Battle is over the rights of detained immigrant children and teenagers to immigration court hearings

http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2017/02/trump-immigration-court-trial-235216

Congressman Introduced Bill to Direct CBP to check social media

http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Banks--1st-bill-would-inspect-social-media-postings-of-visa-applicants

Trump Proposal Would Deport More Immigrants Immediately

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/19/us/politics/trump-immigration-deportations.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&referer=https://t.co/1VPGwDnhmb

DHS confirms plan to send non-Mexican migrants to Mexico

http://thehill.com/latino/320514-dhs-confirms-plan-to-send-non-mexican-migrants-to-mexico

“This would say if you want to make a claim for asylum or whatever we’ll hear your case but you are going to wait in Mexico,” a DHS official said, according to the report.

USCIS Is Reissuing Receipt Notices to Certain EAD Renewal Applicants

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-reissuing-receipt-notices-certain-ead-renewal-applicants

From USCIS:

Release Date: February 24, 2017

Starting February 16, 2017, USCIS began reissuing receipt notices (Form I-797) to individuals who applied to renew their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) between July 21, 2016 and January 16, 2017, and whose applications remain pending in the following categories: 

• (a)(3) Refugee
• (a)(5) Asylee
• (a)(7) N-8 or N-9
• (a)(8) Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau
• (a)(10) Withholding of deportation or removal granted
• (c)(8) Asylum application pending
• (c)(9) Pending adjustment of status under section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
• (c)(10) Suspension of deportation applicants (filed before April 1, 1997), cancellation of removal applicants, and special rule cancellation of removal applicants under NACARA
• (c)(16) Creation of record (Adjustment based on continuous residence since January 1, 1972)
• (c)(20) Section 210 Legalization (pending Form I-700)
• (c)(22) Section 245A Legalization (pending Form I-687)
• (c)(24) LIFE Legalization
• (c)(31) VAWA self-petitioners

On January 17, 2017, USCIS began automatically extending expiring EADs for up to 180 days for renewal applicants in these categories. However, some of the receipt notices that USCIS sent out before that date did not contain the applicant’s EAD eligibility category. Therefore, the reissued receipt notices will contain: 

• The applicant’s EAD eligibility category;
• The receipt date, which is the date USCIS received the EAD renewal application and which employers must use to determine whether the automatic EAD extension applies;
• The notice date, which is the date USCIS reissued the receipt notice; and
• New information about the 180-day EAD extension.  

Applicants may present the reissued receipt notice with their expired EAD to their employer as a List A document for the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to show that they are authorized for employment.      

Applicants with an EAD based on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who filed their EAD renewal applications beforeJanuary 17, 2017, already received a 6-month extension through the Federal Register notice that extended their country’s TPS designation. Therefore, these applicants will not receive a reissued receipt notice. Please visit the Temporary Protected Status page for current information on each TPS designation. All renewal applicants who file Form I-765 applications on or after January 17, 2017, including TPS renewal applicants, will be receiving Form I-797 receipt notices that contain eligibility category information and information about the 180-day EAD extension. 

DHS: No deportation threat for military families (Parole in Place/PIP)

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39082725?SThisFB

EB-5 & Other USCIS Timelines For February 2017

For more information about the EB-5 program, please contact the JQK Law Firm at 

(310) 582-5904 or info@jqklaw.com

Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur)

Processing cases on 08/29/2016

Form I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions) 

Processing cases on 10/12/2014

Form I-924 (Application for Regional Center)

Processing cases 09/12/2015

Click here for other USCIS Processing times, 

Click here for Asylum Processing Times,
Click here for AAO Processing times,
Click here for Department of Labor processing times and information on backlogs,

Click here for Department of State Visa Bulletin,

Click here for Visa application Wait Times for Various Posts,

Click here for When to Expect Your Green Card.

March 2017 Visa Bulletin

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2017/visa-bulletin-for-march-2017.html

Will Milo Get Deported? Immigration In the News

USCIS Form I-693 Update Notice

From USCIS:

Good afternoon,

We recently updated the following USCIS form(s):

Update to Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

02/27/2017 02:48 PM EST

New edition dated 02/07/17.  Starting 04/28/17, USCIS will only accept the 02/07/17 edition. Until then, you can use the 03/30/15 edition.

