The National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) has just released two policy briefs on the value of STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Optional Practical Training). Today, 81 percent of the full-time graduate students at U.S. universities in...
Topic: Immigration Updates
U.S. Suspends Certain Visa Services in Turkey
The United States has suspended certain visa services in Turkey. On October 8, 2017, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that it was suspending nonimmigrant visa services at its diplomatic facilities in Turkey. Nonimmigrant visas include business, tourist,...
State Dept. Releases Cable on Revised Guidance Regarding 90-Day Rule
The Department of State recently released the following cable to the field: UNCLASSIFIED 17 STATE 95090 Sep 16, 2017 Subject: Change to INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i) and Introduction of 90 Day Rule 1. SUMMARY: This cable advises posts on the application of INA section...
DOL Changes iCERT System for H-2A and H-2B Programs
In an effort to provide better service and ensure that more complete H-2A and H-2B applications are submitted for review, the Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is releasing new enhancements to the iCERT System's application filing...
USCIS Reminds about Immigration Services Available to Those Affected by Disasters
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a reminder about immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances, including disasters such as hurricanes. USCIS said the following measures may be available on a case-by-case...
Premium Processing Now Available for All Petitioners Seeking H-1B Visas
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) resumed premium processing on October 3, 2017, for all H-1B visa extension-of-stay petitions. Premium processing is now available for all types of H-1B petitions. USCIS explained that when a petitioner requests the...
Revised Form Allows Work Authorization and SSN Application Simultaneously for Certain Categories
Based on a new information-sharing partnership between U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), foreign nationals in certain categories or classifications can now apply for work authorization and a social security...
Lee Cissna Confirmed as Director of USCIS
The U.S. Senate confirmed Lee Francis Cissna as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on October 5, 2017. The vote was 55-43 in favor of Mr. Cissna's confirmation. Mr. Cissna most recently helped write the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2015, a bill...
Kirstjen Nielsen Nominated as Secretary of Homeland Security
On October 12, 2017, President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security. Ms. Nielsen is currently the White House principal deputy chief of staff. She was John Kelly's deputy when he served as...
They Can’t Go Home Again: Undocumented Aliens and Access to U.S. Higher Education
By Ellen Badger, Bob Ericksen and Stephen Yale-Loehr Note: This article is an expanded version of an article written by Ellen Badger and Stephen Yale-Loehr that appeared in the May 15, 2000 edition of Bender’s Immigration Bulletin. It contains material used by the...
