic extension lapsed prior to May 4, 2022, the employment authorization automatically resumed, and the EAD validity period began on May 4, 2022 and will continue up to 540 days from the expiration of the EAD card.
• If an employee’s EAD card has expired but the employee still has time remaining in the 180-day extension, they are now able to receive an additional 360 days, for a total of 540 days past their EAD “Card Expires” date.
• If an employee’s EAD card has not expired yet and the Form I-765 is still pending, then the employee will receive an automatic extension of up to 540 days once their EAD card expires before their Form I-765 is adjudicated.
• If an employee files an EAD renewal application between May 4, 2022 and Oct. 26, 2023, then the employee’s EAD will automatically be extended up to 540 days if their EAD card expires before their Form I-765 is adjudicated.

Are my employees eligible for the 540-day extension?
To qualify for the extension, the employee must:

• Fall within the following categories: A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, A17*, A18*, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C26*, C31, and A12 or C19. (See below for guidance on A17, A18 and C26)
• Have timely filed a Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, before their current EAD expired.
• Have an I-797C, Notice of Action for the filed Form I-765 that contains the same category code as their expiring EAD.

EAD extension rule will no longer apply to applications after Oct. 26, 2023, USCIS will return the 180 automatic extension rule.

Categories A17, A18 and C26.

For employees who fall within EAD categories A17 (E spouses), A18 (L-2 spouses) and C26 (H-4 spouses), the extension period cannot exceed the Form I-94 end date. Employees will need to present their expired EAD, their I-797C Notice of Action and Form I-94 to determine the extended expiration date. In these instances, the extension may be greater than 180 days but fewer than the additional 360 days, as the EAD must expire when the Form I-94 ends.

For additional information on EAD renewals, visit our Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension page: 

Новая программа “Единство для Украины” или Uniting for Ukraine открылась 25 апреля 2022. По этой программе граждане Украины и их ближайшие родственники (даже не граждане Украины), находящиеся за пределами США, могут получить ВРЕМЕННОЕ НА 2 ГОДА РАЗРЕШЕНИЕ приехать в США и временно остаться в США в течение 2-х лет на условиях гуманитарного ПАРОЛЯ.

Каждому приезжающему нужен спонсор по условиям этой программы.

Спонсор не обязательно должен быть родственником. Спонсор может быть и гражданином США, и постоянным жителем, и студентом, и на статусе TPS и т.п. Главное иметь достаточно средств для того чтобы спонсировать приглашенных украинцев.

Если вы хотите стать спонсором, вам нужно (1) создать свой аккаунт онлайн, и (2) заполнить форму I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, онлайн с детальным описанием и документацией подтверждающими вашу личность и финансовое состояние.
Эта форма I-134 - является только первым шагом в процессе пароля. Эта форма - 13 страниц, очень подробная, требующая детальной финансовой информации обоих спонсора и украинского беженца.
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine

Правила и квалификция в программу достаточно детальные:
-- Гражданин Украины (или его ближайший член семьи без украинского гражданства), который находится за пределами США.
-- Ближайшие члены семьи это: Супруга или супруг партнера-граданина Украины, гражданский супруг или супруга и их неженатые дети в возрасте до 21 года.
--Если ребенку нет 18 лет, он должен путешествовать с одним из родителей или опекуном,
--Проживать в Украине непосредственно перед вторжением России (до 11 февраля 2022 года) и уехать в результате вторжения;
--Иметь гражданство Украины и ДЕЙСТВУЮЩИЙ украинский ПАСПОРТ (РЕБЕНОК МОЖЕТ БЫТЬ ВПИСАН в паспорт родителя или ИМЕТЬ СВОЙ ПАСПОРТ и путешествоаать с родителем);
--Или являться ближайшими родственниками гражданина Украины, попадающего под условия программы “Единство во имя Украины”;
--Иметь действительный украинский паспорт (это важно - без паспорта не будет возможности приехать в США по этой программе);
--Иметь спонсора (поручителя), подавшего форму I-134, которая была проверена и подтверждена USCIS;
--Пройти проверку фактов биографии, нет судимостей, и сдать биометрику;
--Иметь все необходимые прививки.
--Дети в возрасте до 18 лет должны ехать в США под опекой родителей или опекунов;
--Опекун должен заполнить и подать форму I-134 в USCIS и пройти проверку со стороны правительства США для защиты от эксплуатации и злоупотреблений, а также доказать, что он финансово состоятелен.
--Дети, путешествующие без родителей или законных опекунов, не имеют права на "пароль" в соответствии с программой “Единство для Украины”. По прибытии в пункт въезда в США ребенок, путешествующий без родителей или законных опекунов, может быть передан под опеку государства, а зетем в суд. Лучше не отправлять детей без родителей или опекунов.

Если спонсор одобрен USCIS, то украинская сторона получит емейл, подтверждающий это, и приглашение зарегистрироваться на официальном сайте my.uscis.gov.
После этого, украинская сторона предоставит свою информацию онлайн.

Если их заявление утвердят, то вы проверите свой аккаунт онлайн и увидите это подтверждение в своем онлайн аккаунте. Там будут все детали. По последней информации от USCIS DHS, визу получать не нужно будет в посольстве, а разрешение на въезд будет получено в вашем личном аккаунте.

