Feed Editor 20 Sep 2009 21:45:55 GMT The latest news and views from ImmInfo. In addition to this RSS feed, we also post information to the News section of the ImmInfo.com site. If you would like to discuss immigration issues, we maintain the Immigration Informtion Discussion Forum (http://immigration-information.com/forums/index.php). http://imminfo.com/ As has been the custom in previous years, the USCIS has extending the validity of medical exam results submitted to that agency for the duration of the time it takes to adjudicate the applicant's AOS application. 4 Jan 2010 16:01:36 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/Static%20Files%20Memoranda/Extension%20of%20Validity%20of%20Medical%20Certification%20on%20Form%20I-693_123009.pdf 0BD86E53-AE49-4644-82CD-567E8A1860AA The Department of Homeland Security has just released its 2008 Report to the Attorney General concerning FOIA activities, including appeals and processing backlogs. 10 Dec 2009 18:14:56 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/foia/privacy_rpt_foia_2008.pdf 512C540C-57E9-4EC3-A05D-4F86DAAE7FA9 The Dept of State will deploy the DS-160 fully web-based nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application form worldwide. The DS-160 has been used with great success at 24 posts so far and will be expanded in phases with the goal of complete global usage for all NIVS except K’s by April 30, 2010. The DS-160 replaces the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF). 8 Dec 2009 18:25:27 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegrams/telegrams_4601.html 2BEAE465-D427-4B27-815A-07FECD1BCEA6 As of December 4, 2009, approximately 61,100 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been filed. USCIS has approved sufficient H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees to meet the exemption of 20,000 from the fiscal year 2010 cap. Any H-1B petitions filed on behalf of an alien with an advanced degree will now count toward the general H-1B cap of 65,000. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into account the fact that some of these petitions may be denied, revoked, or withdrawn. 8 Dec 2009 17:42:51 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=138b6138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=13ad2f8b69583210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD 751E07C1-9A1D-4C2D-8B7F-316923ABAE95 As of November 27, 2009, approximately 58,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been filed. USCIS has approved sufficient H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees to meet the exemption of 20,000 from the fiscal year 2010 cap. 30 Nov 2009 18:36:01 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=138b6138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=13ad2f8b69583210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD EE3FB2B5-5CDF-4EB5-A8DA-35B7015C4648 The U.S. Department of State has just published an accounting of the numbers of cases in the backlog of the National Visa Center (NVC). This accounting is broken down by preference category and country of charge. 23 Nov 2009 17:15:40 GMT http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/WaitingListItem.pdf 3ABA3188-E960-49DA-A4B9-43AA22DD03A4 As of November 18th, the number of H1B petitions on file with the USCIS reached 55,600. The annual cap is 65,000, but up to 6,800 of these numbers are reserved for citizens of Chile and Singapore. 20 Nov 2009 15:47:05 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=138b6138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=13ad2f8b69583210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD 6400CDB6-57EC-4812-8FA3-6D22C7C4924A Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary John Morton today announced the issuance of Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 1,000 employers across the country associated with critical infrastructure-alerting business owners that ICE will audit their hiring records to determine compliance with employment eligibility verification laws. 20 Nov 2009 15:41:46 GMT http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0911/091119washingtondc2.htm 8E5AFCFB-17DB-4017-97A5-C7431801FDBA The CIS Ombudsman, reacting to the unusually high level or erroneous rejections by the Dept. of Labor's badly flawed iCert software, recommended that the CIS revert to its former practice of accepting H1B petitions on the basis of proof that an LCA had been submitted. 24 Oct 2009 00:50:30 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/cisomb_recommendation_43_LCAs_October_2009.pdf 0D77CE62-6703-4411-B93F-2AEF58172229 We have just released the ImmInfo Blog. This publication will display articles as they are written and released. Every two weeks, all of the articles will be compiled into the next edition of the ImmInfo Newsletter. The ImmInfo Blog will show many previously published ImmInfo Newsletter articles. These articles are arranged by subject matter and are searchable. We hope you will enjoy this new feature. 22 Oct 2009 23:38:24 GMT http://imminfo.com/Blog/index.php C6F42A48-31F3-4FC0-88D2-BA90D86EADB3 At a rally on the west lawn of the Capitol Building Tuesday afternoon, Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois announced the core components of the immigration bill he intends to introduce in the next two weeks. 14 Oct 2009 15:58:44 GMT http://luisgutierrez.house.gov/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1399 40752539-EDFC-42AE-8D0F-E5C0F0F7D451 Republicans failed last week to keep provisions addressing illegal immigration in the Homeland Security spending bill, the latest sign that Democrats want to hold off on that debate until next year. 12 Oct 2009 19:11:07 GMT http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/62585-democrats-stymie-gop-efforts-to-pass-immigration-measures 4BF752FD-4BC8-4AD0-9FEE-AAFC0C7A0C3A Eight years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and despite repeated mandates from Congress, the United States still has no reliable system for verifying that foreign visitors have left the country. 12 Oct 2009 18:01:05 GMT http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/us/12visa.html?_r=1&hp 85A22E70-955E-4ADC-852B-9456299B115E The USCIS is offering a new service involving electronic notification of filings with lockbox facilities. This service is limited to informing applicants and petitioner of receipt of filing only. To get additional information, interested parties must sign up for the new "Dashboard" service that will soon become operational on the CIS web site. 9 Oct 2009 19:40:03 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/Press%20Releases/FY%2009/September%202009/E-Notification%20Capability%20Fact%20Sheet_16Sep09.pdf BF87328B-ED7F-4499-A952-35D46357CB2B This report reflects the collaborative effort of a unique group. The Brookings-Duke Immigration Policy Roundtable is a disparate gathering of twenty individuals with different experiences and perspectives: think tank analysts, political and policy entrepreneurs, community leaders, former government officials, and academics from various disciplines. 