Designation of Sudan and Extension and Redesignation of South Sudan for TPS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new 18-month designation of Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that will become effective upon publication of an upcoming Federal Register Notice (FRN). DHS also announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for TPS for 18 months, effective May 3, 2022, through November 3, 2023. An FRN providing further …

Continue reading Designation of Sudan and Extension and Redesignation of South Sudan for TPS

H-2B Cap Reached for Second Half of FY 2022

From USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough petitions to meet the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2022. Feb. 25, 2022, was the final receipt date for new cap-subject H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date on or after April 1, 2022, and before Oct. 1, 2022. …

Continue reading H-2B Cap Reached for Second Half of FY 2022

Justice Department Settles with Frozen Food Company to Resolve Immigration-Related Discrimination Claims

The Department of Justice today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with Buddy’s Kitchen Inc., a Minnesota-based company that produces and distributes frozen foods. The settlement resolves claims that the company discriminated against non-U.S. citizens based on their citizenship status when checking their permission to work in the United States. “Under federal law, employers …

Continue reading Justice Department Settles with Frozen Food Company to Resolve Immigration-Related Discrimination Claims

Should Green Card Applicants Use an H-1B Visa or Advance Parole Document for International Travel?

Applicants for adjustment of status receive a special permission to return from international travel called Advance Parole (AP).  If you have an approved, valid AP travel document, you may use it to re-enter the U.S. without a visa.  In fact, most adjustment of status applicants must use an AP travel document for international travel, unless …

Continue reading Should Green Card Applicants Use an H-1B Visa or Advance Parole Document for International Travel?

USCIS Updates Guidelines on Maximum Validity Periods for New Employment Authorization Documents for Certain Applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today published updated policy guidance to change the maximum validity period that may be granted for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to certain applicants, as well as to provide general guidance on adjudicating Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.Starting today, USCIS will generally grant new and renewed EADs that are …

Continue reading USCIS Updates Guidelines on Maximum Validity Periods for New Employment Authorization Documents for Certain Applicants

FY 2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

From the USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 18, 2022. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations …

Continue reading FY 2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

USCIS Updates Criteria and Policy for Requests to Expedite Application 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect new guidance on how it determines whether a case warrants expedited treatment. The new guidance is effective immediately. The policy update: Clarifies the criteria and circumstances of expedite requests from nonprofit organizations as determined by the Internal Revenue Service;Provides additional examples of …

Continue reading USCIS Updates Criteria and Policy for Requests to Expedite Application 

USCIS Alert: New Procedure for Transfer of Underlying Basis in Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Applications

An applicant for adjustment of status (green card) may have more than one qualifying petition that is the basis for the adjustment of status application (Form I-485). For example, an applicant could have filed an I-485 application based upon an I-140 in the EB-2 category and then obtained an approved I-140 in the EB-1 category.  …

Continue reading USCIS Alert: New Procedure for Transfer of Underlying Basis in Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Applications

 DHS Makes More International Students Eligible for STEM OPT

The Biden administration recently announced the expansion of STEM OPT  to retain and benefit more STEM students. STEM students are F-1 visa students completing a degree in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. OPT stands for optional practical training employment authorization typically given to F-1 visa students for a period of 12 months …

Continue reading  DHS Makes More International Students Eligible for STEM OPT

Dallas Attorney Ann M. Badmus Honored By Texas Bar Foundation

Ms. Ann Badmus with Badmus & Associates has been elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. Fellows of the Foundation are selected for their outstanding professional achievements and their demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the justice system throughout the state of Texas. Election is a mark of distinction and recognition …

Continue reading Dallas Attorney Ann M. Badmus Honored By Texas Bar Foundation