For more information, please visit our Forms Updates page.

Executive Orders, Public Policy & American Society (ILP028)

John Khosravi interviewed/quoted on the radio by Marketplace (NPR) about L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visas and the general immigration system.

https://www.marketplace.org/2017/02/24/world/youd-never-believe-how-many-different-employment-based-visas-there-are

Soccer/Football Star Refused U.S. Entry #soccer #Football #Trump #muslimban #iran #manchesterunited

Secretary Kelly signed two DHS memos to implement Executive Orders

Interior:  http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article133607784.ece/BINARY/DHS%20enforcement%20of%20immigration%20laws

Border:  http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article133607789.ece/BINARY/DHS%20implementation%20border%20security%20policies

Green Card Holders: Avoid Future Problems by Applying for U.S. Citizenship.

Contact the JQK Law Firm for a Consultation (JQKLaw.com)

 #GetCitizenshipNow

Billion-Dollar Blunder: Immigrants Still Can't Rely On USCIS Electronic-Filing System

http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2017/02/15/billion-dollar-blunder-immigrants-still-cant-rely-on-uscis-electronic-filing-system/

Interview with Bram Van Melle, Dutch Immigration Lawyer (ILP027)

Pre-clearance bill would give U.S. border agents in Canada new powers

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/politics/pre-clearance-border-canada-us-1.3976123

Immigrant protected under Obama's 'Dreamer' program is detained

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/14/politics/danielramirez-medina-daca-detention/

Federal judge halts Trump travel ban for Virginia residents

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/319365-federal-judge-halts-trump-travel-ban-for-virginia-residents

Swiss streamline citizenship for third-generation immigrants

http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN15R0JP?il=0

VENEZUELA NOW LEADS US ASYLUM REQUESTS AS CRISIS DEEPENS

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LT_VENEZUELA_US_ASYLUM?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-02-12-00-02-17

Practice Alert and Call for Examples: I-9 Documentation Requested by USCIS in Benefit Adjudications

http://www.aila.org/advo-media/agency-liaison/case-examples/practice-alert-call-for-examples-i-9?utm_source=Recent%20Postings%20Alert&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=RP%20Daily

USCIS Naturalization Software to Error-prone, Report Says

https://www.law360.com/articles/883696/uscis-naturalization-software-too-error-prone-report-says

USCIS Forms (I-924P, I-912P) Update Notice

From USCIS:

Good afternoon, We recently updated the following USCIS form(s): Update to Form I-942P, Income Guidelines for Reduced Fees 02/14/2017 03:26 PM EST New edition dated 02/06/17.  You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the Form and Instructions. Update to Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Request 02/14/2017 03:22 PM EST New edition dated 02/06/17. Previous editions should not be used. For more information, please visit our Forms Updates page.

USCIS Publishes New Form: I-765V, Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse

From USCIS:

Today USCIS published new Form I-765V, Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse. The edition date is 01/19/17. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the Form and Instructions.

For more information, please visit our website.

WaPo RE: EB-5: An immigration policy worth ending

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/an-immigration-policy-worth-ending/2017/02/12/93527de0-eef3-11e6-9973-c5efb7ccfb0d_story.html?utm_term=.e08031fc0081

Executive Office for Immigration Review Swears in 12 Immigration Judges

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/pr/executive-office-immigration-review-swears-12-immigration-judges

Hirson and Jahangiri: Instead of Pressuring Mexican President Peña Nieto, We Have a Solution to Fund the U.S.-Mexico Wall

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/10/hirson-and-jahangiri-instead-of-pressuring-mexican-president-pena-nieto-we-have-a-solution-to-fund-the-u-s-mexico-wall/

USCIS Will Accept Only New Forms After Feb. 21, 2017

Important reminder: Please check our website for our current filing fees and acceptable versions of forms.

On Dec. 23, 2016, our new fees took effect and we published updated versions of our forms. We strongly encourage customers to go to uscis.gov/forms to download and submit these new versions, which are updated with the new fees and have an edition date of 12/23/16.