8 Oct 2009 19:15:24 GMT http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/reports/2009/1006_immigration_roundtable/1006_immigration_roundtable.pdf 86880703-7BBF-4167-BACA-2E9825F04953 The Department of Homeland Security is maintaining rather detailed records for travelers, including US citizens. How detailed? How about credit card numbers and expiration dates, airline seat preferences, and other highly personal information. 5 Oct 2009 21:03:38 GMT http://philosecurity.org/2009/09/07/what-does-dhs-know-about-you 0D0B0912-DC6D-40BD-9D89-43341BD935D1 The US Dept. of Labor successfully sued for back pay and benefits for nearly 300 workers employed at the USCIS Vermont Service Center. These employees had not been given overtime pay or other benefits. The total value of the award is $1.5 million. Nothing has been said as to whether the DHS fraud unit will be visiting the other CIS service centers or offices to ensure compliance with stated working conditions. 1 Oct 2009 17:44:04 GMT http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091001/NEWS02/91001010 E60374E1-60EA-4150-A311-154F56DFE6C9 The USCIS has started to move away from its traditional Stalinist approach to hoarding information and has now released statistical data concerning pending employment based adjustment of status cases. Anyone who views this data needs to be warned, however, that the USCIS and its predecessor agency (the now abolished INS) frequently release distorted and misleading statistical information. The USCIS Ombudsman described this CIS practice as "backlog reduction by redefinition of terms" - meaning that by redefining their terms, and only including the information that met their unique definition, their backlogs appeared smaller. We have no way of knowing exactly how complete this information may or may not be. 24 Sep 2009 15:25:42 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/3rd%20Level%20(Left%20Nav%20Children)/Green%20Card%20-%203rd%20Level/Pending%20Form%20I485%20Reports.pdf F3DAE1A0-42C1-4C39-A7E1-5DC5BB4DC1E2 The USCIS is modifying its Customer Relationship Interface System (CRIS) to allow users to enter mobile telephone numbers so that they may receive text messages when updates are made to their subscribed accounts. CIS applicants and petitioners may now subscribe to CRIS to receive updates on all actions taken on pending applications and petitions. This new service will allow users to receive those updates as text messages. 24 Sep 2009 15:24:57 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_cis_cris.pdf FD60A44D-2B4C-4A85-BDB5-A9C909E5433F The USCIS is considering raising filing fees. They contend that the current filing fee structure does not generate enough revenue to support the agency. The fee increase would not likely go into effect until 2010. 24 Sep 2009 15:09:40 GMT http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-immig24-2009sep24,0,1871688.story 3715F6D4-8050-4E6D-B07E-072D2B6296F9 The annual Diversity Visa lottery registration begins October 2nd and runs through November 30th. All registrations are done on-line. Go the the State Department web site for more information. Do not be taken in by people who offer to do your registration for a fee. The registration is simple and does not require any assistance at all. 22 Sep 2009 20:23:30 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html ECA89645-3C16-4316-87DF-F3854B28C83E The long awaited USCIS site update has now been released. Other than rearranging things and having a slightly newer look, not much has changed. It is still difficult to navigate and the information provided is largely useless. 22 Sep 2009 16:55:08 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis 8BE124DE-4727-459C-83DC-EE1AAE3063EB The Department of Homeland Security is offering a free 1.5 hour Webinar; including a topic overview, demonstration of the E-Verify system, if applicable, and a question and answer session. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the E-Verify program and its proper use as well as other select topics. The overview will allow participants to receive a full understanding of the program and key features. 9 Jun 2008 01:30:02 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=9085bd181e09d110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=75bce2e261405110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD 4AE4B245-BBBB-48DA-91AB-E2170DC400C3 Sen. Schumer delivered an address to the Migration Policy Institute and spoke to the issue of comprehensive immigration reform. He said he believes that CIR can and will be passed this year. He articulated seven key principles that must be incorporated into the new legislation. 1. Illegal immigration is wrong. It must be stopped. 2. Operation control of our borders must be achieved within a year. 3. Biometric based employer verification 4. All illegal aliens in the US on the date of enactment must immediately register with the govt. 5. Family reunification is a cornerstone of our policy 6. We must encourage the best and brightest to come to the US, but discourage employers who hire cheap illegal labor 7. Discourage low skilled illegals and encourge highly skilled workers. 28 Aug 2009 23:51:59 GMT http://www.vimeo.com/5879236 113A94B1-72D4-42B8-876E-5736F0AC3DB4 Obama dropped in on a White House meeting with more than 100 immigration reform backers — and the message, according to some who were there, was that Obama would push for immigration reform even as the health-care debate continues to unfold. 28 Aug 2009 23:50:37 GMT http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0809/26308.html#ixzz0PUqyoRX6 D105347D-C68A-4FAF-9EF6-7A55262B54A2 The Department of Homeland Security has finally released the immigration statistics for fiscal year 2008, which ended September 30, 2008. 13 Aug 2009 17:02:23 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/lpr_fr_2008.pdf 5FA71F58-1864-423C-99AD-1A70A4DF2390 The Department of State has created an on-line tool for DV lottery entrants to check their status. 13 Jul 2009 16:37:56 GMT https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/esc/(S(y5fwek55mopq5y55uhsfeabv))/Secure/statuscheck.aspx DA65E8EC-5607-478B-9982-E42AD6E3FBBF The USCIS has updated the fiscal year 2010 count of H1B petitions filed. As of July 3, 2009 the count stands at 45,000. With an overall limit of 58,000, this means that there are approximately 13,000 remaining visas available. 8 Jul 2009 16:38:23 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=138b6138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=e7d696cfcd6ff110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD 6247C31F-8379-4E03-980B-C16B2E1AB1CA Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced today that they are stepping up I-9 enforcement. They just sent out 652 notices of inspection to businesses. This is more than they issued for all of fiscal year 2008. This is part of their new, aggressive strategy to insist upon strict compliance. 