USCIS

Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families (PIP Expansion)

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update

USCIS sent out an email regarding the Biden Administrations recent executive action to allow the spouses of US citizens who have been living in the US for ten years and who entered without inspection to get parole in place in order to become eligible for adjustment of status allowing them to bypass the need of obtaining an I-601A. The announcement refers to the program as the “Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had announced this on On June 18, 2024. There are no details available yet about the process beyond the basic eligibility criteria. We still don’t know the process for applying, how the applications will be adjudicated, or anything else. The email states that USCIS will begin accepting applications on August 19, 2024. It says that if you apply before August 19, 2024, USCIS will reject the application. To get the details about eligibility and the application process will all have to wait for the final rule to be published in a forthcoming Federal Register notice. When will the Expanded Parole In Place Program begin? August 19, 2024 Who is Eligible? To be considered for a discretionary grant of parole, on a case-by-case basis, under this process, you must:     YOU CANNOT FILE ANYTHING YET AND YOU SHOULD NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO IS TELLING YOU THAT YOU CAN. THE FINAL RULE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED AND NO ONE KNOWS THE PROPER PROCEDURES AT THIS TIME. USCIS WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY APPLICATIONS BEFORE AUGUST 29TH. What You Can Do Now  Although we are not currently accepting applications, you can begin to prepare to file a parole application by gathering evidence of your eligibility, such as:   For noncitizen children of requestors, evidence of eligibility could include:  — Evidence of the child’s presence in the United States as of June 17, 2024. — Evidence of the child’s relationship to the noncitizen parent, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree;  — Evidence of the noncitizen parent’s legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, such as a marriage certificate; and  — Evidence of the child’s presence in the United States as of June 17, 2024.   GO TO THE OFFICIAL USCIS WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether

Temporary Asylum Location Opening in Oakland, California

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May 13, 2024, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the San Francisco Asylum Office will be opening a temporary location in Oakland, California. In announcement made on Monday, May 13, 2024:   USCIS’ San Francisco Asylum Office is opening an additional temporary location in Oakland, California. Effective May 15, 2024, asylum applicants under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Asylum Office may receive an interview notice to appear at the asylum office located in Oakland instead of San Francisco. This additional location increases the San Francisco Asylum Office’s capacity to schedule and conduct affirmative asylum interviews more efficiently. The addresses of the new temporary Oakland-based office within the San Francisco Asylum Office’s jurisdiction are: Physical Address: 1301 Clay StreetOakland, CA 94612 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 77530San Francisco, CA 94107 Opening this additional location will not affect the operations of the current asylum office location in San Francisco. Beginning May 15, 2024, the San Francisco Asylum Office will schedule and conduct affirmative asylum interviews at both locations.

Final Rule For T Nonimmigrant Status

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This rule is effective on Aug. 28, 2024, and applies to benefit requests that are pending or filed on or after that date. T Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa) A T visa is a type of visa allowing certain victims of human trafficking (which includes both labor trafficking and sex trafficking) and immediate family members to remain and work temporarily in the United States in T Nonimmigrant status, typically after they report the crime to law enforcement, and agree to help them in the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime(s) committed against them. It also allows close family members of the victims to come to the United States legally. There are T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 visas. They are only granted in limited circumstances and only 50-500 have been granted each year since 2003. The Final Rule On Dec. 19, 2016, DHS published an interim final rule to respond to public feedback, clarify requirements based on statutory changes, formalize the experience gained from operation of the program for more than 14 years, and amend the regulations as required by intervening legislation. In July 2021, DHS reopened the public comment period for the 2016 interim rule for 30 days and subsequently extended the deadline for comments. This final rule responds to public comments, clarifies eligibility requirements, and ensures application requirements conform to current law.    The final rule reflects a victim-centered approach, clarifies the requirements, and introduces provisions to reduce potential barriers to victims. These clarifications will enable USCIS officers to adjudicate more efficiently and effectively. The final rule also improves the program’s integrity by clarifying the reporting and evidence requirements for victims of trafficking, which will better help law enforcement act on reports of trafficking. Key elements of the final rule include:  Revised Bona Fide Determination Process This final rule, announced today, also lays out the framework for considering filings under the bona fide determination process, which includes background checks and case review. USCIS will continue to prioritize adjudications for T nonimmigrant status and, subject to available resources and processing times, consider applications under the bona fide determination process. This process will apply to cases filed on or after the effective date of the rule. When an individual whose application is deemed bona fide files Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, USCIS will consider whether to grant them deferred action and an Employment Authorization Document while we continue to adjudicate their application for T nonimmigrant status. USCIS recommends that applicants submit a (fee-exempt) Form I-765 at the same time as their Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status. More Information on Protecting Yourself Protect yourself from immigration scams. Because victims of trafficking are vulnerable and have already been subject to abuse and mistreatment, USCIS reminds potential applicants to be cautious of anyone offering guaranteed outcomes, be educated on the benefits they are filing for, and be aware of what evidence they are submitting to USCIS. You can also find information on avoiding immigration scams and finding reputable legal counsel by visiting the USCIS Find Legal Services webpage.

Form G-1145 E-Notification

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What is Form G-1145? Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, is a one-page form on which you provide your name, mobile phone number, and email address. You then submit the form with your petition or application that you are filing with USCIS so that you will receive an SMS or email informing you of when your application or petition is received by USCIS. How Does It Work? When USCIS first scans your submission at one of the three lockbox facilities (this service is only available at the lockbox facilities) the barcode on the Form G-1145 will generate and send either an email or SMS text message (or both) simply informing you that your submission has been received. How Much Does It Cost? $0. It is free as indicated on the latest USCIS Filing Fee Schedule. Who Can Use Form G-1145? Anyone who is filing forms at on of the three Lockbox facilities located in Lewisville, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Phoenix, Arizona. What Information Will Be Provided In The Notification? The notification will list your receipt number and tell you how to obtain case status information. E-Notifications do not include any personal information, not even your name, because email and text message are not secure ways for USCIS to transmit that information. What Is The Benefit Of This? It allows you to be informed that your papers physically arrived at the USCIS lockbox facility. This can be helpful for letting you know that your package was not lost in the mail. Even mail sent with tracking can sometimes go missing despite USPS tracking indicating that it was delivered. It provides some piece of mind. What Is The Form G-1145 Edition Date? 09/26/14. You can also use previous editions according to the USCIS instructions here. Where Can I Get Form G-1145? The USCIS website of course. You can find a fillable PDF of the Form G-1145 here. NOTE: This service is only available for forms filed at our three Lockbox facilities located in Lewisville, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; and Phoenix, Arizona. LEARN MORE