On January 17, 2025, the United States and Canada entered into an agreement to enable the automated exchange of biographical and biometric information of permanent resident holders in both countries.

This is an expansion of a previous agreement signed in 2012, which enabled the transfer of information for non-permanent resident holders only. The agreement has been expanded to help vet identity, strengthen admissibility screenings, and facilitate visa issuances for individuals with a proven history of immigration compliance in both the U.S. and Canada. 

Read more here and here. 

Недавно в 118 Конгресс США был предоставлен новый законопроект Ukrainian Adjustment - суть которого в предоставлении постоянного вида на жительство или грин карт для граждан Украины, приехавших в США после начала военных действий в 2022.

Пока не известны детали этого законопроекта, в частности - кто будет иметь право подать заявление на грин карту (что касается членов семьи, которые не являются гражданами Украины), какие условия, когда, как подавать, стоимость и т.п. И пока не известно, пройдет ли этот законопроект и станет ли он Законом

Текст самого законопроекта пока не был опубликован на сайте Конгресса.

Мы будем следить за новостями и опубликуем как только будут известны подробности.

Это информация с сайта Конгресса США:

Text: H.R.3911 — 118th Congress (2023-2024) All Information (Except Text)As of 06/16/2023 text has not been received for H.R.3911 - To provide for adjustment of status of nationals of Ukraine, and for other purposes.

Bills are generally sent to the Library of Congress from GPO, the Government Publishing Office, a day or two after they are introduced on the floor of the House or Senate. Delays can occur when there are a large number of bills to prepare or when a very large bill has to be printed.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3911/text
​

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on May 4, 2023, that it is now “affirmatively creating and providing documented evidence of their status to certain new asylees and lawful permanent residents upon our receiving notification that an immigration judge [IJ] or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has granted status.” USCIS said that by providing this evidence, “we can help ensure that new asylees and lawful permanent residents may seek employment, travel, and obtain other benefits they are entitled to,” USCIS said.

USCIS also said its field offices may now be able to provide this documentation by mail instead of having asylees and lawful permanent residents schedule an in-person appointment. USCIS began this effort in August 2022 by mailing Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with asylee stamps to certain individuals who have been granted asylum by an IJ or the BIA. USCIS also has been issuing Permanent Resident Cards (green cards) to some lawful permanent residents when the agency is notified that the IJ or BIA has granted adjustment of status.

USCIS still instructs individuals granted asylum and lawful permanent resident status to contact the USCIS Contact Center to request proof of status because USCIS may not be notified in every case.
See more information here:: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-providing-documents-after-notice-of-immigration-judge-and-bia-decisions-about-immigration

USCIS is extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status for 48 months (4 years) beyond the card’s expiration date. This change started on January 11, 2023, for Form I-829 and will start on January 25, 2023, for Form I-751.

USCIS has updated the language on Form I-751 and Form I-829 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 48 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-751 or Form I-829.

USCIS will issue new receipt notices to eligible conditional permanent residents who previously received notices with an extension shorter than 48 months and whose cases are still pending.

These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status, while the case remains pending with USCIS. By presenting your updated receipt notice with your expired Green Card, you remain authorized to work and travel for 48 months from the expiration date on the front of your expired Green Card.
As a reminder, conditional permanent residents who plan to be outside of the United States for a year or more should apply for a reentry permit by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, before leaving the United States. For more information, see our International Travel as a Permanent Resident webpage.

Briefly in Russian:

Правильная и своевременная подача формы I-751 с 25 января 2023 будет продлять срок действия условной грин карты на 4 года (48 месяцев) с даты истечения грин карты.

Если вы уже подали вашу петицию, и она все еще на рассмотрении, вы получите письмо продляющее срок действия грин карты.

On December 23, 2022, USCIS released a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (aka Application for a Green Card), because a new public charge ground of inadmissibility rule went into effect on December 23, 2022.

USCIS advised that any I-485 application filed on or after December 23, 2022, must use the new version of Form I-485. Failure to do so will result in the USCIS rejecting the filing.

While a new Form I-485 is required, the form I-864, Affidavit of Support remains the same.

On December 19, 2022, USCIS issued a follow-up Policy Alert regarding implementing the new public charge rule visa changes to the USCIS Policy Manual and provided a resources page for reference.

On September 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new final rule to be published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2022, addressing the public charge ground of inadmissibility found at INA §212(a)(4). The final rule came into effect on December 23, 2022. The final rule announcement also noted that USCIS would issue a revised Form I-485.

The public charge ground of inadmissibility is found at §212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (INA). INA §212 provides several grounds for a noncitizen being considered “inadmissible” to the United States. The public charge ground of inadmissibility applies to applicants for visas, admission, and adjustment of status, unless the noncitizen is exempt. 

INA §212(a)(4)(A) states that a noncitizen “likely at any time to become a public charge is inadmissible.” INA §212(a)(4)(B) states that, at a minimum, adjudicators should consider the applicant’s “age, health, family status, assets, resources, and financial status; and education and skills” when determining whether a noncitizen is likely to become a public charge. Additionally, an adjudicator “may also consider any affidavit of support” under INA §213(a) when applicable, noting that in cases where an affidavit of support is required, a noncitizen’s failure to provide a sufficient affidavit of support from the petitioner and any additional sponsor(s) makes the noncitizen inadmissible regardless of other factors.

For decades, USCIS interpreted the meaning of “likely to become a public charge” based on a 1999 Interim Field Guidance release. Under this guidance, a noncitizen would be considered likely to become a public charge if DHS determined that they were likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. For example, it would apply if the individual was likely to become dependent on direct cash assistance, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or to individuals who rely on Medicaid-financed “long-term institutionalization,” such as a nursing or psychiatric facility. A 2019 rule put into effect by the Trump Administration sought to change this longstanding guidance, which significantly expanded the policy to include anyone who used a broader array of public benefits for more than 12 cumulative months over any 36 months. The courts held up the 2019 rule, but the Biden Administration ultimately rescinded it. The “new” 2022 public charge rule essentially restores the status quo.

Under the new rule, “likely at any time to become a public charge” means likely at any time to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutionalization at government expense. According to the preamble to the final rule, primarily dependent “connotes significant reliance on the government for support, and means something more than dependence that is merely transient or supplementary.”

For purposes of a public charge inadmissibility determination, “public cash assistance for income maintenance” means:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
Cash assistance for income maintenance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; or
State, tribal, territorial, or local cash benefit programs for income maintenance, commonly called “General Assistance.”.

For a public charge inadmissibility determination, “long-term institutionalization at government expense” means government assistance for long-term institutionalization (in the case of Medicaid, limited to institutional services under section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act) received by a beneficiary, including in a nursing facility or mental health institution. Long-term institutionalization at government expense is the only category of Medicaid-funded services (limited to institutional services under section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act) considered in a public charge inadmissibility determination.

USCIS Adjudicators, using a totality of the circumstances test, will consider the statutory minimum factors, an affidavit of support when required, and the additional factor of current and/or past receipt of public benefits. However, this additional factor is limited to the applicant’s receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutionalization at government expense, with several exemptions, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Importantly, any USCIS denial under the public charge inadmissibility ground must be in writing, “reflect consideration of each of the factors outlined (under the rule), and specifically articulate the reasons for the officer’s determination.”

Unless specifically exempted, all applicants for adjustment of status, including those applying through family-based petitions, employment-based petitions, and diversity applications, are subject to the public charge ground of admissibility. The appendices to Part G of Volume 8 of the USCIS Policy Manual provide helpful charts and guidance regarding when an affidavit of support is necessary.