1 Jul 2009 23:13:19 GMT http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0907/090701washington.htm 448C26C6-19B6-4502-BE17-B6832FBC0D6A The DOL now requires all LCA filings to be submitted through their iCERT portal. This rule took effect today, July 1, 2009. 1 Jul 2009 23:08:15 GMT http://icert.doleta.gov/index.cfm?event=ehGeneral.dspLogin&loginuseremail= C07C8E15-8D24-43EB-AD91-472FF5AF3830 The USCIS Ombudsman has released his 2009 Annual Report to Congress. 30 Jun 2009 21:32:32 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1245421061224.shtm 9AFC949A-9BC6-4A1D-8514-AA470F16EAE2 The USCIS announced that I-140 premium processing will become available again on June 29, 2009. USCIS will accept Premium Processing requests for Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, involving EB-1 Aliens with Extraordinary Ability, EB-1 Outstanding Professors and Researchers, EB-2 Members of Professions with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability not seeking a National Interest Waiver, EB-3 Professionals, EB-3 Skilled Workers, and EB-3 Workers other than Skilled Workers and Professionals. 22 Jun 2009 18:55:37 GMT http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/i-140-petitions/8344-i-140-premium-processing-returns-june-29-2009-a.html#post32271 EF45CE78-3F8A-47F6-A283-2AC0F5E3540A The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) amended the Immigration Nationality Act by changing how an alien is determined to be a child for purposes of immigrant classification. The Act permits an applicant for certain benefits to retain classification as a “child,” even if he or she has reached the age of 21. 16 Jun 2009 23:08:55 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/CSPA_factsheet_050608.pdf B9C38BAA-CAD4-4DDB-8D40-AFC51179BB6B A special edition of the ImmInfo Newsletter has been released. This edition deals with updates from the 2009 AILA Annual Conference. 10 Jun 2009 17:33:11 GMT http://imminfo.com/Newsletter/2009-AILA/2009-AILA.html 700589D0-3EFA-4466-B3FC-B33526769985 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today granted deferred action for two years to widows and widowers of U.S. citizens—as well as their unmarried children under 18 years old—who reside in the United States and who were married for less than two years prior to their spouse’s death. 10 Jun 2009 17:30:09 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1244578412501.shtm A401ADB5-CDD5-4095-9862-CDF57AC638BE The USCIS announced that the production of new green cards may be delayed up to eight weeks as they convert to new production equipment. 1 Jun 2009 20:15:33 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=02af974a36c81210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4b18dc4d88889010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD 2DB2AF0A-23D0-4931-9C6F-700249D1B3E2 The CIS has posted a reminder to AOS applicants to have advance parole in hand before leaving the US. 1 Jun 2009 17:33:58 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a205069c1ad81210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD 2AD62394-C194-4D69-9B1A-9FFA65807C4E The latest ImmInfo Newsletter (May, 2009) is now available. 28 May 2009 03:52:35 GMT http://imminfo.com/Newsletter/2009-5/2009-05.html 9A866C66-6E35-4B2E-8724-8AC83CA3891D The USCIS has just issued a new policy memorandum, reinterpreting the concept of "unlawful presence." 21 May 2009 17:32:02 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/unlawful_presence_memo.pdf 481CE99A-8AAA-4BE5-BDBD-E7846CAE6532 USCIS has received approximately 45,500 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap. 19 May 2009 16:01:54 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/Update_H-1Bcapcount_18may09.pdf 5D223D2C-D2BB-4EE9-A233-1003BDEA58B5 The USCIS has just issue a new field memo providing comprehensive guidance to adjudicators on the subject of unlawful presence and the three year, ten year, and permanent bars. 14 May 2009 15:39:05 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/revision_redesign_AFM.PDF DDD3E4C0-F2FD-496F-A3D3-AFBCE5DA8B44 The USCIS reported that as of May 11, 2009 there has been little change in the total number of H1B petitions filed under the fiscal year 2009 quota. The total remains at just over 45,000 petitions filed. 13 May 2009 17:33:29 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d3ba2456f0d01210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD D3C48F70-364F-4A77-B111-FDCA782E0EF6 Following the earlier announcement by the CIS that they were transferring I-140s from the TSC to the NSC, it now appears that this is limited to EB1 and EB2 NIW "stand alone" (i.e., no accompanying I-485) petitions only. 6 May 2009 23:18:23 GMT F98AB5D3-D4BC-44F1-A748-21499C78F901 As of May 5, 2009, the USCIS is reporting that the total number of new H1B petitions filed under the fiscal year 2010 quota remains at roughly the level of the previous week: 45,000. 5 May 2009 18:28:13 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d3ba2456f0d01210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD 1BA0A396-F30A-4716-8B6F-B21C3870C2F1 The American Immigration Lawyers Association's Nebraska Service Center liaison committee reports that the Texas Service Center has transferred a number of "stand alone" I-140 petitions to the NSC in order to help achieve the target 4 month processing time for I-140 petitions. 5 May 2009 16:02:08 GMT C7DCF028-5F1F-46B9-A54C-64CC5D404FDB The feds step up immigration enforcement by going after companies suspected of hiring illegal aliens-and seizing their assets. 30 Apr 2009 21:07:35 GMT http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1202429753199 88AF0179-D76F-4985-8366-CBC6A325A9C1 The State Department will publish its latest revision of the J visa skills list in the Federal Register on April 30, 2009. An advance copy may be viewed by clicking on the link below. 29 Apr 2009 17:38:41 GMT http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2009-09657_PI.pdf 03BFE7BB-973C-4814-99BE-B511F6C195CF Pursuant to 22 CFR 4 1.1 12 and 8 CFR 214.1 automatic revalidation applies to expired nonimmigrant visas of aliens who have been out of the U.S. for thirty days or less in contiguous territory (Canada and Mexico). In the case of F-1 and J-1 students, automatic revalidation applies to contiguous territory and adjacent islands other than Cuba. An M-1 student can only apply for automatic revalidation readmission after an absence of less than 30 days solely from contiguous territory. Nonimmigrants who are eligible to re-enter the U.S. pursuant to the authority of automatic revalidation are not able to benefit from the automatic revalidation process if the nonimmigrant's passport reflects evidence that while in contiguous territory or on an adjacent island the nonimmigrant applied for a new visa and is pending a decision or has been denied a new visa application. Nationals of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba are not eligible for automatic revalidation of an expired visa. Thus, for example, if a citizen of Iran travels to contiguous territory for a day and has an expired visa, but a valid extension approval notice of status; he will need to obtain a visa to return to the U.S. Automatic revalidation does not apply to the Visa Waiver Program. Readmission to the U.S. after departure to contiguous territory or adjacent islands for Visa Waiver Program applicants is covered under 8 CFR 217. 