The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an extension until December 31, 2021, of the flexibility in complying with certain requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to continuing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The...
Topic: Immigration Updates
State Dept. Releases Guidance on Immigrant Visa Prioritization
The Department of State (DOS) released guidance on how its embassies and consulates are prioritizing immigrant visa applications and making "difficult decisions" as they work to reduce the backlog "resulting from travel restrictions and operational constraints caused...
DHS Seeks Comments on New Civil Rights/Liberties Form
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks comments by September 22, 2021, on a new DHS civil rights and civil liberties complaint and privacy waiver form. The form will allow DHS's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) to review and investigate...
DHS Releases Guidance for Immigration Processing of Afghan Citizens Fleeing Afghanistan
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released new guidance for the immigration processing of Afghan citizens during Operation Allies Refuge, under which many thousands are being evacuated from Afghanistan. The memo states that some of these individuals were in...
Justice Dept. Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claims With Large Health Care Organization
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on August 25, 2021, that it reached a settlement related to immigration discrimination claims with Ascension Health Alliance, a Missouri-based health care organization with more than 2,600 sites—including 146 hospitals and...
COVID Vaccinations To Be Required for Many Green Card Applicants
Effective October 1, 2021, with few exceptions, those applying for permanent residence (green card) must be vaccinated against COVID-19, now classified as a "Class A inadmissible condition," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced. The CDC...
Miller Mayer’s Steve Yale-Loehr Quoted re Afghan Refugee Crisis
Miller Mayer immigration attorney Steve Yale-Loehr was quoted by Voice of America in "Complex U.S. Refugee Policies Likely to Limit Number of Afghan Admissions." He said the Biden administration could use humanitarian parole, an existing refugee process, to allow...
Podcast on E-Verify and I-9 Issues
In a two-part podcast, Tammy Meckley, USCIS Associate Director for the Immigration Records and Identity Services Directorate, discussed an overview of E-Verify and questions pertaining to current and future plans for the program. Ms. Meckley explained key aspects of...
Federal Judge Blocks Biden Administration’s Immigration Enforcement Priorities; ICE Suspends Memo
On August 19, 2021, a federal district judge issued a preliminary injunction that blocked, the Biden administration's prioritization of enforcement action against those who are threats to national security or public safety. In response, U.S. Immigration and Customs...
State Dept. Updates Guidance for Afghans; Pro Bono Help Needed With Afghan SIV/P-2 Applications
The Department of State released new information for Afghan nationals seeking to leave Afghanistan: Afghan immigrant visa applicants, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants, should continue monitoring official U.S. government websites, including...
