According to a Reuter’s exclusive report the Biden administration is preparing to “facilitate the residence and employment of Indians in the country” by announcing new regulation that will permit “a select group of Indian and other foreign workers on H-1B visas…to renew their visas within the United States, eliminating the need to travel abroad.” The report reaffirms our previously reported news from The Department of State’s (“DOS”) February announcement introducing the prospect of launching a pilot program for H and L visa holders to renew their visas in the US, instead of having to travel abroad.
Read moreEmployment Authorization Documents Based on Compelling Circumstances
On June 14, 2023, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced new policy guidance has been added to its Policy Manual addressing the eligibility criteria for the issuance of employment authorization documents in compelling circumstances. Classified as those circumstances which are “beyond the usual hardship associated with job loss”, Volume 10 of the USCIS Policy Manual, details what foreign nationals must show in order to be eligible for an initial Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) based on compelling circumstances.
Read moreDebunking Immigration Myths
"A Wild Life for Wildlife" by Gillie and Marc
Photos by Sophie Singh
Contemporary artists Gillie and Marc, known as “eco warriors, with a deep respect for the close spiritual bond between humans and animals” are taking us to the wild side at The World Trade Center with their latest exhibition “A Wild Life For Wildlife”. Rabbitwoman and Dogman, Gillie and Marc’s best known and beloved characters, take us on a journey with endangered animals who ride in tandem in hopes for a better tomorrow. Gillie and Marc invite the public to join the beautiful, endangered creatures in a quest to educate the public about each animal’s “life, needs, and threats..putting wildlife conservation at the center of people’s cities and lives.” With a sister exhibition running alongside in London, we can help share endangered species’ stories through the hashtag #LoveTheLast.
Happy Juneteenth!
Premium Processing Extended to Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
As part of its campaign to expand premium processing service, United Sates Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it will begin to offer premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status. USCIS will offer premium processing to those seeking to change their status to F, M, or J in phases according to the following schedule:
As of June 13, 2023, USCIS is accepting premium processing requests for currently pending I-539 applications for those seeking to change status to F-1, F-2, M-1, J-1, or J-2 status.
Beginning June 26, 2023, the agency will accept I-907 requests for premium processing requests from applicants filing new I-539 applications to change status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status.
A Grim Reality
The Humane Perspective
The Ford Foundation Atrium
Photos by Andrew Markey
In Midtown, Manhattan, the Ford Foundation Building provides a lush green space where the public can escape the frenzy of NYC life. The atrium houses a garden with nearly 40 species of plants, a reflecting pool, and a reverberating fountain that permits guests to hear the garden around them. Designed in 1963 by Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo, the indoor public garden is a calming treat for our senses, and a welcoming nirvana for all visitors.
DOS Adopts New Technology and Enhanced Coordination to Streamline Administrative Processing Security Screenings
As part of the visa application process at Embassies, applicants are subject to a background screening process. In accordance with Department of State (“DOS”) procedures the consular officer may determine that “additional information from sources other than the applicant may help establish an applicant’s eligibility for a visa” requiring “administrative processing.”
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