3(b). 28 Apr 2009 22:17:59 GMT http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/revalidation.ctt/revalidation.pdf 79361396-EBBA-4C65-A151-C115CDF055CE WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced an updated number of filings for H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2010 program. USCIS has received approximately 45,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap. 27 Apr 2009 23:20:01 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=138b6138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=e7d696cfcd6ff110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&survey=1 FA5BD22B-63FF-43C4-8355-B1E41752F8DF The USCIS offers up their latest set of excuses for their EB AOS processing delays. These comments appear in their ironically titled “Leadership Journal.” 27 Apr 2009 16:14:01 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/journal/leadership/2009/04/addressing-employment-based-visa-wait.html DAF97642-FF23-4B2F-90F7-20295D7D24C5 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced an updated number of filings for H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2010 program. USCIS has received approximately 44,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, the agency has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, we continue to accept advanced degree petitions since experience has shown that not all petitions received are approvable. Congress mandated that the first 20,000 of these types of petitions are exempt from any fiscal year cap on available H-1B visas. 20 Apr 2009 22:11:21 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/H-1B_count_20apr09.pdf 3A852DC6-4DFD-4829-8773-249EC9CAF0B2 As of April 13, 2009, approximately 43,000 H-1B cap-subject petitions and approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption had been filed. USCIS will continue to accept both capsubject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into account the fact that some of these petitions may be denied, revoked, or withdrawn. 20 Apr 2009 17:39:57 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=138b6138f898d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=91919c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD B121336B-EA19-4B5B-A0F0-C7F508E00492 It appears that the advance degree exemption has been reached, so all petitions filed (both advanced degree and others) will now be counted under the remaining "regular cap" quota. As of the close of business on Wednesday, there were approximately 23,000 numbers left in the quota. 10 Apr 2009 17:16:08 GMT http://immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7788 7F6121F2-C23E-4C78-9691-D3720E7C6BFA The CIS posted an announcement with preliminary numbers concerning the H quota. 9 Apr 2009 18:30:27 GMT http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7788 A3A8ED34-8B38-422F-AA80-0F8785128561 The New York Times reports: "While acknowledging that the recession makes the political battle more difficult, President Obama plans to begin addressing the country’s immigration system this year, including looking for a path for illegal immigrants to become legal, a senior administration official said on Wednesday." 9 Apr 2009 16:56:35 GMT http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/us/politics/09immig.html?_r=2&hp 55E70853-5BCB-43DA-8787-894BD7D07F01 The May Visa Bulletin has been released. The employment based third preference category became unavailable and will likely remain unavailable until October 1st. 9 Apr 2009 16:54:55 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4454.html BE23B58D-50FD-4D4A-8D59-BB688211A481 The CIS estimates that they have received petitions equal to half of the regular H1B cap (65,000) and almost all of the US master's degree exemption (20,000). 8 Apr 2009 19:59:59 GMT http://immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7788 C602AA01-B3FD-4DC3-ACBE-7B99DD8C3023 The CIS has announced that both the regular 65,000 quota and the additional masters cap exemption of 20,000 are still open, one week after the filing window began for the fiscal year 2010 H1B quota. 8 Apr 2009 18:19:44 GMT http://immigration-information.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7788 85B89E59-2FD2-4427-A38D-6267C2512F7E These Questions & Answers address the automatic extension of F-1 student status in the United States for certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions (indicating a request for change of status from F-1 to H-1B) for an employment start date of October 1, 2009 under the FY 2010 H-1B cap. 3 Apr 2009 17:20:52 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=7f1a046c43360210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD BE2CAA03-DEE0-402D-B0D9-9C671CF0DDE3 Recently, Michael Aytes, Acting Deputy Director of the CIS appeared before Congress in connection with hearings on the subject of enforcement of immigration laws. The CIS has posted a transcript of his testimony. 3 Apr 2009 17:14:47 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d3ace7c336c60210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD 653AE25E-7BB3-4905-B9DA-AD06178A3D33 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a reminder that the revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (Rev. 02/02/09), goes into effect today for all U.S. employers. The revision date is printed on the lower right-hand corner of the form. 3 Apr 2009 16:26:27 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/revised-i-9-update.pdf 2415AB52-38CF-417C-BD64-1EDB90E08681 The Congressional Research Service has released a report titled "Immigration: The Effects on Low-Skilled and High-Skilled Native born workers. 27 Mar 2009 20:37:48 GMT http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/95-408_20090129.pdf 31D3EC59-E9EA-42C6-A5CC-D4E32318C919 The CIS has released its annual Yearbook of Immigration Statistics for fiscal year 2008. This publication contains interesting, though sometimes deceptive, immigration statistics. 27 Mar 2009 18:19:25 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/statistics/publications/LPR08.shtm AAB8981C-291B-44F7-A980-DA587F7B6716 The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has issued a report that provides some detailed information about the nature and extent of the CIS adjudications backlog. 