РАЗРЕШЕНИЕ НА ВЪЕЗД В США ДЕЙСТВИТЕЛЬНО ТОЛЬКО В ТЕЧЕНИЕ 90 ДНЕЙ.
Вы должны сами покупать билеты и приезжать в США за свой счет или с помощью спонсора.
КОГДА ВЫ ВЪЕДЕТЕ в США ВАМ МОГУТ ДАТЬ МАКСИМАЛЬНЫЙ СРОК ПРЕБЫВАНИЯ ДО 2-х ЛЕТ.
КОГДА ВЫ ПРИЕДЕТЕ В США, ВЫ БУДЕТЕ ИМЕТЬ ПРАВО ПОДАТЬ ЗАЯВЛЕНИЕ НА РАЗРЕШЕНИЕ НА РАБОТУ, И НА КАРТОЧКУ СОЦИАЛЬНОГО СТРАХОВАНИЯ. ЭТО ПЛАТНОЕ ЗАЯВЛЕНИЕ I-765, И ЗАНИМАЕТ НЕСКОЛЬКО МЕСЯЦЕВ.
СПОНСОР ИЛИ ПОРУЧИТЕЛЬ ОБЯЗУЕТСЯ СОДЕРЖАТЬ ПРИГЛАШЕННОГО С УКРАИНЫ.
ПРАВИТЕЛЬСТВО США НИКАКИХ ФИНАНСОВЫХ ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬСТ ПО ОТНОШЕНИЮ К БЕЖЕНЦАМ С УКРАИНЫ НЕ БЕРЕТ НА СЕБЯ. По сути, это не программа для беженцев. Спонсоры берут на себя всю поддержку. После истечения временного периода пребывания 2 года, не существует (по крайней мере, пока) пути для получиния грин карты или вида на жительство в США.

Step 1: Financial Support

Individuals participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have financial support in the United States. A U.S.-based supporter will file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS through the online myUSCIS web portal to initiate the Uniting for Ukraine process.
The supporter will then be vetted by the U.S. government to protect against exploitation and abuse, and ensure that they are able to financially support the individual whom they agree to support. Financial supporters must be verified and found eligible by the U.S. government before the Ukrainian beneficiary moves forward in the process.

Step 2: Submit Biographic

Information in myUSCISOnce a supporter has demonstrated sufficient financial support and is approved, the Ukrainian beneficiary will receive an email from USCIS on how to create an account with myUSCIS and instructions on next steps. The Ukrainian beneficiary will be required to confirm their biographic information in myUSCIS and attest to completing all eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Complete Vaccination Requirements

As part of confirming eligibility requirements in their myUSCIS account, individuals who seek authorization to travel to the United States via the Uniting for Ukraine process will need to confirm prior vaccination against measles, polio, and COVID-19. If not previously vaccinated, individuals will need to receive a first dose of required vaccines prior to obtaining travel authorization to come to the United States.

Step 4: Approval to Travel to the United States

After completing requirements, Ukrainians will receive a notice to their myUSCIS account confirming whether they are authorized to travel to the United States to seek parole. If approved, this authorization is valid for 90 days and Ukrainians are responsible to secure their own travel via air to the United States. Ukrainian citizens will need to meet other CDC travel requirements, including pre-departure testing for COVID-19.

Step 5: Seeking Parole at the Port of Entry

Upon their arrival at a port of entry, each individual will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and considered for parole for a period of up to two years, and may have conditions placed on their parole. All individuals two years of age or older will need to complete a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an IGRA test, within two weeks of arrival to the United States.
As part of the Uniting for Ukraine process, Ukrainians will undergo additional screening and vetting, to include biometric vetting. Anyone determined to pose a national security or public safety threat will be referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ukrainians who present at U.S. land ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine may be denied entry and referred to apply through this program.

Step 6: Approved for Parole

If granted parole pursuant to this process, individuals will generally be paroled into the United States for a period of up to two years and are eligible to apply for employment authorization. Individuals may request authorization to work by filing a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS.


After the supporter files the Form I-134 with USCIS, we will review the form and supporting evidence to ensure that the supporter has sufficient financial resources to support the Ukrainian beneficiary for the duration of the parole period and conduct background checks on the supporter. We will determine whether the Form I-134 is sufficient, and we may request additional evidence to make our determination. If approved, Ukrainian beneficiaries will receive an email from USCIS with instructions on how to set up an account with myUSCIS and other next steps. Individuals should check their emails including spam and junk folders for important messages from USCIS.
If the Form I-134 is Sufficient
If we confirm the Form I-134 is sufficient, the Ukrainian beneficiary will receive an email from USCIS with instructions on how to set up an account with myUSCIS and other next steps. The Ukrainian beneficiary will be required to confirm their biographic information on myUSCIS and attest to completion of all requirements including:
An attestation to certify understanding of the family relationship requirements for children under 18 for Uniting for Ukraine.
An attestation that you have completed vaccine requirements or are eligible for an exception to vaccine requirements for Measles, Polio, and the first dose of an FDA approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccine or a WHO-Emergency use listed (EUL) COVID-19 vaccine.
Upon arrival to the United States, the beneficiary will need to attest to receiving a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) test, within 14 days.
More information on vaccine requirements can be found on the preview of the vaccine attestation page.
If the Form I-134 is Insufficient
If we are unable to confirm the Form I-134 is sufficient, that decision is final. The Ukrainian beneficiary will receive an email from USCIS notifying them that the Form I-134 filed on their behalf was determined to be insufficient. The Ukrainian beneficiary will not be considered for parole under Uniting for Ukraine based on the insufficient Form I-134. However, the supporter may file a new Form I-134 on behalf of the same or another Ukrainian beneficiary, or a different supporter may file a Form I-134 on behalf of the beneficiary
Authorization to travel to the United States
Once the Ukrainian beneficiary has confirmed their biographic information and attested to completing all other requirements, their case will be further processed. Ukrainians will receive an email instructing them to check their myUSCIS account for the result of their authorization to travel. If the individual has been authorized to travel to the United States to seek parole pursuant to the Uniting for Ukraine process, they will be responsible to arrange and fund their own travel. This authorization is valid for a period of 90 days.

