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...
Topic: Immigration Updates
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...
OFLC Announces Enhancements to Foreign Labor Application Gateway
On August 17, 2021, the Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced several enhancements to the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system: A new "Notification Center" within user accounts that provides access to OFLC decisions...
DHS Seeks Comments on Public Charge Rulemaking
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on August 20, 2021, that it is seeking data and information from the public that the agency intends to use to develop a public charge regulatory proposal. The purpose of public comment is "to ensure that the...
Settlement Agreement Reached in ‘No Blank Space Rejection Policy’ Case
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on August 19, 2021, that it reached a settlement agreement in Vangala v. USCIS. The agreement allows certain individuals to receive updated receipt dates for resubmitted immigration benefit applications or...