27 Mar 2009 16:30:57 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/OIG_09-37_Mar09.pdf 55F8E17B-8187-4242-89D6-D6674C736D1C The CIS statistics show that there has been no reduction in the size of the CIS adjudications backlog since before January 2008. 27 Mar 2009 16:21:50 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/APPLICATIONS_FOR_IMMIGRATION_BENEFITS_January09.pdf 8CBC7DDA-93C0-408F-9ABF-79E665BB5981 The Congressional Research Service has released a report dealing with immigration to the United States and the current processing backlogs. 26 Mar 2009 23:02:59 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/CRS_immigration_report.pdf FBF4A92C-2C7C-4FA1-B80D-A6E848FA9E65 According to the Dallas Morning News, President Obama told members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus "that he will work immigration system in a similar way that he has rolled out other major policy initiatives. There will be a public forum on immigration, possibly within the next two months." 20 Mar 2009 21:18:38 GMT http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/national/stories/031909dnnatimmigration.49d34c0b.html 98C13EE7-4A28-433F-82BD-C17AC8AD1D0A Writing in the Homeland Security Leadership Journal, Acting CIS Director Michael Aytes claims that "By the end of June, the FBI will complete 98-percent of USCIS name check requests within 30 days and process the remaining two percent within 90 days." 20 Mar 2009 21:11:36 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/journal/leadership/ 913E60E5-1AEA-4432-ACE9-BF7DF50548E2 The CIS has just released a new version of its Handbook for Employer, providing instructions for completing and maintaining form I-9. 19 Mar 2009 16:54:23 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/m-274_3apr09.pdf B23598A8-B8C1-4578-A357-B0EDE9926A20 The Department of Homeland Security has released new information sheets concerning the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) required for anyone wishing to enter the United States using the visa waiver program. 18 Mar 2009 18:12:14 GMT https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c1D056E4C-69DF-2F14-AAEA-F0769D0494FC_kDCF80544-7E82-57DF-076B-B2E46513250C EB9E2FD6-2265-4F7B-BAA5-29FD17DDBB04 When people think of what to do to help the U.S. economic recovery, admitting more immigrants into America isn’t what usually comes to mind. But a new study by Arlene Holen, an economist and senior fellow with the Technology Policy Institute, could contribute to resolving the current economic crisis. 13 Mar 2009 00:39:05 GMT http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2009/03/12/jump-start-us-growth-through-immigration/ D13F58A0-359D-47AD-860E-076016EF91AA The April Visa Bulletin has been released. The EB worldwide thrid preference category sees a retrogression of two years, while EB second preference for India and China remain the same as last month. 9 Mar 2009 17:52:21 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4438.html 1229E5D4-6050-43A6-A5D9-ECBCAEC94305 Effective Friday, March 6, 2009, all United States Consular Sections in India will adjust the consular exchange rate from Rs. 52 to the dollar to Rs. 55 to the dollar. 4 Mar 2009 19:59:10 GMT http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/consdec192008.html 736C5B09-CFE5-43CC-823B-25096E3422FB The February ImmInfo Newsletter is now available for viewing. 25 Feb 2009 18:04:06 GMT http://imminfo.com/Newsletter/2009-2/2009-2.html 985C53CD-D68C-4711-9D69-5BAD8BA1A30E In a February 24th announcement, the CIS explains how they are slightly expanding the I-140 premium processing program. 24 Feb 2009 20:47:52 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/I-140_premium_24feb09.pdf D01960B3-6871-4C81-9F32-DB2DC4085EEA The CIS has produced a table showing the 2009 poverty guidelines to be used in connection with form I-864 family based immigration affidavits of support. 24 Feb 2009 20:45:02 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf BF6CB42B-6367-4A8D-A8FD-F616E67DF0BD President Obama affirmed in an interview with a Spanish-language radio show that his administration is preparing to push for a new round of "comprehensive immigration reform." 20 Feb 2009 16:43:59 GMT http://feetin2worlds.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/obama-says-he-is-very-committed-to-immigration-reform-will-start-working-on-it-soon/ 34494905-58CB-49C1-830E-AD6E4B8333E9 Federal agents arrested 11 individuals in 6 states Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspected visa and mail fraud. Matthew G. Whitaker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, announced the operation, which was carried out by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Iowa, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and New Jersey. 19 Feb 2009 16:42:12 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/11arrestedmultivisafraud02feb09.pdf DC845C4D-68BA-4326-954B-5EDE23031711 The Department of State is quickly moving to all electronic filing of applications for immigrant visas. 18 Feb 2009 23:37:48 GMT http://www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2009-02-10-E9-2776 FC19042B-0688-4B87-B087-D15226C343A9 A new report from the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute recommends a number of immigration "fixes" that can be implemented without new legislation. 18 Feb 2009 19:02:40 GMT http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/DHS_Feb09.pdf 4A6B8F8E-0E1B-49D6-982E-F28C4A684FB3 Rahm Emanuel's position on immigration legislation has shifted and he now favors bringing it up for a vote. 18 Feb 2009 18:55:31 GMT http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18905.html 3DA900A0-2793-4677-9CCD-1FF725A40BA6 DHS Secretary outlined her department's immigration priorities in a recent interview on NPR. 18 Feb 2009 18:52:24 GMT http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100690879 34AFA893-40C8-4B83-8F88-9B054C92CF49 This report contains the results of CIS investigations of more than 250 H1b petitioners. It documents serious fraud and abuse in the H-1b program. 14 Feb 2009 00:27:42 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/CIS_H_Fraud_Report.pdf A5D3D469-C2CF-4DA1-A442-649510A2CC73 The H-1B visa program governs most admissions of temporary immigrants into the U.S. for employment in patenting-related fields. This program has become a point of significant controversy in the public debate over immigration, with proponents and detractors at odds over how important H-1B admission levels are for U.S. technology advancement and whether native U.S. workers are being displaced by immigrants. 13 Feb 2009 22:34:23 GMT http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6097.html B404C6DC-C161-4C74-A77C-EE7454BE116D Three Washington, D.C.-based immigration-restriction organizations stand at the nexus of the American nativist movement: the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), and NumbersUSA. 