As of 04/26/2022:USCIS is only accepting online filing of Form I-134 by individuals agreeing to financially support Ukrainians and their immediate family members as part of Uniting for Ukraine program (not for any other programs or applications).You (sponsor or supporter) must be located in the United States to file form I-134 online.

Ukrainians seeking parole through Uniting for Ukraine may not file form I-134 on their own behalf.

Note: The Attorney Account does not support online filing of the I-134 at this time.

Если вам нужна консультация и помощь иммиграционного адвоката, пишите по адресу [email protected] or visit our website www.law-visa-usa.com

Ukraine
The TPS designation of Ukraine enables nationals of Ukraine and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine, and who have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022, to file initial applications for TPS. The FRN provides instructions for applying for TPS and an EAD. TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.
TPS designation for Ukraine will go into effect on April 19, 2022, and individuals must also prove their continuous physical presence in the United States since the designation date. The FRNs explain the procedures necessary for an individual to submit an initial registration application under the designations and to apply for an EAD or an Employment Authorization.

C 19 апреля 2022 года украинские граждане находящиеся в США на 11 апреля 2022 могут подавать на временный защищённый статус или TPS. Начиная с 19 апреля заявление на TPS и на разрешение на работу могут быть поданы или онлайн или по почте. Если вы решите подать прошение о бесплатной подаче заявлений, то вы сможете подать только по почте. Если вы будете оплачивать госпошлины, то сможете подать онлайн. Подача онлайн уже открыта!

The official rule was published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2022: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/04/19/2022-08390/designation-of-ukraine-for-temporary-protected-status 

Filing InformationUSCIS offers the option to applicants for TPS under Ukraine's designation to file Form I-821 and related requests for EADs online or by mail. When filing a TPS application, applicants can also request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Request for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821.
Online filing: Form I-821 and I-765 are available for concurrent filing online.[50] To file these forms online, you must first create a USCIS online account.[51]
Mail filing: Mail your application for TPS to the proper address in Table 1.
Table 1—Mailing Addresses

Mail your completed Application for Form I-821, Temporary Protected Status and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, if applicable, and supporting documentation to the proper address in Table 1.TravelTPS beneficiaries may also apply for and be granted travel authorization as a matter of discretion. You must file for travel authorization if you wish to travel outside the United States. If granted, travel authorization gives you permission to leave the United States and return during a specific period. To request travel authorization, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, available at www.uscis.gov/​i-131. You may file Form I-131 together with your Form I-821 or separately. When filing the Form I-131, you must:

• Select Item Number 1.d. in Part 2 on the Form I-131; and
• Submit the fee for the Form I-131, or request a fee waiver, which you may submit on Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

If you are filing Form I-131 together with Form I-821, send your forms to the address listed in Table 1. If you are filing Form I-131 separately based on a pending or approved Form I-821, send your form to the address listed in Table 2 and include a copy of Form I-797 for the approved or pending Form I-821.Biometric Services Fee for TPSBiometrics (such as fingerprints) are required for all applicants 14 years of age and older. Those applicants must submit a biometric services fee. As previously stated, if you are unable to pay the biometric services fee, you may request a fee waiver, which you may submit on Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. For more information on the application forms and fees for TPS, please visit the USCIS TPS web page at uscis.gov/tps. If necessary, you may be required to visit an Application Support Center to have your biometrics captured. For additional information on the USCIS biometric screening process, please see the USCIS Customer Profile Management Service Privacy Impact Assessment, available at dhs.gov/privacy.
General Employment-Related Information for TPS Applicants and Their EmployersHow can I obtain information on the status of my TPS application and EAD request?

To get case status information about your TPS application, as well as the status of your TPS-based EAD request, you can check Case Status Online at uscis.gov , or visit the USCIS Contact Center at uscis.gov/contactcenter. If your Form I-765 has been pending for more than 90 days, and you still need assistance, you may ask a question about your case online at egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy update for waiving interviews for conditional permanent residents (CPR) who have filed a petition to remove the conditions on their permanent resident status, Form I-751.
Effective immediately, new criteria will guide USCIS officers on when to waive interviews for CPRs who filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. This update replaces previous agency guidance that required all CPRs to undergo an interview if they obtained CPR status via consular processing.
Under this policy update, USCIS may waive the interview requirement if the agency officer determines there is sufficient evidence about the bona fides of the marriage, the joint-filing requirement is eligible for a waiver (if applicable), there is no indication of fraud or misrepresentation in supporting documents, there are no complex facts or issues to resolve, and there is no criminal history that would render the CPR removable.
A noncitizen who obtains permanent resident status based on a marriage that began less than two years before obtaining that status receives permanent resident status on a conditional basis for two years. To remove the conditions on permanent resident status, family-based CPRs generally must file a Form I-751 within the 90-day period before the two-year anniversary of when they obtained CPR status.

Briefly in Russian:
​
USCIS объявило о новом правиле, когда они могут утвердить постоянную грин карту БЕЗ интервью. В тех случаях, где условная грин карта была получена через посольство или консульство США за пределами страны, в прошлом требовалось обязательное интервью на снятие условностей. Сейчас такое интервью не обязательно, если заявители доказали реальность брака на основании предоставленных документов и доказательств и нет других вопросов.