The vast majority of both employment-based and family-based petitions are subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility. In the employment-based categories, noncitizens are generally subject unless the applicant is adjusting based on an employment-based petition where the petition is filed by either a qualifying relative, or an entity in which such relative has a significant ownership interest (5 percent or more).

The applicant must also qualify for a category exempted under INA §212(a)(4)(E) (T nonimmigrants, U nonimmigrants, and VAWA self-petitioners, for example) at both the time of filing and adjudication of Form I-485. The applicant is not subject to INA 212(a)(4) (but is still required to file Form I-864).  A qualifying relative means a husband, wife, father, mother, child, adult son, adult daughter, brother, or sister. 

Even where exempt, some noncitizens applying to adjust status may still be required to submit an Affidavits of Support under Section 213A of the INA. This includes noncitizens whose employment-based petition was filed by a relative or by an entity in which the noncitizen’s relative has a significant ownership interest.

The public charge ground of inadmissibility does not apply to certain applicants for visas, admission, and adjustment of status applicants based on statutory or regulatory authority. For example:

Asylees and refugees
Applicants adjusting under the Cuban Adjustment Act
Special immigrant juveniles
Applicants seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS),
Victims of human trafficking (T nonimmigrants),
Victims of qualifying criminal activity (U nonimmigrants),
Certain ambassadors and diplomats.

The new 12/23/22 edition of the I-485 Form includes a series of new questions in Part 8:

Q 61.  Are you subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(4)? This question is challenging for any applicant. USCIS includes appendices to Volume 8, Part G of its Policy Manual regarding the interpretation of this question for employment-based, family-based, special immigrant, refugee, asylee, parolee, and other adjustment applicants. 

Q 62. What is the size of your household? According to the I-485 Form Instructions, the following individuals should be included in your household size:

You;
Your spouse, if physically residing with you;
Your parents, if physically residing with you;
Your unmarried siblings under 21 years of age, if physically residing with you;
Your children as defined in INA 101(b)(1), if physically residing with you;
Any other individuals (including a spouse or child not physically residing with you) who are listed as dependents on your federal income tax return; and
Any other individuals who list you as a dependent on their federal income tax return.

Q 63. Indicate your annual household income.

Applicants are instructed to check an income range based on the household’s total income. According to the I-485 Form Instructions, you may include income provided to your household from sources who are not members of your household, including but not limited to alimony or child support. You must exclude any income from Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); State, Tribal, territorial, or local cash benefit programs for income maintenance (often called “General Assistance” in the State context, but which also exist under other names)..

Q 64. Identify the total value of your assets. Applicants are instructed to check the appropriate box for the total value of household assets. When considering the applicant’s financial status, USCIS also considers the noncitizen’s household’s assets and resources, for example, investments or home equity, excluding any assets from illegal activities or sources, such as proceeds from illegal gambling or drug sales.

Q 65. Identify the total value of your household liabilities (such as loans, alimony, and child support payments.). Applicants are instructed to check the appropriate box for the total value of household liabilities. See explanation above.

Q 66. What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed? 

Q 67. List your certifications, licenses, skills obtained through work experience, and educational certificates. According to the I-485 Form Instructions, applicants are to list all of your certifications, licenses, skills obtained through work experience, and educational certificates. This includes but is not limited to workforce skills, training, licenses for specific occupations or professions, foreign language skills, and certificates documenting mastery or apprenticeships in skilled trades or professions. Educational certificates are issued by an educational institution (or a training provider) and certify that an occupation specific program of study was completed.

Q 68.a. Have you ever received Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or State, Tribal, territorial, or local, cash benefit programs for income maintenance (often called “General Assistance” in the State context, but which also exist under different names)?

Q 68.b. Have you ever received long-term institutionalization at government expense?

Q 68.c. If you answer to Item Number 68.a. is “Yes,” list the benefit(s) you received, the start and end dates of each period of receipt, and the dollar amount of benefits received.

Q 68.d.      If your answer to 68.b. is “Yes,” list the name, city, and state for each institution, the start and end dates of each period of institutionalization, and the reason you were institutionalized.

Questions 68.a. – 68.d. are only asking about public benefits (in other words, public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalization at government expense) you received in the past or are currently receiving at the time the Form I-485 is filed, and where you were/are a listed beneficiary.

Exceptions: Do not include any public benefits for which you are not listed as a beneficiary, even if you assisted with the application. Do not include benefits that you only applied for, or were approved to receive in the future but have not received in the past and/or are not currently receiving. Do not include public benefits you received only on behalf of another individual.

USCIS explained that public assistance for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, or treatment is not considered in evaluating the public charge. Nor does USCIS consider public assistance in other forms if related explicitly to COVID-19, such as food, housing, cash assistance, rental assistance, tax credits, stimulus payments, unemployment, and financial aid grants to students, the Paycheck Protection Program, and student loan forbearance.

New public charge section of the adjustment application Form I485 added a lot of new questions. In addition, applicants not only swear that all information on the application is correct but also that all information provided with the application is complete, true, and correct.

USCIS may reject or deny an adjustment application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents as stated in the instructions to Form I-485 and as stated in 8 CFR §103.2(b)(1).

Currently, the USCIS Policy Guidance states that noncitizens are not required to submit any specific evidence relating to their household’s income, assets, and liabilities; however, USCIS may request additional evidence on a case-by-case basis if more information is needed to make a public charge inadmissibility determination. The new I-485 changes made it more difficult for applicants to complete forms I-485 by themselves.

Resources:

- New form I485 https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 
- See 8 CFR §212.21(b). USCIS does not consider benefits that are not referenced above when making a public charge inadmissibility determination. See 8 CFR §212.22(a)(3).
- See 8 CFR §212.21(c)
- 8 CFR §213a.1.
- USCIS Policy Manual: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/public-charge/public-charge-resources
and here:
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-8-part-g

Q: What can I do to get a new green card instead of the one lost or stolen abroad? How can I return to the United States if my green card was lost or stolen while traveling abroad?

A: This is a very stressful situation! You will need to pay the fee and apply for a document allowing you to return to the United States at the nearest US embassy.

The application form is I-131A has to be submitted in person at the U.S. embassy abroad. The government filing fee is U$575, payable online to USCIS prior to submitting the application. The application fee is non-refundable.  

If approved, the U.S. embassy will issue you a boarding foil, allowing you to board the flight back to the United States, and the USCIS will issue you a new green card once in the United States.

Anyone can pay the I-131A filing fee from anywhere in the world. Whoever pays the fee must use a credit or debit card or U.S. bank account.

The current filing fee is $575.00
You must submit your filing fee before going to a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file your Form I-131A. You must bring evidence of payment with you when you appear in person at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.

Refund PolicyUSCIS does not refund fees, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition or request, or how long USCIS takes to reach a decision.

Information You May Need to Pay the Fee Online:
To pay the fee, you will need the correct first and last names, date of birth, and A-Number as they appear on the lawful permanent resident's (LPR's) Green Card or Reentry Permit.

​You will need to use the most current edition of the Form I-131A (currently 11/2022), which can be downloaded here.

Briefly in Russian:

Что делать если вы потеряли или у вас украли грин карту во время поездки за пределами США, и вы не можете вернуться в США из-за отсутствия грин карты?

Форма заявления USCIS Form I-131A подается лично в посольстве, оплата госпошлины US$575 производится заранее ондайн через портал USCIS в американских долларах со счета в США. Любой другой человек может оплатить эту госпошлину за вас. Вам нужно иметь на руках подтверждение оплаты госпошлины онлайн. Эта процедура возможна только для тех, кто не провел более года за пределами США. В некоторых случаях - менее двух дет за пределами США. В случае отказа, госпошлины не возвращаются. В случае положительного решения, посольство выдаст документ, разрешающую авиалиниям посадить вас на рейс в США.

