USCIS Expands Definition of “Mother” and “Parent” Under the INA

Mechelle Zarou
Mechelle Zarou

The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”) and the Department of State (“DOS”) have exercised their shared authority and collaborated in the development of a policy expanding the definitions of “mother” and “parent” under the Immigration & Nationality Act (“INA”) to include gestational mothers using Assisted Reproductive Technology (“ART”), regardless of whether they are also the genetic mother. Continue reading “USCIS Expands Definition of “Mother” and “Parent” Under the INA”

Department of State Announces Visa Fee Changes

Maria del Carmen Ramos
Maria del Carmen Ramos

On September 12, 2014, the Department of State (DOS) announced fee changes for nonimmigrant and immigrant visa application fees for certain visa categories.

As background, all visa applicants must pay the fee amounts in effect on the day they pay, with the exception of Immigrant Visa application processing fees paid domestically to the National Visa Center (NVC). Continue reading “Department of State Announces Visa Fee Changes”