12 Feb 2009 17:33:51 GMT http://www.splcenter.org/intel/nativist_lobby.jsp 1BE71E05-B521-4C9E-86EC-A3899DA4ADE9 A Silver Spring, Maryland lawyer was convicted in federal court yesterday on charges of fabricating asylum applications for immigrants trying to stay in the United States. 10 Feb 2009 17:06:14 GMT http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021104162.html 718DAE6E-ADCD-4FBC-A65E-FAEF7DBC2B5C The March Visa Bulletin shows little cutoff date movement. It does contain very interesting statistics regarding family based waiting lists. Conspicuously absent, still, is the waiting list data the Visa Office requested from the CIS last year. 10 Feb 2009 16:49:18 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4427.html 7DD94D8D-1716-4126-AB9C-676663520672 In a recent memorandum, the acting head of the USCIS refused to acknowledge that any problem exists with EAD processing and flatly rejected the proposed remedial actions offered by the Ombudsman. 9 Feb 2009 17:03:09 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/Rec35_010209.pdf 7C47C13C-4C91-4ABA-8B77-75060DA8F2E6 Comprehensive immigration reform could be introduced by Congress this fall. 7 Feb 2009 22:52:21 GMT http://www.ojornal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20252769&BRD=2677&PAG=461&dept_id=543384&rfi=6 A1A6073E-BA42-4D46-BADA-BA65D9A694F7 A Reuters book review of "Shattering Orthodoxies" concludes that "The United States must embrace immigration with open arms or risk going the way of over-indebted empires like Britain and Rome, according to a provocative new book." 6 Feb 2009 16:55:13 GMT http://uk.reuters.com/article/mediaNews/idUKN0350519320090205 F35B8D74-74EE-4A08-95D8-AA6EADC49E51 The Congressional Research Service has released its annual report on US Immigration Policy on Temporary Admissions 5 Feb 2009 20:47:52 GMT http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/115872.pdf DC6CEEC5-9F2C-49A6-9715-C44F0A937304 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is extending the effective date of its interim final rule ‘‘Documents Acceptable for Employment Eligibility Verification,’’ for 60 days, from February 2, 2009 to April 3, 2009. 3 Feb 2009 20:59:42 GMT http://frwebgate3.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=69542910322+0+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve C300AEE3-2D5B-4111-BD89-FA55AD5819A9 DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a series of eleven directives to DHS agencies, including the CIS. In the case of the CIS, she has asked them to explain what they are doing about backlog reduction, improving processing times, and providing the State Department with the information they need to set accurate cutoff dates for the month Visa Bulletin. 2 Feb 2009 17:49:26 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1233353528835.shtm C02BE10B-423F-4AEF-BDB5-C198BE1755BA The February 2009 ImmInfo Newsletter is now available for reading. 31 Jan 2009 23:11:58 GMT http://imminfo.com/Newsletter/2009-1/2009-01.html C2C3B28F-01FC-43B3-8E9B-54F5352FC640 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today it has delayed by 60 days, until April 3, 2009, the implementation of an interim final rule entitled “Documents Acceptable for Employment Eligibility Verification” published in the Federal Register on Dec. 17, 2008. The rule streamlines the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process. 30 Jan 2009 23:52:53 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/I-9delay_30jan08.pdf 23B4242F-7E66-48F0-97DB-BC33DC093802 The federal government has once again postponed the start of mandatory E-Verify reporting for federal contractors from February 20th to May 21st. 30 Jan 2009 17:08:54 GMT http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-2060.pdf 17C719E2-F65A-4EA8-9318-CA9A2778ADB9 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reiterated his belief that Congress will enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2009. 27 Jan 2009 22:00:26 GMT http://immigrationimpact.com/ 2B3517E2-D37E-49FD-91FB-035D8D14A11B Companies that are found to be immigration violators may not receive funding from the new federal loan guarantees. New legislation provides: "[n]o loan guarantee may be made under this section for a loan to any entity found, based on a determination by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to have engaged in a pattern or practice of hiring, recruiting or referring for a fee, for employment in the United States an alien knowing the person is an unauthorized alien." 27 Jan 2009 16:59:07 GMT http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/RecoveryBill01-15-09.pdf 248EE5CD-A0AD-4CF8-8EFC-4B39777E6A42 The CIS has finally gotten around to posting the current version of form I-129 on its web site. 26 Jan 2009 19:38:19 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129.pdf ADF8B152-C20C-4213-B55B-F3CBDA4D5F40 The CIS is reminding employers that the new version of form I-9 must be used in all verifications after February 2009. 23 Jan 2009 16:45:19 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-9_IFR_02-02-09.pdf E0DAF49C-557E-495C-9EA4-DEB3C359820D The 111th Congress has organized the House Immigration Subcommittee. There will be 16 members: 10 Democrats and 6 Republicans. Once again, Rep. Zoe Lofgren will chair the subcommittee. 22 Jan 2009 22:27:18 GMT http://judiciary.house.gov/about/subimmigration.html 20A10E98-CCF6-42F1-96DB-5116C0EEE301 The USCIS continues to experience serious the corruption problems that plagued the former INS. 21 Jan 2009 19:59:45 GMT http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/7787 9AD636E7-7643-47CC-9062-61B1D189F0B8 The Colorado Supreme Court advises "If a notary public or immigration consultant has performed legal work for you, you should call the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation to file an unauthorized practice of law complaint." The Court will assist people in attempting to recover fees paid. 20 Jan 2009 19:24:49 GMT http://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/Regulation/Immigration_Notice.htm 70857A60-5F66-46BB-AA66-4C1C4D00ABA2 In a recent administrative case, the DOL's ARB held that an employer had to pay back wages (plus interest) to a physician who was available for work under the terms of the approved H petition, but was not employed full time by the petitioner. 17 Jan 2009 04:51:43 GMT http://www.oalj.dol.gov/PUBLIC/ARB/DECISIONS/ARB_DECISIONS/LCA/07_008.LCAP.PDF 66BA2623-3122-4EC2-8442-43E7C8856491 The Department of State has issued a new rule, effective today, changing the registration for the annual Diversity Visa (DV) registration lottery to all electronic registration. 15 Jan 2009 19:14:40 GMT http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/TEXTgate.cgi?WAISdocID=046462315753+0+1+0&WAISaction=retrieve C8B424AB-4BDE-4C63-9C69-9ADCC6D385D0 A comprehensive summary of all immigration legislation introduced in the current Congress is now available. 