В связи с новыми изменениями становится еще более важным предоставление досконального пакета документов при подаче петиции I-751 на снятие условностей.

Для консультации с адвокатом и чтобы назначить консультацию, пишите на наш адрес.

On March 30, 2022, USCIS in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending again certain flexibilities through July 25, 2022, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors. USCIS anticipates this may be the final extension of these flexibilities.

С 30 марта 2022 до 25 июля 2022 USCIS еще раз (последний раз) продлили срок для ответа на их запросы на 60 дней после даты для ответа указанной в их письме. Они напоминают, что это последнее продление. Эти продления осуществлялись с 1 марта 2020.

USCIS will consider a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date set forth in the following requests or notices before taking any action, if the issuance date listed on the request or notice is between March 1, 2020, and July 25, 2022, inclusive:

Requests for Evidence;
Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14);
Notices of Intent to Deny;
Notices of Intent to Revoke;
Notices of Intent to Rescind;
Notices of Intent to Terminate regional centers; and
Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant.
In addition, USCIS will consider a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), if:

The form was filed up to 90 calendar days from the issuance of a decision we made; and
We made that decision between Nov. 1, 2021, and July 25, 2022, inclusive.
Under previously announced flexibilities, USCIS considered a Form I-290B or a Form N-336 if the form was filed up to 60 calendar days from the issuance of a decision by USCIS, and if the decision was issued between March 1, 2020, and Oct. 31, 2021, inclusive.

Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for USCIS updates.

Please see at 

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-flexibility-for-responding-to-agency-requests-1

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agreed to restore a path to permanent residency for many Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries blocked by then-acting USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli—an illegally appointed Trump official. ​. Because of today’s agreement, TPS beneficiaries impacted by this policy will be able to reopen and dismiss their removal orders and apply to adjust their status to become permanent residents—eliminating the threat of deportation if their TPS protections are revoked in the future.
The agreement is the result of a new settlement in CARECEN v. Cuccinelli, a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), Montagut & Sobral, PC, and Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP in August 2020. Seven Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries and the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) sued the Trump administration for unlawfully denying tens of thousands of TPS beneficiaries the opportunity to take steps to adjust their immigration status and become permanent residents. In the lawsuit, the seven current TPS holders shared their stories. Now, each one now has the opportunity to obtain permanent residence.
The December 2019 policy change, disguised as a mere clarification, was one of the Trump administration’s many efforts to eliminate TPS protections for tens of thousands of beneficiaries. The groups’ lawsuit alleged the change violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act; was motivated by the Trump administration’s racial and anti-immigrant bias; and was unlawfully authorized by Ken Cuccinelli, whose appointment was deemed illegal by a federal court in March 2020 in response to a separate lawsuit brought by Democracy Forward, CLINIC, RAICES, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. 
“Today’s agreement will allow TPS beneficiaries—many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades and built deep roots in their communities—to once again seek permanent residency and extinguish the threat of deportation if their TPS protections are revoked,” said Democracy Forward Senior Counsel John Lewis. “The Trump administration’s policy illegally sought to destabilize the lives of tens of thousands with TPS protections. We’re proud to have helped restore protections that ensure our neighbors have a path to pursue permanent residency.”

Learn more about the lawsuit here.

В результате судебного иска USCIS согласилось опять изменить правила и разрешать тем, кто в США на статусе TPS подавать на грин карту через процесс adjustment of status.

It was announced yesterday that the U.S. will accept up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine to help with humanitarian crisis as a result of Putin's war.

As of today, this is just a promise and expression of intent. No further details, no application process has been established yet. Wait until the official rules are published.

США объявили о приеме 100 000 беженцев с Украины. Пока нет деталей, нет установленных процедур куда и как обращаться. Информация будет опубликована в скором будущем. Подождите пока информация и правила опубликованы в официальных источниках.
​

How to bring an immediate relative of a US citizen to the USA ASAP, if they are from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and you are with them abroad. Immediate relatives are: spouses of a US citizen, unmarried children under 21 and parents of a US citizen (and you are over 21). Other relatives are not falling under the "immediate relative" category.

Как привезти близкого родственика в США в порядке ускорения: если вы американский гражданин, находитесь вместе с ними за пределами США, и ваш близкий родственник (муж, жена, незамужний ребенок до 21 года, родитель и вы старше 21 года), и ваш родственник из Украины, Афганистана или Эфиопии. Если вы еще не подали на них петицию, теперь вы сможете это сделать в американском посольстве, что позволит съэкономить время.

Local Filing of Form I-130 Petitions Filed by U.S. Citizens on Behalf of Afghan, Ethiopian, and Ukrainian Immediate Relatives Fleeing Conflict

If you are a U.S. citizen who is physically present overseas with your Afghan, Ethiopian, or Ukrainian immediate family members and have not yet filed an immigrant visa petition with USCIS, you may request to locally file a Form I-130 petition at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate that processes immigrant visas.  This applies only to U.S. citizens affected by the large-scale disruptive events in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Ukraine.  Such citizens must be physically present in the country where they wish to file petitions.  They can request to locally file on behalf of their spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents who fled Afghanistan after August 2, 2021; Ethiopia after November 1, 2020; or Ukraine after February 1, 2022. 
Please email your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate’s Immigrant Visa Unit if you believe you may qualify to locally file a Form I-130 petition.  You can find those email addresses at each individual embassy or consulate website. 

​A list of U.S. embassies and consulates is available at https://www.usembassy.gov.

