USCIS Announces Policy Updates to Improve Immigration Services
On June 9, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced revised policies related to certain immigration services. According to Acting USCIS Director Tracy Renaud, these measures are steps that will “eliminate unnecessary barriers to our...
Supreme Court Restricts Path to Green Card for Certain TPS Holders
On June 7, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion holding that a grant of temporary protected status (TPS) does not make an individual who unlawfully entered the U.S. eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), or green card holder. The TPS...
U.S. Department of State Revises National Interest Exceptions to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
On May 27, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of State made a revised determination that certain categories of travelers should be eligible for exceptions from the regional COVID-19 travel restrictions implemented by Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9984, 9992, 10143,...
U.S. Department of State Revises National Interest Exceptions to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
On May 27, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of State made a revised determination that certain categories of travelers should be eligible for exceptions from the regional COVID-19 travel restrictions implemented by Presidential...
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Warns Foreign Travelers Not to Use Third-Party Websites
On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) released a news alert warning about fraudulent and misleading websites aimed at foreign travelers, including some that mimic U.S. government websites. There are also third-party...
USCIS Updates Visitor Policy for Vaccinated Individuals
On May 27, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a revised visitor policy that relaxes some COVID-19 precautions. Based on updated guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals are not...
Biden’s Nominee to Head USCIS Pledges to Reduce Backlog
President Joe Biden’s nominee for Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Ur Mendoza Jaddou, pledged to resolve increased processing times and put a dent in backlogged immigration...
DHS, ICE Extend COVID-19 Accommodations for I-9 Compliance
When the COVID-19 pandemic was recognized as a national emergency in March 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would permit employers to defer the physical inspection of identity and employment...
Nonessential Travel Restrictions Extended at Canada–United States–Mexico Borders
In March 2020, U.S. officials reached mutual agreements with the governments of Mexico and Canada that nonessential travel across the land borders would lead to increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. The three countries agreed to limit travel through land...
Haiti Designated for Temporary Protected Status in the U.S.
On May 22, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security announced a new designation of the country of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The TPS program provides temporary protections in the U.S. to eligible nationals of...