14 Jan 2009 19:16:49 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/summary_of_immigration_leg.html 246C5A9D-464C-4427-8AA4-CA5420A371FE PHOENIX (Reuters) - The net flow of illegal immigrants to the United States has trailed off to around zero since the recession began to bite in December 2007, according to a research study. 14 Jan 2009 19:04:29 GMT http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE50D3QG20090114 7D3B4317-6D7B-49D8-BD71-B89DC4637934 The CIS Ombudsman has received inquiries noting that USCIS is not issuing Notices of Intent to Deny following a change of jobs, as required by the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21) and USCIS policy guidance, but instead is immediately denying pending Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) applications. Does this apply to you? 14 Jan 2009 00:43:09 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1221837986181.shtm 4303B0D7-D507-4DE1-841F-FC041021EF1D The February 2009 Visa Bulletin has been released. India and China employment based second preference both move up six months, but worldwide third preference remains the same. 13 Jan 2009 18:03:34 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4417.html 0635E043-40E5-4D49-A2FF-A15EAF9340DD The full text of HR 264 - the :Save America Comprehensive Immigration Act of 2009" - legislation is now available for viewing. 13 Jan 2009 17:51:54 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/HR264.html 3CC332A7-96BF-4D6E-AA76-9035B3F1486A DHS has issued a reminder that the pre-screening ESTA requirements take effect today, January 12, 2009 for all persons wishing to travel using the visa waiver program. 12 Jan 2009 17:00:29 GMT http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/ D8E099A7-7386-422B-94F8-39F01B8C73E4 President Bush said in an interview that he regrets not having been successful with respect to immigration reform and wishes that he has seen its introduction in Congress earlier. 11 Jan 2009 21:33:39 GMT http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ilTdxu0NV9nhijK2etYXeFE2c0agD95K23O85 345DCC9C-3704-4825-9BED-22198D95A722 The federal government announced that it has postponed the start of mandatory e-Verify usage for all federal contractors from January 15th to February 20th. 10 Jan 2009 19:43:15 GMT http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3894738 45638BCA-3061-4BC2-AE90-C16B1B8142A8 The National Acadamies of Science issued a report on the issue of liberalizing technology transfer restrictions on foreign national scientists and researchers. 9 Jan 2009 16:47:28 GMT http://www.nationalacademies.org/morenews/20090108.html 53B0C591-DB7B-42AF-8ED8-14AEEBCE8AEE The CIS Ombudsman has issued important new updates concerning the Child Status Protection Act and the 2007 "surge" in adjustment of status applications. 8 Jan 2009 20:10:40 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1221837986181.shtm 84DC3729-AE18-4762-BCF4-35E57D7A1AE5 The Bush administration seemingly could not resist taking a last cheap shot at the rights of foreign nationals entering the United States in a precedent decisions released yesterday, of Compean, 24 I & N Dec. 710 (A.G. 2009), the Attorney General invalidated decades of precedent and held that applicants for asylum do not have a right to be represented by legal counsel - even at their own expense. 8 Jan 2009 18:59:37 GMT http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/vll/intdec/vol24/3632.pdf 98F67041-C0E4-4D3A-B438-D5E4EE54A593 Effective June 1, 2009, US and Canadian citizens entering the US will need to present a travel document from the approved list of such documents. These include a passport, a passport card, A NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST trusted traveler card, or a state- or province-issued enhanced driver's license. 7 Jan 2009 20:29:09 GMT http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/01052009_3.xml 9C8A23E8-9DC6-4DC5-878C-535BCCAB051F The GAO has released an interesting new study on the subject of FBI name checks and the delays involved in obtaining them. The study found that only approximately 516 (0.05%) of the names checked resulted in "hits" involving actual persons of interest. 5 Jan 2009 20:11:12 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/GAO_FBI_Check.pdf B22B7C7A-2B58-4359-A94D-631E9E1902DB The December 2008 ImmInfo Newsletter has been posted and is available for viewing. 15 Dec 2008 23:27:11 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/newsletter/2008-12Newsletter.pdf 52232D90-C509-4886-9C86-D23F7437924F The November 2008 ImmInfo Newsletter is now available for reading. 25 Nov 2008 18:46:01 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/newsletter/2008-11Newsletter.pdf 87FDD7F3-5F87-4A2C-87ED-7433A5276AE6 After a two month hiatus, the ImmInfo Newsletter is back with the October Special Election Edition. 24 Oct 2008 17:07:40 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/newsletter/200810Newsletter.pdf 71B68D98-07D9-41B1-B254-F3A949D11587 The CIS has announced that they will delay the implementation of the new direct mail N-400 filing program. 9 Oct 2008 17:06:06 GMT http://imminfo.com/recources/delayN400.pdf 31A220F0-A687-4BAC-9EEC-9620A855A327 The CIS has released a new report on the subject of H nonimmigrant visa benefit fraud. 9 Oct 2008 17:05:01 GMT http://imminfo.com/recources/HbenefitFraud.pdf ECF07ADC-E0B5-4848-B623-9F9E9935328E The annual lottery for Diversity Visas begins on October 2, 2008 and runs through December 1, 2008. There is no advantage in registering early or late. The process is very simple and can be completed without outside assistance. The Department of State warns applicants to beware of fraudulent claims by persons who say that they can improve an applicant's odds of being selected. 1 Oct 2008 20:18:40 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html E146002F-5A9F-46CC-A213-A154A213DA82 The Embassy of the United States in Pakistan announced today that it has suspended indefinitely nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing. Applicants are being told that their appointments will have to be rescheduled. 25 Sep 2008 16:47:14 GMT http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/wn-08092401.html 32D3615D-3DCE-47A1-9FE6-113A41844B1C The Department of State is conducting its annual Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. The dates are October 2 through December 1, 2008. The application process is very simple and absolutely no assistance is needed. Applicants need to avoid people or organizations who promise to improve their odds of being selected. This cannot be done. 18 Sep 2008 21:14:58 GMT http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html AF90754C-E33F-44F7-B71D-18B7F49451DB The CIS has issued a new field memo to adjudicators, explaining the recent change in the law and how it benefits military personnel and their families overseas with respect to naturalization. 