Legal Articles, Deportation
DHS Publishes Comprehensive New Public Charge Rule (Effective October 15, 2019)
On August 14, 2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had published a final rule in the Federal Register regarding the public charge ground of inadmissibility.
USCIS Issues Reminder About New Form I-129 Rejection Policies
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a reminder that on August 5, 2019, it has implemented a policy rejecting Form I-129 petitions that do not include the petitioner’s or applicant’s name and primary U.S. office address on Part 1 of the form.
USCIS Announces Intent to Terminate the FWVP and Haitian Family Reunification Parole Programs
On August 2, 2019, the USCIS announced its intention to terminate the Flipino World War II Veterans Parole program and the Haitian Family Reunification Parole program.
USCIS Publishes Comprehensive New EB5 Rule
On July 24, 2019, the United States Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS) published its new final rule on the EB5 immigrant investor program, titled “EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization..”
Senate Confirms Mark Esper as Secretary of Defense
On July 23, 2019, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mark Esper as the new Secretary of Defense by a vote of 90-8. Esper had been serving as the Acting Secretary of Defense since June 23, 2019. He had previously served as Secretary of the Army since November 20, 2017.
President Trump Nominates Eugene Scalia to be Next Secretary of Labor
On July 19, 2019, Alexander Acosta resigned as the Secretary of Labor, leaving Deputy Secretary Patrick Pizzella as the Acting Secretary of Labor. One day earlier, President Donald Trump announced that he would nominate Eugene Scalia to be the next Secretary of Labor.
Delays in Processing Intercountry Adoptions From South Africa
On June 28, 2019, the U.S. Department of State advised prospective adoptive parents and adoption service providers of potential delays in the processing time to complete intercountry adoptions from South Africa.
USCIS Holding Naturalization Ceremonies on Independence Day Week
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made it a tradition to hold a large number of naturalization ceremonies on the week of Independence Day. 2019 will be no exception to the rule, with USCIS planning to welcome nearly 7,500 new citizens between July 1 and July 5.
OMB Completes Review of New EB5 Final Rule
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) reported that the Office of Management of and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization final regulation.
Effect of Hague Convention Entering Into Force in Honduras
All adoptions between Honduras and the United States after July 1, 2019, must meet the requirements of both the Hague Convention and U.S. laws.