Question: Can a US citizen who lives abroad obtain a green card for his brother and father who are living abroad?

Answer: Yes, a U.S. citizen son can petition for his father’s Green Card. The process normally takes a year/year and a half.

A U.S. citizen brother can petition for his brother’s Green Card as well. The process for most countries normally takes about 15 years. It could be longer for people born in some countries (Mexico and Philippines).

​You can start the immigration process even now during COVID-19 pandemic because the USCIS Service Centers are still open.

However, in order to complete the immigration process, a U.S. citizen petitioner will have to move back to USA or prove that he has immediate plans to relocate back to USA. It is also important to show that a U.S. citizen petitioner filed his tax returns with IRS, which would be required at the last stage in the immigration process for the Affidavit of Support.

On June 26, 2019, USCIS had finally published the final guidance: they will accept concurrent filing for adjustment of status in the F2A preference category in July 2019.
Next Month’s Adjustment of Status Filing Charts
For Family-Sponsored Filings:
In the F2A category, there is a cutoff date on the Dates for Filing chart. However, the category is “current” on the Final Action Dates chart. ***This means that applicants in the F2A category may file using the Final Action Dates chart for July 2019.**
For all the other family-based preference categories, you must use the Dates for Filing chart in the Department of State Visa Bulletin for July 2019. 
https://www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo
​
The USCIS has updated the Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin webpage to clarify that the family-based, second preference “A” (FB2A) category is “current” under the July 2019 Visa Bulletin.

The July 2019 Visa Bulletin contains an extremely unusual entry in the FB2A category, which is for spouses and children of U.S. permanent residents. This category is designated as being current in the “final action” (FA) chart for all countries of chargeability, but has a cutoff date of March 8, 2019 in the “dates for filing” (DF) chart. This is unprecedented, as the DF date is usually as favorable, or more favorable than the cutoff date in the FA chart. 

Earlier this month, the USCIS updated its website to state that, for July 2019, only the DF chart dates may be used for all family-based cases for purposes of filing an application for adjustment of status (form I-485). Now, the USCIS has updated its website to clarify that FB2A applicants may use the FA chart in July. This means that concurrent filing of the I-130 and I-485 will be permitted in July for FB2A beneficiaries who are already in the United States in lawful status.

Briefly in Russian:

В начале июня USCIS объяснил, что в июле 2019 в категории F2A только те заявления на грин карту через adjustment of status будут приниматься, где петиция I-130 была подана до 8 марта 2019.

Затем, 26 июня 2019 USCIS поместил новое объяснение июльского процесса на подачу заявлений на грин карту в категории для супругов и малолетних неженатых детей постоянных жителей США, разрешив использовать final action date для подачи одновременно петиции на воссоединение семьи и на грин карту, если супруг или ребенок находятся в США в легальном и неистекшем статусе. Эта ситуация крайне необычна. Если вы в такой ситуации, стоит проконсультироваться у адвоката перед подачей заявлений в USCIS. 

​

Traveling Outside the United States as an Asylum Applicant, an Asylee, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Who Obtained Such Status Based on Asylum.

Asylum applicants, asylees, and lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum status are subject to special rules with regard to traveling outside the United States.

--> An asylum applicant who leaves the United States without first obtaining advance parole shall be presumed to have abandoned his or her asylum application. Advance parole (see: USCIS Form I-131) allows certain aliens to return to the United States without a visa after traveling abroad.
Asylum applicants must receive advance parole before leaving the United States.
Advance parole does not guarantee that the alien will be paroled into the United States. Rather, the asylum applicant must still undergo inspection by an immigration inspector from United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

--> Asylees: Asylees (individuals who have been granted asylum) may travel abroad with the prior approval of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Such prior approval comes in the form of a refugee travel document. A refugee travel document is valid for one year and is issued to an asylee to allow his or her return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.
Generally, the asylee should obtain the refugee travel document prior to departure from the United States, though the applicable regulations also permit the issuance of a refugee travel document abroad under certain circumstances. Like advance parole, a refugee travel document does not guarantee admission into the United States. Rather, the asylee must still undergo inspection by an immigration inspector from CBP.

--> Lawful Permanent Residents: Lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum status may also travel abroad with refugee travel documents.  

​Read more here and here.

NEW USCIS Polity Memo: When a I-751 PERMANENT GREEN CARD INTERVIEW Can be WAIVED? Effective date of this new guidance is today, December 10, 2018.

General rule applicable to all I-751 petitions: conditional permanent residents who file a Form I-751 must appear for an interview. 

However, in practice, in most of the cases the interviews were waived, if USCIS officer was satisfied that the petition is approvable and can be approved without an interview.

Under the new Memo, USCIS officers may consider waiving an interview if they are satisfied that:

• They can make a decision based on the record because it contains sufficient evidence
of a good faith marriage;

• For Form I-751 cases received on/after December 10, 2018, USCIS has previously
interviewed the I-751 principal petitioner (for example, for a Form I-485 or Form I-130);

• There is no indication of fraud or misrepresentation in the Form I-751 or the supporting
documentation; and

• There are no complex facts or issues that require an interview to resolve questions or
concerns.
​
When determining whether to waive an interview, the considerations listed above apply regardless of whether the Form I-751 is filed as a joint petition or as a waiver of the joint filing requirement. Cases involving fraud or national security concerns must be referred to the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate according to local procedures.

Briefly in Russian:

10 декабря 2018 вступили в силу новые правила (меморандум USCIS), о том в каких случаях офицеры USCIS могут утвердить петицию на снятие условностей, форма I-751, без вызова петиционера и супруга на интервью. Этот новый меморандум относится именно к петиции на снятие условностей.
 
После 10 декабря 2018 офицеры должны будут приглашать на интервью тех заявителей, которых никогда не приглашали на интервью в USCIS. Простое истолкование новых правил означает, что если вы получили иммиграционную визу через посольство, и вас никогда не интервьюировали в офисе в USCIS при получении первой условной грин-карты, то вас должны (могут?) вызвать на интервью по петиции I-751. Эти новые правила относятся одинаково к тем, кто подает петицию совместно с американским супругом, и к тем, кто подает сам как вейвер или исключение, например, после развода.

Становится еще более важно подготовить и подать сильный пакет сопроводительных документов, чтобы в соответствии с новыми правилами, у офицера не было необходимости вызывать вас на интервью.

Видео-обзор адвоката с анализом нового меморандума вы можете посмотреть тут.

A federal court issued a ruling on Friday, December 7, 2018, that halts a Trump administration policy that blocked hundreds of lawful permanent residents from serving in the U.S. military.

Lawful permanent resident or green card holders can enlist and serve in the U.S. Military, and can apply for naturalization or U.S. citizenship through their military service.

Judge held that the Department of Defense likely violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act after it implemented a policy discriminating against lawful permanent resident enlistees. Judge's ruling finds that the Defense Department provided no rational justification for the policy change, stating that it provided no evidence indicating that lawful permanent resident enlistees posed more of a risk than U.S. citizens.

​Read more here.

Please note that in October 2017, the Department of Defense issued new policies that impact lawful permanent residents and other non-U.S. citizens in the military. The ILRC's practice advisory discusses how these policies affect those who seek to enlist, and those who currently serve in the military, including in the Reserve Components. 

The DoD policy changes will not affect MAVNI enlistees because the MAVNI program was suspended in October 2016. No one has been able to enlist in MAVNI since that time.

Before making a decision to enlist and to apply for naturalization, please review the practice advisory (dated 03/2018 - will be revised soon) and consider that under new rules "expedited" naturalization may not be much faster than a naturalization under a default rule.

