Immigration Update
Immigration News and Analysis
for Clients and Friends of Borene Law Firm
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Biden Administration Extends Resettlement Options for Afghans Fleeing Taliban and Grants 18 Month Temporary Immigration Protection to some Hong Kong Residents in Wake of China's Crackdown on Hong Kong
On August 2, 2021, the Biden Administration expanded its existing Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program to Afghans seeking refuge in the U.S. from the new Taliban regime. The expansion adds a new "Priority 2 category" for Afghans who worked directly for the U.S government or a U.S. contractor, or programs funded by the U.S. or who worked for U.S. - based media or civil society organizations. The existing SIV program was limited to Afghans who were referred by their employers and had at least 2 years of service. The first group of 20,000 or more includes many interpreters and their families.
Special Temporary Protection for Certain People from Hong Kong to Stay in the U.S.
On August 5, 2021, the Biden Administration granted a type of special immigration protection to certain people from Hong Kong now in the U.S. The program called "Deferred Enforced Departure" (DED) allows eligible people to remain in the U.S. for 18 months. The driving factor is the recent actions by the Chinese government to restrict pro-democracy activities of many Hong Kong residents.
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The New $3.5 Trillion Budget Resolution Will Include Major Immigration Law Changes, Including a Pathway to Citizenship for Millions of Undocumented Migrants and Enhanced Border Security Measures
On August 9, 2021, Senate Democrats revealed the initial text of the $3.5 trillion Budget Resolution for FY 2022. The proposal provides $107 billion for a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented migrants including "dreamers" and DACA recipients, as well as an additional $107 billion for enhanced border security. More details are expected from the Senate Judiciary Committee by mid-September.
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USCIS Completes Second Round Selection for the 2021 H-1 Lottery
As they did in 2020, USCIS again selected a second round of H-1 lottery registrants. Registrants selected in the July 28, 2021 round must file their H-1 I-129 petitions by November 3, 2021.
Where can you go if the H-1 lottery says no?
There are many other legal work options.
If you are an employer who missed out on this year's H-1 quota, there are still many other options for possible work authorization to legally "fill the gap" until October 1, 2022 when the new FY 2023 H-1 quota reopens.
These include TN, E-3, L-1, O-1, E-2, F-1, J-1, J-2, L-2, Q-1, CPT or OPT work permission and many more.
For more details, explore the extensive information about work visa options on our website, www.borene.com.
Read from Borene Law Firm, our FAQ's about multiple work visa options |
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Tip of the Month
New USCIS Update Allows Applicants for Permanent Residence to Automatically Apply for a Social Security Number and Card on Form I-485
On August 9, 2021, USCIS announced a new option for "green card" applicants to simply check a box on their USCIS Form I-485 Application for Permanent Residence, to request a U.S. Social Security card. After USCIS approves the Permanent Residence application, they will automatically transmit the data to the Social Security Administration, who will assign an original Social Security number and issue a Social Security card.
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For the latest Official Processing Times from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for Visa Petitions and Immigration Applications
For the latest information from the U.S. Department of State on Immigrant Visa “Green Card” Quota Backlog (Priority) Dates
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Ur Jaddou Confirmed as First Woman
to Serve as Director of USCIS
On July 30, 2021, the U.S. Senate confirmed Ur Jaddou as the new Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS has primary responsibility for adjudicating applications for temporary and permanent immigration statuses and employment authorization, including applications for green cards and U.S. citizenship.
Ms. Jaddou served as the Chief Counsel of USCIS during the Obama Administration. She is a native of California and daughter of Iraqi and Mexican immigrants. Ms. Jaddou's appointment was welcomed by many groups, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Foundation.
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Borene Law Firm In the News
George Maxwell and Scott Borene were expert speakers at the 2021 Minnesota State Bar Association's International Business Law Institute Program "Doing Business Across Borders", leading the panel on "U.S. and Global Work Visa Options"
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Borene Law Firm rated "AV Preeminent" in 2021 - "the highest possible Peer Review Rating in legal ability and ethical standards" for the 27th consecutive year from "the gold standard in attorney ratings" - The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, All Editions, 1994 - present.
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Jeanne Kildow was an expert speaker on "Employment-Based Immigration Preference Categories"
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George Maxwell was an expert speaker on the topic of " Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges: Creative Solutions for Nonimmigrant Visa Processing and Global Travel" in a program sponsored by the
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Scott Borene recognized by other lawyers as 2020 Immigration Lawyer of the Year in Minneapolis as noted by
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Copyright Borene Law Firm, P. A., 2021
Immigration Update is a publication of:
Borene Law Firm
U.S. & Global Immigration
3950 IDS Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
United States of America
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The information in this Immigration Update should not be considered specific legal advice; it is intended for informational purposes only. Anyone seeking specific legal advice should contact an appropriately experienced lawyer for a confidential, personalized consultation. |
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