If you have already filed a Form I-130 petition with USCIS for your immediate relative and it has not yet been approved, you may inquire with USCIS regarding expedition: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request.
Further information about the immigrant visa process is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html
For more information for nationals of Ukraine, please see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/information-for-nationals-of-Ukraine.html
Additional information for visa applicants from Ukraine is also available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-processing-posts-for-visa-applicants-from-Ukraine.html.

Recently, the US embassy in Warsaw posted on their website that they are accepting nonimmigrant visa applications from applicants from Ukraine "without a passport".

I contacted the US embassy in another EU country, and they advised:

"Please note, the guidance from Warsaw indicates that applicants may apply without a passport, not be issued a visa without one. Your client will need a passport in order to travel to the U.S. The best place to assist her in obtaining one is the nearest Ukrainian embassy."

You must have a passport for a visa to be issued.

You must have a passport in order to board the flight to the United States.

A Ukrainian biometrics "passport card" is not a passport needed for a visa to be issued. For a visa, you need a "passport book".

Embassy stressed out again that at this time the U.S. doesn't have a refugee program for Ukrainians, and advises people to apply in the EU country they are temporarily located.

Contact the nearest Ukraine embassy for advice and help with a passport.

Недавно посольство США в Варшаве объявило на их вебсайте, что они готовы принимать на интервью на гостевую визу украинцев "без паспортов".

Я получила такое разъяснение из американского посольства, что Варшава разрешила прийти на интервью без паспорта, но для получения визы и прилета в США все равно нужен действительный паспорт (книжка, а не карточка).
​
В настоящее время после начала войны, посольства Украины не выдавали паспорта. Если это изменится, свяжитесь с посольством Украины в той стране где вы находитесь напрямую.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Гуманитарная помощь украинским гражданам - информация от посольства США в Варшаве, Польше от 9 марта 2022.
​

1. США по прежнему не принимает беженцев из Украины. Если вы хотите получить статус беженца, вы должны обращаться в организации по расселению беженцев в Польше и других странах Европы.
2. Если вы подаете на гостевую визу - это не на статус беженца. У вас не будет пути на получение грин карты и гражданства, за некоторыми исключениями. Это только временное пребывание в США сроком до 6 месяцев.
3. Посольство США сообщило, что они могут выдать неиммиграционную гостевую визу ДАЖЕ ПРИ ОТСУТСТВИИ ПАСПОРТА! Консул сообщит детали во время интервью.
4. Вы можете подлать на визу жены или ребенка или родителя американского гражданина в посольстве США напрямую (this applies only to U.S. citizens filing petitions for their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents), но не можете это сделать по визе невесты, K-1 visa, петиция на визу невесты по прежнему подается через USCIS.

If you are seeking information about immediate humanitarian assistance in Poland:

• Almost all refugee cases in countries abroad are processed by local authorities, in this case the government of Poland.
• Ukrainians should not contact the authorities of the United States or attempt to apply for visas in order to travel to the United States as refugees–such travel is not possible.  They should contact the authorities of Poland.  Contact information is below.
• Almost all refugee cases in countries abroad are first processed by local authorities, in this case the government of Poland.
• Please visit the government of Poland webpage for information about resources: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina-en.  This website provides the locations of official reception points along Poland’s border with Ukraine.
• Additional information is available from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR): https://help.unhcr.org/poland/, including information about non-governmental organizations that may be able to provide additional assistance.
• In Warsaw, those seeking information on support from the Polish government can direct inquires to the Office for Foreigners (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców).
  • Phone: +48 47 721 75 75,
  • Web: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina

VISA SERVICES IN POLAND

IMMIGRANT VISAS
If you are a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident with a Ukrainian relative seeking to travel to the United States on an immigrant visa:

• If you have an I-130 petition approved by USCIS pending processing at the National Visa Center (NVC) and want to transfer it to another Embassy, the designated processing post for Ukrainian Immigrant Visas is United States Consulate General Frankfurt, Germany: https://de.usembassy.gov/ukrainians-in-germany/. You may request expedition and transfer from the National Visa Center:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/national-visa-center/nvc-contact-information.html
• If you have not yet filed a petition but wish to do so, you may contact U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt to inquire regarding possible local filing (this applies only to U.S. citizens filing petitions for their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents). Both the petitioner and the applicant must be present in Germany.
• If you have an immigrant visa case that has already been transferred from NVC to Kyiv for the appointment and processing and you would like it to be processed in Frankfurt, please send an email request with your case number (KEV+10 digits) to U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt.
• If you are already in Poland, cannot travel to Frankfurt, and have an I-130 petition approved by USCIS pending processing at the National Visa Center and want to transfer it to U.S. Embassy Warsaw, you may request expedition and transfer from the National Visa Center: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/national-visa-center/nvc-contact-information.html.
• If you have not yet filed a petition, wish to do so, cannot travel to Frankfurt, and wish to file at U.S. Embassy Warsaw, you may email [email protected] to inquire regarding possible local filing.  (this applies only to U.S. citizens filing petitions for their spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents). Both the petitioner and the applicant must be present in Poland.
• If you have a question about an immigrant visa case that is already in process at U.S. Embassy Warsaw, please email [email protected].

