Weekly Immigration News Recap (November 7-13)
USCIS Hosts Special Naturalization Ceremonies in Honor of Veterans Day
Agency Committed to Eliminating Naturalization Barriers
Veteran, service member, and military spouse naturalization ceremonies will be held all throughout the nation by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in celebration of Veterans Day. In 50 ceremonies, more than 3,900 applicants for naturalization, including U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families, will take the oath of allegiance. These occasions will pay tribute to the sacrifices they have made while serving our nation and emphasize our agency’s dedication to helping the military community with immigration issues.
Source: USCIS
USCIS Announces Online Filing for Affirmative Asylum Applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that certain petitioners for affirmative asylum are now able to submit their Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, online. The most recent paper version of this form is still acceptable for mailing to USCIS. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou stated that expanding online filing is a goal for the agency as it strives to improve operations for both the agency and its stakeholders, including applicants, petitioners, and requestors. “USCIS continues to strive toward reducing reliance on paper records and further transforming to an electronic environment,” according to the ability to submit positive asylum applications online.
Source: USCIS
DHS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
The lists of nations whose citizens are qualified to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the upcoming year have been released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in coordination with the Department of State (DOS). On November 10, 2022, the Federal Register will issue the notice that lists the qualified nations.
With the approval of the secretary of state, the secretary of homeland security has decided to:
- Add the Kingdom of Eswatini (Eswatini) to the list of nations qualified to take part in the H-2A and H-2B programs as of November 10, 2022.
Source: USCIS
Laid-Off Foreign Tech Workers Could Lose Right to Remain in U.S.
The legal ability of foreign workers to remain in the United States has been put in jeopardy by recent mass layoffs at Twitter, Facebook, and other tech companies. A person with an H-1B work visa who is let go has 60 days to leave the country and return home, find another employer to sponsor them for an H-1B visa, or switch their status to a different visa.
Source: Boundless
Massachusetts Votes to Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Obtain Driver’s Licenses
Massachusetts voters approved a new law that makes it possible for unauthorized immigrants to get driver’s licenses there. Undocumented immigrants are permitted to apply for a driver’s license as long as they present proper identity, according to the legislation. On July 1, the law is expected to take effect.
Source: Boundless