On Monday, December 4, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two orders staying lower courts’ (Maryland & Hawaii) preliminary injunctions of President's September 24, 2017 presidential proclamation or 3rd travel ban. 

Accordingly, President's most recent travel ban, so-called Muslim Ban 3, will go into effect while the appeals are pending.  The U.S. Supreme Court encouraged the appeals courts to quickly decide whether the most recent travel ban was lawful.

The September 24, 2017, Presidential Proclamation on Enhancing Vetting Capabilities & Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats indefinitely blocks the entry for certain individuals from eight countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Chad, North Korea, Syria, Somalia, Venezuela and Yemen. 

Travel Restriction for Nationals of Eight Countries – Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, and Yemen

General Rules:

• Only applies to individuals who are (i) outside of the U.S. on the day the travel ban goes into effect, and (ii) who do not have a valid visa on the day travel ban goes into effect, and (iii) who have not obtained a waiver under Section 3(c) of the Proclamation
• Does not apply to:
  • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders);
  • Individuals admitted or paroled into the U.S. on or after the effective date;
  • Those with a document other than a visa that allows them to travel to the U.S., if the document is dated on or after the effective date;
  • Dual-nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country;
  • Individuals granted asylum;
  • Refugees already admitted to the U.S.; or
  • Individuals granted withholding of removal, advance parole, or protection under the Convention against Torture

Previously-Impacted Countries – Restrictions Effective Immediately:

• Iran
  • Effective immediately, immigrant and nonimmigrant entry are suspended for Iranian nationals except for those with F, J, or M visas.
  • Those with F, J, or M visas will most likely be subject to “enhanced screening and vetting requirements.”
• Libya
  • Effective immediately, immigrants and nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas are suspended except those with a bona fide relationship to the U.S.
• Somalia
  • Effective immediately, immigrant visas are suspended for Somali nationals
  • Non-immigrant visas are permitted, subjected to heightened screening.
  • The bona fide relationship exemption ends October 18, 2017.
• Syria
  • Effective immediately, immigrant and nonimmigrant entry is suspended for Syrian nationals
• Sudan
  • Sudan was removed from the list of restricted countries in MB-4.
  • Sudanese visa holders who were impacted by earlier Muslim Bans should now be able to reapply for visa.
• Yemen
  • Effective immediately, all immigrant visas and nonimmigrant business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas are suspended,

​Newly Impacted Countries (Added):

• Chad
  • All immigrant visas and with nonimmigrant business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas are suspended from entering the U.S.
• North Korea
  • All immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders are suspended from entering the U.S.
• Venezuela
  • The entry of officials of government agencies of Venezuela involved in screening and vetting procedures and their immediate family members, as nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas, is suspended. Additionally, nationals of Venezuela who are visa holders are subject to additional measures.
  • Per Section 3(b)(v) of MB-4, certain Venezuelans traveling on diplomatic visas are not affected by this order.

Waivers:

If you are from one of the countries covered by the travel ban and do not yet have a valid U.S. visa, you cannot obtain a visa at this time unless you qualify for a waiver.  Consular officers may, on a case-by-case and discretionary basis, grant a waiver to affected individuals for certain reasons. To obtain a waiver and a visa, the person seeking admission must prove:

• denying entry to the U.S. would cause the foreign national undue hardship;
• admission would not pose a threat to the national security or public safety of the United States; 
• entry would be in the U.S. national interest.

 
Travel Risks for People from Affected Countries with Valid Visas:

If you are from one of the impacted countries and hold a valid visa, you may be able to apply for admission to the United States. The newest travel ban states that no visas will be automatically revoked and that those with a valid visa are not covered by the travel ban. However, travel outside the United States at this time carries risk. 

On October 8, 2017, the White House released a list of immigration priorities addressing border security, interior enforcement, and a merit-based immigration system. 

The priority list calls for the hiring of 10,000 ICE agents, 300 federal prosecutors, 370 immigration judges and 1,000 ICE attorneys.  

The Department of Homeland Security would be authorized to raise and collect fees from visa services and border crossings to fund border security and enforcement activities. 

The border security measures include funding the southern border wall, ending the abuse of the asylum system, discouraging illegal re-entry by enhancing penalties and expanding categories of inadmissibility, and improving expedited removal of undocumented immigrants.

Making E-Verify mandatory, putting an end to sanctuary cities by authorizing and incentivizing states and localities to help enforce federal immigration laws, and improving visa security (which was recently declared unconstitutional by a federal judge).

With regards to the merit-based immigration system, the White House's priority list reiterates what was previously announced on August 2, 2017, when President Trump unveiled the revised RAISE Act (Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment). This law would reduce the number of eligible family-based green cards and create a new point-based system for awarding green cards. 

Specifically, the RAISE Act would establish a 30-point threshold for green cards, awarding an applicant higher point totals for higher-salaried jobs, professional degrees, English-speaking ability, younger applicant age, higher future salary, extraordinary achievements, and an applicant’s investing $1.35 million or more in the United States.

Some of these new immigration priorities were previously announced in the form of President's executive orders, proclamations and memos:

• January 23, 2017 EO: Protecting American Jobs and Workers by Strengthening the Integrity of Foreign Worker Visa Programs
• January 25, 2017 executive orders: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States and the Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements
• February 20, 2017 memo: Implementing the President's Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvement Policies
• March 6, 2017 EO:  Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States
• March 6, 2017 Memo: Implementing Immediate Heightened Screening and Vetting of Applications for Visas and Other Immigration Benefits, Ensuring Enforcement of All Laws for Entry into the United States, and Increasing Transparency Among Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and for the American People
• April 18, 2017 EO: Buy American and Hire American
• September 24, 2017 presidential proclamation:  Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats

​If these priorities/proposals will become law, what does this mean for employers/employees? 

Employers will face higher costs in sponsoring foreign workers for visas, and for the employees it will become increasingly difficult to meet a high point-based system threshold in order to obtain a green card.
There will be additional delays in visa issuance due to the additional screening required. There will be litigation, and not all of the priorities will become the law.

Answer: Yes, an illiterate person can naturalize and become a U.S. citizen, but only if she is over 50 and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or she is over 55 and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or her inability to read or write stems from a disability.

The law provides three exemptions from the English language requirement for naturalization. The exemptions are for applicants at least age 50 who have been permanent residents for at least twenty years, those at least age 55 with at least 15 years permanent residence and for those who have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from learning English. If the applicant is exempt under any of these rules, she qualifies even if she is illiterate. She can naturalize even if she cannot read or write another language.
If the disability prevents applicants from learning U.S. history and government (Civics part of the naturalization test), they are exempt from answering civic knowledge questions as well. Otherwise, they must answer the Civics questions in their own language.

Permanent residents at least age 65 who have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years take an easier test of U.S. history and government.
If the applicant is claiming an exemption based on a disability, she needs to file USCIS form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions with your from N-400. A medical doctor or licensed clinical psychologist must sign the certification. An identifiable mental or physical disease must cause the disability. If the doctor says something like, “he’s too old to learn English,” the USCIS will deny the waiver request.
If a person is so disabled that he or she is unable to understand or agree to the citizenship oath, a legal guardian may file the application and the applicant may get U.S. citizenship.

English Language Exemptions 

You Are Exempt From The English Language Requirement, But Are Still Required To Take The Civics Test If You Are:

• Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States for 20 years   (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).
  OR
• Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).

Note:

• Even if you qualify for the “50/20” or “55/15” English language exceptions listed above, you must still take the civics test.
• You will be permitted to take the civics test in your native language.
• If you take the test in your native language, you must bring an interpreter with you to your interview.
• Your interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
• If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years at the time of filing for naturalization, you will be given special consideration regarding the civics requirement.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Information about Naturalization Test is here.