If you are a U.S. citizen with a Ukrainian fiancée/fiancé seeking to travel to the United States on a K1 visa:

• If you have already filed a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that was not yet approved, U.S. law prohibits U.S. embassies from accepting K visa petitions (I-129F) for local filing abroad. USCIS must first approve K visa petitions. However, you can request an expedite for USCIS processing at https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request

NONIMMIGRANT VISAS
Before applying for a nonimmigrant visa, consider carefully whether you are qualified for the visa you intend to apply for.  Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary stays in the United States and are not for refugees.  There are no nonimmigrant visas available for refugees.  If you apply for a nonimmigrant visa but do not intend to leave the United States, your application will be refused.
There are no “walk-up” appointments available at U.S. Embassy Warsaw or U.S. Consulate General Krakow. You must have an appointment in advance in order to interview for a visa.
If you are not qualified for a nonimmigrant visa, you may wish to refer to the humanitarian assistance information above.
If you are a Ukrainian who wants to travel to the United States or a U.S. citizen who has friends, business associates, or NON-IMMEDIATE family who want to travel to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa you should go to https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/nonimmigrant-visa and schedule your appointment:

• Demand is extremely high, availability is low, and wait times and processing times are likely to be very lengthy. You may wish to refer to the humanitarian relief information above.
• If you already have an appointment at U.S. Embassy Warsaw but wish to expedite it, you may request expedition via https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/expedited-appointment.
• If you already began a nonimmigrant visa application process in Ukraine, you may send a request to [email protected]to ask for transfer of your “profile” to Warsaw or Krakow, after which you should be able to continue the process for an appointment in Poland. Please note that a visa fee paid in Ukraine cannot be transferred and that it is necessary to pay a new fee in Poland after a profile is transferred. If you are seeking but do not already have an appointment visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/step-4 and sign up for the first available appointment of the type you are eligible for.
• If you do not have all your documents available, for example a passport, you may apply without these documents. A Consular Officer will inform you of any required next steps as part of the visa decision. (Edit 03/14/2022: as was explained by the US embassy in another EU country, a valid and unexpired "passport book" (not a biometric card) is still required for any US visa to be issued and for travel to the United States).

If you are a Ukrainian with a U.S. citizen/Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) spouse or parent and are seeking to travel to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay please visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/nonimmigrant-visa to schedule an appointment. 

• Select the “Ukrainian with U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident immediate family” category in step 3 when scheduling your appointment.
  • This category is only for a spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.
• If you are unable to schedule an appointment via the methods described above, you may instead request a “group appointment” via https://ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/group-appointments and suggest a date convenient for you. Once you have submitted your request, please wait for a response from the Embassy, which will come via email and should permit you to schedule an appointment.
  • The group appointment option is only available for a U.S. citizen or LPR with a Ukrainian spouse or child.  Other applicants who apply for the group method will be declined.
• Read at https://pl.usembassy.gov/visas/humanitarian-assistance-and-visa-information-for-ukrainians/

What are legal immigration options for Ukrainian citizens trying to find a safe heaven in the United States during the war with Russia?
​
Since the beginning of the war on February 24, 2022, there are a few available options. These options may not apply to everyone. They may change. During the last week, there were many changes with consular processing of visas for Ukrainians. Situation is still very fluid. Here is a list of some possible options which should not be construed as legal advice. 

As of March 10th, the US didn't announce any new refugee program for Ukrainians yet.
На сегодняшний день США не объявило программу помощи беженцам из Украины (нет программы куда обратиться за статусом беженца если вы за пределами США и хотите приехать по статусу беженца в США).

The Biden administration previously said it would accept up to 125,000 refugees in the 2022 budget year. That annual cap had been cut to a record low 15,000 under President Donald Trump. In setting the annual target for refugees, the Biden administration set aside 10,000 refugee visas for people from Europe, but it could expand that number to take in more Ukrainians if needed. The White House has said it will work with the United Nations and European countries to determine whether people who have fled Europe will need permanent resettlement in the U.S. or elsewhere. The 125,000 does not include the 76,000 Afghans who came to the United States after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in August.
​
(1) Если у вас есть действующая и неистекшая виза в США, вы можете приехать по этой визе. Затем уже находясь в США, если необходимо, вы можете подать на продление или смену статуса. В некоторых ситуациях вы можете подать на вид на жительство или на политическое убежище, если у вас есть лснования для этого (не у всех они есть). If you have a current valid and unexpired visa to the USA, you can use it to travel to USA, provided that the purpose of your trip meets the type of a visa. When in the USA, you can apply to extend or change status, adjust status to that of a permanent resident, or apply for political asylum, if you have legal basis for a particular application you are intending to submit The CDC and Department of State recently announced that the Covid-19 vaccination requirement was waived for Ukrainian nationals.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ukraine

(2) Если у вас нет визы в США, вы можете подать заявление на визу и попытаться ее получить в одном из американских посольств за пределами Украины (например, в Польше или Германии и в других). If you don’t have a visa to the U.S. you can apply for a visa at the US Consulate in the country outside of Ukraine. Проверьте информацию на момент подачи заявления на визу, т.к. изменения происходят почти каждый день. For example, in Warsaw, Poland, Krakow, Poland, Frankfurt, Germany, or other US embassies and consulates in other EU countries. You can submit a visa application online. Unfortunately, visa interviews are backlogged, and it might take a while to have one scheduled. Check the information current at the time you submit your visa application because information and advice changes almost daily.

(3) Вы можете попытаться въехать в США, пересекая границу с Мексикой или Канадой, попросив убежище и разрешение на въезд как пароль в США на границе в пропускном пункте. Это рисковано и обычно не рекомендуется. If you don’t have a valid visa to the U.S., but you can get into one of the neighboring countries and if have reasons to fear persecution in Ukraine (not merely escaping war), you can apply for asylum at a designated US Border Checkpoint and be paroled into the United States. It is a risky procedure and usually we don't recommend it. This option includes detention time at the border or in jail/detention center before being allowed to enter the U.S. It is advisable to consult an attorney who specializes in political asylum and this kind of cases in advance. It is important to show that you have family or friends or anyone in the United States willing to be your sponsor, and to have valid documentation of your identity, such as a passport and a birth certificate.