After Feb. 21, 2017, we will no longer accept previous editions of these forms. See our complete list of the new fees at uscis.gov/forms/our-fees and make sure you are including the correct amount. You must include the new fee or USCIS will reject and return your filing.

The updated forms are currently available at uscis.gov/forms, where all of our forms can be downloaded for free. Additionally, you can request paper copies through our forms request line (800-870-3676) and forms by mail service.

USCIS also reminds applicants and petitioners to pay the $85 biometric services fee at the time of filing for benefit requests that require biometrics, or we will reject the request.

And remember, the wrong legal help can hurt! To get information on protecting against immigration services scams, visit uscis.gov/avoidscams.

For more information, please visit our website.

California Senate Leader on ICE Raids

http://sd24.senate.ca.gov/news/2017-02-09-statement-california-senate-leader-ice-raids

Ending Wet-Feet/Dry-Feet: New U.S. Immigration Policy in Cuba (ILP026)

Appeals Court Continues Temporary Restraining Order

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/federal-appeals-court-maintains-suspension-of-trumps-immigration-order/2017/02/09/e8526e70-ed47-11e6-9662-6eedf1627882_story.html?utm_term=.9799e9103942

JQK Law Quoted in the Epoch Times Newspaper

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/2217159-trump-inherits-immigration-turmoil/

Department of Homeland Security Statement on Feb. 3 Court Ruling re: the January 27 Executive Order

From the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

In accordance with the judge's ruling, DHS has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the Executive Order entitled, "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States."

This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travelers for operational action subject to the Executive Order.

DHS personnel will resume inspection of travelers in accordance with standard policy and procedure.

At the earliest possible time, the Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of this order and defend the President's Executive Order, which is lawful and appropriate. The Order is intended to protect the homeland and the American people, and the President has no higher duty and responsibility than to do so.

For the latest information, please visit the DHS website: https://www.dhs.gov/news

J-1 Visa Holders may have taxes returned

See third-party site (contact an independent CPA/Accountant)

https://www.her.ie/news/attention-j1-students-owed-e740-tax-returns/331189

New Rule Effective Jan. 17 Affecting Form I-9 Completion for Certain Employees

From USCIS:

On Jan. 17, 2017, a new rule, “Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers” amending DHS regulations went into effect.  The regulatory amendments provide for the automatic extension of the validity periods of certain Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766) for up to 180 days if the employee:  Timely filed to renew Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD); Is applying to renew such EAD in the same category as the previous EAD (A12 and C19 are considered the same category for this extension); and Is in a category that is eligible for the extension.  For more information, please see the Auto-Extended EAD Fact Sheet (PDF, 499 KB) Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers Rule. Please do not reply to this message.  See our Contact E-Verify page for phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Apply to use the E-Verify logo: Complete and submit the License Application for the Use of the E-Verify Trademark.

USCIS Form I-821D Update Notice

Good afternoon,

We recently updated the following USCIS form(s):

Update to Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

02/02/2017 11:42 AM EST

New edition dated 01/09/17.  Previous edition dated 06/04/14 is also accepted.

For more information, please visit our Forms Updates page.

EB-5 & Other USCIS Timelines For January 2017

For more information about the EB-5 program, please contact the JQK Law Firm at (310) 582-5904 or info@jqklaw.com

Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur)

Processing cases on 08/07/2015

Form I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions) 

Processing cases on 10/07/2014

Form I-924 (Application for Regional Center)

Processing cases 09/09/2015

Click here for other USCIS Processing times, 

Click here for Asylum Processing Times,
Click here for AAO Processing times,
Click here for Department of Labor processing times and information on backlogs,

Click here for Department of State Visa Bulletin,

Click here for Visa application Wait Times for Various Posts,

Click here for When to Expect Your Green Card.

February 2017 Visa Bulletin

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2017/visa-bulletin-for-february-2017.html

ILP025: Law Students & Immigration Part 2: How to get an Immigration Law job

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Information About the January 27, 2017 Executive Order

U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides information about the January 27, 2017 executive order, "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States," on its website.  Please check that site for ongoing updates.