USCIS offers immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including disasters such as Hurricane Harvey.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request:

• Changing a nonimmigrant status or extending a nonimmigrant stay for an individual currently in the United States. Failure to apply for the extension or change before expiration of your authorized period of admission may be excused if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
• Re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS;
• Expedited processing of advance parole requests;
• Expedited adjudication of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
• Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate;
• Consideration of fee waivers due to an inability to pay;
• Assistance for those who received a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny but were unable to submit evidence or otherwise respond in a timely manner;
• Assistance if you were unable to appear for a scheduled interview with USCIS;
• Expedited replacement of lost or damaged immigration or travel documents issued by USCIS, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); and
• Rescheduling a biometrics appointment.

Note: When making a request, please explain how the impact of Hurricane Harvey created a need for the requested relief.

To learn how to request these measures or determine if an office is open, call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283.

If you require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our office at email.

Affirming the district court's summary judgment, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held that under INA §244(f)(4), a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipient is deemed to be in lawful status as a nonimmigrant—and has thereby satisfied the requirements for becoming a nonimmigrant, including inspection and admission--for purposes of adjustment of status under INA §245(a).

The 9th Circuit court of appeals decision means that a person in TPS status (even the person who came to the U.S. without a visa, EWI) is eligible to obtain lawful permanent residence through adjustment of status application. 

The court's decision published on March 31, 2017 is here. 

The American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Customs and Border Patrol Office of Field Operations Liaison Committee released new guidance (ed. 03-22-2017) on the due process rights of lawful permanent residents (LPRs, or Green Card holders) at U.S. ports of entry.  It is important that LPRs understand their rights when attempting to enter the country, especially in this new age of increased immigration enforcement. Nonimmigrants applying for admission to the United States may have even less rights at the border.

Rights of LPRs at Ports of Entry

Upon return to the United States from travel abroad, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) have certain due process rights, including the right to a hearing before an immigration judge before they can be stripped of their permanent resident status. In addition, given the increasing reports of CBP inspection of traveler’s electronic devices and/or social media accounts, it is important for members to advise LPR clients of the risks of refusing such a request.

Due Process Rights of LPRs (lawful permanent residents)

LPRs enjoy greater due process rights than nonimmigrants when returning to the United States after travel abroad. Like all international travelers, upon return, LPRs are subject to inspection by CBP. CBP may question and screen LPRs to determine whether they are a “returning resident” or whether they should be treated as an “arriving alien.”

Under INA §101(a)(13)(C), a returning resident shall not be regarded as seeking “admission” to the United States, (i.e., shall not be treated as an arriving alien), unless he or she:

• Has abandoned or relinquished LPR status;
• Has been absent from the United States for a continuous period in excess of 180 days;
• Has engaged in illegal activity after having departed the United States;
• Has departed from the United States while under legal process seeking removal of the alien from the United States, including removal proceedings under the INA and extradition proceedings;
• Has committed an offense under INA §212(a)(2) [criminal and related grounds of inadmissibility], unless since such offense the alien has been granted relief under INA §212(h) [waiver of inadmissibility] or §240A(a) [cancellation of removal for permanent residents]; or
• Is attempting to enter at a time or place other than as designated by immigration officers or has not been admitted to the United States after inspection and authorization by an immigration officer.

An LPR who is deemed to be seeking admission may be charged as removable from the United States as an arriving alien. LPRs that are charged as removable, including those who are alleged to have abandoned their U.S. residence, have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. See Matter of Huang, 19 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 1988). Despite this, CBP may attempt to convince an LPR that their absence from the United States resulted in automatic abandonment of their U.S. residence, and urge them to sign a Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status. As AILA recently advised, an individual does not lose LPR status merely because of time spent abroad. An LPR remains an LPR unless the government proves abandonment by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence and until an order of removal is issued and becomes final.

Form I-407 must be signed voluntarily and there are no negative consequences if an LPR refuses to sign the form. Neither failure to sign nor abandonment of LPR status by itself is grounds for detention by CBP. If CBP makes a determination, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the LPR abandoned his or her residence in the U.S., and the LPR refuses to sign a Form I-407, CBP’s only recourse is to issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an immigration judge. Even LPRs who have signed a Form I-407 retain the right to request a hearing before an immigration judge to determine whether LPR status was abandoned. See Matter of Wood, No. A24-653-925 (BIA 1992). Should CBP confiscate the LPR’s permanent resident card, the LPR has the right to alternative evidence of LPR status, such as an I-94 card and/or passport stamp.

CBP Search of Electronic Devices and Social Media Accounts

In 2009, CBP released to the public its current policy on searches of electronic devices. This policy states that all electronic devices, including those belonging to U.S. citizens, can be searched at a port of entry “without individualized suspicion.” There appear to be only very narrow limitations to the scope of CBP’s search authority. For example, section 5.2.1 indicates that privileged material, such as attorney/client communications, while not necessarily exempt from a search, may be subject to special handling procedures which require approval from CBP Associate/Assistant Chief Counsel.
CBP’s right to conduct suspicion-less searches of persons and conveyances has long been upheld by the Supreme Court as a “border search exception” to the 4th Amendment. While the 4th Amendment to the Constitution guarantees “[t]he right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures,” the Supreme Court held in Carroll v. United States, 267 U.S. 132 (1925), that it is “reasonable” to conduct border searches without a warrant due to national security interests.

CBP’s policy of conducting suspicion-less searches of electronic devices has not yet been meaningfully challenged. Following the publication of the 2009 guidance, the Supreme Court held, in Riley v California, 134 S. Ct. 2473 (2014), that the police may not search and seize the digital contents of a person’s cell phone or electronic device, incident to an arrest, without first obtaining a search warrant.  In arriving at this conclusion, the Court noted that cell phones have become “such a pervasive and insistent part of daily life that the proverbial visitor from Mars might conclude they were an important feature of human anatomy.” Riley, 134 S. Ct. at 2484. The ability of modern cell phones to contain the digital sum total of one’s “papers and effects,” the Court held, makes police searches of these devices unreasonable without a warrant. This ruling, however, only applies to arrests occurring in the interior of the United States and does not address arrests or searches at the border. Though this issue could be considered by a federal court, given the dire consequences to a foreign national who refuses to submit to such a search (including expedited removal), it is more likely that this issue will be pursued by a U.S. citizen who does not consent and is willing to litigate the matter.

A subsidiary issue to warrantless searches of cell phones and electronic devices is whether CBP may access an individual’s social media accounts. In 2016 CBP began collecting social media identifiers from Visa Waiver travelers through changes to the ESTA application. While the ESTA form makes this question optional, and only asks for social media “identifiers,” (as opposed to “passwords”) so that CBP can presumably view the traveler’s public information, AILA has received several reports of CBP officers requesting log in information so that they can view private social media accounts and messages. While the CBP electronic device search policy has not been updated to address this specific situation, it appears that CBP may view this information as falling within the “border search exception” to the 4th Amendment. For more information, see CBP Inspection of Electronic Devices Tear Sheet.

If a U.S. citizen refuses to consent to a search, CBP may do one of several things, including any of the following or a combination of the following:

• Detain the person until he or she consents.
• Have the person arrested for obstruction of justice.
• Let the person go and seize the device in question.

The CBP policy on search of electronic devices provides that CBP officers (with supervisory approval) make take physical possession of an electronic device either (a) when, upon a search of such a device, with or without suspicion of wrongdoing, a CBP officers discovers probable cause to seize it; or (b) when officers have “technical difficulties” in searching the device, such that technical assistance is required to continue the border search. In the latter case, inability to unlock the device due to non-consent could be deemed a “technical difficulty” justifying detention of the device. The policy provides that devices shall generally be returned within five days, but devices may be kept for up to 15 days and extensions beyond 15 days can be approved in 7-day increments thereafter. While CBP policy is to carefully record information about these detentions in its records, the policy sets no maximum period after which a device is required to be returned to its owner.

