The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on January 21, 2022, announced 22 new fields of study have been added to the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to enhance the contributions of nonimmigrant students studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and support the growth of the U.S. economy and innovation.…

Today Attorney General Merrick Garland reversed a decision of the Trump Administration’s Justice Department bringing back the ability for victims of domestic violence in their own countries to seek asylum in the United States. In a short 3 page decision, AG Garland vacated Matter of A-B- I and Matter of A-B- II and encouraged immigration…

On June 15, 2021 the Biden Administration announced an expansion of the CAM (Central American Minors) Program. Parents and legal guardians in the United States can apply to bring their children into the United States if the parents or legal guardians are in the following categories: lawful permanent residence; temporary protected status; parole; deferred action;…

Secretary Mayorkas today designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months through September 9, 2022.  It goes into effect on March 9, 2021.  There is a 180 day registration period beginning March 9, 2021 and ending September 5, 2021.  Successful applicants must prove continuous presence since March 8, 2021.

USCIS will begin accepting H-1B electronic registrations beginning March 9, 2021 from employers.  The registration period closes on March 25.  Those employers selected will be notified electronically by March 31.  This selection process will be a random draw – not based on highest wages offered. Employers wishing to file H-1B applications on April 1, 2021…

Yesterday, January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden’s Administration issued a 100 day moratorium on most deportations beginning on January 22. A Memorandum from the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security directed an immediate pause on deportations for persons with final orders of removal except for persons; suspected of engaging in terrorism or spying;…

On Tuesday, September 23, Attorney Theodore J. Murphy and Immigration Judge Charles Honeyman joined together for a continuing legal education class entitled “Introduction to Immigration Court Practice”. The event was sponsored by the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians and held at Cozen & O’Conner law firm in Philadelphia, PA. Judge Honeyman discussed the history of…

The August 7th publication of the Delaware Wave included an interview with attorney Theodore Murphy discussing the changes in child immigration from Central America in their article “Delaware immigration services feel the pressure”. The law firm has seen a large increase in the number of juveniles in removal proceedings. Most children come from Guatemala, El…

Today the US Supreme Court heard argument regarding birthright citizenship in the case of Trump v. CASA, Inc. A decision is expected before the end of June 2025.

On October 16, 2014 the government announced it was extendin Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Honduras for an additional 18 months, effective Jan. 6, 2015, through July 5, 2016. If you currently have TPS from Honduras you must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from Oct. 16, 2014 through Dec. 15, 2014.…