U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is launching a new Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) initiative to hold sponsors "legally accountable for the financial responsibilities they willingly accept." USCIS plans to use shared information...
Topic: Immigration Updates
Consulates Cannot Refuse to Process DV-2020 Applicant Visas, Court Says
A federal judge reportedly has blocked the Department of State from refusing to process DV-2020 visa applications because of presidential proclamations issued in April and June 2020. The U.S. consulates are enjoined from continuing a "no visa" policy pursuant to those...
Second Circuit Stays Preliminary Injunction in Public Charge Rule Challenge, Allowing USCIS to Move Forward
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a decision on September 11, 2020, staying a preliminary injunction granted by a district court and effectively allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to move forward, if it wishes, with requiring use...
When Is a Furlough Not a Furlough?
According to reports, despite U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) backing off at the last minute from plans to furlough thousands of employees nationwide, the agency is going ahead with furloughs of at least 800 private contractors in the Kansas City...
U.S. Revokes More Than 1,000 Visas for Chinese Students, Researchers
According to reports, the Department of State has revoked visas for more than 1,000 Chinese students and researchers. Some report receiving an email stating that their visas were revoked, they cannot travel on their current visas, and they may be required to reappear...
Miller Mayer Assists Doctor, Physician’s Assistant with Travel Ban Exemption
A Canada-trained doctor was granted a national interest exemption to the travel ban, and was issued an immigrant visa last month at the U.S. consulate in Montreal. Our successful resolution of this final obstacle in an already lengthy green card process was supported...
Miller Mayer Obtained Extraordinary Ability Green Card Approval for Block-Chain Specialist in Just 2 Days
Overcoming USCIS’ skepticism regarding specialty work in IT occupations, Miller Mayer obtained EB-1A “extraordinary ability” green card approval in just 2 days for a block-chain specialist working in the banking industry. Making a compelling case in relatable...
Miller Mayer’s Steve Yale-Loehr Quoted re New H-1B Rule
Miller Mayer immigration attorney Steve Yale-Loehr was quoted by several media outlets about a forthcoming H-1B rule: Law360, "Trump Admin Preps Stricter H-1B Visa Rules for Release." Steve predicted that the H-1B visa changes would draw lawsuits, saying that the...
Asylum Applicants No Longer Exempt From USCIS Discretion on Work Authorization
Asylum applicants are no longer exempt from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) discretion with respect to employment authorization. Under a final rule published in June and effective August 25, 2020, they are subject to the agency's discretion when...
USCIS Issues New Policy Guidance on Final Fee Rule
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued guidance on the final fee rule that was published on August 3, 2020. The new policy guidance describes the final rule's adjustments in fees for specific forms. It also provides guidance on fee exemption and...