If an LPR or nonimmigrant refuses to consent to a search, CBP could follow any of the courses of action outlined in the previous paragraph with regard to U.S. Citizens and may, in addition, refuse a nonimmigrant admission to the United States and/or utilize the agency’s expedited removal authority. See generally, INA §235 and 8 CFR Part 235.

Right to Counsel (right to an attorney)

CBP has long held that there is no “right to counsel” during the inspection and admission process, although attorneys are sometimes permitted, at the agency’s discretion, to accompany clients who are detained in secondary inspection and/or are ordered to appear at a deferred inspection office. This interpretation is supported by 8 CFR §292.5(b) which applies generally to all immigration proceedings and states:

(b) Right to representation. Whenever an examination is provided for in this chapter, the person involved shall have the right to be represented by an attorney or representative who shall be permitted to examine or cross-examine such person and witnesses, to introduce evidence, to make objections which shall be stated succinctly and entered on the record, and to submit briefs. Provided, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to provide any applicant for admission in either primary or secondary inspection the right to representation, unless the applicant for admission has become the focus of a criminal investigation and has been taken into custody. 

In addition, the CBP Inspector’s Field Manual, at chapter 2.9, states:

Dealing with Attorneys and Other Representatives. No applicant for admission, either during primary or secondary inspection has a right to be represented by an attorney – unless the applicant has become the focus of a criminal investigation and has been taken into custody. An attorney who attempts to impede in any way your inspection should be courteously advised of this regulation. This does not preclude you, as an inspecting officer, to permit a relative, friend, or representative access to the inspectional area to provide assistance when the situation warrants such action. he Inspector’s Field Manual (“IFM”) is no longer relied upon as an official source of agency guidance and has been at least partially replaced by the CBP Officer’s Reference Tool (ORT). The ORT is the subject of FOIA litigation and has not yet been released. Nevertheless, the IFM guidance appears to comport with current agency practice.  (Emphasis added).

Should CBP choose to issue an NTA and initiate removal proceedings, INA §101(a)(27) states that there must be at least ten days between service of the NTA and the first removal hearing. However, the issuance of an NTA does not impose upon CBP an obligation to allow the individual to speak with an attorney while being held in a CBP facility, “unless the applicant has become the focus of a criminal investigation and has been taken into custody.” In addition, should CBP detain and hold the person until Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) takes him or her into custody pending a bond hearing, the right to counsel would then attach, as the individual would no longer be an applicant for admission.

​You can view updated Know Your Rights Guidance here.

​If you need legal advice, want to schedule a consultation or want to hire an attorney, please email us and we will get back to you to schedule the best time to talk on the phone or video chat.
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On February 27, 2017, USCIS had published a new completely revised edition of the Form I-130 (prior edition had 2 pages, and the new edition is 12 pages long, plus a new Form I-130A was introduced).

The old edition of the Form I-130 (edition date 12/23/2016) will be acceptable only until April 28, 2017. After 04/28/2017, only the most recent 12-page form I-130 will be accepted.

If you are filing for your spouse, he or she must submit Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. If your spouse is overseas, Form I-130A must still be completed, but your spouse does not have to sign Form I-130A. Form I-130A must be submitted with Form I-130. However, a spouse still has to sign form G-28, if you have an attorney.

Please note that you can't file Form I-130 for a spouse (wife or husband) if you married your spouse while he or she was the subject of an exclusion, deportation, removal, or rescission proceeding regarding his or her right to be admitted into or to remain in the United States, or while a decision in any of these proceedings was before any court on judicial review.

However, you may be eligible for the bona fide marriage exemption under INA section 245(e)(3) if:

A. You request in writing a bona fide marriage exemption and prove by clear and convincing evidence that the marriage is legally valid where it took place and that you and your spouse married in good faith and not for the purpose of obtaining lawful permanent resident status for your spouse and that no fee or any other consideration (other than appropriate attorney fees) was given to you for your filing of this petition. The request must be submitted with Form I-130; OR
​
B. Your spouse has lived outside the United States, after the marriage, for a period of at least two years.

Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that a US citizen Petitioner and/or foreign national Beneficiary appear for an interview or provide fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on petition.

After USCIS receives the I-130 petition, USCIS will inform you in writing, if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment or, if you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to set up an appointment.

If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the petition;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your petition; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.

If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your petition.

Also note that the Form G-325A is still valid and required when, for example, applying for adjustment of status.

Please take a note that the federal government updated their federal poverty guidelines, and a new I-864P was released on 03/01/2017. The new I-864P is applicable to all pending and new applications for adjustment of status or immigrant visa.

Interesting statistics from Pew Research Center:

Muslim population of the world is expected to reach 73% in 2050. Islam is going to be a predominant religion, not a minority.

In 2015, according to Pew Research Center's best estimate, there were 3.3 million Muslims in the U.S., or about 1% of the U.S. population.

A majority of U.S. Muslims (63%) are immigrants. The government should treat them with respect and adjust our immigration policies to avoid alienating our own citizens.

Year 2050 is only 33 years away.

Rew Research Center: 

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/02/27/muslims-and-islam-key-findings-in-the-u-s-and-around-the-world/

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The answers below were provided to AILA on February 27, 2017 by the U.S. Department of State, in response to issues raised by the president's January 27th executive order, so called "Travel Ban", which resulted in numerous visa cancellations and revocations.

The first January 27th executive order was replaced by March 06th executive order. Some answers provided by the U.S. Department of State still stand because they addressed several important issues which arose during the previous executive order's travel ban enforcement. Some answers would have to be adjusted because of a new March 6th executive order.

To clarify visa revocation and cancellation matters, the DoS provided the following answers:
​
Q1: What happened to the passports of applicants who had been cleared for visa issuance and were awaiting the return of their passports at the time the January 27, 2017, Presidential Executive Order (EO) was signed? If passports were returned to the applicants without the visa, what is the process for reinstating the application and receiving the visa at this time?

Answer: If visa issuance had been authorized, but the passport and visa remained in the consular section, we would have expected the consular section to spoil the visa, deny the application, and call the applicant in to pick up the passport with any issued visa having been revoked. Visa denials under the Executive Order were final, but the applicant may reapply without prejudice.

Q2: Do nonimmigrant visa applicants whose visa interviews were scheduled and then cancelled when the EO was signed need to reschedule their interviews, or are posts taking steps to reschedule them affirmatively? If visa applicants must take affirmative steps to reschedule their interviews, what is the process? What is the process for immigrant visa applicants?

Answer: We instructed our embassies and consulates to resume regular processing of visas for nationals of the seven countries subject to Executive Order 13769. Nonimmigrant visa applicants should contact their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for information about scheduling an interview. The National Visa Center cancelled all scheduled immigrant visa interviews for these applicants scheduled in February 2017. The National Visa Center or U.S. Embassy will contact those affected to reschedule interview appointments.

Q3: In lieu of issuing a new nonimmigrant visa, can posts assist individuals whose nonimmigrant visa was physically cancelled (as opposed to provisionally revoked) in obtaining a boarding or transportation letter to facilitate embarkation to travel to the U.S.? Are boarding letters available for individuals with physically cancelled immigrant visas?

Answer: Visa cancellation by CBP constitutes visa revocation precluding travel. In certain situations, consular sections have issued boarding letters at CBP’s request. Other affected visa holders should apply for a new nonimmigrant visa, or contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they received an immigrant visa for further instruction.

