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;…

The Original DACA program (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is still running and recently a federal court ordered the government to accept new first time applications.  The Murphy Law Firm, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, has been handling DACA applications since the program began in 2012.  The firm has represented numerous families and students in…

On February 24, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that, starting May 26, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allowing some spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants to obtain employment authorization. DHS made changes to the existing regulation to allow spouses to accept employment in the United States. These changes are part of…

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that they have reached the statutory maximum approval of 10,000 U-Visas (U-1 Nonimmigrant Status) for the 2015 fiscal year which started on October 1, 2014. There were so many applicants on the waiting list that the 10,000 cap was reached very quickly. Approval of U-Visa applications will not…

On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced that he will be taking executive action on immigration due to inaction by congress. The new guidelines presented by President Obama last night will help an estimated $4.9 million people who are presently in the United States with no lawful status. Two areas where individuals will see relief…