U.S. government shuts down, USCIS expected to operate
The U.S. government shut down early January 20th, 2018 mostly because there was no permanent DACA solution attached to the resolution funding its operation. Because USCIS gets most of its funding through fees, we expect USCIS to function, and the impact on the processing of family-based green cards to be minimal (as it was in 2013 during the last shutdown). Same for the NVC. Consular officers are more at risk, but may not be affected if the shutdown is short.
DACA renewals currently accepted
At the same time, due to a federal court order, USCIS has been again accepting applications for DACA renewals since January 13th, 2018. It will be operated on the following terms:
- Applicants must have been granted DACA before
- Renewal applications will be accepted for individuals whose DACA is expiring on or after September 5th, 2016
- Initial applications will be accepted for individuals whose DACA expired before September 6th, 2016
- However, applications for advance parole will not be accepted
See the details.
Visa Bulletin for 2018 out
For all countries except Mexico and the Philippines (and India for F4):
- F1: March 15, 2011. The step forward we saw in January is not confirmed.
- F2A: March 1, 2016. This is starting to feel like a strong year.
- F2B: January 15, 2011. Finally a first step forward that will hopefully be confirmed
- F3: November 15, 2005. Solid movement forward confirmed again.
- F4: July 22, 2004. Finally, some sign of life in F4.
Full analysis.
Travel ban at Supreme Court
“The Supreme Court announced on Friday that it would consider a challenge to President Trump’s latest effort to limit travel from countries said to pose a threat to the nation’s security. Challengers said it was tainted by religious animus and not adequately justified by national security concerns”. Quoted verbatim from Adam Liptak of the New York Times.
The ‘new’ I-485 is the same.
USCIS released in late 2018 a ‘new’ version of the I-485. Even if it contains only formatting changes, applicants need to use this new version by early March. By the way, if you are looking to complete form I-485, you can use our online software with its automated checks on issues of completeness, logic, eligibility, and more here. Software and support are free for a limited time.
Our thanks to Nathan Bingle on Unsplash for the picture.
December 2017 visa bulletin. End of TPS for Haitians. Travel ban headed to the Supreme Court. Funding denials to sanctuary cities blocked.
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Analysis of the 'distance' in the Visa Bulletin for family Green Card applicants under F1 and F2B for Mexico, The Philippines, and All Countries.
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Family applicants have to overcome 6 major obstacles to successfully adjust status: Geographic Location Legal Entry Green Card Eligibility Green Card Availability Bars to Adjustment...
Deal with 3-year and 10-year bars from within the United States. What differentiates the I-601A waiver from other waivers? Please consider the following example: The...
What makes you 'inadmissible'? Applicants are 'inadmissible' when they have a 'ground of inadmissibility' against them. Grounds of inadmissibility include health, criminal activity, national security,...
As a family-based green card applicant going through consular processing, how to find an authorized physician abroad, gather the right documentation, and know what to...
What is next for DACA. March 2018 Visa Bulletin. Asylum interviews. National Vetting enterprise.
Shutdown and USCIS. DACA applications accepted again. February 2018 visa bulletin. Travel ban headed to the Supreme Court. 'New' I-485.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on November 6th, 2017 its decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua.
All Countries Visa Bulletin
F4-India