Not So Fast! Department of State Releases Updated Visa Bulletin for October 2015

Maria del Carmen Ramos
Maria del Carmen Ramos

Earlier this month, USCIS, in coordination with the Department of State (“DOS”), announced that it was revising the procedures for determining visa availability for applicants waiting to file for employment-based or family-sponsored preference adjustment of status applications. Continue reading “Not So Fast! Department of State Releases Updated Visa Bulletin for October 2015”

USCIS Suspends Final Adjudication of Employment-Based Adjustment Applications Until October 1, 2015

Maria del Carmen Ramos
Maria del Carmen Ramos

Effective September 24, 2015, USCIS will suspend final adjudication of employment-based Adjustment of Status Applications. Continue reading “USCIS Suspends Final Adjudication of Employment-Based Adjustment Applications Until October 1, 2015”

Government Shutdown Possible: Immigration Delays

Mechelle Zarou
Mechelle Zarou

If Congress is unable to arrive at an agreement on the 2016 federal budget, the Federal government may shut down, resulting in the suspension of some immigration services. Continue reading “Government Shutdown Possible: Immigration Delays”

Moving Into the 21st Century

Maria del Carmen Ramos
Maria del Carmen Ramos

Despite the fact that parts of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration currently are being challenged in court, the administration is moving forward with its promise to modernize our antiquated immigration system. Continue reading “Moving Into the 21st Century”

Giving Your All

Maria del Carmen Ramos
Maria del Carmen Ramos

When I was young, someone once asked me who my sports hero was. Without hesitation, I responded: Roberto Clemente. Considering the fact that no other Puerto Rican athlete had achieved the same level of admiration, respect, and love, the answer was easily accepted. Continue reading “Giving Your All”

Temporary Protected Status Announced for Yemen

Mechelle Zarou
Mechelle Zarou

Effective September 3, 2015, nationals of Yemen are eligible for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for 18 months due to the ongoing armed conflict within the country. Yemen is experiencing widespread conflict and a resulting severe humanitarian emergency, and requiring Yemeni nationals in the United States to return to Yemen would pose a serious threat to their personal safety. Continue reading “Temporary Protected Status Announced for Yemen”

Payment Process for Immigrant Fees Simplified

Mechelle Zarou
Mechelle Zarou

In its continuing effort to increase user-friendliness, USCIS has simplified the process for paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee –currently $165 – online in its electronic immigration system. Continue reading “Payment Process for Immigrant Fees Simplified”