(4) Если вы находились на территории США 1 марта 2022, и у вас нет судимостей, вы cможете подать заявление на временный статус TPS и разрешение на работу, когда начнется период приема заявлений. Следите за носвостями или проконсультруйтесь у адвоката о ваших шансах и процедуре подачи заявления. If you are already in the USA, and have been physically in the U.S. on March 1, 2022, you will be able to apply for a TPS (temporary Protected Status) for 18 months and a work permit, which would allow you to get an SSN and a driver’s license, so you can live and work in the USA on a temporary basis. Follow the new and announcements at USCIS website to see when the application can be submitted and read the instructions or consult an attorney before applying. 
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status

(5) Если вы находитесь за пределами США и у вас есть близкие родственники в США, вы можете подать заявление на гуманитарный пароль. If you are outside of the United States but have a close family in the U.S., you can apply for Humanitarian Parole. The application is filed in the U.S. with USCIS, form I-131 A relative must provide evidence of humanitarian reasons and financial support. It is not the fastest option and can take many months to be approved because it is currently backlogged since COVID-19 and Afghanistan crisis in summer of 2021. You can check the current processing times at USCIS website. https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/humanitarian-parole

(6) Если ваши родные в США подали на вас петицию на воссоединение семьи, I-130, то в некоторых категориях можно попросить ускорение. If you already have a pending petition, you can ask USCIS to expedite it, if a US citizen or permanent resident is petitioning for their spouse, children, or parents.
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request
You can contact the USCIS at (800) 375-5283 and request to expedite your case. Please note that expediting a petition for any relatives other than immediate family members of US citizens or permanent residents is not going to help to get them to the USA fast. At this time, if you have a petition for your sibling or a child over 21, an expedite request is not going to help, because the process for those relatives is not delayed due to a backlog but due to a congressionally annual limitations on the number of immigrant visas available and them waiting for a visa number to become available in their visa category.

(7) Если ваше дело на грин карту по воссоединению семьи находится в Национальном Визовом Центре или уже было утверждено и вы ждете интервью в посольстве, попросите ускорения. Дело нужно будет перевести в другое посольство США. В настоящее время это Франкфурт в Германии для украинских граждан. If your case is pending at the NVC or at the US embassy, you can ask to expedite it. To expedite a case which is at the consulate, you need to send an email directly to the US consulate and provide the case number you received from NVC, and ask the consulate to schedule a visa interview. You may need to request a transfer of the case from Kyiv to Frankfurt, Germany, if a case wasn’t transferred yet. The same limitation for relatives who are not immediate relatives applies.

(8) Если вы уже находитесь в США, вы можете подать заявление на политическое убежище, если у вас есть для этого основания (опасения преследований на основании одного их защищенных групп, а не только из-за войны). If you are already in the United States, you can apply for asylum or for relief from deportation if you fear persecution in your home country under one of the protected groups or categories. All deportations of the Ukrainian citizens were halted recently. Asylum procedures allow individuals, who have reasonable fear from returning to their home countries, to apply for asylum in the United States. To qualify for asylum the applicant must demonstrate that there is a reasonable possibility of persecution based on one of enumerated protected grounds.

(9) Если вы уже в США в статусе иностранного студента из Украины, вы можете подать заявление на разрешение на работу в связи с особыми обстоятельствами и попросить его ускорить. If you are already in the United States as a foreign student from Ukraine on a valid F-1 visa, you can apply for emergency work permit by filing a form I-765 with the USCIS and asking for emergency work permits due to unexpected financial hardships they are experiencing due to the situation in Ukraine. You can ask to expedite your application. https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/special-situations. https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

Каждая ситуация индивидуальна. Не все варианты подойдут каждому. Стоит посоветоваться с иммиграционным адвокатом перед тем как решать, что лучше сделать в вашей ситуации. Every situation is different. Not everything will fit you. It is advisable to consult an immigration attorney before deciding what is the best option for you.

Hope this information helps!

Do not travel to Ukraine due to armed conflict and COVID-19.  U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options.  U.S. citizens remaining in Ukraine should carefully monitor government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those remaining in Ukraine should exercise increased caution due to the potential for active combat, crime, and civil unrest. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
The U.S. Department of State suspended operations at U.S. Embassy Kyiv, effective February 28, 2022.  All in-person consular services in Ukraine are suspended until further notice.  U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance and those who decide to remain in Ukraine should complete this online form and the State Department will respond.  U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passport, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance and those who decide to remain in Ukraine should complete this online form and the State Department will respond.

Эта форма для контакта с американским правительством для американских граждан, оставшихся на территории Украины. Подайте онлайн форму и с вами свяжутся. В тоже время, американское правительство не может оказать помощь по вашей эвакуации с Украины, так как посольство США было эвакуировано из страны и все консульские услуги прекращены 28 февраля 2022.

​The U.S. government will not be able to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas. U.S. citizens may seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passport, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries.

Travel advisory is here.
​
​CONTACT and ASSISTANCE form for US citizens is here.