Q4: For dual nationals, please confirm that only nonimmigrant visas issued in a passport of a restricted country were provisionally revoked, and that nonimmigrant visas issued in a passport of an unrestricted country continued to remain valid. 

Answer: Given that the provisional revocation was reversed on February 3, 2017, any visas that were not canceled or revoked on other grounds were reinstated. If you have concerns about a particular case, please explain the circumstances and current status of the visa holder.

Q5: Were the nonimmigrant visas of citizens or nationals of the seven restricted countries who were present in the U.S. when the EO took effect provisionally revoked? If so, please confirm whether they have been reinstated.

Answer: When the provisional revocation was reversed on February 3, 2017, any visas that were not canceled or revoked on other grounds were reinstated.

Q6: Are individuals whose visas were provisionally revoked and then reinstated as a result of the TRO required to indicate on future applications that they have had a visa revoked?

Answer: Holders are not required to indicate on future applications that they have had a visa revoked.

Q7: Has DOS taken any additional steps has to notify individuals that their visas have been revoked other than the general notice on state.gov? Have these individuals been notified that their visas have been reinstated? If no notices have been provided, what steps can an individual take to proactively determine if his or her visa has been provisionally revoked and/or reinstated? 

Answer: When the provisional revocation was reversed on February 3, 2017, any visas that were not canceled or revoked on other grounds were reinstated. Individuals with any questions should contact their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Q8: Did the EO have any effect on the processing of J-1 waiver applications for applicants from the restricted countries? 

Answer: The Waiver Review Division in the Visa Office generally continued processing of J-1 waiver applications while the EO was in effect.
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P.S. On March 06, 2017, President signed a new Executive Order replacing the previous EO. 

On Monday, March 06, 2017, the President signed a new Executive Order on Immigration (to replace the previous EO, so called "Travel Ban" or "Muslim Ban" which was placed on hold by the courts). 

New executive order narrowed a scope of the travel ban to block only new applicants for visas from 6 countries (LIst of Six instead of List of Seven), and removed Iraq from its coverage.

The new order, which goes into effect on March 16, 2017, and bans entry into the United States for 90 days for citizens of six countries—Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen-- for those people who do not already hold a valid visa. 

Visas revoked under the first executive order have been declared "restored".

Sec.12 (d): "Any individual whose visa was marked revoked or marked canceled as a result of Executive Order 13769 shall be entitled to a travel document confirming that the individual is permitted to travel to the United States and seek entry.  Any prior cancellation or revocation of a visa that was solely pursuant to Executive Order 13769 shall not be the basis of inadmissibility for any future determination about entry or admissibility."

Read more at our blog here.

#EO #executiveorder #travelban #muslimban

When a person is arriving at the U.S. border and applying for admission to the United States, the CBP officers are required to determine the nationality or citizenship of each applicant for admission (including U.S. citizens).

When a a non-U.S. citizen applies for admission to USA, a decision is made by the CBP officer as to whether the applicant is admissible to the U.S.A. or inadmissible and should be removed or not allowed to enter the U.S. 

Even a lawful permanent resident returning to the U.S. after an extended stay abroad, in certain situations can be questioned as a person applying for admission.

All travelers to the U.S.A. should know the following:

1. Border Search Authority. Federal regulations are clear regarding CBP’s authority to conduct a search: “All persons, baggage, and merchandise arriving in the Customs territory of the United States from places outside thereof are liable for inspection and search by a Customs officer.” For those traveling to the U.S. in a vehicle, a CPB officer may stop, search, and examine any vehicle or search any trunk wherever found.  However, CBP cannot conduct intrusive searches (such as strip searches) or repeated detentions unless there is a “reasonable suspicion” of an immigration violation or crime.  Additionally, CBP’s policy requires that all searches be “conducted in a manner that is safe, secure, humane, dignified, and professional.”
2. Electronic Devices Search (smartphones, laptops, tablets). CBP’s border search authority also includes the right to examine electronic devices, such as computers, disks, hard drives, cell phones, and other electronic or digital storage devices, without “reasonable suspicion”. CBP officers conduct border searches of electronic devices to determine whether a violation of U.S. law has occurred.  While the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a warrantless search and seizure of digital contents of a cell phone during an arrest is unconstitutional in violation of the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures, there appears to be an exception for individuals desiring to enter the U.S.  If your electronic device is seized for further examination, which may include copying of data, you will receive a written receipt (Form 6051-D) that details what item(s) are being detained, who at CBP will be your point of contact, and the contact information (including telephone number) you provide to facilitate the return of your property upon completion of the examination.  Unless extenuating circumstances exist, the detention of devices should not exceed 5 days.
3. Discrimination and Coercion. An individual may not be searched on any discriminatory basis (e.g. race, gender, religion, ethnic background).  Nevertheless, a search based on consideration of citizenship or travel itinerary that includes a narcotics source or transit country is not deemed  unlawful. Additionally, CBP cannot threaten a person being questioned; if there is coercion, any statements obtained may be excluded in a subsequent removal proceeding under the Due Process Clause.  You can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security if you believe there has been improper discrimination, inappropriate questioning, or other civil rights and civil liberties violations.
4. Right to Attorney. Any applicant for admission (including U.S. citizens) is not entitled to representation in primary or secondary inspections, unless he or she has become the focus of a criminal investigation and has been taken into custody. Foreign nationals attempting to come to the United States, either temporarily or permanently, have very few rights during the application and screening process.
5. Right to Remain Silent, But Be Prepared to Answer Questions. Even though you have the right to remain silent, if you don’t answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may deny entry to the U.S. or detain you for a search and/or questioning. CBP officers can ask people applying for admission to the U.S. almost any question.  If you choose not to answer all or some of the questions, you can be denied admission to the U.S. or delayed by the CBP officer if selected for secondary inspection, search of your electronic devices. Make sure you can answer the following questions:

• What is the purpose of your visit? (what do you plan to do in USA)
• Where will you be staying? (address)
• Who will you be visiting? (name, address, contact phone number)
• How often do you travel to the U.S.? (for example, how many times a year; every 3 months)

When a non-US citizen applies for admission to the U.S., it’s important to be clear that your purpose for the visit to U.S.A. must be consistent with the visa category held. For example, if you are arriving on a tourist or visitor's visa, the purpose of the visit is to engage in tourist activities or visit family or friends, or if you a student, it’s to study, if you are a temporary worker it’s to work, and if you are returning as a permanent resident, the purpose must be to return to the U.S. as a place of your permanent residence.

Please read our guidance for lawful permanent residents returning to the USA who are facing  request from the CBP to sign the form I-407 and to abandon permanent residency (aka green card).

#knowyourrights #CBP #DHS #USCIS #GreenCard #admissiontoUSA #I407 #search #seizure #bordersearch #electronicdevicesearch #righttoattorney #detention

ПРАКТИЧЕСКИЕ СОВЕТЫ: ЗНАЙ СВОИ ПРАВА И КРАТКИЙ ОБЗОР УКАЗОВ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА ОБ ИММИГРАЦИИ ОТ 25 И 27 ЯНВАРЯ 2017.

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Ситуация с указами президента меняется каждый день: помните, что информация и законодательство постоянно обновляются, и мы не в состоянии вовремя опубликовать изменения и дополнения на этом блоге. Если вам нужен юридический совет адвоката, свяжитесь с нами по электронной почте и мы договоримся о дате и времени консультации по телефону или через скайп.

После решения федерального судьи о том, что некоторые положения указа президента должны быть приостановлены от 3 февраля 2017, 4 февраля DHS, USCIS, CBP, ICE DOS и все другие департаменты и агенства официально заявили, что они возвращаются к старым процедурам, как это было в силе до подписания указа. И пока указ президента находится на рассмотрении в суде, они не будут его применять.
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25 и 27 января 2017 Президент США Трамп подписал три важных указа, касающихся иммиграции, виз и национальной безопасности страны.
 
