In quick response to litigation against the recent student visa changes, the Trump administration rescinded its new rule on July 14th. Now, international students with F-1 Visas can return to the U.S. or remain in the U.S., even if their schools switch to a purely...
Immigration Law
New DHS Guidelines for International Students Enrolled in US Schools Fall 2020
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued updated guidelines for international students enrolled in U.S. schools for the Fall 2020 semester: **Students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the U.S....
Summary of the Administration’s June 22, 2020 “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak”
Where can I read the proclamation? The administration has posted the proclamation here. What categories of nonimmigrant visa are impacted? The affected classifications are as follows: H-1B: specialty occupation workers H-2B: temporary / seasonal workers (not including...
USCIS Interview/ Appointment tips in the time of the Coronavirus
With the country slowly returning to certain aspects of normalcy, USCIS has set some new guidelines for returning to their offices for interviews and appointments. When visiting USCIS offices in person, please note: • Face masks are required for everyone that visits a...
Speaking Engagement at the AILA 2020 Annual Conference on Immigration Law
Roth Jackson Immigration Attorneys, Jennifer West & Jennifer Varughese, received speaker invitations to this year’s AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law. Considered the nation’s preeminent gathering of Immigration attorneys and paralegals, this year’s...
USCIS announces that premium processing will resume
Over the past 10 weeks, USCIS has not accepted any cases for premium processing, due to COVID-19. However, they have just announced that they will resume premium processing (Form I-907) over the next several weeks, in several phases. While USCIS has indicated that...
USCIS Preparing to Resume Public Services on June 4
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices will start reopening for public services, starting on June 4, 2020, after having been closed to the public since the middle of March. Reopening may vary by location, so it is important to review the latest USCIS Office...
Presidential Proclamation Suspending the Entry of Certain Immigrants into the United States
On April 22, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending the entry of any individual seeking to enter the United States as an immigrant who: (1) Is outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation; (2) Does not have a valid immigrant visa...
Coronavirus-related Immigration Closings
If you are scheduled for a Green Card, Naturalization, or Asylum interview at any USCIS Office from now until April 1, 2020, your interview is canceled and will be automatically rescheduled. The same applies to biometrics appointments at any USCIS Application Support...
NEW Stafford Office
In an effort to better serve our clients, Attorney Jennifer S. Varughese will now be handling Immigration consultations out of the firm’s office in Stafford, VA. The office is located on the third floor of 800 Corporate Drive, Stafford, VA 22554. An appointment must...
USCIS Fee Increase
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed increasing filing fees for a number of applications. Of note, the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) may increase from $410 to $490, I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) from...
USCIS Announces Resumption of Premium Processing for all H-1B Cases
Effective today (March 12, 2019), USCIS is once again permitting premium processing for all H-1B case types. As of this time, it is unclear whether this will extend into the new cap filing season. In its announcement, USCIS encourages Petitioners with outstanding...
H-4 Work Authorization to be Rescinded
On February 20, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security submitted a proposed regulation to the Office of Management and Budget, which would have the effect of eliminating employment authorization for H-4 individuals whose H-1B spouses are “in line” for...
Expansion of Premium Processing Suspension for H-1B Petitions
USCIS recently announced a significant expansion of its suspension of premium processing for H-1B petitions. While FY 2019 cap-subject petitions were already excluded from premium processing, it had been expected that premium processing would become available in...