Украинцы находящиеся в США смогут получить временные статус TPS на 18 месяцев. Только что было объявлено USCIS. Это относится только к тем украинцам, кто находился на территории США на 1 марта 2022 года. Если вы приехала после 1 марта, то этот TPS статус вы получить не сможете.
DHS также объявили сегодня, что приостанавливается депортация украинцев (с ордерами о депортации) в Украину.

DHS Designates Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. This designation is based on both ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent Ukrainian nationals, and those of no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine, from returning to Ukraine safely. These conditions result from the full-scale Russian military invasion into Ukraine, which marks the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II. This invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis with significant numbers of individuals fleeing and damage to civilian infrastructure that has left many without electricity or water or access to food, basic supplies, shelter, and emergency medical services.

Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022 will not be eligible for TPS. Ukraine’s 18-month designation will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.

TPS status. 

UKRAINE Update: 02/25/2022

Новости из Белого Дома. Пресс секретарь объявил, что США готовы принять беженцев (refugees) с Украины.
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Вначале им нужно покинуть страну и стать беженцами - например, уехать с Украины в Европу, и затем подавать на статус беженца.

Если украинцы находятся на территории США, то они могут подавать на политическое убежище (political asylum), статус asylee.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, it's estimated that up to 5 million Ukrainians may flee their country. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters the United States is ready to accept some of those refugees.

Since the invasion began early Thursday, Ukrainians fleeing the fighting have entered Poland, Romania, and Moldova, and there are centers set up at the borders to provide assistance.

In December 2021, Ukraine's defense minister estimated that between 3 and 5 million Ukrainians might be forced to leave their homes if Russia invaded. In comparison, about 1 million refugees entered Europe between 2015 and 2016 from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and nearly 1.5 million people were displaced in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea.

​Read here.

https://news.yahoo.com/white-house-u-prepared-accept-030505583.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

UKRAINE UPDATE: 02/24/2022

UKRAINE UPDATE:

The US embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine evacuated and all consular services were suspended. 

If you have a immigrant visa case assigned to Ukraine, consult your attorney to decide what to do, and if your case can be transferred to another US embassy in another country.

In Russian: с 12 февраля 2022 все консульские сервисы и выдача виз (даже без интервью, как вейвер) были приостановлены в посольстве США в Киеве в Украине. Более того, посольство было эвакуировано. По последним данным многие сотрудники выехали в Польшу после Львова.
Если у вас есть дело на иммиграционную визу (грин карту) по воссоединению семьи в посольстве в Киеве, обсудите с вашим адвокатом ваши шаги по переводу дела в доугое посольство США в другой стране, возможно ли это, что для этого нужно сделать.
В настоящее время невозможно предсказать когда ситуация вернется в норму.
Желаем вам мира!

Official announcement is here.

On February 12, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of most U.S. direct hire employees from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. The Department previously authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. direct hire employees and ordered the departure of eligible family members on January 23, 2022.
On Sunday, February 13, 2022, the Department of State suspended consular services to include interview waiver services at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas may apply in any country in which they are physically present and where there are appointments available. As each U.S. Embassy has specific application procedures, you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you wish to apply directly. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates is available at www.travel.state.gov.
If you have an immigrant visa case currently pending with U.S. Embassy Kyiv and would like to transfer processing of an immigration case to another U.S. Embassy, you must contact the receiving U.S Embassy in that country to authorize and initiate transfer. The Embassy will have a list of requirements which must be satisfied in order to begin the transfer process.

https://ua.usembassy.gov/visas/​

Under the proposed Public Charge rule, DHS proposes to change a definition from “likely at any time to become a public charge” to “likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.” Consistent with long-standing agency practice, DHS proposes to consider the following public benefits when making a public charge inadmissibility determination:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
• Cash assistance for income maintenance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;
• State, Tribal, territorial, and local cash assistance for income maintenance; and
• Long-term institutionalization at government expense.

DHS proposes that it not consider noncash benefits such as food and nutrition assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Children’s Health Insurance Program, most Medicaid benefits (except for long-term institutionalization at government expense), housing benefits, and transportation vouchers. DHS would also not consider disaster assistance received under the Stafford Act; pandemic assistance; benefits received via a tax credit or deduction; or Social Security, government pensions, or other earned benefits. 
By law, many categories of noncitizens are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility and would not be subject to the proposed rule. Some of these categories are refugees, asylees, noncitizens applying for or re-registering for temporary protected status (TPS), special immigration juveniles, T and U nonimmigrants, and self-petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Under the proposed rule, if a noncitizen received public benefits while in an immigration category that is exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility, DHS would not consider the noncitizen’s past receipt of such benefits as part of any future public charge determination.

The Proposed Rule is published here. And here. 

On March 9, 2021, USCIS stopped applying the 2019 Public Charge Rule introduced by previous administration and reverted to the 1999 rule. Current overview of a public charge rule is here. 

Briefly in Russian:

Департамент госбезопасности США опубликовал сегодня законопроект нового закона о Получении пособий для иммигрантов и как это влияет на возможность отакза грин карты как Public Charge (получатель пособий).

Закон от 2019 был отменен и его прекратили приминять в марте 2021. USCIS вернулся к применению старого закона от 1999, который более мягкий.

Сегодня опубликован новый законопроект, который сужает категории пособий, получение которых может лишить иммигранта шанса получить грин карту или вид на жительство в США.

Закон менят само определение того, что является public charge и получение каких именно пособий или бенефитов считается public charge. 

Категрии пособий за которые можно лишиться шанса на грин карту сужены в основном на те группы, где пособие в форме денежных выплат. Medicaid за некторыми исключениями теперь не будет влиять на получение грин карты.