Keeping you informed on the latest immigration news.
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...
Court Orders State Dept. to Adjudicate More Than 9,000 DV-2020 Visas
A federal court ordered the Department of State to adjudicate more than 9,000 DV-2020 cases that were not processed before the fiscal year deadline. The case concerned the Department's suspension of the processing and issuance of diversity visas for certain classes of...
USCIS Extends Flexibilities Through October for Certain OPT Applicants Filing Work Authorization Applications
Pursuant to a court order, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended flexibilities through October 31, 2021, for certain applicants filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for optional practical training (OPT) and science,...
Cap Reached for Remaining H-2B Visas for Returning Workers for FY 2021
As of August 13, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough petitions for returning workers to reach the additional 22,000 H-2B visas made available under the fiscal year (FY) 2021 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule. USCIS...
Miller Mayer’s Steve Yale-Loehr Quoted re EB-5 Project at Nassau Coliseum
Miller Mayer immigration attorney Steve Yale-Loehr was quoted by Newsday in "Challenges Mount for Nassau Coliseum Leaseholder." The article discusses Nick Mastroianni's raising of $100 million from 200 Chinese investors via the EB-5 program to finance the 2017...
Miller Mayer Receives Green Card Approval for Pakistani Doctor
Miller Mayer recently received an approval for EB-2 immigrant visa petition for a physician from Pakistan working in a medically underserved area. Receiving an approved petition is a critical step toward the long-term residence and employment plans of foreign national...
