Weekly Immigration News Recap (February 20-26)

USCIS Issues Clarifying Guidance for Individuals Authorized to Work Under Special Student Relief Provisions

For F-1 nonimmigrant students who are granted extraordinary student relief (SSR) under the SSR provisions of 8 CFR and who are experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of urgent circumstances, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is providing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the validity period of employment authorization. The update clarifies that in cases of extreme financial difficulty brought on by urgent situations, USCIS may grant an F-1 nonimmigrant student off-campus SSR job permit for the duration of the Federal Register notice’s validity term. The student’s academic program’s end date may not be exceeded by this employment license.

Source: USCIS

Afghan Evacuees Stand to Lose Deportation Protections

A Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 may result in losing work permits and protections against deportation for tens of thousands of Afghan refugees living in the United States unless Congress takes action. Less than 5,000 of the 77,000 Afghans who initially received “parole,” an immigration designation that permits evacuees to stay in the nation on humanitarian or public interest grounds for two years, have obtained permanent legal status for themselves and their families. In contrast to refugee status, parole does not offer a route to American citizenship.

Source: Boundless

Supreme Court Cancels Oral Arguments Over Title 42

The anticipated oral arguments for Title 42, a divisive immigration restriction tied to the pandemic, were abruptly postponed by the Supreme Court. The White House’s recent announcement that the Covid-19 and public health emergency will cease on May 11 is most likely what caused the cancellation.

Source: Boundless