Полный текст этих указов можно прочитать по линкам:

1. Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements (01-25-2017)
2. Enhancing Security in the Interior of the United States (01-25-2017)
3. Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States (01-27-2017)

Указ номер 1 касается постройки стены на границе между США и Мексикой.
 
Указ номер 2 касается новых приоритетов в депортации из США, а также изменения во взаимоотношении федерального правительства и так называемых "sanctuary cities", городов, не выдающих нелегальных иммигрантов. Если такие города будут отказываться сотрудничать с федеральными орнанами, и не согласятся передавать им информацию о нелегалах, федеральное правительство угрожает отменой федерального финансирования для некоторых программ. Следует помнить, что это касается только тех программ, которые финансируются федералным правительством США, так как большая часть программ в любом штате финансируется за счет бюджета штата.

Указ номер 3 был подписан и вступил в силу 27 января 2017, и получил самую большую огласку и вызвал шквал негодования и возмущения граждан и политиков как в нутри США, так и за пределами. Указ предусматривает следующее: (1) вводится временный на 90 дней запрет на въезд в США лиц имеющих отношение к семи исламским странам Ближнего Востока (указ не расшифровал, что значит national): Иран, Ирак, Сирия, Судан, Ливия, Йемен и Сомалия; (2) временно на 120 дней приостанавливается въезд беженцев в США изо всех стран мира; (3) на неопределенное время запрещен въезд в США лиц, имеющих отношение к Сирии (важно подчеркнуть, что запрет не ограничен по времени, он относится как к лицам, имеющим гражданство Сирии, так и рожденным там, и может относится к лицам, которые имеют паспорта или travel documents, выданные Сирией, но рожденным в других странах, (4) отменена процедура выдачи виз в США без интервью.

Также в понедельник 30 января 2017 года Иммиграционная Служба США USCIS объявила своим сотрудникам, что на неопределенное время приостанавливается вынесение решений по всем заявлениям и петициям от заявителей из этих семи стран (Иран, Ирак, Сирия, Судан, Ливия, Йемен и Сомалия). Вот это уже очень серьезно. Так как большая часть заявителей находятся в США, и они будут подавать заявления на продление и смену статуса, на получение или продление разрешения на работу, на грин карту, на гражданство и т.п., и USCIS будет вынуждено откладывать их дела "until further notice", так как им запрещено принимать окончательные решения, даже если заявитель успешно прошел интервью (например, на грин карту или гражданство). Пока не понятно, что будет происходить на практике. Скорее всего в течение 2017 года этот запрет будет снят, но конкретной информации пока нет.

Также Госдеп США прекратил выдачу виз гражданам из этих же семи стран (Иран, Ирак, Сирия, Судан, Ливия, Йемен и Сомалия). 27 января 2017 мы получили меморандум из Госдепа о том, что все визы, выданные гражданам этих стран считаются "условно аннулированы" с 27 января.

Запрет на въезд в США относится также к лицам с двойным гражданством. Например, если у вас одно гражданство Ирана и второе Германии, и ранее вы могли ездить в США без визы по Visa Waiver Program по немецкому паспорту, то теперь это невозможно. (2 февраля 2017 Госдеп США опубликовал инструкцию о том, что они продолжают выдавать визы лицам с двойным гражданством, и ставят визу в паспорт той страны, которая не включена в список семи стран).

Запрет на въезд в США по этому указу президента от 27 января 2017 все также относится и к постоянным жителям США (тем, у кого грин карта или вид на жительство в США). За последние дни несколько федеральных судов приняли решения о том, что постоянные жители должны быть допущены в США, но это пока не отменило положение указа. И инструкции от DHS позволяют въезд постоянных жителей, так как это "в национальных интересах" США, что не отменяет сам запрет. Постоянные жители США должны пройти secondary inspection при въезде в США, и доказать, что не являются риском для национальной безопасности.

Если вы имеете вид на жительство США и при въезде в США, сотрудники CBP пытаются отобрать вашу грин карту или не впустить вас в страну, читайте наши практические советы тут.
 
Будьте осторожны, если вы подпадаете под одну из невъездных категорий. Всегда лучше проконсультироваться с адвокатом заранее.

Ожидается еще один указ президента о рабочих визах H-1B visa. Некоторые веб сайты поместили черновик предполагаемого указа. Этот указ внесет изменения в порядок выдачи рабочей визы H-1B и разрешения на работу EAD для супругов H-4. Предполагается, что указ изменит порядок проведения лотереи для виз H-1B, где упор будет делаться на том, получено ли образование в США и какую зарплату готов платить работодатель, а также фокус будет на выдаче рабочих виз "самым лучшим и самым умным" (расшифровка такой нетипичной для юридического документа фразы, я надеюсь, последует когда указ будут подписан).

ПРАКТИЧЕСКИЕ СОВЕТЫ:

1. Если вы из одной из семи стран (гражданин, рождены, имеете какое-то другое задокументированное отношение), воздержитесь от поездок в США или от поездок за пределы США в ближайшие 90 дней, или пока указ находится в силе, или вообще на неопределенное время, если вы имеете отношение к Сирии
2. Если вы постоянный житель США, имеющий отношение к одной из семи стран, воздержитесь от поездок за предеыл США в течение 90 дней или пока указ находится в силе (а если вы из Сирии - то вообще не выезжайте из США, так как запрет на неопределенное время).
3. Если вы из любой другой мусульманской страны, будьте на чеку. Ваша страна может быть добавлена в "список семи". Возможно, что вам стоит заранее подать какие-то заявления, которые вы откладывали, продлить документы, истекающие в скором будущем.
4. Если вы из одной из семи стран, и ваше заявление уже находится на рассмотрении в USCIS, будьте готовы к долгому ожиданию, так как они обязаны отложить все такие заявления и им запрещено выносить решения по делу. Теоретически возможно подать иск в федеральный суд, чтобы принудить государство принять решение по вашему делу, но практический совет будет подождать прецедентов и официальных разъяснений от иммиграционной службы.
5. Визы уже выданные лицам из семи стран были "условно аннулированы" 27 января 2017. Выдача новых виза в настоящий момент приостановлена.
6. Если вы планируете подать петицию на маму, отца, брата, сестру, детей, жену или мужа - и по настоящим законам вы вправе подать такую петицию, не откладывайте и подавайте петицию. По некоторым сведениям целые визовые категории могут быть отменены, изменены или уменьшены в будущем.
7. Если вы нелегал, проконсультируйтесь с адвокатом и определитесь, есть ли у вас какие-то варианты.

 
В заключение я хочу добавить, что хотя в большинстве случаев, этот третий указ президента от 27 января 2017 не имеет отношения к лицам из русскоговорящего сообщества в США, но есть и такие, к кому этот указ имеет прямое отношение. Например, если вы родились на территории одной из семи стран, где ваши родители жили, учились или работали, даже если у вас нет гражданства из одной из семи стран, вы подпадаете под действие указа. Например, если вы лицо без гражданства, но ваши документы были выданы Сирией или одной из семи стран, или вы в прошлом постоянно указывали Сирию, Ирак, Иран и т.п. как страну своей национальности -  вы тоже подпадаете под действие указа. Многие положения указа нуждаются в дальнейшей расшифровке и детальном объяснении (например, что такое "лицо имеющее отношение к одной из семи стран"). Такие официальные объяснения обычно публикуются через соответствующие каналы в иммиграционной службе USCIS и через Госдеп США Department of State. Мы будем вас держать в курсе!