26 Aug 2008 19:18:48 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/overseas_natz_mi_spouse_child_memo_08-15-08).pdf 5083D93B-4527-4514-952B-DD64E2A22B14 The CIS has released an updated estimate of naturalization processing times for each district office. 11 Aug 2008 21:34:43 GMT http://imminfo.com/recources/updated_nats_proc_times.pdf B8D26BAB-2756-4778-BC60-A6F007E7B133 The CIS recently released their "cycle times" for naturalization applications filed in fiscal year 2007 - broken down by district office. 6 Aug 2008 22:08:03 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/natscycletimes.pdf 9F2ECD50-7871-4C69-BBFB-A749F1F1A476 In light of the new regulations concerning visa screen requirements, the CGFNS has put out a fact sheet on the subject. 6 Aug 2008 00:22:18 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/CGFNS.pdf B50F6E73-E77E-4054-A3A6-E0D10EA070D6 The CIS has just released a field memo concerning the applicability of Section 245(k) on adjustment of status applications. 30 Jul 2008 18:01:22 GMT http://www.imminfo.com/resources/245kmemo.pdf 3AF53329-3316-49C4-8FAC-990AD824D40B The CIS has announced changes in the mandatory vaccination requirements for adjustment of status applicants. 25 Jul 2008 20:22:10 GMT http://www.imminfo.com/resources/245kmemo.pdf 230A09A7-ACBA-4C49-B212-10AA6179D487 The CIS has confirmed that their on-line case status system is temporarily down. This also affects the operations of their call center, so that people who call in to the CIS 800 number are unable to get information from the call center operators there. 24 Jul 2008 19:22:33 GMT 8FECE6CD-F740-423A-985C-A77092F93769 Though the issue was been settled by the CIS in favor of employees almost three years ago, many people still believe that an employer may revoke an I-140 for an employee who has ported to a new job after his or her I-485 has been pending for more than 180 days. 23 Jul 2008 16:41:55 GMT http://immigration-information.com/forums/blog.php?b=15 D8D59A3E-8E90-45E7-892C-123DD407D31F The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a new, fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. 23 Jul 2008 16:40:53 GMT http://aila.org/content/fileviewer.aspx?docid=26029&linkid=180870 07F8F444-240D-4C9C-AE26-5467CA709AFE The CIS Ombudsman's 2008 Annual Report to Congress is now available. Of particular interest is the convoluted explanation of how the CIS defines the term "backlog." 21 Jul 2008 19:19:16 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/CISOMB_Annual_Report_2008.pdf 425880D9-1312-4192-B24D-0E35EB6F52D2 The CIS has just released to the public an April, 2008 memo describing new naturalization processing procedures. These procedures were developed to expedite the processing of the naturalization backlog. 11 Jul 2008 18:14:42 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/NeufieldNatsMemo.pdf 1F8DA665-5DC3-43BF-A97B-E65B2845B99C The DOL has announced that they are now requiring supervised recruiting for all PERM applications filed by the law firm of Cohen and Grigsby. This firm gained notoriety last year when a video of one of their employer seminars appeared on YouTube. This announcement follows on the heels of their earlier announcement that they are auditing all PERMs filed by the Fragomen firm. 8 Jul 2008 21:29:07 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/CandG_DOL.pdf 1AACD835-D724-4938-9273-DE439EBFA8BE Is the United States in danger of losing its competitive edge in science and technology (S&T)? A new report from the Rand Corporation for the Secretary of Defense concludes that current U.S. immigration laws place the U.S. in danger of losing this edge. 16 Jun 2008 18:59:12 GMT http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2008/RAND_MG674.pdf E4F95180-141B-4758-841B-7524667E2E2C USCIS is limiting Premium Processing Service for Form I-140 petitions that are filed on behalf of aliens: Who are currently in an H-1B nonimmigrant status; Whose sixth year will end within 60 days; Who are only eligible for a further extension of H-1B nonimmigrant status under section 104(c) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 (AC21); and Who are ineligible to extend their H-1B status under section 106(a) of AC21. 11 Jun 2008 19:39:23 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/PP_I-140.pdf 162BF0B9-47BA-4D76-9EA4-D4C5C61B6AC1 The DHS Secretary announced today that starting this month the CIS will begin issuing EAD cards with two year validity periods. 10 Jun 2008 21:35:07 GMT http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1213101513448.shtm DD111BA0-D54F-4E04-BB78-C082CD449E87 The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General has issued a report highly critical of the way the FBI processes name check requests. The report also questions the validity of the FBI's results. 9 Jun 2008 20:11:01 GMT http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/reports/FBI/a0824/final.pdf A372DC0D-E295-4D18-968A-BFD8BDF49BBB In an executive order signed June 6, 2008, registration in the E-Verify program became mandatory for all federal contractors. 9 Jun 2008 17:09:08 GMT http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080609-2.html 96E04D61-66A5-405E-BA68-CABCC450F5EB The final rule concerning the implementation of the new pre-screening requirement for visa waiver travelers was published today. The full rule will not go into effect until January. When it does, all persons wishing to travel using the visa waiver program will have to obtain pre-authorization via the Internet first. 9 Jun 2008 17:06:21 GMT http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12673.pdf AF178D77-F290-4631-9418-0EBBE90205DA WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) moved the agency Lockbox to a new location in Chicago on May 28. While the Post Office Box address is the same, the move changes the address for deliveries by private couriers (non-USPS). The new address for deliveries by private courier is: USCIS: Attn: Please check Form Instructions for the proper Attn: information 131 South Dearborn, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 Express courier services have agreed to forward packages to the new site for 90 days (until Aug. 24, 2008). During this transition period, USCIS will accept and process without delay all cases otherwise properly filed. Forms processed at the USCIS Chicago Lockbox include those associated with family-based adjustment of status, all Petitions for Alien Relative (Form I-130), and Temporary Protective Status. 9 Jun 2008 16:55:35 GMT http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=70da9c58f1b3a110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=098daca797e63110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD B4FFF855-98DA-45C9-A7DA-E175FEAAB76D The June edition of the ImmInfo Newsletter is now available for downloading and reading. 9 Jun 2008 01:30:02 GMT http://imminfo.com/resources/newsletter/2008-06Newsletter.pdf 6A87C6BC-4854-4632-91B2-481B1C4CE853